BabyBlade

Thank you Mike! That is all really sound advice!! You are so helpful to me and I do REALLY appreciate you!!!
Just have to wait a few more months to enjoy it and check it out, that part is killing me.

 

Shinko, Korean made from Japanese design. FYI.
I had a set on my VFR400r and they were surprisingly nice. I was impressed. Even with my spirited riding. As long as you can find 18"s I would stay with stock rim. It will slow down turn in. The bikes are amazing, no need to change it in my book. But tire selection may become a thing in the future.

Agree with Capt, gather all the parts before you totally jump in.

Capt, you are definitely going to need to pick up a grey market something!

 

You guys may have already covered this, but I'm currently too lazy to look.

Mounting "wrong sized" tires changes the contact patch (worse, not better) and alters the shape of the carcass, which is part of the suspension. Just two things to think about. Or not.

 

We have had the profile/contact patch conversation. Tire manufacturers also list "recommended" and "acceptable" rim sizes for tires.

The VF500F has a 2.5 x 16 front wheel and came with a 100/90-16 from Honda. The VF1000R has a 2.5 x 16 front wheel and came with a 120/80-16 tire.

 

So that is why the 500 is so nimble. hahaha

 

Yes. That. And a little fact it is nearly 200lbs lighter. hahaha

 

That's cool, makes me feel better about them! Always thought they came from china ?

 

Yeah I did too, until I ran out of decent options and picked some up for the little VFR. They were actually impressive.

 

Actually found a matched set, podium 006 front and back. The front is just a little older but not bad, ill just take some time to scuff it up.

 

IIRC Shinko is the new(er) name for the old Japanese Yokohama brand. In the 80's (and maybe 90's) Yokohamas were at the sportier end of the tyre brands. Of course Yokohama they also made the OEM tyres for my 1982 CB250RS which (I always imagined) were guaranteed for the life of the rider. They were the most terrifying wet weather tyres I ever rode on. Go soothingly on the grease mud indeed. The skid demon had had its fangs into those tyres for sure.

 

Oh cool, thanks Terry!
I always thought Yokohama was a really good quality sport tire (for automotive applications)!!
I wonder why people talk so much smack about Shinko?
They just don't REALLY know and like to bad mouth stuff they'er unfamiliar with!!!

 

Likely it has much to do with just the name. Sounds Chinese, so it has to be poor quality. They are making typical assumptions with zero experience or research. "Jap Crap" used to be a thing too. Cuz Merika.

 

LOL

 

Got the new tires Shinko Podium 006 120/60/17 front 150/60/18 rear. A 41 tooth rear sprocket , a 14 & 15 tooth front sprocket and a new 106 link chain.

 

WoooHoooo!

 

YEAH! Gonna try a few different gear ratios? There is a 13 tooth available for the countershaft as well?? Don't know if a 44 rear is even an option ???
13T front, 44T rear would increase torque almost 20%!

 

That might be a little extreme, prolly just go down one on the countershaft for a little extra acceleration.
First I will ride it as is stock 15/42
Then we will see? I don’t really care much about top speed on this one , I just want it to be quick and agile!

 

Okay, and we're back...

Just checkin' her out to FINALLY go for a test ride maybe soon?
And discovered the front brakes are sticking against the rotor!
The calipers seem to be not freely moving back and forth, they will push but don't seem to be returning properly.

 

Found these on eBay really affordable (thanks Cap)and they work just fine! I am just going to put these ones on for now to run it and fully recondition the gold ones.
Then I will have these as a spare pair as they also fit the VFR (thanks AGAIN Cap) !!
Yeah!!!

 

They work perfectly!
Now I just need a little more ice to melt off my road!!
I cant wait to ride the little girl!!!