Potential VFR owner has questions...

Hi!

I am going to look at a very clean low mileage 2004 non-ABS VFR800 tomorrow. Last summer I rented a 2007 Anniversary Edition model and rode it about 900 miles from Reno to Yosemite and surrounding areas. It was definitely different than anything else I've ridden. The VTEC and linked brakes took a while to get used to. After a while I came to appreciate the distinct personalities between low rpm and high rpm operation. For more casual riding the low-end torque was very nice. It inspired a lot of confidence in the twisties, pulling out of the corners nicely without any surprises. Once the pace picked up running at higher revs made it more like a sportbike. I found it to be deceptively fast. With the stock exhaust it was so quiet it didn't seem like you were accelerating as fast as you were. I'm not completely sold on the linked brakes yet but it never caused a problem.

My questions are mainly about the similarities/differences between the '04 and '07 VFR. I know they're both sixth generation and that Honda usually doesn't make a lot of changes to them. I've lurked and poked around on this site enough to know there is a vast amount of knowledge so I'm sure you'll be able to tell me in detail what's different between the years.

My other question is in regard to aftermarket exhausts and fuel mapping. The VFR I'm looking at has a Two Brothers Racing carbon slip-on system. The owner did nothing else whne he had the exhaust installed. I know this is pretty common but I'd feel better if it had a Power Commander (or similar device) installed and a new fuel map loaded. Should I be worried about any issues resulting from running the aftermarket exhaust with the stock fuel map?

Thanks in advance for all your help. I look forward to learning from you and hopefully becoming a member of this community.

Thanks,
Joe

 

Joe:

04-07 differences - mainly in the electrical system. There was a recall letter for the 04 that deals with some wiring. you should have read those posts and figured what should have been done (or you'll want to have done) to correct the issue.

On the mapping, nothing is getting hurt by the bike not being re-mapped. You should have no worries other than it passing inspection if it is too loud.

If you get the seller to give you a clear title and the inspection certificate so you can get it on the road as soon as you are ready, you'll be in good shape.

good luck closing the deal and getting some dry pavement to ride on.

Where'd you rent your bike from? if I might ask....

 

Joe,
As Nozzle said there is an electrical recall for the wiring harness. If it hasn’t been done yet, you can have it done at any dealer. The 04 will have a slightly different engagement point for the VTEC, otherwise pretty much the same. I have a 04 with a Two Brothers exhaust and BMC filter. I’m not using a power commander and the bike runs fine with no hesitations or abrupt VTEC engagement.

Action

 

Howdy; I am a fifth gen owner,however I think the fuel map question is relative to both. Using an aftermarket exhaust system with the factory fuel map is acceptable. I beliieve there is enough adjustability in the stock ECU.
What you are probably doing by freeing up the exhaust is making the engine run a bit on the lean side. With that said, I would highly recommend getting a power commander or similar device to take full advantage of the engines potential. In addition ,yes its expensive, I would get the bike dyno tuned.
eddie

 

Thanks for that info. I read through the threads. I'll ask the owner if the repairs have been done, but if I buy it I'll check myself to be sure.

We don't have inspections in Illinois so noise won't be an issue. I'm guessing the Two Brothers slip-on will give it nice sound without being obnoxious. I like a performance sound but don't like to offend the neighbors. I've already asked the seller if he has the stock mufflers but he doesn't. I didn't think mapping should be an issue but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Thanks!

Where'd you rent your bike from? if I might ask....[/QUOTE]

I rented from Big Valley Honda
They were great people. They were very nice do deal with on the phone and in person. They're located a couple miles from the Reno airport and even picked me up and dropped me off. I'd definitely recommend them.

Thanks,
Joe

 

Thanks for the info. How would you describe the sound with the Two Brothers exhaust? I'm hoping for a nice sound without being excessive.

Thanks,
Joe

 

Yes, that's what I figured. I was just worried that perhaps the VFR was on the lean side to begin with and adding the exhaust might cause heat related problems. I'll definitely get a Power Commander and new map and consider dyno tuning. I'm not going to do anything more than add a BMC filter. I figure the Two Brothers pipe and BMC filter configuration is common enough that I'll be able to find a map to get it very close. If I have any issues I'll consider dyno tuning.

Thanks,
Joe

 

The VTEC engagement is different as well. On the '07, it is at 6400 rpm as opposed to 7000. Also, the transition has supposedly been smoothed out.

 

I've got the VALE system, you can check my gallery for pictures. I like the sound. It to me it sounds like a V-12 or an F1 car. I leave the power tips in and I have no problem coming home late at night, doesn't wake anyone up in the neighborhood. They still sound good and get louder as you get into the VTEC range, I can hear the pipes at interstate speeds even with earplugs in.

Action

 

Action,

Thanks! I think I'm going to like the sound. I bet it sounds sweet when the VTEC kicks in.............

Joe

 

It's MINE!

Guys,

Thanks for all your advice. I just got off the phone withe the seller of the '04 VFR I looked at yesterday. He has accepted my offer and I'll probably be picking it up Saturday. It is in nearly perfect condition and has just 1750 miles on it. The guy lives in a condo in downtown Chicago and rarely rode it. It is mostly stock with the exception of the Two Brothers Carbon exhaust, K&N filter, and a fender eliminator. I have a couple pics; they aren't real great but they're the best I could do in a 30 degree parking garage:







Again, thanks for your help. I look forward to becoming part of this community and learning more about these sweet bikes!

Joe

 

Welcome,got a 2004 red,congradulations,be aware,faster than u think.Beautiful bike

 

Thanks! As I said in my original post, I rode an '07 on a 900+ mile long weekend last year. At first I was underwhelmed but soon figured out that the VFR was deceptively fast. I have a feeling this may turn into my favorite bike.

Joe

 

What about the chain? no photos of the chain? (just kidding Mr. Nardy)

nice bike. I bet the red really POPS in front of the snow and ice on the lake front

It must sound terrific in the parking garage with all the reverb. :thumb:

 

Nozzle,

You are correct on all points! Hopefully I'll be picking it up Saturday and I'll get some pics outdoors. I'll be sure to take pics of the chain as well. :biggrin:

Thanks,
Joe

 

Try to be original... other attempts seen here

 

A little bit of chain lube in the nostrils does a great job of trapping bugs and dirt. The kerosene douche in between applications will bring tears to your eyes until you get used to it.

I hope it stops raining soon.

 

Damn, a 6th gen question... onward ho.....

 

What a great find. It's almost as good as new and somebody else incurred the cost for the aftermarket exhaust. You may want to see if you can get the stock exhaust back from him as well.

 

Yep, the after market exhaust was a definite bonus. Unfortunately, the seller is actually the second owner. The first owner had the Two Brothers exhaust installed at the dealer when he bought it and told them to keep the OEM exhaust. I would love to have the stock exhaust but only for resale purposes. I'd never put it back on. The Two Brothers pipe has a very nice sound without being offensive and looks cool too!

Thanks,
Joe