Getting gifted a VERY low mile bike that hasn't been rode in years

So my uncle has decided to just give me his 98 VFR after annoying him for a decade of trying to buy it after he quit riding. It only has 6500 miles on it and has been garage kept since he got it new. It's in pristine condition but seeing as it hasn't been drove in yearsss but was atleast started n brought to temp once a month what kind of mechanical/electrical issues should I be looking for? I know the basic fluid flush, tires, brakes etc but any small issues I should be worried about?

 

ELECTRICKS !

make sure the battery is getting charged while youre riding

flush out the fuel tank with fresh gas

 

Oh brother...why people have to run them every month is beyond me.

Just go through the systems like normal. Fuel...get whatever is in there ALL out of there.

Charging system.

I'd surely do coolant flush, brake systems flush and full check (mostly for goo in there).

Tires...

Chain thorough clean and coat, then adjust.

If you're going to keep it, start hunting down useful parts if they aren't already on there. Seat. Luggage rack. Helibars/police kit. Voltmeter. The usual.

If you have the dosh...address the suspension, which is pretty sucky stock.

 

I'd be most concerned about the tyres (old/hard) and fork seals (probably going to leak from lack of use). After that the brake reservoirs should be sucked clean and any grunge mopped out. Then flush lots of clean fluid through.

Make sure the secondary master cylinder on the left fork leg is moving freely. If you push this hard forward (just a few mm) it should lock the rear wheel, then release nicely when you let off. If that seizes up it can lock the wheel while riding.

 

Attached very comprehensive list, is for ST1300 but 95% applies to VFR800.
As a MINIMUM
Flush all brake lines and check SMC operation.
Check all pistons moving on brake calipers
Flush clutch line and check free movement of operating rod.
Flush coolant
Replace oil & filter
Check for fork oil leakage
Check chain for stiff links. Replace / lubricate as required
Replace tyres
Fit a voltage display as these bikes are prone to Regulator / Rectifier failure even at low mileages
Check horn

 

It can be tedious to squeeze and hold the caliper, and roll the rear wheel. I know that my newish Dunlop rear tire doesn't 100% clear the ground when on the center stand. You can put the center stand on a piece of plywood or similar to remedy this.

Additionally, you may not have a large enough wingspan or hand strength to work both ends of this job. An easy solution is to use a simple clamp. Bar on the bottom. Small end on the front of the fork tube. Adjustable larger end on the back of the caliper section that moves (to push it forward and activate the rear caliper).



When activated, rear wheel should not be able to move. Once you release the clamp, ensure the rear wheel moves completely freely.

 

Yeah... the issue of NO PICTURES!!! You had one chance to put a pic in your first post. Shame.

But congrats!!!

 

Here's a lovely 5th gen to whet your appetites. I'm just back from a cracking Spring ride of about 360km, which was very fine indeed (and not just the weather).

 

Very tidy looking.

 

Don't assume low mileage equals no regulator / rectifier issues.

Fixed one recently that had just over 6,000 miles on clock.

 

A 1998 with that low miles might have the original Regulator in there. It probably didn't even get a chance to have the Honda upgraded chunky SH689 installed. If it still has the slimmer original regulator (SH579?), that should be treated like a cancerous tumor and removed ASAP. Put in a good modern MOSFET or if you really want to keep the OEM stator in good shape for a long time, a Series regulator like the SH847 which has the ability to actually cut stator output instead of shorting excess to ground. And get rid of the high voltage plug (3 yellow wires) between the regulator and stator before it melts into a block of molten plastic. There's different options between direct soldering with marine heat shrink, or sealed connectors.

https://www.vfrdiscussion.com/index.php?/forums/topic/88542-charging-system-performance-upgrade/