So I test rode a VFR today...

Yea, I've been riding her and its quickly becoming second nature. Just had to "re-learn" how to ride. Totally different beast.

One question tho, I've noticed that the bike will not start while in gear with the clutch pulled in. Is this normal or is a clutch sensor not working?

EDIT: Nevermind, I found out the clutch sensor engages if I squeeze the hell out of it. Made a quick adjustment and it works like a charm now! :thumbsup:

 

pic time!!! My camera make it look even better. It hides its scratches well, but its nothing really bad. Nothing some sanding, filler and matching paint can't fix. Probably a weekends worth of cosmetic work.

 

looks great. grab the red rear seat cowl off ebay for cheap to finish off the look! (imo)

 

GEORGEOUS bike,dude!
Now go clean your garage!!!Hahahahaha!!!!
Just kiddin'
(Nice Mustang too!)

 

Thanks. The mustang isn't mine, its a roommates. And as far as I see it, since the VFR fits and isn't in danger, the garage is clean! The mustang needs to go :tongue:

And a rear cowl purchase is definitely in order

 

Very Nice bike. you call that garage clean?
or did you clean it after the picture was taken? LOL
At the price of gas.
It isn't necessary to run premium.
She'll run fine on regular.
higher octane just prevents knocking. (premature Detonation)
If it doesn't knock with regular.
why waste the money?
Your call

 

Congratulations on the bike purchase. I actually own a Shadow ACE as well, so I know exactly what you experienced with the switch over. I think you will find the Shadow sitting more and more as you get to know your VFR....

 

I don't own the ACE anymore. I sold it about a month prior to purchasing the Viffer. I needed the money from the ACE to buy another bike, otherwise I would have had 2 bikes in the garage until the ACE sold.

 

Can I ask why?

 

the 5th generation bikes have a combination of factors that were very attractive.
I shall try not to bash other gens or attract bashing from them...
gear driven cams(instead of a timing chain)
fuel injection
single sided swing arm
body style
800cc motor
linked brakes

All of these things together made the 5th gen what it is. Many people like the advances over the already popular older VFRs. Several people were down on the changes made on the model since 2002. But that is a whole other debate which I choose not to get into.

 

Ok, from what I know (and I could be wrong as I'm just starting this VFR learning curve) those features are are all the 5th Gens. I was thinking you were saying there was something really special about the '99, instead of the '00 or '01 which are also 5 Gens.

I'll be shopping for a '99 or '00 in the spring because they are in my price range, and if I can find one, I would just prefer a '00 because they came in yellow, and I have this thing for yellow Hondas. arty2: But if '99 is the best year of the 5th Gens I could live with red no problemo.

 

This is the one I'm still not so sure about. As I have my heart set on a VFR I know I'll adjust to it, and maybe with luck even love it someday, but from where I sit now, the jury is out.

When I come into a corner as in intersection type of turn I'm on the front brake 100% to start and then tip into the rear. As I slow down to my cornering speed and have completed my downshift, I'm off the front brake but still have some pressure on the rear brake pedal. As I crank back the throttle I'm pulling up on the brake foot, thus allowing the bike to make a smooth transition from brake to go, plus giving me that little extra comfort that when I yank back on the throttle I can help to ease the power down to the road.

I'm not so sure the linked system is going to like this style of running...

 

The '99 is considered the more desirable 5th gen for several reasons. One, its not the first year of the update = bugs worked out. Two, in '00 and after, the bikes have cat. converters to meet emissions. Three, this cat and other emissions crap adds weight and supposedly takes an hp or two.

But all in all, a 5th gen is a 5th gen, and you'll be very happy with any year. FWIW, i've heard that there weren't many bugs, if any at all on the '98. Plus the '00 and up have an automatic fast idle. So each year is give and take, but they're all amazing machines.

 

I thought the same thing when I came from the Shadow. I used the brakes much like you described and the linked brakes are much more seamless than you think.

Although I still am considering doing a de-link, just 'cause I liked the added control over what the bike is doing.

 

Bweiss, thanks man for both replies.

I'll be more than willing to keep an eye open for a good used '99. Might be better anyways because if I focus too much on wanting yellow I might walk right past the perfect '99 red.

Based upon the fact I have had my '85 CB650SC for 18 some years, you can see I don't buy frequently, so I want to get the best I can as I will be riding it for a long time.

 

u guys r great!

 

Or the Corbin "Smuggler" seat Those look awesome and have the cowl built in :biggrin:

 

I heard the smugglers were kind of POS's. Not cheap either.

I have a cowl coming in BTW. With a corbin seat.

 

Still reading?
How did it go with the brakes/ throttle? Still smooth?

I just bought an '01 with 14k and I am having the same problems. My past two bikes were a VT1100 with an S&S shorty carb, and a 600 gsxr race bike.
The S&S carb is a drag racing carb known for its light switch like throttle response (drove me crazy), and the gsxr brakes were stronger than the VFR's will ever be.

I am having trouble stopping, below 5mph they want to lock (front lever only).
I am having trouble smoothly applying power, the power comes on very abruptly.
I have put 150 miles on the bike and it hasnt smoothed out yet. Next week (if still unemployed) I will start taking things apart for inspection. It feels like the brakes are down to the metal but there not. Maybe I have a cracked pad.