So I bought a 2004 VFR800A with only 850 miles on it. The bike is in like new condition since the original owner stated it was stored right after it was purchased new in 2006. My plan is/was to just ride the crap out of it. I bought and took it home in the bed of my truck. I looked over just about, that is a clue, everything. Oil, check. Tires, check. Any signs of leakage, check. Damage, none. I figured the air filter looked as good as the rest of the bike so why bother checking it. So I started to put some miles on this as I intended. Over 2500 miles in about 3 weeks. While the bike ran “great” there was something strange about the power band that I couldn’t put my finger on. I performed the PAIR mod but no noticeable change. Then yesterday on my way home from work I split lanes, legal here in CA, to get to the front of the pack to make a left turn. Light turns green and I let out the clutch and hell broke loose. I thought I hit a patch of oil that nearly caused me to low side then high side the bike. Recovered without incident but upon looking I realize I have an oil leak but not sure from where or what. This is going to be a fun 30 mile ride home with oil all over the back tire. I make it home without any other issues, remove the fairing and it looks like the oil shot out of the left or clutch side oil line. Ordering that today. I decided to check my air intake, something I should have done the moment I got home. I opened the cover and almost fell over. The intake was packed with paper, plastic, foam, cotton and of course rat crap. It was about 60% packed. The rat even chewed on the housing. I took pictures and will upload them tonight. I am surprised the bike ran at all. Even with the oil leak I decided to ride it to work today, not a smart choice but I've never been accused of being all that smart. I believe the bike is now running the way it was meant to. Smooth throughout the power band and no violent VTEC hit at 6700. I need to turn down the idle now as it is getting the air it was gasping for. My mileage appears to have gone up too. Yeah I know, duh, as all of these things are obvious improvements. I just need to get that dangerous oil leak fixed ASAP.
I feel your pain I had a giant mouse nest in my airbox from the PO. They even chewed through the metal mesh and ate part of the plastic plenum. Good thing he had the Honda stealership "go over it" after he brought it out of storage to sell.
Yeah brah, not a very wise move to ride with an oil leak. For your safety, and the safety of other riders (and drivers) on the road. Think of that next time. You could be dripping oil on a corner, at a stop light, and this could be a contributing factor to a rider crashing. You should stop riding it until you find out where the oil is leaking from, and get it fixed. Happy trails....
The violent VTEC will subside with time. First time or two it kicked it shocked me as well, but it's gotten more mild with time.
