When looking at a used VFR800, is there an effective way to discern the condition of the collector box? I presume they rust from the inside out. Is the best barometer for collector box life, mileage? If so, any general rule of thumb in terms of mileage when replacement may be required? Thanks, George VFR Shopping
VFR800's don't have a collector box. Last ones that did were the 1993 models. 1998-1999 800s have tubular headers with no collector box to speak of (like the 1983-85 VF series or the 1990-93 VFR series). 2000-present VFR800s have catalytic converters which have a bit of a bulge where the catalyst resides. But still no collector box proper.
Oh, and as far as the pipes rotting out, about the only cases I've heard of that is in the UK, where the riders tend to ride year-round through crappy wintry weather and the headers rust out. Haven't heard of any seasonal north american riders haveing this problem though.
Thanks a lot guys. Sorry for the rookie question. I couldn't find anything doing a search and yet read a report of a collector box rotting out...must have been a pre-1994 VFR as mentioned. Thanks again, George Pic below of the collector box attached to four header pipes:
