VTEC- can you feel it

Discussion in '6th Generation 2002-2013' started by dieseldrive, Feb 5, 2003.

  1. dieseldrive

    dieseldrive New Member

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    Hi everyone. First post- I have a 2002 VFR that replaced my 98. My question is can you feel the transistion (or are you supposed to) from 2 to 4 valves. I purchased this bike used (good deal with a lot of goodies). When riding it sometimes there is a harsh change in feel and sound (almost feels like you shifted gears) at about 7K on thew tach. Is this the VTEC? or is it something else. It doesn't happen every time, but I want to be sure nothing is wrong.

    Thanks in advance
     
  2. Jake

    Jake New Member

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    Yeah, that's the other valves opening. Never rode one myself, but from all the reviews I've read this seems to be a common complaint.

    I'm hoping they ditch the Vtec and go with a V-5 by 2005 or so. By then I may be ready for a new bike.

    HTH,
    Jake
     
  3. dieseldrive

    dieseldrive New Member

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    Thanks Jake. It's kind of annoying but maybe I'll get used to it - I got an incredible deal on this 6 month old bike (with Corbin seat, givi shield, heli bars, gorilla alarm, and only 3k miles). 6K.
     
  4. dieseldrive

    dieseldrive New Member

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    in reply to:

    Frankly, the transition from 2 to 4 values at 7k is one of my concerns. Do you find it annoying? Does it affect your riding?


    See the last post I made, I must have have typing at the same you were.
     
  5. rshimmel

    rshimmel New Member

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    Great deal! ;) Yeah, there's nothing wrong, it's the transition from 2 valves per cylinder in play to 4. I have an 02 also. When I'm accellerating through the transition I feel a definite power boost at about 7K and there's an audible change in the sound pitch from the motor and pipes. I personally don't find it annoying, but maybe I've just gotten used to it. I probably do alter my riding style to accommodate the difference in throttle response, cause it seems to be more torquey below that range and more pipey and quicker above it... I can actually do an imitation of the sound it makes above 7K, but that's another story... :eek:
     
  6. dieseldrive

    dieseldrive New Member

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    I will probably get used to the change in sound and feel, but another concern I have is loss of traction. Do you think (in the right circumstances) this sudden change in power flow could ever cause a loss of traction?
     
  7. rshimmel

    rshimmel New Member

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    Not that I've ever noticed. I have a track day on April 4th and may have a better sense of it after that...
     
  8. bobr

    bobr New Member

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    Howdy,

    My 2002 VFR does the same thing. I have noticed that there is a very significant difference in how the valves open depending on how much throttle you are giving the bike at the time. If I am pretty much wide open, the valves kick in and give me an almost 2-stroke power-band (and sometimes lifts the front end off the ground). On the other side, if I am riding soft they open gently and the bike just sounds a bit louder. Have fun riding... ;D
     
  9. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Yep thats the feeling... I own a 2002 and have approx 4500 miles on it.. The V-tech transition is between 7K and 8K it feels like a gear shift, shutter, or sometimes the engine is missing. If you power through you will feel an increase in power. You will also get a big loss in fuel economy, but who cares about that unless you are far from a gas station. You also want to be careful when going through curves at step lean angles when going through the transition you can loose traction. It is a great bike....
     
  10. Guest

    Guest Guest

    8)The 02 vfr definitly has a low/high or nearly on/off personallity. Either keep it below 7500 rpm and enjoy a nice civil ride or keep it above 8500 rpm and enjoy a hot ride while watching for our friends in law enforcement. When I cruise thru town I keep it low and when I hit the twisties I twist the throttle and keep it high and happy while I stir the shifter to keep it all in sync with the beautiful sound of the v four and my mp3 player strapped to my wrist playing go fast muisc. Ride this bike for six months and if your not faster then you have ever been, then it's not the bike, its you. I have not met anyone who could loose me on the 03 vfr in the twisties. There are faster bikes, there are better handlers, there are more expensive bikes, there are even prettier bikes, but there are no bikes out there that will make you any more capable then a new vfr.
     
  11. Beethird

    Beethird New Member

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    Hey, I'm new to the form. I have a 02 VFR and I ride with some pretty tough company. My fellow rider have gxsr's, boosa's and zx900's. All are stock bikes. I can't only hear the VTEC but, I can feel it. I make those guy have to catch me once we get out on the open road. ( of course they can but what a rush).... :eek:.
     
  12. fyeguy

    fyeguy New Member

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    Be careful in the twisties and be aware of your tach at all times. Keep your turn well under 7K or well over... the VTEC transition can be "jerky" dependent on your throttle position.

    I would say that I like the engine overall, but the novelty is wearing thin.
     
  13. Guest

    Guest Guest

    HI GUYS
    MY 3 FRIENDS & I RENTED 01 VFRS IN DENVER FOR 7 DAYS, CAME HOME & ORDERED 02'S
    WE NOW HAVE K12 ON THE '02'S & I'M AFRAID THAT WE
    ARE NOT HAPPY LITTLE BUNNIES
    ALL IN ALL THE BIKES ARE GREAT, BUT AT 2K WE NOTICED
    WHEEL PAINT PITTING,NOW WE HAVE PITTED H/LAMP
    LENS (LOOKS LIKE K40 MILES) RUSTING OIL COOLER
    LINES BUT MOST OF ALL JERKY THROTTLE RESPONSE.
    THE MOST FRUSTRATING PART HAS BEEN DEALING WITH
    HONDA DEALERS & AREA REP. :(
     
  14. Qwerty111

    Qwerty111 New Member

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     YEP.  The 2002-2003 VFRs are a disappointment.  I hope Honda makes a change in 04.  
     
  15. Jozef

    Jozef New Member

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    I purchased my first VFR last year a 2002. I have been monitoring all the main sites that deal with VFRs including the British site. While admittedly low miles, around a 1000, I have experienced none of the problems I have seen listed on the sites. I have no hesitation or flat spot to speak of, the V-TEC cross over is actually disappointing as I expected a more dramatic change over, and all in all it seems to work great. This is the first time I can recall any cosmetic problems with the 2002 being mentioned as far as wheels and lens. I will check the British bike site as they have some approaching 16,000 miles and have not mentioned these problems.

    I have been riding since the early seventies and have had bikes with a much greater transition then the V-TEC at certain rpms. As far as flat spot, same thing, if there’s one there other folks must be more sensitive to it then myself. I have found that some people reference a larger flat spot on earlier models. On my VFR the engine starts and runs great. The bike handles great and basically meets my expectations. As more miles are put on I’ll note any disappointments. To be fair to those with problems I have ridden the Kawasaki 2-strokes of the 70’s, 500s and 750s, gone through the super lean carburetion period of the 80’s, ridden air-cooled Ducati’s, and various other bikes with so called “personality.” I may just not perceive things the way others do. So your flat spot or rough transition may not even be perceived by me as such and so on but for now I am happy with the bike.
     
  16. rshimmel

    rshimmel New Member

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    Gotta confess I'm partial to the 02 VTEC, and at 3500 mi haven't experienced any of the problems described, but also gotta confess the last bike I had (for three years) was a 900 Vtwin Yamaha back in the mid-80's. That thing was just flat, dull torque from beginning to end, but my prior experience was largely two-stroke, with the RD400 Yamaha being my mainstay for many years, and two-stroke dirt bikes, an early 70's Honda 750 (that I bought from a CHP auction) and a 250 Enduro (thumper) thrown in for good measure. In some ways, the VTEC two to four valve transition reminds me of a two-stroke hitting its powerband and "coming on the pipe" as we used to say back in the days of yore when ships were made of wood.. Anyway, the 02 fuel injection does mean a sensitive throttle, but I don't find it unmanageable. My newly installed Staintunes seem to have given me an hp boost too, which is pretty cool.. Ride safe. Rick 8)
     
  17. Guest

    Guest Guest

    I have an 02 VFR and before that I had a 01 F4I. The transition is noticable but has never caused any instability in corners, even cornering very hard. Further I have not had any of the problems metioned (knock on wood). This bike has been wonderful to ride, so far I have 4000 miles on it.

    Scott
     
  18. ScootR

    ScootR New Member

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    Have you guys tried the Power Commander O2 sensor
    bypasses and disabling the airbox flapper ? I've done
    this to mine and along with a smoother transition at
    6800 RPM to 4 valve the 4800-5000 dip/surge is also
    eliminated.

    Also, I plan to deactivate the VTEC soon by simply connecting a 12 volt power line direct from the battery, wired thru the kill switch that will force the vtec solenoid to allow 4 valve all the time of with the switch off, normal
    vtec 2v/4v operation.
     
  19. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Hey scoot, let us know how it all works out. I have been trying to find a way to get rid of the converter (too hot) and will look into your sensor info. I did away with the evap can, it was right in the way of filter changes, it was surprising how much it weighed. I think by loosing it, replacing the exhaust system with my Staintunes that I love, and by dumping the rear sets for passangers and the grab rails, it has been a nice diet for the VFR. I added the K&N and am looking for some more HP gains, maybe a computer? Have you had you alternator changed out yet under the Honda recall? Mine goes in on Friday for the larger alternator.
     
  20. ScootR

    ScootR New Member

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    Try the airbox flapper bypass, it really helped. Either
    disconnect the vacum hose and plug it or others have just stuck a bb in it so it looks like it is still hooked up
    or disconnect the arm from the valve going to flapper.
    The O2 sensor bypasses are $30 each, you'll need 2
    of them.

    I've been wanting to gut the catcon but haven't had
    the guts (pardon the pun) to do it yet. Since this bike
    runs w/o a mass air flow sensor, using the speed density method using manifold absolute pressure (MAP)
    and engine rpm, I'm not sure how it will respond to
    this mod, may throw ecm maps way off and might have
    to retune the ecm with a Power Commander. I really
    don't want to spend the $ on the PC.

    Have you seen the 4 pipe Laser exhaust for the 02+
    bikes ?

    I'll check out that evap can, thanks.

    Oh, by bypassing the airbox flapper the air flow spreads
    out more over the air cleaner so it doesn't plug as quick.
     
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