So I test rode a VFR today...

I took a 99 on a ride just an hour ago. I'm smiling ear to ear, but that may be the rush of getting back on a motorcycle coming from a cruiser (shadow ACE). I really want to pick it up but there may be a few issues that will affect my long term happiness. The bike looked to be all stock save a jardine exhaust, I don't believe there is a Power Commander in there. It has a little over 14k on it.

1. The throttle was not very smooth. It seemed like it was either on or off especially when compared to the Shadow and an SV650S I also rode which were butter smooth. Is this normal? Any way to adjust or fix this?

2. The front brakes were really grabby. The pads may be new which would explain this, but if they aren't is there a way to adjust the bias or power of the front brake? I know the brakes are linked, but it was only grabby when using the front lever.

If there are ways to tinker with it and get it to where I like it, I'll be joining the VFR community very soon. Thanks for any help!

-Brooks

 

In my personal opinion the brakes sound normal - when my dad tried my VFR he said the same thing. He was used to fairly weak brakes, and the brakes on a VFR are pretty strong.

 

I agree with Britt on the brakes. I use two fingers to brake and still have plenty of stopping power. If you’re used to a bike with weak brakes or a bike that has a lot of travel in the lever the VFR brakes will seem grabby. If that is not the case the brakes may need to be cleaned/serviced. As far as the engine, most of the fifth gen guys say their bikes are some of the smoothest out there. Could there have been some play in the throttle cable?

Action

 

My first gear is jumpy, you need to be very smoothe on the throttle at first. I did just adjust the throttle cable that made a noticeable change, but still need to be smoothe in first.

 

one question...what gas do these things take? Reg or Prem?

 

They take regular.... but lots of guys run Premium.

The brakes are strong... I agree that coming from the shadow they sould feel grabby.

The jerky throttle is somewhat normal and takes some getting used to. These bikes have touchy response. Not sure it wouldn't be\ just as touchy on other more sporty bikes.

I have not ridden the SV650. I have ridden the shadow ace and comparing the two is almost impossible. The sahdow is almost a 80Lbs heavier and tops out at 38HP compaired to the 470Lb or lighter 98+HP. All 750s aren't created equal. I think this could have something to do whith what you are noticing.

I hope this helps.

 

I think I may given the wrong impression on the throttle response of the VFR. I was referring to the touchyness of Fuel injected sports bikes and I think you might be experienceing something different.

If you are trully feeling a jerky feeing when in lower gears then there is the possibility the chain is too loose. The bike has a lot of power and when taking up even the smallest bit of slack on acceleration will add a jerky feeing. Have the guy adjust/tighten the chain then take it for another ride.

 

Well, I made the purchase yesterday. I have now owned her for about 12 hours now, and its pure love! Brakes and Throttle have smoothed out already. Some little gremlins must have made adjustments to the bike last night.:wink:

 

Rock On. It gets better all the time.

 

Gremlins acting in a positive manner? Awesome. I thought they just tipped your bike over like in the TV commercials...
Congrats on your purchase, you'll love your Viffer.
Cheers,
Jeff

 

Good choice

Congratulation on your new bike. Now keep on riding you will love it.:sportbikesmile:

 

Welcome aboard.
post some pics. we wanna see.

 

Oh, that was already planned. I wanna show her off! I got home and it was too dark, so I'll get some today.

 

Where are you located, by the way? Always fun to hook up with other VFRs.

 

I'm just a little more than a stone's throw from you, down in Sacramento. We'll definately hookup some time.

 

And coming from a TZ125 I thought 02 VFR brakes were pure sheit Its all what you are used to

 

Welcome aboard brother. My '99 is just a bit abrupt in first gear also.
Yes the brakes are strong. As you've already noticed, you get used to it.
As for the fuel.... oh boy hear we go again.
Manual says 86 minimum. I run 88 or 89.

 

It seams that its all about what you are used to riding. I had five bikes in the garage last year Hayabusa, R6, GSXR, the VFR feels very smooth and manageable & tame to me but agressive compared to my road king.