My first VFR. 1 week in. Pics and Problems

First...props to RVFR for being a stand-out guy. Always available to answer questions either over the phone, or on the forums. Also many thanks to VT_Viffer, Bubba and Naked_VFR for helping me with my Omhs reading skills.

Anyway, as most of you know, I purchased the bike Thursday week ago, and have already put about 1000 miles on it. While the weather has been sunny, every spare moment has been spent not working, but riding. A tad chilly at times, however I love this bike. Fast, smooth. Ok..i am preaching to the choir.

I purchased the bike in Oregon, about 30 miles from Portland, and set off back up I-5 north around 2pm on Thursday. My first experience of freeway riding was interesting. I basically felt like a sail, until I was comfortable hugging the tank.

Stayed in Seattle that night, and took off for Vancouver the following morning. Bolted up I-5, got across the border (I am a Seattle resident, living in Canada 6 months, every year), and then got stuck in brutal traffic. Stop and go for a good hour, then the bike decides to quit on me....doesnt fire back up. I was like WTF. Fortunately, my friend was driving my car up from Seattle, so for a second there, I felt like a Tour rider giving the mechanical signal to my crew. I called the previous owner, and he didnt know what the problem was specifically, however he listed off 4 different things....none of which were any help to me...right at that time. Pushed the bike to a freeway off-ramp, and found a shell station. Called RVFR on the phone, which turned out to be one of the more constructive phone calls I have made all year. His first words of many were "R/R". Fortunately, his saving grace of jump starting the bike worked on the 3rd push on flat ground, and I was off, hauling ass up the emergency lane, passing peak our traffic. 3 hours later, 4 more jumps starts, and pushing it the final 20 blocks along the footpath, I made it to my destination.

After some troubleshooting, and a $20 coffee pot donation to Honda Vancouver coffee fund, I realized I was sold the bike with a bad R/R and the replacement offered by the previous owner was also bad. I was only pulling about 12.2v all the way up to 5000. Not good.

So I called Ricks and got one of their badboys. First, the service I received from Ricks, was outstanding. I called at 2pm EST, and had the part in Vancouver (Canada) the next day by around 4pm PST. It was sent 1-3 day USPS international for $41. I was super excited, considering I received it the next day. Ricks is top notch. Highly recommended. I cant remember the ladies name, however she called back when she said she would call back, and they made a special trip to the post office, just to get this off. They have earned my business.

I didnt take pics of the Ricks unit, however its about 40% bigger than the oem Honda (1996) unit. Massive fins, and has a nifty rubber/silicone type backing that covers 90% of the underside, to provide better heat transfer. I used some Arctic grease on the other 10% and mounted it up. For those that want to put a Ricks, R/R on a 96, you need to purchase bolts that are about an inch longer than what came with your bike. I think its about 2" bolt in length, and a M6 thread. Screwed right in with a 10mm rachet.

Got her mounted up, and what do you know.....14.2v at idle.

Over the next couple of riding days and consistent testing and re-testing, I realized the battery was being charged, however my 14.2 at idle was not as consistent. Its more like 14.2 at 1400rpm. If my idle dips into the 1000-1300rpm area, I am only pulling about 12.6...however once the throttle is touched, and it gets to 1400-1500 she is back pulling 14.2v. I have been monitoring the idle at traffic lights, and she usually idles right at 1400 anyway, so I think I am good to go. Rev the bike up through 5000 and she pulls a consistent 13.9-14.0. Had the battery tested both by Honda and a different battery store, and it is in very good condition. I might replace the stator or battery or both in the near future. When I originally had the bike looked at, by Honda they said 90% its an R/R. However I dont think they tested the stator. Thoughts and suggestions are welcome here.

Anyway, took some pics yesterday and today, riding around the Vancouver area. Enjoy.


QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK



SUNSET BEACH



SUNSET BEACH2



STANLEY PARK



STANLEY PARK 2



STANLEY PARK 3

 

Powder, Nice avitar

If your back to the states during the spring/summer. I'm looking to ride with other VFR owners. (my VFR will be out of service for a few months for a paint job).

Great photos.

Mike

 

Sweet, man you have photo skills too. Nice, boy does that bike look familiar..

This one is a Calender shot if you ask me

 

Thanks J. I liked how it turned out also, however the bike needed to be lit more. A remote flash would have worked wonders there. I guess thats as good as I get with a cheap $300 point and shoot. Next time I will take out the 1DMarkII with a nice L lens, which produces results like this...

STANLEY PARK



SEATTLE SKYLINE



CHEAKAMOUS CANYONS - On the way to Whistler

 

Actually I like it because of that, gives it a dark mysterious look to it.

Dude does have photo skills doesn't he.

 

Glad to help. Make a slow day at work go by that much faster.

Excellent pictures! Thanks for sharing.

 

Powderreccon. Recognised all the places in Vancouver. You sure covered the bases, well done. Now if we could just keep the sunshine you lucked out with.

 

What is a R/R, is that a Voltage rectifier? thanks.

 

Gorgeous bike, but get that helmet OFF the ground! Bad joojoo brother.

 

What year of bike is this? It looks great!

 

That's strange. I was always told to put it on the ground as it can't fall any further and get dammaged!

 

That be an excellent example of a 4th generation VFR 750

Ha, I agree some what. I never really feel comfortable leaving a helmet on the bike, I don't do the mirror thing either, nor lock it to the bike use the factory helmet latch, I will put my gloves under neath when on the ground when I'm close by enough to keep an eye on it. If I'm shopping, etc. I pack it.

 

Story with a happy ending is always good - great pics of the bike!

 

Um... new to the VFR?:doh:

 

Thanks Powder!

You have a couple PM's waiting about your stator.

BZ

 

Just being nosy! Has someone had problems with a stator on their VFR. Its just that I have a friend whose stator burnt out on a 3 year old VFR VTec with 11.000 miles on it leaving him with a bill for £460 (over $900). Honda UK didn't want to know.

 

David:

Yes, Vman38 and I had problems. Mine was partially fried. It charged some, but not to the level it was supposed too!

I can't remember what vman's problem was...I think his bad RR took out the stator.

900 bucks!!!! Holy $@#*! An aftermarket stator from Ricks was like $130 and install was not that hard. Even at a dealer here in the US I can't imagine it being over $300.00?!?!?!

BZ

 

That's Rip-Off Britain for you! BTW petrol (gas) has just reached $2 a litre. ($7.60 a US Gal)

 

Almost 8 bucks a gallon!? Ouch!

BZ