Novice Rider, VFR800 First bike

Hello from Northeastern Ohio. I am in my 40's and after watching 450 Motocross in 2012, I decided I "had to do that". Last year I took the beginner MSF course which taught me how to ride. The course was perfect because I did not have a bike and the course provided one. I passed the evaluation and received my endorsement. At some point I subscribed to Dirt Rider and read the preeminent dirt riding technique books. I realized, and friends influenced me, that being in the city, with dirt being pretty far away, and with the need to hit the freeway I would prefer to have a road bike at least for now. So I subscribed to the top sport bike review and touring magazines, and also studied intently many of the top rated sport bike riding books. I got to the point mentally that I could envision exactly what it would be like to be skilled and riding freely.

In April I purchased my first motorcycle from Craigslist, a 1999 VFR800. I was close to pulling the trigger on an FZ1 when a trusted friend told me to check out the Honda's. The VFR was not on my radar because I was looking at new bikes for reference, and Honda did not have a new VFR800 at that time, so I missed it. My friend knows bikes very well from the 70's and 80's. His opinion was the Honda's had an excellent fit and finish and are balanced and refined. He wanted me to go test drive an early 1980's 1000 cc cruiser (forget the model) which did not sound like something I would like as I am somewhat of a technology fanatic. Among other bikes, he spoke highly about the VFR series. I researched this bike and some magic switch flicked on inside of me. A modern "Gentleman's Sport Bike"? Perfect for me!

I began searching Craigslist and, while I was not even sure if I was going to buy this year, a particular bike stood out. It was in my metro area, has 17,000 miles, supposedly had a 16,000 mile service (no paperwork and the dealer says they lost their entire customer database), and it looks spotless to me when I went to see it. I negotiated, made the deal, and the rider was kind enough to ride it to my house.

I have just joined this forum, and I also wonder what people think about VFRdiscussion.com (can I ask that here?) This site looks better at a glance. I did post some queries here this weekend. The low beam headlight switch is intermittent and the engine does not start the first time cold. I am hoping the switch contacts are the problem and perhaps the fast idle needs adjustment, or the bike is suffering a little from the year old gas the owner had in it.

I took a two hour tour yesterday to family and friends. I had a lot of trepidation the first several times out, but all of a sudden on this trip it began to feel like I was riding on air. I am already having a great time.

The VFR800 is a very special work of art and technology. I am not planning on touring thousands of miles, I simply enjoy Sunday driving. Thus I may just have this bike for my entire life. Would that not be cool?

It is good to know you.

 

Welcome~

Careful; it's habit forming!

 

Congrats on pullin the trigger. ..ALWAYS act like your invisible...people will look right at you and turn or change lanes. Always cover your front brake and practice stopping without locking up your brakes...if I were you..get yourself a good horn..I have a steble from bikerhiway.com....nice and freekin loud. Use mine always. Take your time..be cautious and stay away from big rigs. Hope this helps...oh VFRD is great to but this definitely is my home...VFRworld....ATGATT bud (all the gear all the time)
Even in hot weather...be safe


Sent from my SGH-T679 using Tapatalk 2

 

Thanks for all the kind advice duccmann! I am a super-careful person and went into this project knowing I would be ATGATT. Have already sweat heavily in the hot weather, swore it off, and drank water to replenish I am a musician, and my hand dexterity, for example, is very important so the minimum I must do is shield them, and the rest of me as well.

First I have heard of upgrading the horn. Great advice. I have already used the horn, but only to beep at all the high school girls shouting "nice motorcycle" and trying to get me into their hand car wash hahahaha. Someday I'll have to pass a semi and I will remember "duccman said to GET AWAY." Thanks.

 

Ya no problem bud....been drivin rigs for 20 years+ and when those tire lose there tread or blow at 100psi...you dont want to be any where near that.....always pass ASAP
Be safe

Sent from my SGH-T679 using Tapatalk 2

 

Knight
Great to know you are taking MSF and ATGATT
Glad to have you, as for VFRD (The DARK side) they are good bunch of peeps but we are cool over here :wink:
You have pick the WORLD best bike. Take care of her she will put many smiles on your face for years to come.
As for your starting problem, try to charge the battery and might want to change all the fluid and plugs. I usually do all the maintenance when I pick up a new bike
Just want to be sure the bike is healthy and perform like it should. Ride safe and ask if you have any question. :thumb:

 

My 98 VFR was my first bike after completing the MSF. My dad always rode Honda's, but I thought they'd be out of my price range, till she popped up on craigslist. Took a look at her, started the engine, watched the owner take it for a ride and was at the bank the next morning getting the cash so I could test her out myself. She came home with me that day! It's been 25k+ miles since then and she puts a smile on my face every mile. You'll find great advice here and ideas that'll drain your wallet ha. Like it was said, ride invisible and ATGATT. Keep the rubbers down!

 

Welcome to the forum! You have a magnificent bike just in case you didn't know it yet. The 5th gen engine is an incredible powerplant. I have a 6th gen now and I like everything about her except the motor is just a little less smile inducing than the 5th.

On your cold start, I always turned the key and flipped the switch and listened for the pump to prime. Pull the fast idle arm (it's not a choke!) all the way down and start the bike. That's all I ever had to do. Grab some Seafoam and run it through there as well. That coupled with some fresh gas will make a big difference.

You may want to lift the gas tank and check the air filter too. If it isn't clean as a whistle, you will know that the guy didn't have the valves checked.

 

Oh, and VFRD is nice, just a different feel over there. I come over here when I am laid back and maybe feel like seeing some humor. VFRD can be a bit stuffy and overly technical. However, this place can be a little squidy at times too. Comes with being more tolerant of all types though.