Any advice for new owner?

Hi, all. Have found this a valuable source of info.
I pick up a mint 98 VFR800 on Tuesday. (Changing from a '01 VTR)
I've ridden it and all seems well - feels terrific.
Only done 15,000km.

Anything I should do first? Other than an oil and filter change?
I want to keep this bike in it's as new condition and keep her for ages.
Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks.

 

Howdy,

Congratulations! You might want to look at buying a set of speedbleeders. These are bleed screws for your brakes and clutch that replace the stock screws. They have one way valves in them and it makes bleeding the brakes and clutch very easy and quick.

http://sfriday.com/VFR800/bleeder.htm

Chances are, your brakes and clutch have never been bled. It makes a huge difference in the feel of both and only takes about 45 minutes.

The next thing you might want to do is buy several cans of the Honda Pro Polish/Cleaner. This stuff will clean almost anything off the bike and will keep it looking like new for years. Use it liberally on everything except the tires and brake discs. This is true especially of the dash area. It keeps the black plastic from turning a dull grey.

If you are near 16K miles on the bike, it will be needing a valve check. Ask the shop to write down the clearances for each set of valves so you have a record. The air filter could stand to be cleaned or replaced if really dirty. New plugs may also be in order. If you do have the plugs replaced, tell the shop to keep the old ones for you and to make sure to mark which cylinder each one came out of! The condition of the plug tip can tell you a lot about how the engine is running. If all is well, they should be a nice dusty reddish tan color, no oil or goo.

If the battery is the original, test the voltage on it. It should read around 12 volts with the bike off. With the engine running and revs over 2500rpm, you should be getting close to 14 volts. If you are not getting these results, the battery may be on its last leg. It is best to replace it as a dying battery can cause problems with other parts like the regulator/rectifier.

Check the slack on the chain. If you push up on the chain about midway between the front and rear sprockets, the bottom edge of the chain should only have about 1/2-3/4" play. More and it will slap around, less and it can cause nasty vibes. Either case leads to premature chain and sprocket wear.

VFR's love to be ridden. The more you ride them the happier they are. None of this stuff is major except maybe the valve job. That should be less than $300 on the highside if the dealer does it, including having the plugs and oil changed. The rest is all basic maintenance. Do it and your VFR will love you. Enjoy the bike!

Adios,

 

One more suggestion. If your going to do all the other things, might as well change the coolant too. Its easy, just takes a little time. Problam is, you have to take off the fairings on both sides to get to everything. Drian plug is on the left side at the bottom of the pump, filler is on the right side. This should be done ever 2yrs. I drain it, re-fill it with just water and run the bike, get it hot and re-drain, gets everything out. I go all the way, pull off the the coolant tank and clean it as will with fresh water, re-install. Only re-fill it with the Honda pre-mix, otherwise you may ruin the pump.

 

First check the vitals chain/brakes etc then ride it

 

Keep an eye on that exhaust, especially the collector box. They rot after not too long and are a small fortune to replace. Secondhand are like hens teeth and I think only Motad produce a replacement (albeit in stainless) but will want £300+VAT

elv

 

Anyone ever used the Convertibars on the VFR? Do you have to change all the cables (brakes, throttle, clutch, electrical) in order to get maximum rise and adjustability from them?

Thanks again for all the advice!