New VFR Owner - A Few Questions

Good morning - I recently purchased a 1998 VFR 800 with 23k miles from the original owner. The bike was well cared for, oil change records, coolant changes, brake system flushes, mostly stock bike. You guys will be proud, I have been a BMW rider for the last 30 plus years, '78 R100/7, '96 K1100 RS, 96 R1100 RT. The guy I sold my R1100 to a few years ago owned a VFR 800 and spoke very highly of it. (he was an old guy like me) so when it came time to look for a another bike, I purchased one.

A few questions:

The rear tire is a 190/55-17. I know the stock tire should be a 180. When I go to replace this tire in the fall, should I keep the 190 or go back to the 180?

I have been reading about the PAIR delete (I love to tinker with cars and bikes and can never leave this alone). It seems that the plates made my A&A Performance are the best. All the other brands of plates I see look too thin. I tried contacting A&A performance both via email and voice mail but have not received any reply. Does any one know the status of this shop?

The engine casing on the right side has some wear on the side - does anyone know a color code for the engine side cover so I can buy some touch up paint at a local auto parts store?

The bike currently has a a stock header with a Two Brothers exhaust. I would like to add a stainless steel header. What are peoples opinion of the Motad stainless steel header? It comes in an acid etched matte finish, not a shiny polished finish. I think this will look nicer on the bike than the black header.

I think those are all the questions I have for now.

Thanks in advance to those who reply.

 

Welcome to the madness. Congratulation on ur new ride. Your wallet Will thanks you by getting a VFR
Motad header is good choice as for the tire size I stick with 180
190 Will effect your lean angle. I am sure more guru Will chime in to answer ur questions

 

Congrats and welcome to the site. Pictures of scantily clad women or your bike are required. Pictures of scantily clad women on your bike get you bonus points.

I'd definitely switch to the stock 180. There really isn't any point in in the larger size for daily street use, IMO.

Go for the Motad! I've never read any bad comments about it. (I have 2000, and my header was swapped out for a '99. The 2000 was a bit smaller/more restrictive, and had 02 sensors, so it probably sounds and breathes a bit different). I'm sure the Motad will look, feel and sound pretty nice!

If you are in contact with the seller, ask about the R/R. These bikes are known for their weak R/R wiring, and it can/will lead to issues. Some guys get 20,000 miles from the stock one. Most of us...not so much. Search this forum and you should come up with a couple thousand hits!

 

Welcome to the zoo lad, now

 

New VFR Owner - A Few Questions (Update on PAIR Plates from A&A Performance)

Ok - I get the hint - I'll take some pictures of the bike and post (not sure about the scantily clad women though).

An update on the PAIR delete plates from A&A Performance. I received an email from Dan at A&A Performance. he says he is "...sold out of the plates and not sure when or if another batch will be produced"

I sent him a reply asking how many orders he would need to make a batch - I'll let you know what he says - maybe we can get a group purchase started. Do you guys do that sort of thing on this board?

 

Stainless headers are going to blue out. One alternative is having yours ceramic coated. R100RS in my stable.. mit Krauser und Luftmeister.

Do pay special attention to the R/R advice. At minimum have a spare with you at all times.

Be careful of certain members who will solicit you for pix of scantily clad dudes..

 

LMAO!!!:chaingun:

 

You can tell who they are if you see that they have Harleys too or they post pix of their SO's and they weigh 400lbs and don't have teeth, have or had VFRs that get 75-100mpg and have busted speedos. (the instrument kind)

 

I'm rolling...that's funny stuff!

 

Ok - here is a picture. I just finished installing the 2000 mirrors - the bike came with one OEM and one Englo (sp?). I do like the 2000 mirrors so much more. I also removed the side reflectors. I just don't do much if any night riding. And it is my trademark - I remove side reflectors on all my motorcycles.