Does anyone know if the R/R is the same for 98 and and a 02? I have a 98 but found one for an 02 and am curious if it will fit.
I don't know but at the AMA race this past weekend I met a guy with a 99 and I had just had to replace mine on the way there and he told me that the fix to this issue was to replace the OEM with one from an R1. He said he had done it and fixed his issue. He now can run any device he wants and not fear burning out his R/R. Unfortunately I did not get him my email as I got drunk instead but I will try and find him on the other VFR page and get the info.
The '98 is different than the '02. The '98 - '99 OEM part number is 31600-MBG-305. The '02 OEM part number is 31600-MCW-D01.
hmmmm. I bought the R/R for an 02 because it was dirt cheap ($40). Does anyone know if I will damage anything by installing the OEM 02 R/R on a 98? I may have to try it as I did get it so cheap. Thanks for the help
I would ask a Honda tech. Sometimes they are straight shooting and will give suggestions. They will always recommend OEM though. I have even heard of putting R1 and CBR R/R's on a VFR. I think as long as the stator and charging system are similar, it wouldn't matter which RR you use.
My gut feeling is that you should stick with the updated R/R from a 00 or 01.Dont think the 02 will work right. There were problems with the earlier ones form the 98,99.So honda changed them a bit and added larger fins and a heatsick plate to add to the frame. My r/r went at 30 000km.Switched to the updated version and had no problem with it so far.
I agree with m-crew because I wasted $100 on an Electrosport one only to have it fry again because the wires shorted. I spent $200 on the updated Honda RR, the plugs were correct, the fins and whole unit were bigger and it has worked fine ever since. You could keep buying bargain replacements and keep ruining them or other components of your charging system and end up spending a whole lot more than $200. I have seen them from one source for $140 but you have to hunt for it and I wasn't familiar with the name. I always go through bike bandit or dennis kirk.
