'07 VFR 800A: Several Questions

I'm a 48 y.o. (187 lbs, 5' 9" tall) newbie who passed the Basic Rider Course in 6/06, after which I rode ~8000 miles on a used 2002 CB750 Night Hawk for the remainder of the 2006 riding season. In 2007 I purchased a new, '07, fully loaded BMW K1200GT, and I rode this bike ~13,500 miles until I had a low-side crash and totalled it in 11/07.

A few weeks ago I took delivery of a new Honda VFR 800A (with the optional Givi side-cases and top-case). So far I've rode the VFR ~850 miles, with my longest ride being a 200 mile foray into the twisty hills of SE Ohio. With this background in mind, I would like to ask the following questions:

1) Front suspension spring pre-load: Both of my bike's preload adjusters are set to what I believe is the standard setting(?). Both front-fork pre-load adjusters have their screwdriver slots (?) parallel with the long axis of the bike. The manual says to turn these adjusters clockwise in order to dial in a firmer ride. Questions: (a) In general, how far clockwise should they be turned in order to accomodate 1-up riding, no luggage; 1-up riding, with luggage; 2-up riding with a 125-140 lb. woman, no luggage; 2-up riding with a woman and luggage?

2) Rear suspension spring pre-load for ABS mode, which has an adjuster knob with 35 spring pre-load (click) positions: (Every 7 clicks from "zero" is equivalent to each of the 5 settings on the non-ABS bikes. 35/7 = 5. The knob on the ABS version allows for more precise adjustments). My question is much the same as my first one-- in general, what's the best rear pre-load setting for each of the scenarios mentioned above in my first question?

3) I've spent a considerable amount of time reviewing old threads concerning the newer VFR's suspension, and I was disheartened to learn that in general, this bike's stock suspension system is often not well regarded; and that the VFR was designed to acomodate a single rider weighing ~160 lbs! Huh? This bike is described by Honda as being a sport-touring motorcycle, and this implies that it should be well able to handle the added weight of a co-rider, luggage, etc. Have I made a big mistake by purchasing an '07 VFR for these reasons? After coming off of the BMW K1200GT, whose Paralever and Duolever suspensions are a dream, my VFR's suspension needs some help. (Yes, I've seen posts here which recommend new front springs and gold valves, Race Tech, Ohlins, Penske, etc. Tell me what you think I most need, and how much it will cost, with labor.)

4) The manual says that the first oil change should be at 600 miles. Unfortunately, I couldn't schedule the bike to be shopped for this work until 5/6/08, and meanwhile I've already put 850 miles on the bike. (I have added oil as per the manual.) My dealer is telling me to relax, that the oil filter will do it's job until I can have the bike serviced on 5/6, and that I should feel confident with continuing to ride it until then. Do you agree? (I often run the engine pretty briskly, with RPM's not infrequently tipping up into the 8000-9000 range for brief periods, and I've been regularly kicking in VTech from the get-go.) Should I be worried, and should I have the oil and filter changed ASAP?

5) The center-stand: So far I've found that I can't get the bike on it's center-stand without another person to help me and spot me so that the bike doesn't tip over to it's right side. This bike is very heavy (>550 lbs.) and I find it's center-stand mechansism to be miserable. Am I missing something here?

6) Tires: I've never liked Metzelers, and I don't care for the
Mez4's that came with this bike. I prefer Dunlop Qualifiers, and I would really like to try Michelin Road Pilots, as well as Michelin Power Pilots, but the VFR manual doesn't list Michelins among their 3 recommended tire brands. I want tires that stick well and quickly lock back up in gravel, etc. I'm less concerned about longevity and long tread wear than I am about adhesion. Which tires do you recommend most for riding the twisties, as wel as riding highways?

7) Aftermarket, slip-on exhaust cans: I'm interested in the best quality, lightweight slip-on exhaust cans (titanium? carbon fiber?) that will not make the bike sound significantly louder than the stock mufflers. Also, I'm looking for an aftermarket muffler that will fit seamlessly with the Givi side-cases and require little if any modifications to install. Any strong recommendations here? (Forget about Two Brothers, not interested.

Thanks for your help!

Kurt

 

1. Front preload should be set to yield about 35mm rider sag on a sport bike (which has 110-120mm total fork travel...so about 30-33% sag). Take that as an initial setting and work from there. Your preload will require adjusting for different "rider" weights...meaning 1up, 2up, 2up w/ luggage, etc... Since preload setting is dependent on weight, there is no single setting that anyone can tell you (unless they weigh the same and have the same exact suspension components). And even then, road conditions and riding style will further dictate the best settings for you.

2. Rear preload should be set to yield about 25mm rider sag. Same comments apply as with the front. Chances are you will not be able to dial in this amount of sag w/ stock equip for 2-up. You will have to make some compromise; I'd personally suggest getting a spring which will give you 1up sag when near the lighter side of preload adjustment. This will allow you to turn up preload for 2-up (although will likely not be ideal setting for 2-up). Ultimately will depend on which type of riding you do more of.

4. Eh, if it were me I'd change the oil asap. You've got an appt in 2 wks, thats fine. The reason you want to change it soon is that there can be metal filings left from engine assy and you want to get these out early.

5. Stand on left side of bike. Move bike upright while holding left grip w/ left hand and right hand on seat/tank/passenger grab bar. While holding upright, push the center stand down w/ your right foot until the stand feet touch the ground. Keep some pressure on it w/ your foot (if you move the bike slightly side-side you can get a feel for when both feet are touching). With your right hand, grab the passenger peg hanger. In 1 motion, pull up on the passenger peg hanger while pushing down with your right foot. Thats it...just push down hard w/ your leg while pulling the bike UP.

Chances are you're probably trying to rock the bike back onto the CS...that doesn't really work at all. The right method (above) is *very* easy to do. Search YouTube or this site...theres a couple videos on how to do it. I put mine on the CS every time I park it; its that easy.

6. I have stock tire on my VFR and they give a bit of head shake at 4.5k miles. Whether ultimately due to poor suspension or stem bearings...don't know. I really like the Pilot Powers (have them on another bike). I would think Pilot Roads would be perfect for the VFR.

7. Staintune

Thats a start...I'm sure others will chime in.