About to pick up a new 2012 - a few questions ...

I spent a long while reading this forum posts ...

1 - is the Battery just under the seat? I want to install a battery saver lead (also for my heated jacket). If the battery is someplace funky (like my FJRs), then this simple job gets hard.

2 - Seems like the Pyramid Plastics rear hugger is a good one to get, anyone in the US selling it?

3 -I couldn't find any really positive reviews for larger windscreens, it seems that other then being pricy, the Honda add on deflector is about as good as it gets. (I am 5' 11")

4 - Has anyone put one of these on?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/R-G-Radiator-Guard-BLACK-Honda-VFR1200-NOT-AUTOMATIC-CLUTCH-VERSION-/221403567071?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item338cae53df&vxp=mtr
is it a quality part?

5 - I'd like to put on a front fender extender, good fitment is my #1 concern. Any strong recommendations? Seems like some just glue on, is that really going to last?

6 - I saw a lot of problems with the early rear shock and pre-load adjusters, does the 2012 still have these problems?

thanks much. Hope to pick mine up wed or thru, waiting for BMW to warranty replace a bad starter switch on my R1200RT that I am trading in.

 

Under the front of the seat behind petrol tank

Sorry I am from the UK, the R&G rear hugger was so bad, I threw it away in disgust after a few days of use. The Honda one fits easiest but is not that effective so you are correct about the Pyramid part.

Again you are correct and seemed to have done your research. I find the Honda add on to work well enough that when it is removed, you will want it back on right away. Still could do with being a little higher for me. I am 5' 10"

My experience with R&G parts for the VFR1200 has not been a good one. My bike does not have one fitted. I have ridden 7,000 miles in the past 3 months and when I last cleaned my bike, the radiator showed little sign of damage. IMHO, a fender extender would be a better idea.

I don't have one fitted right now. That will be my next purchase. I had one fitted to my 5th Gen and it was held on using silicon surprisingly - it had to be left to set overnight with a heavy weight placed on it. It held together perfectly for several years. That said, it would not hurt to add a pop rivet or screw for peace of mind though.

Mine is a 2010 and I find that adjuster sticks if it is unused for a long time or you attempt to use it after the bike has been ridden and the chassis is warm. I don't know about the 2012 though. My complaint is the location of the adjuster which is quite close to the chassis making it hard to get a good grip on it for adjustment, something you may need to do quite a bit, to begin with as the back end is tricky to get right IMHO.

 

Thanks much TUSL2C, that was helpful.

 

+1 on most comments from TUSL2C-

I have a 2013.

I have the Pyramid hugger, bought it from a UK dealer via eBay. Quick delivery, works and looks great. Seems the best of the lot I could find online.

I have another aftermarket screen (Powerbronze light tint), but have been trying the OEM add on deflector, and find it does exactly what I'm looking for.

Other bits I've found very helpful are Helibars, Knight Designs foot pegs, black dogleg adjustable levers (ones that fit RC51 fit the VFR1200 too) and the OEM rear carrier assembly, as well as the center stand.

 

Thanks jonmarsh. I ordered the Pyramid hugger and their front fender extender (don't want rocks taking out my radiator when I am 500 miles from home). I did 280 miles today,

https://sites.google.com/site/vfrkurt/home/vfr-2014/hurricaneridgeaug7-2014

and I can't yet decide if I want to get Helibars. I am hoping to find someone local with them so I can see how well they work before I get them,