Just bought a VFR 800 as my first bike. What are things I need to do?

Hey guys!

I got a really cheap one, with no service history, 80k km. So I'm a bit anxious about needing to check that everything is okay.

The seller said the light switch was a bit slow sometimes, but that I just needed to spray something on the cables.
He also said I needed to bleed the back brakes.
Except for that, I was told everything is fine.


I've downloaded the service manual, but that's a really long document, and I want to know what to proritize.

Riding the bike, it's awesome! I really enjoy it!

I have however noticed some things.

I feel a lot of heat coming from behind my legs. So my legs get a bit warm. Even the fuel tank gets warm.
The bike thermometer shows a maximum of 105 C, From googling, that seems to be within normal range of operation.

The other thing I notice is that when I'm going slow, practicing figure 8s, after a relatively short while, the clutch handle starts feeling weird. Kinda like I'm straining the bike, and it's not as responsive or not as smooth?
And it feels like the front tire is low on tire pressure, but when I touch it, it feels fine.

As I got this one cheap I'm expecting to have to do some work on it, so I don't mind that.

 

Sounds like changing the fluids including bleeding the brakes and clutch is a good place to start. The service manual gives the process, also great threads on here and "the other site"
Check the tires with a pressure guage and see how they are doing... also the date codes on the tires (google if you need info) to see how old they are, generally speaking its said that after 5 years the tire starts to harden and you can consider replacing. If you're not sure, post some pics and perhaps we can help.
Read through some of the 5th gen forums and see common troubleshooting on this bike... you may want to check your grounds and electrics as some of those can be known failure points. If you're not going to ride daily, consider a battery tender to keep the battery charged up and ready to go. If the bike is unknown personally I'd pull the battery and have a look at it just to make sure its not leaking or swollen or just looking like it needs to be replaced

Also - take a look INSIDE the gas tank, look for rust. If there is any, search on what to do. If not, good to go... simply recommending this based on the age of the bike (I have a 98 with a rotted out tank I need to replace, and also my 02 just sprung a pinhole leak in its tank)... they are getting to that age especially if they've lived outdoors.

Most important- ride it and enjoy! Great bikes, lots of info online as VFR's were manufactured for >25 years... and GREAT people on these forums who are willing to help!

 

If it were me, I'd go over every system, even at a superficial level. Truly, it wouldn't take you too long. things at top of mind for me are:

Charging system

Braking system

Drive system (chain/sprockets/tires)

Cooling system

Fuel system (tank for rust, mainly)

Air intake (box/snout/filter)

Bearings (wheel, steering, etc.)

Clean up the paint with a claybar and 2 coats of real wax...and ride it!

 

On an unknown bike I would always change out the spark plugs, check the air filter, replace the oil and filter and the coolant. Then suck out the contents of the master cylinders for the front and rear brake and the clutch, mop out any grunge, refill with fresh clean DOT4 and give all the systems a good flush until fresh clean fluid apprears at the bleed nipples.
The VFR does have linked brakes and there is a specific bleeding sequence that you NEED to follow (read the manual).
Check the secondary master cylinder on the left fork leg works properly; with the bike on the sidestand push the left calliper forward to activate the master, this should lock the rear wheel, and release the wheel when you let go of the calliper.
The alternator connector plug (3 yellow wires, on the left side below the seat) is a weak point that gets wet, corrodes, overheats and then melts. Check yours for any signs of trouble and clean and seal with some dielectric grease, if its really melted cut the plug out and solder the wires and wrap in heat shrink. Put a voltmeter across the battery terminals and check the charging voltage while running, should be 13.5-14.5V.

 

Thanks for great advice everyone!
It feels great to be a part of this community!

@rhoderage is the other site vfrdiscussion?

 

yep