So do all of your bikes make a specific sound when you downshift into first coming to a stop, that does not occur when downshifting into any other gear. It sounds like a toy winding down. Or when you are coasting in first without throttle on and without the clutch pulled in. Mine makes this noise that im not a huge fan off. Kind of this whirrrring in the drivetrain that sounds cheap in my opinion. Weird. Also, I have a ton of play in my throttle grip (like a quarter turn one way or the other) before the throttle is engaged, is this a quick fix or do they all have this play in the throttle grip? :bowl: Keep on rollin. OOh last question, there was a gas discussion on here last week that quickly turned to just which octane folks use, what about ethanol, should I be avoiding it like the plague? It seems like every station uses it now...
How many miles do you have on it? Mine had all kinds of little quirky noises up till about 1500 miles, all part of the breaking in process and nothing I ever really worried about. You can adjust the play in your throttle, check the owners manual as it explains how to do it pretty easily. It is normal to have a little play in it though. Can't help ya with the ethanol...but my hunch would be not to use it.
Motorcycle transmissions are constant mesh - even if you are coasting in first, all of the transmission gears are spinning just as fast as they would be if the clutch was engaged. The sound will be more pronounced in first because of its reduction ratio. It makes the same sound all the time, but you normally can't hear it over the engine. If it really is nerving you out, drop by a Honda shop and have one of the techs take it for a spin.
Those are good points. I will stop by my shop to have them check it out if the monsoon that has gripped new england ever lets up... Ill try the throttle adjustment myself, will alert how it goes...
The noises when downshifiting? Sounds like my 97, in a nutshell, and its just the sound of the bike. Do you know how to "Blip" your throttle when down shifting? Your throttle cable needs adjusting. Get a manual and do it and lube the cable too since you will be adjusting it, or take it to a reputable shop and have them do it! I posted the warnings about Ethanol on the What gas to use thread, but here is a quick response. 10% Ethanol or less mixed with gas should NOT effect your VFR. I have yet to see a station that mixes 10% or more. Unless of course it is E85. The two problems with Ethanol are one, it is a very powerful solvent. If your carbs are a little dirty, they won't be for long. The problem with this is if the carbs are too dirty, then your jets can clog as a result. Second problem with Ethanol is when it sits, it separates from the gas and attracts moisture. This in turn causes corrosion on your carbs parts. The corrosion looks greenish in color. It's weird. Anyway, once the gas begins moving they mix back together and all is good. It is suggested that if your bike is run frequently, then you will not have an issue. What's frequent? A bike that is run at least 2 times a week for at least a half hour each time may qualify. I have read many, many opinions on this but there was a general consesus on this...so take it for what it is. With fequent riding you can also add the gas stabilizer product "Sta-bil" Its sold at every auto parts store in the US. Sta-bil helps keep the moisture problem down. I run my 97 infrequently since I am a new Dad, and in Delaware the ethanol is everywhere. I use the sta-bil everytime I put gas in the tank per the directions. Its cheap, easy to use, and piece of mind. BZ
I notice the first gear noise as well. I'm not sweating it, seems like most bikes I've ridden tend to whine in first. My throttle has a bit of play as well although 1/4 turn seems like a lot. Mine's about 1/16th of an inch maybe 1/8th.
Adjusting the freeplay on the throttle takes all of 3 minutes and is a nice improvement over stock, decreasing some low speed snatchiness... SA
