Can't seem to find the sweet spot for the throttle

Hey guys, new rider here, I've been trying to get the hang on my 07 viffer but I'm failing miserably. The throttle is a bitch on my bike! I'm either under revving or over revving. Several times the engine cut off & it would't start unless it was in neutral. I just couldn't get it started for a few where cars were honking like crazy. Finally I just rode to an empty school parking lot & practice there for several hours.

I think perhaps like the old saying goes, "bite more than you can chew" the viffer might not be for me. The riding position also tore my back. I just don't have the confidence on this bike even tho I have ridden a FZR6 (close to similar weight) with no problems. I don't seem to have any problems with the FZR6 that I'm having with the viffer.

I really like the looks of this bike over any other but perhaps I should had started with a smaller bike as a beginner. Any advice from folks that started on this bike that have master it would be appreciated.

 

Sportbikes really aren't good bikes to learn on, especially if one has little experience on a motorcycle before.

What you're probably having trouble with is the snatchiness of the throttle, like it acts differently every time you take off.

I removed the flapper from the airbox and disabled the PAIR system and it has almost completely made any low speed shuttering disappear.

Do a search on google for flapper mod or pair mod and you will see it is a easy fix to any ride-ability issues.

Or if you don't like the bike because of the ridin position, work your core out and give yourself some time to get used to it. Or get a new bike.

 

The VFR is a heavy bike for a bigginner and I had/have problems with the feel of the hydro clutch coming from a cable clutch. Plus the crappy low end throttle response sucks! Show me 3,000 rpms!

 

Mkay,, that mod will definitely be something I need to get done. I'm contemplating the Spiegler conversion bar as well but I don't want to spend more money on something I might sell.

MrSleep, that's where I didn't do my research on (RPM's) I read several articles & plenty of videos on the bulletproof vrf but nobody really mention the lack of low RPM handling.

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Eh, you'll get use to it. Practice in low traffic areas. Nothing like learning a new clutch/vehicle with road raged drivers breathing down your neck! You may have to ride the clutch a bit more. Even though my bike is basicly stock I run a modified 'Cozey' map on my pc3. Google it to see if you can find copy. It helped with the low end throttle and smoothed out the vtec transition.

 

I see, well back when I was in the Army, they threw me on a deuce and a half & I had 5 minutes to learn it before driving it. Suck it up & drive on private!!

I already order hard saddlebags so I'm already in deep with her. These bike run hot as well, you def need the proper riding gear.

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The bike will not start unless it is in neutral or the clutch lever is pulled in (either one should do). The throttle really is touchy, took me a year or so to adjust to it. You could purchase a Throttle Tamer, which reduces how much the throttle bodies open with small twists of the throttle grip.

Riding in a parking lot was a smart move. There are better first bikes, but the VFR isn't terrible to start with. And with the practicality of the saddlebags, you'll have a hard time finding a more versatile bike.

 

Throttle Tamer,,, will look into that as well..

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Your on the right path just by asking questions here. There are several things that folks have done to help make the bike more suitable for them. Even though this is your first bike, I'm not one of those guys that says its the wrong bike despite the VFR being a heavy girl. With the right attitude, common sense, and the understanding that she's a heavy bike, you'll do just fine.

Understand you don't want to get too much $ into it. Luggage, while expensive, could always be resold. People love that stuff. You might have to take a small hit, but that's the price we sometimes pay.

Look into the following:
Flapper and Airbox Mod - Free, and can be put back on
Power Commander (aka PC). There is the PC3 or PC5. 5 is latest version, but also costlier. Both will help help with low end throttle and the engagement of the VTEC transition.
Heli Bars - Change the riding position
Lowering Pegs - If you're on the taller side, these might make it more comfortable.

As mentioned, these bikes don't like to be lugged. Anywhere below 3000 RPMs and they'll feel terrible. Granted you can't always be at 3k (such as in a parking lot), but whenever possible, keep it above that.

Remember to squeeze the tank with your legs. Generally speaking, these bikes can be pretty comfortable, so its usually an issue of rider positioning that makes someone sore.

Don't give up on it yet. Look into some options. Maybe take a riding course or two, and give it some miles before you make a final decision.

 

Take some time and get to know her, the VFR is a fine machine.
There are many mods to improve your riding.
Tell us what bother you and we will give you the solution :thumb:

 

Believe it or not, the biggest improvement in my seat comfort came when I started cinching up close to the tank & holding it with my legs, and riding with the balls of my feet on the pegs instead of the center of my feet. Don't know why, but it made a HUGE difference.

 

Thank you so much for all your advice, I've already taken an intermediate riding course but when you're practicing in a bike 100lbs lighter, some of the tactics don't quite transfer to a heavier bike. I can turn her at low speeds, u-turn, figure 8 with no problems. The problem I'm having is getting her from 1st from a stop position to transition smoothly w/o over revving it or cutting off.

Cutting off seems to be where I'm mostly failing. Gonna do the pair valve mod & see if that helps. I tried my friend's Fat Boy & I rode it with no problems. I guess I just have to continue on until I get the clutch friction down.

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PAIR mod will help. Other than that, it's just a matter of practice (& making sure you're actually in 1st gear~). I killed mine a LOT when I first got it.

Try doing some drag race starts. It is a quick way to learn the exact engagement point & will make you better at taking off under normal circumstances. Seriously.

 

did you ever do the pair and flapper mod? Im in a similar boat.

 

Sold the bike! I didn't do my due diligence as far proper match of rider versus experience.

 

It sounds like OP needed to just use more throttle/revs while launching. Lugging the engine too much while trying to start from a stop will make it difficult to do it smoothly.

My opinion differs from a lot of people on the mods mentioned. I did the flapper/PAIR mod as well as removing the snorkel and EVAP canister. I didn't see any difference in performance/smoothness with any of these mods. The best one was the snorkel mod, if only because I think it makes the bike sound cooler because you hear a bit more induction noise.

I too find the VFR cumbersome at low speeds. I've never felt very comfortable trying to do tight turns with the handlebars near the steering lock. But, that is also because I spend very little time trying to perfect those skills. I feel no shame in having to duck walk my VFR through a tight U-turn, just in case.

 

I found that the Power Commander fixed the low RPM roughness, had same problems with my '03 when I got it. Everybody on the forum recommended the PCIII, it worked, not as smooth as my new 14, but it made a big difference.

 

Excited to read the reports on improved throttle response with PC3 because a nice chap just sold me one in the VFRWORLD classifieds. Personally I don't find the VFR to be at all difficult to launch. What I'm hoping to do with the PC3 is make that weird, surging hunting thing that goes on at about 4800 rpm disappear. I'm trying to go from memory because she's in winter sleep mode right now for a few months, but I noticed the bike was just not its normal smooth and happy self right around where I want to be for relaxed cruising just under 5000 rpm. If the transition into VTEC becomes less abrupt as well, that would just be an added bonus.

 

The Power Commander and a map (mine is custom) will definitely solve throttle choppiness in 1st gear and the dreaded surge or flat spot you're complaining about. VTEC transition will be smoothed too. Best mod I have done. Well, maybe replacing the stock seat was the best . . .

 

Incidentally, the OP's experience shows why the VFR is not a good "learner" motorcycle.