New to site, picking up a 98 VFR800 in a couple weeks

Hey all, I'll be picking up a 1998 vfr800 in a couple weeks. Looking around, this seemed like the best forums for these bikes. So a little background:
Started riding in 1985, started racing in '88, started control riding with NESBA in '99. I have inexplicably without a motorcycle for about 5 YEARSnow:0
I have never ridden a (5th gen?) VFR, so I am slightly apprehensive about this purchase, but doing as much research as possible, it seems like a good bike. Bikes I have owned:
74 Yamaha RD 350
82' Yamaha 550 Vision
85' GPz 550
87'GSXR750 (street/track)
86' GSXR1100 (street/track days)
94 Suzuki RF900R (street/track days)
85' Suzuki GS550ES
96' GSXR750 (track)
2000 r-6 (track)
94' ZX-9R
unknown year Suzuki GS500 (race only)
unknown year Honda Ascot 500
unknown year yamaha dt250 (dirt)
EDIT (How could I forget this one on THIS forum?!?!?!) 85 VFR500
unknown year Kawasaki 250 ninja.
Unknown year Yamaha YSR50
unknown year yamaha Seca 400
Having spent 17 years on the racetrack, I am VERY apprehensive about the linked brakes. I'm going to give them a TRY, but unless I'm quite impressed, I'll swap the front end for something like a CBR600F4 or something. I LOVE rock hard brakes (for the FEEL and feedback). I've had issues with the back end coming around (backing it in) WITHOUT linked brakes...this kind of makes me nervous (Yes, this thing will very likely see some track time....just not serious 100% all out stuff).
Many of my streetbikes have had a LOT of power (My RF when I was done with it had 151bhp at the rear wheel on an eddy current dyno) but I'm not too worried about the power....it's going to be a 99.5% streetbike. And though I have considered Sv650s and old school Duc 900 Supersports, I'd still like to get as much out of the motor as I can (any good cam swaps available?) I have NO issue with letting the motor rev a bit to make power (notice the number of GSX-Rs and the R-6 LOL!) so if I loose a little down low to gain a little more up top, that's fine with me.

About the VFR I'm getting: 1998 w/21k miles Micron Carbon high mount slip on K&N Filter (NO FI reprograming...how bad do I need it with these mods?) Corbin seat (VERY likely going to be for sale...I like taller seats, not lower ones) misc add-ons (solo seat cover, aftermarket windscreen etc) Bridgestone 020 tires (thinking of going to 016s...whats the general consensus for track ready street tires?) I look forward to learning a lot more about this bike from you guys in the future. While I'm not a cornucopia of knowledge on VFRs, I do know my stuff when it comes to riding, and track riding (literally wrote the "book" NESBA used at the time). If I can help anyone, I'm more than happy to do it!

 

Let me be the first to welcome you to our world of V4 mania! I've loved the V4 since the first versions hit the streets in 82 and I've owned almost every generation at one time or another. The fifth generation VFR is probably the most track worthy although the 2nd gen bikes are right in there too. I've tracked my 5th gen with linked brakes and had no issues with the system at all but I don't have the experience that you do. Riding with NESBA I was considered a beginner yet with SBTT I was advanced. Couldn't seem to meet the right people with NESBA I guess? Who knows....

The bike works well with the Micron slip on system and K&N filter. Mine would match the 600's on the front straight at Road America so I was happy, in fact it was faster than my Ducati 748. Never did gel with the Duc and god knows I tried. I never felt the need to modify the engine as it was a good match for the chassis. If I needed more I would just get a gixer 750 for track only. Oh yes that reminds me, you will probably want to raise the rear ride height for quicker steering and better cornering clearance as well as installing tapered steering head bearings. These two changes made the bike feel much better on the track!

Keep us posted on your progress and once more, welcome aboard!

And now a picture of me and my 5th gen,,,,(Good Times!)

 

Welcome aboard Mahly,
I think you are going to enjoy your '98. Only one major problem . . . regulators committing suicide.
So, in the upper right hand corner of this page you will see an "Advanced Search" box.
Type in "regulator" and then you will be exposed to lots of cures for the electrical problem.
By now you probably know that the '98 and '99 bikes are the "creme de la creme" of the VFR family.
You made a wise choice . . . enjoy.

 

@jethro911, Yeah, I often voiced my opinion that we held people from moving forward in groups a little too strictly. Most of our "intermediate" riders were easily "advanced" in other clubs...and some of our "beginners" were intermediate or even advanced it other groups. They were VERY focused on the safety. Not a bell curve (often, there would be sold out B and I groups...and like 10 advanced guys). It wasn't about shear speed, but consistency and perceived comfort level. Luckily now, the Beginners have a little more relaxed rules on passing.

@PorcheBob. Thanx for the heads up on the regulators. I'll have to check into that to see if there are warning signs. I have heard the aftermarket has upgrades available.


Like I said, I'm gonna give the linked brakes a chance...but coming from twin sets of 6 pot calipers on 310mm disks....these brakes have some big shoes to fill.

 

OK! So I finally got my VFR800!! Hooray! (+1 to Archer fans for "getting" that LOL!)
Impressions:
A touch more "sporty" than I imagined. Nimble without being flighty, handles very well.
Suspension was much more taught than expected...might have been the 30-40 degree ride home thickening up the fluids, but PLEASANTLY surprised.
Brakes....missed bag. On dry pavement, they seem at least OK.... going downhill on a soft gravel road, I don't like the "rear" brake getting the front end to push... Still have doubts about how this will all work out on the track.
Clutch. Might be getting worn down, the engagement is quite late in the travel...but has a short engagement range (I LIKE that) For now, just gonna move the clutch lever closer to the bar.
Engine. Jack of all trades, Master of none. Not as much torque as I'm used to (not really "fair"...used to slightly larger bikes) but more low/mid power that the middle-weights I have ridden. Overall, I like it. Gets fun as you get into the upper mid-range, but doesn't have a big hit on top....doesn't run out of steam either. Runs without a glitch or dip from idle to redline.
Transmission. Very "Suzuki" like (That is a HUGE compliment!) nice close ratios, though 6th is obviously meant for highway droning not actual performance (and this bike was 1 tooth smaller up front...stock 6th must be WAY tall)
Ergos. Again, a touch sportier (better) than expected. Not sure I'm gonna keep the Corbin....I don't like how they make them thinner than stock. Reach to the bars is a perfect blend of sport and sport-touring. Being tall, and long armed, I wouldn't mind straight clip ons vs. the riser style. Legs seemed OK....again, a taller seat is better for me (who wants a Corbin ? LOL!).
Intangibles: The engine sounds are GREAT. Quite unique. The super-charger sounds of the gear driven cams, and the very unique v4 roar through a nice (2 brothers carbon high mount) exhaust.... Not too loud, when you want to be quiet (at 70mph...hard to hear) But very "head turning" sounds when you get on it.

All in all, a surprisingly good all round package. Coming from more "hard core" bikes, I'm happy that this is MUCH more Sport than Touring. Good enough handling to keep me from wanting, enough power to keep me amused. GREAT sounds, great transmission, nice ergos and....as far as ROAD riding is concerned, decent if not amazing brakes.

First real modification, might be to raise the ride height (without adding preload).
Came with a bunch of stuff (Corbin seat, an a larger "touring" style windshield) that I will likely be putting up n the classified section.
I'm thus far, quite pleased with this purchase!!!

Some quick pics:

 

That's just the way I like it.
Congrats on the purchase

 

You should of kept the Yammie RD350...

 

I'm really glad you like it!
I keep trying other options but end up right back here where I started cuz it just does too many things well. I guess it is my perfect compromise.


Now about that 2stroke stuff,

"You should of kept the Yammie RD350..."

I've got an RZ350 350 coming in for a tune here in about a week that's for sale if you know someone looking. I used to have an RZ500 but I found it soo small and cramped, not to mention the rubber frame blah blah blah, but it is a real collectible now!

 

Nice write up! I would be real curious to hear your thoughts on the VTEC engine in the 6th Gen VFR.

Rollin

 

Just need someone to loan me one for a day ;-)

 

nice bike im a new owner also 2000vfr love it 5th gen r great

 

Nice bike, I'm coming up on 10 years with my '99. I might be interested in the touring screen too, is it the one in the pic or have you already swapped it out? I see it has the stock seat in the pic.

Superhawk bars bolt on and will go about 1.25" lower if you want more sport with the original forks. The RC51 front end is a popular swap, it's what I have on mine. Trail is increased a bit so I had to go with a shorter dogbone (from a 4th gen) to raise the rear.

I put on a PC to smooth out some of the FI jerkiness down low, if you've got good throttle control you may not notice it though.

Enjoy, looks like a great bike. And you know there's a supercharger kit available??

 

Yep, See the youtube vids on the supercharger.
The screen on it will probably go, but it also came with a larger "touring" style windscreen. I took the Corbin off when I got home (just before the pics) so yes, that's the stock seat in the pics.

How much does a 4th gen dog bone raise the rear end?

I've seen the RC51 swap... wondering id something along the lines of a 600F4i would work as well, and cost a bit less. For NOW, I think I'll wait until I get used to it before making any drastic changes.

Thanx for the tip on the Superhawk clip-ons....THAT I might just do sooner than later....they can't be too expensive.

I doen't seem to have any issues with the throttle... Don't know if that means it runs better than some, or if I just have a bit more control (17 years on the track might help), but I don't notice any issues there. It DOES have a K&N filter to go with the Slip-on. So far (even in COLD weather) it "carburets" quite well.

 

The 4G dogbone will raise the rear just over an inch, pretty significant. I wouldn't try it with the stock triples, just shim the rear shock instead. F4i forks are 43mm iirc and bolt in to the 6G triples, which bolt in to the 5G just fine.

I suspect you have a bit more throttle control than I do. lol

I was playing this morning with a Duc ST3 on the way to work and the VFR didn't fail in any respect, it's a great bike. :thumb:

 

The Dark smoke Targa windscreen, National cycle light smoke "touring" windscreen, and Corbin seat are listed in the classifieds (all with decent pics)

Corbin Seat - VFRworld Classifieds
Targa and Natianol Cycle Cheetah SST windscreens - VFRworld Classifieds

 

Very nice and welcome!

I have less of an issue with the brakes than I do the suspension. I have tracked my VFR at Little Talladega and the stock system is a tad soft for my taste.

I am thinking Racetech springs and Gold Valves are in my future.

 

I haven't had a chance to check/set sag etc, but after a nice ride today, I'm thinking that for ME, the shock is a little weird...like too much high speed compression damping, and not enough low speed compression damping... the forks didn't seem too bad...Of course at track speeds the suspension will tell me more of what it needs. When I do get it to the track, it won't be to cut the hot lap of the day...just to have fun with a knee on the ground again.
Also on the ride today, I wasn't THAT put off by the brakes either (in gravel I hate them...but with traction...they're OK).
I WILL report that the article I read that said stoppies were tough with the linked brakes, really doesn't know too much about stoppies ;-)

 

I have Road 2's front and rear and the front will slide rather than lift the rear wheel. This has happened to me twice. If the front can't pick up the rear wheel then the rear brake becomes relevant again.

Perhaps a stickier tire on the front would work better. I have only had Road 2's on mine so my experience with lifting the rear under hard braking is limited.

The Viffer is an excellent street bike. I had to drop down from Intermediate to Novice when I tracked my VFR.
You have a lot more riding experience that I do, sir. <tips hat>