what did you do to your vfr today?

As far as tires go, each manufacturer has their own classifications as to where they fit in to road use. Being that many of us use the VFR as a sport-tourer, many will chose a tire in this genre. For Michelin, this would be the Pilot Road series, Pirelli it's the Angel series, Dunlop it's the Roadsmart series and Bridgestone it's the BT series. For the more sport oriented tires, the Pilot Power is Michelin's, Pirelli it's the Diablo, Dunlop it's the Sportmax series and Bridgestone it's the "S" series. I hope this helps.


Michelin Motorcycle Tires
Pirell Motorcycle Tires
Bridgestone Motorcycle Tires
Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

 

I prefer stick to longevity as well, and I've run the Michelin Pilot Power 3 (PP3), the Bridgestone S20 Evo (now discontinued), and the Bridgestone S21 on my 2014 VFR. The PP3 is a great tire, but toward the end of life, they get a little greasy, I've had the rear spin up pretty easy on these once I got close to the wear bars. I loved the S20 Evo, but I lost the receipt, so I can't say how many miles I put on them; it's in the 3000 mile range though. I recorded the mileage when I spooned on the S21, and this tire is every bit as good as the first two, maybe better in terms of grip. How long it lasts is still a question.

On a side note, if you've only run the OEM tires on your 8th gen, you are in for a treat. The OEM Dunlops are horrible. If you go with a sport tire such as the S21, PP3, or comparable from Pirelli, Metzeler, Continental, It will change the way your bike handles in a profound way. I thought the VFR was a slow boat, and honestly thought I'd made a huge mistake in buying it until I switched tires. The PP3s put my mind at ease, and the S20Evo, and S21 confirmed the VFR was the right choice for me after all.

 

Bridgestone also added the Battleaxe "T" series to the Sport Touring Category (T30 EVO). It's fairly new to the lineup, but the BT-023 has been around a long while. Similar to the Pilot Road series. I've never used them, but know many that have. I have run the Pilot Road 2, but I like the feel of the sportier tire better, and my life doesn't allow me the long trips that would make the Pilot Road series worth it for me.

 

YES! This is where I was at the ride prior to Palomar. Then in the one corner on the way up the mountain they made themselves known again, that it was getting time to change them, I took it slow after that. I typically haven't minded this too much as I am typically well beyond most of my riding buddies tire mileage anyway.

 

I just double checked the mileage on my S21s. They only have 800 miles on them, but you can still see the logo in the tread, and it's not like I baby them. I've only commuted on them once, about 50 miles, the remainder is all twisties.

 

The Puzzle

Got the motor on the Bike Stand.
The Puzzle was to get the Frame fit'd over the motor, Much easier than trying to fit the motor into the Frame.


Parts are Sand Blast'd and Painted.


Assembling the Wiring Harness, found a broken wire behind the Fuse Panel.

Gotta check everything.

Now standing on its own 2 wheels.


Lots of little jobs along the way now. Everything being assembled with AntiSieze Moly Coating.
So far everything fits properly, so nothing looks bent.
Front Forks are a task unto themselves and will rebuild them next year,,.. always a rush before Winter.

 

Took my VFR chasing the Northern Lights tonight!

 

Thanks. You need to get up here and see them first hand.

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Quick question on 2009 VFR's. Did they still have the same RR and wiring problems that plagued older 6th gens? I think I have only around 12k on it but have never checked on the wiring, RR and stator.

 

In my thinking there wasn't really IMO a wiring problem per say, some will probably argue that, But as it was the plug connection corrosion making poor contact and the trickle down effect it caused. Clean connection, no problem. Biggest culprit is water, so if it's been dry no worries to a point. So, this also has me asking, I know you like to type, so do I, but why haven't you looked to see how it is? If I read it right you're wondering if the 09 had a factory fix, I don't think so.

 

Mine did! The stator and RR connector melted and the stator was pretty much toasted at ~40k miles.

 

On Sunday I took a pic of Skimads.... With added cuteness..lol

Shelby Shoot-4 by Pete Smith, on Flickr

 

Its been on my list to check it for some time. Having 5 bikes that list can be long. And I have been doing maintenance on the boat lately and not bikes. Salt water is a pain. I keep all the bikes in great shape and clean.
Thanks

 

I did the pair-valve, flapper and snorkel mod today. Thanks Jeff_Barrett for the advise I needed when I got stuck! Changed my air filter while I was at it. Hopefully I'll get a test-ride in this afternoon.



On the subject of USB outlets, I bought this X-Grip on eBay for $15 (including shipping). It has a built in USB outlet...guess I should have installed this while I was doing the other mods. Oh well, maybe in a few days!



Here is a link to an eBay auction for one of these: Click Here

 

Looks awesome, Rusty!! Good work!!

I've got the X-Grip on my bike and love it. Wish I had known they came with a USB port built in or I would have gotten that one.

How does it ride now?

 

Drained the radiator fluid (more like muck) last night. Took 5 complete fill, run, cool, drain until the water came out clear. Going to drain it once more tonight and refill with water and wetter

 

Just back from a 50 miles ride. If you're thinking about the pair & flapper mod, don't expect the sun to shine down on you and angels are not going to sing, BUT the throttle is lot less jerky on the lower end and I don't hear the gurgling sound any more. If you have time to do this mod, I think it's worth it and it's cheap!

 

Bang on with my thoughts, ictghost!

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