3rd Gen purchase advice...many questions

Hello

Currently I am looking at a 3rd Gen 1992 VFR and have some questions for the experts.

Any particular area I should be looking for stress cracks on the plastics? I know my current Honda (non VFR) is bad around the side panels?

I’ll check the tank for rust, any area on the tank that they usually go or show signs of it? Looking through the fill hole hasn’t shown any.

Bike has had the R/R replaced and the stator shortly after… Is this a sign of bigger electrical problems (Run Away)? I’ll check it with a volt meter beyond that what should I look for?

The Bike has around 30K on it… I suspect the VFR’s are good for 60 to 80K?

On a non technical side how are the 3rd Gens for comfort and wind protection on cold days (mid 30’s to low 40’s)? It would be my commuting vehicle and maybe a few 400 – 500 Mile weekends a summer. Are they hard on the wrists and knees for an old guy like me 45yrs 6’ 200lbs with a 32” inseam.

I’m not big into speed, but sure like the sound and look of the Gear driven VFR’s. Other bikes I have been looking at are 1st Gen Connies (great support group), ST1100’s – but I am now thinking they maybe too big and heavy for what I need. I also looked at some 750 - 800cc cruisers but people seem to be looking for something larger soon after they purchase them. I’m thinking a VFR may be a good alternative?

Thanks

 

My 3rd gen has a couple of cracks on the fairing under the tank where there are two vents. I haven't seen anything other than that. Also, I have seen no signs of rust.

As soon as I purchased my bike, the r/r went out. VFRs are known for there weak r/r, so i replaced it with one from a newer f4i. 10,000 later and no problems since. The stock r/r was small and did a bad job of shedding heat. The F4i r/r had cooling fins and has a larger housing.

The bike does a pretty good job of shielding the wind. I've gone 400 miles with a passenger with only minor discomfort. They are definitely more upright and comfortable than any new sport bike i have ever ridden, though my knees and wrists are only 24 years old.:biggrin:

The gear driven cams sound great, couple that with a full exhaust and you have a sweet sounding bike.

 

Thanks,

I ended up purchasing a 91. Got it tore apart now and going through it before I put it on the road. Going to put a new chain and sprockets on it as they are done. Change all the fluids, check the valve clearance etc...

The R/R and Stator have been replaced on it but who ever did it did bad work. Just crimp connectors so I am going to solder them. I am looking at replacing the R/R with one from a GSXR as they seem to be getting good reviews, and it should give me some piece of mind.

The R/R in it is showing signs of melting behind the top 3 blades is this common and a sign of bad things to come? Tested it and it is providing 14 volt or so at about 4K RPM.

 

14v is ok. Though it should be putting out 14.8v at 5k rpms standard.
If connections are melting some it could be bad soon.
Its overheated to the point of slightly melting, its probably not providing a good enough connection for the circuit and sounda like its undercharging a bit.
I would at least swap out the connections and wiring soon, excessive heat and undercharging can produce bad results over time...might even fry our staor and battery if not properly fixed.

I also purchased a GSXR R/R and it works great. connections all line up nicely with minimal mods. Any R/R from a GSXR 02-05 (I believe) will work dispalcement doesnt matter 600, 750, 1000. All the same.

Wires go- Suzuki b/w to Honda g (neg.)
Suzuki b/r to Honda r (pos.)
3 Suzuki blk to Honda y (Stator wires)

I'd also consider beefing up your wires. Honda skimped on this. 16g I think.
I replaced all wiring with 10-12g providing a larger channel for voltage.

from the stator plug- 10-12g yellow back to R/R
from Starter Solnd.- 10-12g red to R/R
from ground on R/R side - 10-12g black to R/R

Added additional 10-12g ground wire from battery to point on starter.

You'll read a lot of threads on this if you just type in R/R fix or something similar when searching the threads.
Good luck with the bike.

-S

 

You read my mind,

I went 12G all the way around, but didn't think of the additional 12g to the starter, I'll do that also.

Only the Stator connectors at the R/R seem to be showing signs of melting (Photo attached).

A friend has a working used late 90's GSXR R/R it is 5 wire and it looks similar to the 02-05 version, do you think it would work?

The valve check looks like it is going to be a job, a lot of hardware to remove to get to the front valve cover.

First impression is the V4 is a PITA to do a valve check on compaired to the inline bikes I've owned. I'm hoping to find them all in spec. from what I've read seems like they don't change much over time so I shouldn't have to look at them for a while.

Anything I'm missing off my list.

Drain Coolant
Drain Oil
Check Valve clearance
Fresh Coolant
Fresh Oil and filter
Flush brake and clutch fluid with fresh DOT 4
Replace R/R with Suzuki unit as per your wiring instructions - (use the honda unit as a spare)
Install new chain and sprokets
Reinstall tupperware
Ride :smile:


Thanks for help.

 

Yeah, that R/R is ready to cook a battery...

 

Well...

Let's see some pics of it.hoto:

 

It's in pieces at the moment, but attached is as it was when I got it home. I want to put a new windscreen on it, preferably a taller more touring oriented one... not finding many for the 3rd gen's, any suggestions?

 

Mier sells them for the 3rd Gen.

Google their website, should pop right up.
Its slightly taller and has the lip on top for touring.

I just sprayed and cleared the inside of mine to give it the blacked out look.
This way it didnt mess with the integrety of the outside portion of the screen or the honda logo.
Looks good actually.

 

http://www.maier-mfg.com/

 

I looked on Maier's site they don't list anything for the 3rd gen?

 

I want one as well but most 3rd gen stuff is either discontinued or very hard to find,at least in Canada.I've always loved the style but parts are a pain.I looked and waited for 2 years for a high mount pipe or a left side pipe and finally bit the bullit and modded up a Staintune from a 4th gen on mine.I like the gold rims on yours,white shows dirt i one short ride

 

CHECKING valve clearances
is EASY on rear cylinders.
EASY on front cylinders after radiator is removed,
and radiator is EASY to remove.

 

Try Ebay ,I think they are tinted

 

It looks like TwistedThrottle has touring style screens from Givi and MRA, I'll have to do some surfing of the forum to see what is prefered as they are about the same price. How is TwistedThrottle to deal with?

Most of the work is done

Valves Checked - all in spec and good for 16K Miles.

New Chain and sprocket installed.

New to me GSXR 600 R/R installed and all rewired with 10 and 12 Ga now getting 14.7 to 15 Volts at idle. Hmm... would putting a fan on it be overkill?

Fresh coolant, oil and filter.

The gold rims are nice but white sure look nice when they are clean.

Getting close to riding.