Hi! I am the proud new owner of a 2007 VFR. I haven't even picked it up yet and i'm already trying to network. Looking forward to chatting with you all about the in's and out's of my new bike, as i'm sure many of you have a wealth of knowledge I can learn from thanks. Dave
Congrats on your new bike ! What color bike did you get? I think you'll find this website to be very informative and you'll meet lots of cool people here. I've only been a member for about 7 months and already have had numerous people offer me free places to stay or free use of their tools and/or equipment (tire changer, bike lift, etc.) What is your past riding experience? What made you select the VFR? Regards, Rollin
welcome dave, good to see another Kiwi on the forum. you'll find this place really useful, its a good pace to hang out. where abouts in AKL are you?
wow, three replys so quickly - awesome. You are right, xmas VFR're are great - you don't care about anyone elses presents because you care so much about the one your bought for yourself! Richard - I live in Te Atatu Peninsula. I would say that it is a great place to live.... except for my history with bikes at my current address. I owned previously a Yamaha FZR250 (my first ever bike) - and within 4 days of buying it, it was stolen from my garage here at home. Unbelievable! So incase you are wondering, no, I will not make the same mistake again with the VFR - plenty of extra security. Rollin_Again - The VFR being only my 2nd bike, my riding experience is limited, but I have had the chance to do a bit of riding in the Army (off road mostly). I chose the VFR for two reasons. 1 - I know and respect Honda as a manufacturer, a friend of mine owns a firestorm and he wont shut up about it! Secondly, the price was right on this one, cost v benefit was very good - there are many people that would kill for a VFR, and even more than would kill for the price I got it at. I have a bit of work to do on mine first however. I has been in a bit of a crash - nothing crippling - mainly cosmetic. Need a new crankcase cover, I think the clutch center needs replacing (one of the holes the bolts go into is stripped). And, the bracket for the RH foot pedal. Some fairing damage also (no cracks, just scratches). SO some time spent getting the bike back in perfect order will be well worth it I have to say. A small question - removing the clutch center - do I really have to buy a clutch center holder or is there a 'quick fix'? The reputation of this site preceeds itself, i look forward to unlocking all its secrets and getting to know some people. Thank you for the immediate hospitality.
dave, i hadnt read this when i answered your PM so i now know what your looking for! Hmmm....have you had the parts costed locally yet? I assume a ring around the wreckers is a good idea, altho finding a wrecked VFR with those parts still in tact could mean its a waiting game. given exchange rates im not sure that buying offshore is going to be any better either? the good news is that this model has had a long run, 2002 till 2009..so far, so perhaps an earlier models parts, 02/03 might fit? interesting to note that ive seen at least 2 07 VFRs for sale by insurance companies as 'damaged but rideable'. both had minor cosmetic damage, missing mirror, dents etc..so lo speed tip overs that dont 'write it off. so sounds similar to your circumstance? im ex army also, RNZ sigs, but not been active for a while. ive also spent alot of time on a firestorm so i know why your mate is so keen on them also. at the end of the day you want to be able to ride it, so to expedite the repairs may mean biting the bullet on OEM parts. you gonna do the repairs yourself ?
Welcome, You are going to love your bike. I've ridden since I was 16, a few years ago!, and purchased my VFR in January 08. I just love this bike. What a great combination of comfort, speed and cornering, and reliability. I just wish I was a few inches taller (had to buy a custom seat to drop me down a bit and it seems to work and is very comfy.) Have fun! Theresa
Richard, ex army, nice. I'm a loggie - TF at the moment. Have just picked up the bike and spent a few hours assessing the damage. Almost entirely cosmetic... except for - Crackcase cover (right) Clutch Center Right foot pedal bracket Left foot pedal bracket Right rear view mirror Right brake lever Only small things really - hopefully not too pricey. Haven't priced locally or looked at the wrecker option, but i will be sure to do both. For some of the smaller things the wrecker might be able to help - however the clutch center and crankcase i might have to go for the new real deal. Planning on doing the repairs myself yes, I am good with my hands and although I haven't done it before - i'm quietly confident that me and my repair manual can handle most things. Theresa, Thank you for the good wishes. Merry Xmas.
dave, i have a cyclespot card that will get you discounts off parts at cyclespot or failing that a honda riders club card that will get you a discount at most honda dealers. if it saves you some bucks your welcome to leverage off them. lets get that steed on the road for summer! RT
wow, thank you. There is no way I am letting it sit in the garage for summer thats for sure. I am planning a trip to a few wreckers tomorrow that I have a list of. A couple in Mt Wellington, one in Takanini etc. I plan to drop into Honda in pukekohe and see what the price is on some of the things I need. I may just call on that discount! Here is a question - how on earth do I get the clutch center out! I really really don't want to pay for the tool.... any tips?
its not a job id take on with out the right tools. options would be: ask the mechanics at the honda dealership if they have any insight(TAKE YOUR MANUAL, so you can show them, a picture is worth a thousand words to a mechanic) or look at getting some one to do it as outwork. I saw a dude on the motorway this week driving a van that said "Mobile motorcycle Mechanic" so maybe you get some one to come to you to do that bit? or if youve got access to a trailer drop it in too a dealer to get it taken off. Just a thought anyway. pm me if you need to use the card, HRC club is usually a 10% discount, but it does depend on the dealer. i find it best to set a relationship with a dealer, that way nothings normally a problem. so when you find one your happy with, try stick with it if you can. a bit of customer loyalty helps to grease the wheels.
yes indeed, people will look after you if you keep coming back. The advice is much appreciated - thank you. I will have a chat to the honda guys tomorrow - start building a relationship. I have a trailer so moving it isn't a problem. Good idea about taking the manual. That thing is awazing, I am in awe of it every day - so much information. Thanks again.
