Riding the new VFR 700 around the lot- have a few questions.

So I took the bike our for a few laps around the lot and am falling more and more in love with it every day! I've got a few things in mind to work on: a different set of rims I want to put on there and needs a new windshield. I did notice two things when I was riding today, the first was that in 2nd, I didn't need any throttle at all and it was cruising at about 15 mph, slightly above 2000 rpms. Not sure if this is typical but it looked like it was also idling a little higher than it should be. Secondly there seems to be a quarter turn (maybe less) play in the throttle before it actually engages. Anyone know anything about these two things or had experience with either?

I took video while I was riding, it's long and boring but in case anyone has lots of time.. and is bored... here it is!
VFR Laps 2.mov - YouTube

 

I don't have time for the video right now. But having some play in the throttle cable is normal. I like just enough play that when I turn the forks it doesn't pull on the throttle. When the bike is fully warmed up idle should be around 1200rpm in neutral.

 

:welcome:

Look for the black plastic knob on the left side of the carbs that adjusts idle speed up or down as you like.

there should always be some slack in the pull cable (unless you're twisting the throttle), and there is a threaded adjuster on the cable just under the right handlebar controls.

 

A 1/4 of a turn play in the throttle? That's huge. You'll need to pull the left fairing and look at where the throttle and return cable are bolted to the carb. You'll see some threaded adjusters there. You'll have to play with them till you get the slack out. Maybe set the adjuster at the throttle about halfway before you start adjusting the ones by the carb.

The cables probably need oiling as well.

Make sure they don't drag or pull open the throttle at full left and right steering lock.

 

Yess sir the throttle cable shouldn't be over tightened, but sounds like you have too much play. Easy fix really. As far as 2nd gear goes, it sounds like you have the bike in 2nd gear, no throttle (hand off) and the bike is chugging along at 2000 rpm? Not sure if that's normal. Does it idle in neutral (or with clutch pulled) around 1,200 rpm? An Idle adjustment is super easy...

 

Riding around a lot is good to familiarize yourself with the bike, but there is a shitload of difference when you ride on the road. You have to concentrate more on the whats going on around you than on the bike. Kudos to you for actually going to that trouble. My suggestion would be to do a rider training course, it will save you (& your bike ) some possible grief, you will pick up some good pointers on your bikes maintenance, give you the needed confidence to enjoy riding & you will probably meet some riding buddies as well.

 

I got my license by taking an MSF course. I was more speaking to becoming comfortable on this specific bike so when it comes to riding it on the road I know where everything is without having to think about it.

Thanks to everyone else for the input, it's idling around 1200 in neutral and with the clutch pulled. I think I over estimated a 1/4 turn... it seemed exaggerated at the time but I think that was more from a lack of familiarization, I may still play with it a bit but it seems OK for the time being.