VFR RPMs/and suspension set up/newbie Q.

Greetings-
and thanks all who posted hello's to this newbie.:thumbsup:

My new to me 2003 ABS rocks! It is the perfect brother to my 01 GS- they have nothing in common except 2 wheels and a lot of grin making. I forgot what it was like to twist the throttle and accelerate simultaneously.

But the Beemer's boxer engine has a much differnet powerband, and running revs.

I ride mostly paved back roads, and run fast in the corners when I can- this engine is too quite, or I am under revving the engine (or both)

I have been running the VFR at around 4500 to 5400 before upshifting; blip to 6000 to shift; on the HWY, what little of it I ride, she gets into 6th @ 5500 RPMs and moving 78-80 mph, according to the spedo.

Am i under revving/babying this bike?

I think I have the rear suspension set up Ok, its a stock OEM Showa w/ the external preload. The front suspesnsion is a mystery- the only adjustment I can find are the dual preload at the top of the shock towers- and I ahve no idea if they are at OEM spec position or not. The bike drifts out (more then the GS) on hard cornering, hard to keep a line- I know I have to rethink my grip on the bars, as this bike is much more responsive to imput then the GS ( I have to lighten up) but any other helpful tuning hints would be great. The meat is new, Michelin Roads? I think. w/ tire pressure at OEm spec, 36 Fr, 42 Rear. I go 230lbs w/ ATG.

 

The bike is very quite and I'm not a bike fan a that so I put Leo Vince exhaust with out baffles and what a difference it makes. I shift at or around that same RPM's when im just cursing along. Are you blipping the throttle on up shifts, or down shift? I only blip on down shifts and when upshifting I preload the shifter before making a gear change up.

 

hear ya there preload is only adjustment on the front.
best setting I have found is two lines showing on front preload.
that is for correct sag for my weight ( 162 lbs )
to quiken up steering you can add 19mm tail riser or raise the fork tubes between 1/4" - 3/8" to see if that helps any.

 

Hey Rondeau - Others will definitely chime in here, but your 2003 model has the V-tec. I don't recall the exact engagement point, but believe its somewhere in excess of 6000RPM's.

My guess is your bound to hear a difference in the engine, plus I think you might enjoy the added power you get when the Vtec is engaged. She'll handle the higher RPM's no problem.

Go give it a shot, and tell us what you think!

 

Yep the VFR 02 and newer is a Dr, Jeckel- Mr. Hide bike, due mostly to the Vtec.. Run her up above 7K and it's a whole other beast, and it likes it. one of the cool parts to owning a VFR is it's manners, you want it, it gives it to you. I say hit up a track day, find a suspension expert get the sag set for You, and try different settings, it's also a good way to find out just what the VFR can do. Oh Yea, tires, as simple as they are play into how the VFR handles so that's a figure it out what you like as it goes, lots of info on that subject here. enjoy and welcome..

 

oh forgot about tire pressure
you are running max load pressure try running 32-34 front 36-40 rear.

 

As far as the adjustment of suspension.. others have already told you. All you can do in the front with stock suspension is add/remove preload. The rear gives you preload and rebound. Upgrade the front suspension and you will find that your complaints/concerns will probably go away.

As far as RPMs go... yeah.. you're kinda babying it. Under normal driving...around the city, on the highway... I keep it under 6800 rpm and I shift right at that point. There is plenty of power there for good putting around and cruising... and you will get good gas mileage. 6800 RPM is where the VTEC engages and gives you about 12-15HP more. When having some fun or when wanting to get up to speed quickly...keep those revs up. Almost all of us regularly hit 10,000 RPM on a daily basis and it will not hurt a thing. The V4 loves to do whatever you ask of it and you will be hard pressed to find a way to harm the engine at all.

Now go twist that throttle and start exploring what all the VFR has to offer!