Morning all, I bought my first VFR 800 (X reg / 2000) just over a week ago and have been impressed so far. I have done a few local ride outs with mates and it seems to go well. I have started going over the bike to get myself used to it and see if any tweaks are required. 1. Last night, when I had the fairing off of the left hand side, I noticed the level of the coolant tank was about half an inch below the minimum line. I went into default mode and topped it up with water and added a coolant check/flush/change to my list of little jobs to do. It was only then when I moved the light in the garage around that I noticed the "Evans Cooling" sticker... which said Do Not add water... whoops. Having done a little research, I'm thinking it's probably not best to start the bike and do the drain sooner rather than later. The general opinion on here seems to be that Silkolene Pro Cool is the thing to use. If so, I'll check the manual and see how much I need and then get it ordered. 2. I see that the Rectifier/Regulator is a common topic too. I have attached a picture of the one I currently have on the bike. There seemed to be some opinions that from the Year 2000 they weren't as problematic as pre 99; is that the general opinion or should I look at upgrading it? I haven't done any voltage checks on it yet. 3. I am still having fun with the centre stand; so far I have used someone else's tip of putting the back wheel on a block of wood. I think it may take some practice to get it done without this. I look forward to many miles with the bike and appreciate any tips/advice from you all. Enjoy Thanks Ackers
The R/R upgrade will cost you a few pesos. A lot more if the OEM shown fails on some dark and stormy night.
Understood Badbilly, What, in your opinion, is the best R/Rupgrade to go for? I looked through some of the previous threads and people were saying how old the comments were (9 odd years). I don't fancy the R1, fin cutting, rewiring option unless I really, really, have to. Cheers.
Ackers- There are plenty of options for replacement R/R. You can read this thread in the link I posted below for some additional insight. It might not hurt to pay specific attention to post #9 in that link so that you can get a grasp on the state of your charging system. These R/R's fail, plain and simple. My suggestions: At a minimum, replace the existing R/R with a MOSFET unit, and use the original as a spare in the event of any long distance rides. Also, cut off the clip on/spade connection between the R/R and the stator and solder the wires. That's the 3 yellow wires, and it doesn't matter what order the yellows are connected to one another. http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/39277-How-to-fix-common-regulator-Stator-failures
Pliskin, Thanks for the info. I have looked into it a bit more and it seems that the latest Mosfet R/R is the MOSFET FH020AA. However, there seems to be lots of variations on wiremybike, roadstercycle, Ebay (universal mounting kits) etc. I can manage the soldering you mentioned, but some of the other wiring may be beyond my abilities. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Regulator...ng-kit-Plug-/371396811207?hash=item5678f999c7 Someone mentioned on another forum that Ricks (on wiremybike) were a good start for direct plug and play swaps, but I couldn't find the FH020AA there. I will try and get the Drill' done this week before ordering an R/R and would welcome any further advice about the best way to go. Thanks again.
Hi Ackers. Pliskin is right on. Do the drill with your voltmeter. And Bad Billy is also right, it will let you down eventually. For me the Super Mosfet FH020AA kit from Roadstercycle was a breeze to install. It is almost plug and play, you only need to solder and heatshrink the yellow stator wires. Check it. Enjoy your VFR. Laker
Thanks laker, I'll have to see if I can find it in the UK/Europe - or someone who will deliver for a reasonable rate.
