I recently upgraded my red '98 for a yellow 2000 VFR, and I'm noticing a resonance that wasn't there on my '98. Right around 6400 RPM, the exhaust note "flattens" (for lack of a better term) noticeably up to about 7000 RPM. It goes from a healthy low growl to sounding hollow. It only happens under load, and it's accompanied by a slight vibration in the left foot peg. Power does not seem to drop. As far I as I can tell, the bike is stock except for a wolf exhaust. I just had the valves checked, and they were all in spec. Mileage is about 23.5k, and chain and sprockets look to be in reasonable shape. It wouldn't bother me as much if it weren't in an RPM sweet spot for the riding I like to do. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Thanks in advance for any help!
If I remember right the early 5th gen bikes didn't have a catalytic converer (98-99). Some exhausts have more effect on performance than others and if the bike has not been remapped with a power commander then I would put my money on that being the problem. I bet if you were to take it to a dyno with a exhaust gas analyzer you would find something way out of whack right in that RPM range.
The buzz in the left peg is not unusual but can mean an aging chain with tight spots. I do not notice a change in sound, but do notice the lull just before 7k RPM. Above 7k she opens wide like the VTEC just kicked in, Yo. But I have not ridden the other generations for comparison.
