ok... let's try this again. I typed out a nice message about my motorcycle history and recent purchase, but I got logged out and the message was not saved. I'm too lazy to retype it so here's the short version...... Hi, my name is Luke. I got a '99 VFR, and also own/ride a '77 Harley. I've read a little about the common issue with the VFR (ie regulator/rectifier), but would like to learn more. I don't plan to make any major changes to this bike as it is very clean and original. I just love to ride it and want to know how to keep it in tip top shape. I usually perform my own service and repair. I own a shop manual. Thanks y'all!
Finding a fix for a R/R in the shop manual ain't gonna happen. This is one of those "Instead of losing face we are going to act like it never happened" BS deals that the Japanese pull. When the R/R's go, they are gone. Several fixes to squeeze more miles out of the OEM on your 99. (guessing that it's OEM) Best bet IMO, is to call around for a reasonable price, buy one and carry it with you. An alternative is to buy a new one, replace the old one with the new one and carry the old one as a spare. Other than that, in a few months you will wonder why you still have the Harley..
Welcome, Luke. I think if do some searching around you'll find some threads on the R/R that will give you some good ideas of what to expect and what you might do. When you get a chance, post some pics of your bikes.
I have read many threads on here related to the dreaded R/R failure. What is the general consensus regarding OEM style replacement from RegulatorRectifier.com as well as the upgraded wiring harness from WireMyBike.com (aka VFRness)? Both look like good replacements. I'll never give up the Harley. I've known this motorcycle since I was 4yrs old when my father would set me on the tanks and take me to day care. A person would go to jail and have CPS called if they tried that today LOL. It was his only source of transportation for many years. When I was about 15, he stuck it in the garage because the front tire was badly worn and the seat was falling apart. He could not afford to repair it at the time. It sat for about 15 years before I restored it. I did nothing to the engine except replace the carb and change the oil. It runs great. It does everything a classic Harley is supposed to do.... looks cool, sounds awesome, and leaks oil. It's a neat bike with a bad boy attitude. Unfortunately, it's not practical for everyday use. It's kick start and takes about 10 minutes to warm up. Like any old Harley, every trip is an adventure, because you never know if you'll make it back. So that's why I found the VFR. I first saw one in '95. My buddy had an early 90's model painted pearl white. Another buddy has a super clean '01. After reading many reviews, it sounded like the perfect bike for me. Sporty, comfortable, and reliable. Great for commuting, or weekend cruises. I preferred the 5th Gen without VTEC. Currently the bike has only 4,300 miles. It looks and operates like it is brand new. I want to keep it that way, but intend to put plenty of miles on it.
Heirloom Harleys are acceptable. :thumbsup: The R/R fix for your VFR is get spare and stick it under your seat. I don't understand what you have in mind rewiring the VFR???
Yes, it's a '99. Yes, it's yellow. I am the 3rd owner. From what I understand, the first owner purchased all the pieces from Canada (because 99-00 Canadian VFRs are yellow). I don't really care that it's not the original color, I prefer the yellow anyway. I looked at a 2000, but it had 34,000 miles and was priced $1500 over this one.
I got my first long ride in last week. A 400 miles cruise through the Texas Hill Country with a couple buddies. They rode up from Cuero, I rode down from Burnet, and we met in Wimberley for lunch. We cruised down Devil's Backbone to Blanco, and then across some backroads over to Luckenbach (cue Waylon and Willie). After a nice break in the shade with a gaggle of big cruisers, we stroled over to Fredericksburg and up to Willow City and the Willow City Loop. We took a different route back to Wimberely where we split up to return home. Long day of riding. I will consider a custom seat from Corbin and possibly a different windscreen, but overall, not too bad. I got a feel for the bike's dynamics and long term comfort. She's no longer a Garage Queen, but now a Pavement Princess.
Check out the Sargent seats. I had a Corbin on my cruiser, and it was a great seat, but the Sargent I got for my VFR is also excellent and Sargent seems to be the seat of choice for the VFR. I did 2 days of 400 plus miles, most of them back to back last year with no complaints!
