Just purchased 2002 VFR800. I have a bunch of questions.

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by lyushka, Jun 30, 2015.

  1. lyushka

    lyushka New Member

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    Hey guys! After hearing so many good things about this bike I decided I'd get one, and I got a great deal for it. Bought a 2002 VFR800 with around 7000 miles on it. To give you a bit of background, my previous bike was a 2005 Yamaha FZ6. I lost that in a car accident about 1.5 months ago so I needed a bike again. The bike was in seemingly pristine condition.Here are a few questions I have:

    1. Everyone rants and raves about how super comfortable the VFR is. Somehow I can't seem to find my comfort zone on this bike. I feel way more hunched over than on my FZ6 and all of my body weight is on my wrists, even though I try to do everything I can to hold myself up using my core and legs. This is despite having handlebar risers. I was thinking that maybe, at 5'7", I could be a little too short for this bike?

    2. What's the normal idle RPM? Mine idles at around 1000-1100 when warmed up.

    3. What's normal operating temperature? Mine hovers around 200-210 degrees Fahrenheit, and even goes up to 222 at times. Could be that we're having hot weather and I do mostly city riding (I live in NYC).

    4. I'm aware that there was a recall issued on this model, so I'll check if it was applied to my bike, but is there anything else I should look out for?

    5. The stock windshield is terrible; all the air hits my chest and head. What's a good aftermarket windscreen I can look at? I had the Puig Racing windscreen on the FZ6 and it was great. Again, I'm 5'7" if that matters.

    6. What are some good frame sliders? I'd like to keep the plastics in good condition.

    7. This one's kind of weird. Sometimes I feel the bike randomly clicking or something. Like if I'm at a stop, and my foot is on the rear brake, I'd feel a little click somewhere on the bike, out of nowhere. What's going on?

    8. When I'm riding I hear a very loud rattle coming from what sounds like the windscreen. Is this a common issue by any chance?

    9. It's a lot harder to turn than the FZ6. Could be that the tires have a very slight flat spot from maybe doing too much highway riding, but I'm not sure. I feel like I could throw around the FZ6 effortlessly, whereas this bike requires lots of finesse and slow, sweeping movement.

    That's basically it. Like I said the bike is in amazing condition, so I just want to make sure it's as good on the inside as it is out. Thanks for your time!

    Also, here's a picture of the bike: http://i.imgur.com/z70JKxf.jpg

    Edit: Silly me, I forgot the most important question: When the bike is warmed up, if I rev high and let go (with clutch pulled in) the rpm would drop and the bike turns off. Is this a known issue? What can I do about this?
     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2015
  2. GigemVFR

    GigemVFR New Member

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    Congrats! '02 owner myself. I will give you my 2 cents on your questions, the best I can, so you can compare but am no expert.

    1. Sounds about right. My back never hurts from being hunched over but wrists and palms do from the weight forced upon them after few hours riding. I am even few
    inches taller.
    2. Mine idles at 1200 rpm and I think manual says 1200. I had to adjust mine down a hair when I got bike. There is little screw that sticks out towards back and bottom of
    right fairing above round bulge in crankcase cover used to adjust idle.
    3. Temp - electric fan cuts on at 223 degrees and off at 209 degrees (I am in Texas where it is hot too). These bikes do run hotter than most. In the city and while stopped,
    the fan cycles on/off alot. Bike cools down once on the highway and moving.
    4. Honda powersports site has recall lookup where you type in VIN for info. http://powersports.honda.com/recalls.aspx
    5. I "think" Givi has one that many have used but not sure. I have the stock screen and works fine for me.
    6. Think there is thread on here about that. Might do search for "frame bumpers" too.
    7. Lost on this one. But since you mention foot on rear brake, maybe brake pad noise of some sort?
    8. Make sure windscreen on tight. There are more screws behind the little black plastic covers at top. The ones behind covers are actually what holds on windscreen. Sounds
    like those are loose.
    9. Sure the air pressure in tires is correct? Even down a few pounds on mine and the steering/ride is much more sluggish. I can tell just by riding when my tires are 2-3
    pounds low. I am running the Michelin Pilot Road 2.

    Give yourself time to adjust to a new and different bike and you will grow to love it. I did.
     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2015
  3. Vinman

    Vinman New Member

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    Congrats on your new bike. I'm sure in time you will find its a comfortable bike.
    When I first got my 2000 I was a bit disappointed in comfort too. I was convinced I had to get bar risers and a new seat. Now, 14 months later, I think it's an extremely comfortable bike without any aftermarket parts.

    My normal operating temp is 180-200 but as soon as the outside temp gets over 85 or 90 the operating temp goes to 200-210.

    I'm 6'3" and I think the stock windshield is fine. Not sure why you are experiencing turbulence. Maybe yours has been shortened?

    Random clicking. Does the bike have abs? Maybe a part of the exhaust is heating up and expanding?

    Loud rattle. Well, as with any new used bike, you'll want to go through all the bolts to make sure everything is tight. Seems like you have something loose.

    I'm guessing that your old fz6 was much lighter than the vfr. You'll soon get used to it. But you're right, tires can make all the difference.
     
  4. GigemVFR

    GigemVFR New Member

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    Great point Vinman. Definitely do this. Shortly after I got mine (used bike), was riding down highway and bike seemed like it was losing power. Twisted the throttle more to give it gas and still nothing. Began looking for way off highway because I figured it might die at any time and knew something was definitely wrong. Getting off highway, noticed the screw on end of throttle holding throttle/weight on was hanging by the last two threads and was sticking out. I used my key and tightened up as much as I could and kept an eye on it (did not feel like taking out tool kit) as I was not too far from home. Once home, put some threadlock on it to make sure this would not happen again. Did other side too to be safe. After that, did a quick check around the bike to make sure everything tight.
     
  5. rhoderage

    rhoderage New Member

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    Definitely look into the recall status right away, and if you feel that you have the mechanical ability pull off the side fairings and look at the large wiring connectors. The left side one is replaced in the front wiring harness recall so just make sure that has been done (original had a bad ground connection that would melt the connector), the right side one is prone to melting as the stator/RR connector terminals build up resistance over time (cut the connector right out and solder the RR wires direct to stator wires). Also under the seat by the battery, check the main fuse there (its a white holder with a fuse in it - is it discolored/melted?) and your starter soleniod relay (green box underneath a black rubber cover) - is the brown/red connector plugged into it melted? Check the red wire closely to see if it is turning color.

    Once you are satisfied that the wiring is good, your bike should be near flawless. I have an '02 as well and I absolutely LOVE it - but I did spend some time this winter taking it apart and verifying that all of the wiring connections are in good shape, as they are a known weak spot. Plenty of threads on this if you search.

    Enjoy!
     
  6. lyushka

    lyushka New Member

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    Thanks for the replies so far! I forgot one more question: When the bike is warmed up, if I rev high and let go (with clutch pulled in) the rpm would drop and the bike turns off. Is this a known issue? What can I do about this?
     
  7. sunofwolf

    sunofwolf New Member

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    add some air
     
  8. lyushka

    lyushka New Member

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    How so? I should check the air filter though. Haven't had any time since I bought the bike to do these things. :(
     
  9. Pliskin

    Pliskin New Member

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    Congrats on the new ride, fellow east coaster. (And don't worry about the post above with "add air". You see, every village has one, and sonofwolf is ours).

    Random thoughts:
    If the bike is too high for you, you could try reversing the triangles or installing Lust Lowering ones.

    Consider having your seat custom made to your ass, or getting an aftermarket such as Corbin or Sargent. All of these options should slightly change your seating position, and possibly alleviate some pressure on your wrists.

    Don't worry about your temp - its normal.

    Definitely check the air filter. Fur bearing varmints have been known to build nests in there.

    Adjust RPM to at least 1200. I kept my 5th gen at 1300-1400. Many others with your year bike like a slightly higher RPM at idle as well.

    Talk to us about the tires. Are they old? What brand? These VFRs are heavy girls, and proper tires (and suspension) can make all the difference in the world with the turn in.

    Get your recall done. What else to look for? These bikes are notorious for R/R failures. This is a fact. There's at least one post a day here if not more about charging/electrical/stator etc. issues. Here's a link that you should read. Pay specific attention to post #9, and for your own good, do "the Drill" NOW. And then solder the 3 yellow wires from the stator to the R/R. Trust us on this one.
    http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/39277-How-to-fix-common-regulator-Stator-failures

    Let us know if you have any questions. We're here to help. Give it a little time, and you'll make this bike fit you.
     
  10. Expvet

    Expvet New Member

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    Hi, I am in NYC also (Brooklyn) with a 2006 VFR. To answer some questions,
    The VFR is heavier than most bikes. It is a Sport-Tourer and so is not as stripped down as pure sportbikesbikes making manuvering not as nimble. But it is well balanced, solidly built and has a higher build quality than most. It takes a little getting used to especially with slow speed city riding, but I have found it handles our rough streets with a plush ride that other bikes don't have.
    In hot weather stop and go traffic the temperature will stay above 200 and drift into the 220s. As long you hear the fan on it should not get past 220. I changed my coolant to Engine Ice and it improved things a bit. Temps are a lower by a few degrees but more importantly it cools down quicker when you start moving.
    Definately check for the recall and also do search here or on VFRD for RR/Stator check. It will show you the connectors you should check for any melting or heat damage.
    The best frame sliders I have seen are r&g frame sliders but they require you drill a hole in the fairing and use a different coolant resevoir bottle they provide. All the others I have seen mount to areas on the bike that either will not hold up or worse result in frame damage. I ride without any for now.
    That click you hear may be from a flapper valve that is on top of the airbox right under the tank. It opens and closes when idling based on a vacume hose and is not really needed (pollution control junk). Do a search for PAIR/Flapper valve disableing and it will show you these 2 mods. I disabled both on my bike.
    Rattling is usually loose bolts or screws. You can download a manual on VFRD. It is always good to take the fairings off and give a once over to confirm all is as should be.
    As for the bike shutting down, I would first check the air box and filter. Could be a dirty air filter. Some people have reported mice and such building nests and blocking airflow. A couple of treatments of injector cleaner such as Seafoam is also a good idea since you do not know how long the bike has sat and if there is any ethanol clogging.
    Hope this helps.
     
  11. Jeff_Barrett

    Jeff_Barrett Member

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    1. It's very comfortable for me, but I'm almost 6'. I felt the same in the beginning but I learned to adjust my posture on the bike accordingly and put on a set of ConvertiBars. What a difference. I can ride all day. What risers do you have? You may need a set with more adjustability.

    2. That's about right. The manual states ~1200 .. mine sits at about 1100 when warmed up.

    3. On the highway, I usually sit around 85*C. In town I can get up to 120*C but usually sit around 105-110*C.

    4. Someone else posted the recall site already. First thing I did when I got mine was run a new set of wires from the battery to the R/R and replace all the connectors with something more beefy. It improved my charging significantly (~14.2V solid vs. 13.5-13.8V fluctuating). The stator and R/R are the weak areas on this bike, particularly the wiring itself. I also replaced the crappy little wire on the main fuse next to the battery. It's undersized and cooks on most VFRs.

    5. I'm running the Givi touring windscreen and love it. You may also want to look at the MRA X-creen for additional protection / deflection.

    6. Can't help you here. I don't use sliders. I like to keep my bike upright. I also have hard luggage on the sides and a trunk so sliders are useless for me. ;)

    7. How many miles on this bike? Might be nothing, might be the valves in need of adjustment ... ??? Do you hear it? can you feel where it's coming from?

    8. No idea. I don't get this myself ... try seeing if the screws are all tightened to spec on the windscreen and front clip.

    9. My '02 VFR turns like the champ and holds a line like nobody's business. What tires are you running? If you let go of the handlebars at low speed, do they wobble but at high speed are stable?

    10. I don't have this problem at all. Almost sounds like the bike is flooding or the O2 sensor is getting incorrect readings. Maybe check the PAIR valves or remove them all together if you're not in California? Could be low idle RPM as well.
     
  12. Darth Vader

    Darth Vader New Member

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    I've got a honda cbf250 and after I've thrashed it the exhaust makes a clicking sound as it cools.
    Very strange noise and I wondered what it was at first.Could this be the noise you're hearing ?
     
  13. TNRabbit

    TNRabbit New Member

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    Another possibility for the sluggish handling is worn steering head bearings.
     
  14. Vinman

    Vinman New Member

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    The good news is that at 7000 miles your hard steerIng probably isn't worn out suspension or bearings.
    Have you fiddled with the suspension settings? That made a huge difference for me.
     
  15. Veefer Madness

    Veefer Madness New Member

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    I bought a 2002 one year ago with 22,000 km and it now has 30 something. (I have two bikes.)

    I won't address all your points but I am 5' 10" and my wrists are much happier with Genmar risers than they were with the stock set up. By far the biggest difference you can make with these bikes (IMHO) is getting good tires mounted. I ran shitty tires for 3,000 km and could kick myself for doing so. PR4's. ASAP. Don't judge this bike until you've ridden it with good tires.
     
  16. lyushka

    lyushka New Member

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    Well, you guys helped me out. To update my post a little bit:

    - I set my idle up to ~1250 and the bike no longer turns off from a significant RPM drop.

    - I'm getting a bit more used to the weight and am able to maneuver the bike much more effortlessly.

    - Checked the R&G frame sliders and they're $230 :( While that to me is a worthwhile investment, it's a bit on the pricey side.

    - Lots of traffic and hot weather in NYC lately. The bike temp gets up to 233F. Is this ok?

    - A big problem I'm noticing is city gas mileage. I'm getting an average of 26mpg and that seems really low to me. I'm going to change all of the fluids and give the bike a seafoam treatment.

    - Haven't had a chance to look at the recall status yet but I'm going to call a Honda dealership on a weekday.

    - I'm not too happy with what happens at 7000rpm when vtec kicks in. It's a really harsh sound and there's a flat spot in the powerband. I read somewhere that there's an ECU flash for this or something?


    Other than that I've been pretty darn happy with the bike! It's a smooth ride. Big thanks to all of you with the great replies!
     
  17. 02 VFR Rider

    02 VFR Rider New Member

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    to make it handle better add a 3/8" tail riser and raise forks 1/4" in triple tree, should get you where you want to be.:vtr2:
     
  18. Jeff_Barrett

    Jeff_Barrett Member

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    Glad to hear you're working through things!

    233F (111C) is just fine ... when you get to / above 248F (120C) then you may want to look at your thermostat and fan. Your light will come on if the temp gets out of control as well - at which time, shut down and figure out what's going on.

    26MPG? Ouch ... what RPM range are you riding in? The engine gets REAL thirsty when the VTEC opens up all 4 valves per cylinder.

    Regarding the VTEC kicking in ... it's a lot better if you roll the throttle on smooth, if you slam the throttle it's way more harsh. That said if you do the following mods it helps a crazy amount:

    1. PAIR Valve Removal / Block off Plates
    2. Snorkel Removal
    3. Flapper Mod (keeps it open)

    All of these are easily reversible and smooth the throttle out beautifully. The other options is paying out the big bucks for a Power Commander - I don't feel it's necessary.
     
  19. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    Heli bars
    Lust racing triangles
    Seat shaved between thighs
    Recall
    Flush all fluids and change fork oil.
    How old are the tires?
    I'm 5'6 and the bike (02) fits me perfect after said changes, remember use your stomach muscles and no slouching. ...that will keep weight off of your wrist.
    MTC......enjoy and ATGATT
     
  20. lyushka

    lyushka New Member

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    I barely hit VTEC. I find that the engine has enough torque to roll around under 6k rpm most of the time. And my throttle roll on is always smooth, it's just that hovering at 7k rpm gives me a sound I really don't like haha. But I'll look into the things you said. Thanks!
     
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