Soon to be 2001 VFR rider

Hi, this is my 1st post. I used to ride a 1985 vf500f & soon will own a 2001 vfr (I hope). Anything in particular I should be wary of, besides the reg/rec problem? I read somewhere the problem was fixed in the 2001 model year. True or false? Thank you.

 

Welcome to the forum and don't forget to post some pics of the new ride once acquired or you are sure to be hassled. All in good fun of course.

I have a 2000 VFR and I can certainly say that though Honda may have upgraded the R/R from previous models and generations, I don't think the problem was solved. Good idea to keep an eye on the voltage output. There are many good suggestions on the site for how to check the charging system for faults and/or failures. Other than the R/R I don't think there are many if any real issues. The rear shock is commonly called less than adequate, but will likely seem like a sport suspension coming off a VF500F.

There is a link in the "Specifications" section of the website where you should be able to find a download for the factory service manual for the 1998-2001 VFR800. The factory manual is a fantastic thing to have around when you want to start working on the bike.

Having owned 4 VF (85 VF1000F, 91 & 97 VFR750, and current 2000 VFR800) series bikes, my fifth gen is by far my favorite. Only thing I would like to change now is the stock seat as it gets a bit uncomfortable after a couple hundred km's.

Enjoy the bike, the gen 5 is great machine.

 

Hello and welcome! I've had my 2000 for a couple months and am loving it. The sounds that these V4s make are something, especially with an aftermarket muffler and gear driven cams. I don't have much in the line of advice yet. I downloaded and printed the service manual along with the parts fiche found on line. This can be very handy trying to find parts for older machines.

Enjoy!

Ronnie's Mail Order for atv parts, atv tires, snowmobile, watercraft and motorcycle featuring an OEM microfiche parts finder.

 

Thaks for the welcome words, I'm looking forward to my new ride & next rides : )

 

I have owned my 98 for about six years and after I fixed the reg/rec problem I have not had any more problems with it. There are a couple little things to watch for but nothing serious. Keep an eye on the front brake switch wires. They can short out if they touch one another. It is just a matter of making sure they are on good . It's very tight space. I have had a problem with my plastic cracking at some of the fastener spots. Mainly the front fender. Keep it maintained and it will last a very long time

 

Hey another 2k VFR user here. Got a lil over 40k on mine and ready to do the chain/sprockets and the suspension. Bike is still running strong. Highly recommend the wiremybike harness upgrade and stator upgrade. If not then consider getting a spare rectifier and keep it under the seat.

 

Welcome and good luck on your purchase. :welcome::welcome:

 

I got some bad news: the VFR got sold...I was too late, having to work on the w-e... But I'm still looking though .

 

What manual should one have ? The Clymers service manual (1998-2000) or the Honda's 1998 - 2000 Manual ? or both

 

Honda service manual is much better. I bought the book from my dealer for around 50 bucks. Best money I spent on the bike. I know you can download it but call me old fashioned I still like books.

 

LOL What a coincidence. My first "sporty" was an 1986 VF500F and as of yesterday upgraded to a 2000 VFR.

 

I went to look at the bike @ the dealership. It was in storage with a bunch of others motorcycles in a heated warehouse next to their main building. Even though I wasn't able to take a good look at herbecause of low lighting, I fell hard for her & plucked down some $$$ for them to save her for me until April. The asking price is $4200 for a 49500km for a good shape (from what I was able to see), save for a small/minor dent on top of the tank. I'll most likely pay the balance in March or sooner just to make sure she's mine

PS: Got to change the title of the post to "Soon to be 2000 vfr rider"

 

Finally got my VFR today. Rode it back home from the dearlership about 1hr. away. It was so cross-windy on the highway that I was blown off-course so many times

 

Wooooooo hooooooo congratulations :thumb:
:welcome: to the family

 

Nothing like riding a new (to you) bike home.......the best. Congrats and enjoy an amazing bike!

 

Well, I was getting ready to go out for a ride this morning & turned on the contact, the FI cycles like normal and hit the start button and nothing but a few clicking sound...I didn't think the battery died (it was the original one) since I got lights & dash display. The thought of the R/R failing on me crossed my mind a few times but I didn't have any warning. The bike was fine since I picked her up 2 weeks ago. I noticed the time display was wrong so decided to get the voltmeter out. It was reading 12.3V. Got the manual out & sure enough the battery was under specs. I I installed a new battery & she fired up fine. I went ahead & measure the voltage @ 3000rmp & it read out 14.6V so I guess the R/R is fine...I thinhk it's the original one but there are some wires comming out of there that I think the prevoius owner must have made some mods to it...Well, since the charging voltage seems to be within specs I guess I can say that the R/R is OK for now. I haven't gone out for a test ride yet...I will post updates. Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

Welcome. If you want to check the charging system this is a thorough step by step process:

http://www.electrosport.com/technical-resources/library/diagnosis/pdf/fault-finding-diagram.pdf

 

Thanks vfrcapn, I will check that out tomorrow. If my memory serves me well, I remember changing the R/R (mechanic diagnosed) & battery (had no power); not at the same time on my VFF500 back when I had her...What goes around comes around, hopefully won't have to deal with the R/R soon. Heh heh

 

If its the oem r/r you will. The oem is complete crap. If i were you while it is still working replace it with an upgraded one from ricks motorsports and carry the oem as backup. That will gaurantee you will never have a problem with it.