First Time Street Rider

Hey everybody!

I decided to join this forum because I have just acquired a 1999 VFR800. It's not up and running at the moment but it hopefully will be soon. I wanted to learn a lot more about the bike and how to fix issues with it and I thought this forum would be a great start.

I live in the beautiful mountains of Utah where the weather does as it pleases. I am new to street riding and if you guys have any tips or tricks regarding the bike I would be happy to receive them. I have ridden dirt bikes in the past and those are what I started on so I am not familiar with heavier bikes. Several of my work friends bike so I wanted to try it out and ride with them. I am super excited to ride and excited to get this VFR up and running.

Thanks everyone!

Nick

 

Congrats Nick. Pictures would be a plus. You have a member that go's by bubba out your way.
This is the right place to be at to learn everything VFR.
Glad ya found us


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Welcome to The World! These bikes can be a little finicky, particularly with the electrical wiring but there are plenty of post on the forum about what you can and should do about it. Flush/fill all of the fluids and give the wiring a good once over would be a good start.

Once you start your project, it would be best to post up any questions in a separate post versus tagging them along in this one. Hope your project is successful and good luck!

 

A big welcome to you, and I like your choice of VFR!

If I were you, the first thing (other than working on the bike) that I would do, is find a riding school and sign up.
You will not only gain knowledge, but also confidence on the road.

Post some pictures, and keep us updated on repairs and /or maintenance.
What do you need to do to get it running?

 

Going over the areas suggested if the bike isn't currently in running order is great advice.. Riding schools are too. A good way to get started in street riding is to take the MSF Course (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) The instructors are all experienced riders. The curriculum is based on fundamentals. In some states taking the course can save you a few pesos on insurance and possibly having to take the required endorsement test by your state's DMV.

Some MSF schools even provide bikes..

Pix of your bike are not mandatory especially if it ain't running. Most dudes here like pix of scantily dressed chicas with big tits..

 

Thanks everyone! I will be taking the advanced safety class in the near future. As of right now I don't have the bike. I have to pick it up from my in-laws. So we will see what it needs in the future. My wifes brother is moving and has a ducati and the VFR and he asked if I would like to have it and of course I said Absolutely! I am super excited to get working on it and to have it. I did not know there was such a huge fan base for the VFRs. This is really awesome.

 

If you don't already fully understand the physics of counter steering, please learn it! You will have a lot more mass with you and the VFR, understand how much longer it is going to take to you to stop safely. Take the MSF courses, if you have your motorcycle license great, if you have to take riding test, do it on a dirt bike or something a lot smaller than the VFR! Good luck and welcome to VFRW.

 

Welcome welcome welcome to the VFR hook. Not much to add to all that suburb advise. We'll be keeping an eye out for your photos of said beast. You got a good one there, 5th gens as we call em are IMO the best of the best especially the 98-99s

 

Hi Nick and Welcome to the MadHouse:welcome:

It sounds like you have a very generous brother in law as 5th Gens are among the most sought after VFR models.

When you get a chance you might want to update your forum profile (Forum Actions + Edit Profile) to include the specs of your VFR and an approximate location city/town is plenty - that way if you need help you may find someone living nearby is willing to swing by and offer advice especially if you have a well stocked beer fridge.

:focus:

As you say the bike is a non-runner I would try and find out as much as possible why? If its been parked for more than a year please do not attempt to start it until you have checked the state of the fuel and looked for any signs of rust in the petrol tank. There have been several instances where people managed to fire up a long parked bike only to distribute crap fuel and rust throughout the fuel system requiring expensive clean out and repair.

If you cannot ascertain when it last ran - assume the worse. In addition to a basic oils and filters service (but please don't be tempted to use a K&N oil filter!), remove and drain the tank - if there is obvious rust get that cleared and treated (there are how to's on here). Then as far as possible clean through the fuel system. Refill with decent fresh petrol - if you have the option avoid fuel with ethanol - as it slowly eats flexible fuel lines.

Remember that bike is about 18 years old so it is worth giving the bike a thorough check over - you don't want to find out about defective brakes or tyres(tires) whilst riding at speed.

Take care and keep us posted and we would love to see some photos once the VFR arrives.




SkiMad

 

Thank you! The bike will be checked thoroughly over. My father said they used to fill the gas tank with small nuts and then shake it and that cleans it really well. If you have any other idea then that would be great. The more I read up on the VFR the more excited I get to ride it!

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

You might want to read this thread..

http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthre...Rust-from-the-inside-of-Fuel-Tank-Walkthrough



SkiMad

 

I have used Kreem in an old RD 350 that worked very nicely.

http://www.kreem.com/fueltankliner.html

 

I just picked up the bike last night and took some pics. It will need some TLC for sure.