First time motorcycle owner, proud it's a VFR!

Hi all! I just bought my first bike, a 2001 VFR800. I'm new to all of this, I have a jacket and helmet, but any other tips and suggestions about mods and gear are welcome. I originally had my eyes on a Honda 599, but it was sold out from under me, and I ended up with the VFR instead, which I think I'm going to be much happier with anyway, so score!

 

:welcome: to our little world
If this is your first bike.......I said sign up for MSF
Be careful when you ride at low speed...The VFR is a bit heavy but it is a solid bike.
Get yourself some boot and ATGATT......Keep the rubber side down

 

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the purchase. The VFR is a great motorcycle and one that I'm sure will bring you many, many years of enjoyable service. There are a few fairly common things that most VFR owners will upgrade.

1. Replace the rear shock (VFR's are somewhat softly sprung in the back seat department). I upgraded the rear shock in my 2000 VFR800 with a CBR929 rebuild unit from Jamie D. at Daugherty Motorsports - Motorcycle Suspension Performance and Modification and man what a difference. Not everyone does this or feels the need to but if you wind up doing a lot of riding with a passenger, a new rear shock will definitely improve the bikes handling and ride.

2. Probably the most common fault on the VFR is the Regualtor/Rectifier. These are known to be a common failure point in the VFR's charging system, and more likely to be a WHEN they fail as opposed to an IF they fail type of part. It is also possible that the R/R on your bike has already been replaced by a previous owner so don't be too alarmed. A good idea would be to check the charging system for any faults and here is a link to a post done by another member of the site and it can help walk you through how to check the charging system. There are numerous options as to what you can replace the R/R with (from a new factory Honda part to aftermarket options) should the need arise, and if you need advice on how to replace one you have certainly come to the right place.

http://vfrworld.com/forums/5th-gene...how-fix-common-regulator-stator-failures.html

3. Another common upgrade to the VFR is to change out the stock exhaust for a slip-on exhaust from one of the aftermarket companies. The stock exhaust doesn't sound terrible but most of the slip-ons on the market will make the exhaust note sound SOOOOO much better. I purchased my slip-on system from Delkevic USA and for the relatively low cost they make a great product and their slip-on exhaust sounds quite good IMHO.

There may be other things that you want to tinker with over the time you own the bike but , for now, just hop on the seat, grab the bars and go for a ride. Good Luck, Enjoy the Ride and remember to keep her shiny side up.

All the best

 

Welcome. My 06 was my first bike ever as well. SOme say it is too big a bike for a beginner but so long as you keep your head about you, you will be fine. The courses are probably the simplest safety measure you can take. FOllowed up of course like Scubalong said, get some more gear. Boots and gloves are a must in addition to what you already have. If you can't afford riding pants, at least get yourself some armourr to wear under your pants. But what you pay for that, a few more bucks will get you into proper pants.

 

Welcome to the forums. What type of jacket do you have? Get some gloves, knee protectors and riding boots. If the helmet is more than 7 years old, consider replacing that..

 

Hello! I cant believe I'm the first person to post this....first welcome to the land of two wheels and.....

 

Thanks for the welcome! I bought my helmet last June when I took a MSF course. Just got a textile jacket, need better gloves and footwear.

 

We try to be easy on the noob......It is his first bike

 

Like the noob in your avator:scared: