XLR8's VFR

[Rogue]

When will XLR8 quit thinking and just go and get that '02 VFR?

 

[greench440]

When his wife returns his penis.  I think it's in the freezer right now.  

[fxrbill]

When will XLR8 quit thinking and just go and get that '02 VFR?

 

Well XLR8 already has 20k tied up in bikes and is in school going for his masters.So he will quit thinking and buy when A:you buy his 610 B:you GIVE  :lol:him the money for the VFR.

[MisterSmooth]

In the last five or six years, he's had a standard, a big sport-tourer, a hard-core dual sport and an adventure bike.

So the VFR's a duplicate; Ron's already had a sport-tourer.

I say his next bike is a Harley Road King.     King of the road, baby.     In black to match his mood after spending a late night studying organizational behavior.  

[XLR8]

Man you guys are harshing.  

No Road Kings!  

Decided a ZX-14 was too big for my needs...the new models are ugly and no ABS...

This helps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv7G5rsRwb4

I'm such a pussy, I've got the guy's phone number right in front of me...

But what if the injectors are gummed cause it has been sitting around...?...

Seafoam...

Frak!

[Rogue]

What if?

Are you the type of person that goes through life saying "What if....."?

All it takes is for you to find out.  I mean, does the bike run?  Does it start right away, idle normal, ride well, etc?  If it does all that then your question has been answered.  Don't be a What-If person or a If-Only-I person.  If you've done your homework and your due diligence, then it's the right decision and you never have to look back and say "if only I.....".  

[ksann]

I'm such a pussy, I've got the guy's phone number right in front of me...

Eeek, learning things abuot you that I really didn't need to know.

Please don't tell us why you keep a guys phone # right in front of you.....





ken
(real men don't ride VFR's anyways!)
(admitting that I am not a real man, as I have put many thousands of miles on VFR's)

[greench440]

What if someone else buys it while you're flip flopping?

[XLR8]

What if someone else buys it while you're flip flopping?

True. But it's a just a shitty (I've developed a complex) VFR. Everyone knows they're boring, dated, heavy and underpowered.  

IF Honda updates the VFR this year I'll be able to take my pick of some nice 06s. Also I'm partial to the dark silver on the 2008.

[MisterSmooth]

Asphalt's the color, baby.  

Current generation VFR's darn near the only bike that looks really good all in matte black (Futura looks good, too).

[mtrider16]

   Check your PM.  Dillion is 475 miles from Glendive.  I'd like to check out the KTM before I make a commitment to the F800GS.

David

[XLR8]

   Check your PM.  Dillion is 475 miles from Glendive.  I'd like to check out the KTM before I make a commitment to the F800GS.

David

How can you even say such words?  There's a thread on Advrider about that very topic.  

[mtrider16]

Is the thread under Orange Crush or Beasts?    I would bet that the general opinion in ADV leans towards the KTM.  Just a guess.

I'm on my way to look it up.

So what about the vffr, did you make the call?

David

[mtrider16]

This is what I suspect to be true, in addition to the price tag differences.

One thing to think about is that the F bike will most likely be less problemmatic. KTMs are great bikes but they like the wrench. I know that my comments are going to draw some posts. But it's true.

David

[XLR8]

This is what I suspect to be true, in addition to the price tag differences.



David

I'm not the type of person to be biased nor am I the type of person that campaigns to get others to buy what I have so as to validate my purchase or something...never understood why people do it.  

If something sucks I'll say it does and having said that, I haven't had any issues with my 990. The majority of the issues were on the 950s and they have been worked out.

It's not a Japanese bike though so it takes more care than changing the oil and filter and the intervals are shorter. It might surprise most to see that they are actually longer than a KLR650 which is considered a benchmark of reliability by many.   In addition, it's a big dirt bike, people take them offroad and dirt takes a toll on any motorcycle and it will require more maintenance because of it.

Also (and this is the reason I want a VFR) it's a damn fun bike to ride so I am hitting those intervals faster! The VFR would be for the pavement only trips so I don't have to put the miles on the KTM and can save it for the multi-surface rides. Some of my best days ever on a bike have been on the KTM.

I haven't purchased the 02 yet. There are so many VFRs for sale now, I am thinking in the spring after Honda announces the new VFR I can take my pick of a newer 6th gen. A bike from 2002 that has been sitting around concerns me. I'm still thinking it over but in no rush because in another few weeks riding in the mountains is over.  

[mtrider16]

I am thinking in the spring after Honda announces the new VFR I can take my pick of a newer 6th gen.

There is an 08 in the dealership here in Glendive.  It has a little rash from a tipover in the showroom, but doesn't have any miles.

Thanks for the comments about the KTM.

David

[sPOTO]

This helps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv7G5rsRwb4

Glad I could help.
That's me on the lead bike.
Now go buy the thing.

sPOTO

[XLR8]

Glad I could help.
That's me on the lead bike.
Now go buy the thing.

sPOTO

Cool.  

[XLR8]

Crappola. Three different buyers requiring a lot of time I don't have and all backed out of buying the TE the last minute. That's buying and selling I suppose. Soon the snow will fly and I'm not feeling as motivated to buy anything and others won't be either, but I'll keep looking for deal.

Opinions on this little gem? He wants 7000 which is more than I want to pay after I include shipping. It's pretty though.

http://www.slant6webdesign.com/ebay/index.php/2004%20Honda%20VFR%20Interceptor

[greench440]

Don't like the asphalt.  Get a shiny red on like mtrider16's.  

[Baz]

True. But it's a just a shitty (I've developed a complex) VFR. Everyone knows they're boring, dated, heavy and underpowered.  

IF Honda updates the VFR this year I'll be able to take my pick of some nice 06s. Also I'm partial to the dark silver on the 2008.

Updated VFR, oh man that's funny.  

[MisterSmooth]

Opinions on this little gem? He wants 7000 which is more than I want to pay after I include shipping. It's pretty though.

Wow, it looks great.   And I love the asphalt color...if you can call matte black a "color."  But seven large for a 2004 model, even one with only 5,300 miles is more than you need to pay.

If it was down the block, shoot, go for it.  But if you have to ship it, it's too much.  He should be shipping it to you for $7,000.

[mtrider16]

Don't like the asphalt.  Get a shiny red on like mtrider16's.  

   Shiney red, without the 28,963 miles, or all the scratches, and have someone clean and polish the poor thing.  

Asphalt is good too.

David

[UFO]

IF Honda updates the VFR this century I'll be able to take my pick of some nice 06s. Also I'm partial to the dark silver on the 2008.

FTFY  

[Rogue]

I think the Asphalt color is a little too stealthy for me.  Perhaps if the wheels were powdercoated metallic dark grey or something to break up all that black.  However, I can see the allure of such a color scheme.  It begs to be blinged up though in my opinion.

Still shopping?

You know, the ultimate test of weather you are about to make an impulse buy is to give it the two-week test.  You wait two weeks and see if you are still very interested.  I think the amount of time you've been interested means you really are interested.  Go take one for a test ride already and/or take it home.

[XLR8]

I think the Asphalt color is a little too stealthy for me.  Perhaps if the wheels were powdercoated metallic dark grey or something to break up all that black.  However, I can see the allure of such a color scheme.  It begs to be blinged up though in my opinion.

Still shopping?

You know, the ultimate test of weather you are about to make an impulse buy is to give it the two-week test.  You wait two weeks and see if you are still very interested.  I think the amount of time you've been interested means you really are interested.  Go take one for a test ride already and/or take it home.

I always do the two week thing too.

There are none to be had around here. They don't sell. They aren't fast enough and they are too heavy.

I am still looking around and since my TE 610 sold I have money to spend.  

My deal with myself was that since I already have a gorgeous KTM 990, that I would just get a nice used VFR and not go excessive and get a ZX-14.

I'll try the VFR and if it doesn't work for me then I can get a ZX when I get done with my master's degree, maybe as a present to myself or something. But really, I think I'll like the VFR just fine assuming I can find one I like.

I would love to find a red 05/ABS with silver wheels. But I could get the red 02 and powder coat the wheels myself. I will talk to the dude tomorrow. I haven't been able to get a hold of him.

[MisterSmooth]

Sold the 610?   Yeah, so change your sig already.  

[Rogue]

I would love to find a red 05/ABS with silver wheels. But I could get the red 02 and powder coat the wheels myself. I will talk to the dude tomorrow. I haven't been able to get a hold of him.

I've seen the ZX14 in person and it is a well built machine.  Kawasaki lavished it with the best they have.  

I used to own a Hayabusa and it was similar in performance, build, and mission.  I think if you are really into speed, nothing will ever compare to these incredibly powerful machines.  The issue I had later on was not with the bike but the lack of a venue to really use all that massive power.  It wasn't fun having so much overwhelming power but not being able to use it as much.  With my VFR, I have just enough power to give me the feeling of speed.  Yet it is not excessively powerful as to greatly tempt me into doing really outrageous stuff--like passing multiple cars or more.  In other words, it keeps me honest yet very satisfied.  I hope you find your VFR soon.

[XLR8]

I've seen the ZX14 in person and it is a well built machine.  Kawasaki lavished it with the best they have.  

I used to own a Hayabusa and it was similar in performance, build, and mission.  I think if you are really into speed, nothing will ever compare to these incredibly powerful machines.  The issue I had later on was not with the bike but the lack of a venue to really use all that massive power.  It wasn't fun having so much overwhelming power but not being able to use it as much.  With my VFR, I have just enough power to give me the feeling of speed.  Yet it is not excessively powerful as to greatly tempt me into doing really outrageous stuff--like passing multiple cars or more.  In other words, it keeps me honest yet very satisfied.  I hope you find your VFR soon.

Rogue thanks for the info. My 610 just drove away so now I can shop even more.

But..you could pass multiple cars at once if you wanted to yes?  

[mtrider16]

  Pass several cars at once!  I did it several times last weekend, in the wind, and uphill.  Jeeze, the bike is a little porky, not a gutless KLR.  

David

[XLR8]

  Pass several cars at once!  I did it several times last weekend, in the wind, and uphill.  Jeeze, the bike is a little porky, not a gutless KLR.  

David

Ya know, one just reads so much crap from racer boys with liter bike envy or whatever that it's hard to know. I was watching a you tube vid tonight and it seemed like the bike moved along just fine.

[mtrider16]

 

Did the guy with the '02 call back?

David

[kevin_stevens]

  Pass several cars at once!  I did it several times last weekend, in the wind, and uphill.  Jeeze, the bike is a little porky, not a gutless KLR.  

David

Ah, but what about when you need to pass several VFRs at once...  

KeS

[XLR8]

Sold the 610?   Yeah, so change your sig already.  

I'm busy.  

[MisterSmooth]

I'm busy.  

Hey, hey, now.  I notice another sig line change...........

[Rogue]

But..you could pass multiple cars at once if you wanted to yes?  

No.  It's a slug.  

Of course you can.  But not in the same way you can with today's liter class plus bikes.  I mean back in my Hayabusa days, the only thing that held me back from passing as many cars in a single bound is the limitation of the speed I would be carrying when I get to the end of that line of cars.  That's because the Hayabusa accelerated and accelerated and the faster you went, the harder it accelerated.  So, you would be be at the end of a 5 car line up and you are now doing 150 mph and still accelerating!!    You can foresee the danger in that.  If one of those cars pulled out to pass as you are about to go by at 130+, it's all over!  You can do that anytime, anywhere on the Hayabusa.  But you can't on a VFR.  Well, you can.  But it will take longer to do.  So, because you know it will take longer, it gives you pause and forces you to be a bit more sensible and conservative when you pass on a VFR.  I like this about the bike because it checks my aggressiveness.  The Hayabusa rewards aggressiveness.  But you just know someday your luck will run out and fate will take it all back in one fell swoop!  

When I'm on the VFR, I feel much more relaxed.  I can easily dial up just the right amount of acceleration but I know it has limits that I can reach.  The Hayabusa felt like it had no limits.  That in itself made it, with me on it, a very dangerous combination.  That's because I found it hard to control my desire for power!

[kevin_stevens]

Don't be a slave to your willpower.  

KeS

[XLR8]

No.  It's a slug.  

Of course you can.  But not in the same way you can with today's liter class plus bikes.  I mean back in my Hayabusa days, the only thing that held me back from passing as many cars in a single bound is the limitation of the speed I would be carrying when I get to the end of that line of cars.  That's because the Hayabusa accelerated and accelerated and the faster you went, the harder it accelerated.  So, you would be be at the end of a 5 car line up and you are now doing 150 mph and still accelerating!!    You can foresee the danger in that.  If one of those cars pulled out to pass as you are about to go by at 130+, it's all over!  You can do that anytime, anywhere on the Hayabusa.  But you can't on a VFR.  Well, you can.  But it will take longer to do.  So, because you know it will take longer, it gives you pause and forces you to be a bit more sensible and conservative when you pass on a VFR.  I like this about the bike because it checks my aggressiveness.  The Hayabusa rewards aggressiveness.  But you just know someday your luck will run out and fate will take it all back in one fell swoop!  

When I'm on the VFR, I feel much more relaxed.  I can easily dial up just the right amount of acceleration but I know it has limits that I can reach.  The Hayabusa felt like it had no limits.  That in itself made it, with me on it, a very dangerous combination.  That's because I found it hard to control my desire for power!

Exactly the same for me when I had my GSX-R 1000. I knew one day I was coming home in handcuffs or a body bag.

[Rogue]

Then you fully understand where I'm coming from.

I thought that I would end up missing the power of my Hayabusa.  But you know, I don't and it's been over two years now.  Even when I had the Busa and my '01 VFR, when I got on the VFR I didn't miss the Busa's power.  I missed its torque though when I forget to downshift a gear or two.  Now with the Firebolt, I got the torque.  

I think that if I lived in a land where speed limits where more liberal, and cops weren't such speed Nazi's and sportbike-haters, I would want a bike like the Hayabusa.  Even then, I still believe the VFR is the best balanced bike out there.  It doesn't give you any more than you will ever need in terms of power and acceleration.  But it gives you a whole lot more versatility, quality, reliability, and overall competence.

[XLR8]

Well there has to be some kind of magic with the VFR. Ever notice that there's a VFR in 8 out of 10 pictures that show on the top of the pages here.  

[mtrider16]

   Some might say that UFO is biased.  I think its just a great bike.  

David

[mtrider16]

Ah, but what about when you need to pass several VFRs at once...  

KeS

   Albert said that FTL travel was impossible.    

Okay, that was a very sloooow reply.  

Thanks for keeping the conversation light Kevin.

David

[fxrbill]

Once again the sig line will be needing a change

[mtrider16]

Once again the sig line will be needing a change

   Looks like its been changed.  

David

[Faith7]

 They are '05 '06 '07 in crates brand new if you look and some '04 vfr's still in the crate. I bought a '04 last year new in crate for $6900, which I thought was a decent deal but not great. So far no trouble and satisfied in every way. They are out there for sure if you look. If you need more info I can put you in touch with a owner that sells them Honda's like hot cakes. He has at least three warehouses full of them and that is just what he has on hand, he also has a network of dealers he swaps bikes with. Just for an example, he had 12 '04 vfr's and a tractor trailor full of Cr250r and xr250's (last year model of both). All sold with in weeks once the word  got out about the sweet deals going on.

[XLR8]

Urban Legend?

I keep hearing about all these sweet deals on VFRs in crates. I called a dealer in Ohio about some 2006s he had listed on Cycle Trader for 10k and suggested the price might be a tad high. He pretty much went ape shit telling me how it was the most popular bike they sell and they will sell every single one of them at sticker price.

They don't sell here and they are very rare from what I've seen. The dealer doesn't even bother to bring any in because they sit there.

[Faith7]

Well that's why they are in crates and I'm riding one, why not you? I'll call monday and see what he has and let you know.  

[XLR8]

Well that's why they are in crates and I'm riding one, why not you? I'll call monday and see what he has and let you know.  

Thanks very much for the offer to do that, I really appreciate it.

I purchased a bright red 2002/ABS last week with very low miles. I have no idea why I'm so stoked but I can't wait for it to get here. I'm shipping it from the buyer. 

[Rogue]

FINALLY!    

Seriously, congratulations!  Remember:  

Also, because you made us wait so long and kept us in suspense as to whether or not you were going to be a VFR owner, you are now required to take some quality pics.  I prefer frontal/side shots when the bike is in a shaded spot (no sun means softer lines).  If possible, a pic with you on the bike so we know you really own it.  Oh, and none of those cheap sitting-in-the-driveway or stuffed-inside-a-garage-at-night shots!

 

On a side note, never call a dealer and ask for a "deal".  No matter if you think their price is ridiculous.   Most dealers are smart enough to know a REAL buyer from a shopper.  Know the value of the bike you want, then go to dealership ready to write that check.  You will probably still have to haggle it down if you find an older bike-in-a-crate deal.  But if you come in and show them you trully are serious, AND you offer a fair price (knowing its value), they will NOT turn you down.  Their business people afterall and they understand money today is worth more than maybe more money later.  Put another way, a sale today is better than a POSSIBLE sale later.  99% of the time they will take the sale today.  And if they don't, they will call you within 24 hours and offer the sale to you again!  

[ol Rocket]

(Snarfle)  

[kevin_stevens]

On a side note, never call a dealer and ask for a "deal".  No matter if you think their price is ridiculous.   Most dealers are smart enough to know a REAL buyer from a shopper.  Know the value of the bike you want, then go to dealership ready to write that check.  You will probably still have to haggle it down if you find an older bike-in-a-crate deal.  But if you come in and show them you trully are serious, AND you offer a fair price (knowing its value), they will NOT turn you down.  Their business people afterall and they understand money today is worth more than maybe more money later.  Put another way, a sale today is better than a POSSIBLE sale later.  99% of the time they will take the sale today.  And if they don't, they will call you within 24 hours and offer the sale to you again!  

They did to me.  Must be my face.  Let me walk out with *their* asking price in *cash* in my hand, because they wouldn't throw in the 600 mile service.  On a last-year's model.  I'm still shaking my head over that one.

KeS

[XLR8]

Oh I'll take some nice pics.  

 

[Lon]

Exactly the same for me when I had my GSX-R 1000. I knew one day I was coming home in handcuffs or a body bag.

I rode a K12S recently.  It was splendid, but I had no idea what to do with the other 70 horsepower... and I didn't much care to find out.  Above 6k, the bike tries to tear your arms off.  A Hayabusa is even a bit faster, as is the GSXR1000.  I'd love owning one or the other, but I have no idea what I'd do with them.

[XLR8]

I rode a K12S recently.  It was splendid, but I had no idea what to do with the other 70 horsepower... and I didn't much care to find out.  Above 6k, the bike tries to tear your arms off.  A Hayabusa is even a bit faster, as is the GSXR1000.  I'd love owning one or the other, but I have no idea what I'd do with them.

You can pass 5 cars at a time.  

[mtrider16]

I was wondering if Faith7 was a sockpuppet to flush Ron out.  A bit to forward for polite conversation.  

I'm glad the news is out, I can stop bitting my tongue now.  

David

[XLR8]

Guess I should go buy a filter and some seafoam. These take 10-40 right?


Ship From:                 FT COLLINS, CO 80528
Ship To:                        BOISE, ID 83709
Actual Pickup Date :        10/14 10:30
Planned Delivery Date:      10/21 To 10/22
Current Shipment Status:  Shipment is enroute
Last Location Update:        DENVER, CO On: 10/14 At: 13:23.00

[mtrider16]

I'll look when I get home.  The grade isn't coming to me right now, I thought it was lighter.  

David

[traveler]

Start another oil thread over at VFRD.

[MisterSmooth]

Dude, it takes a week to ship it from Fort Collins to Boise?

Only takes about 15 hours to make that drive!

Sorry about the wait...I spose that it gives you time to order frame sliders and such.  

[sagerat]

Congrats on the Viffer; they are great bikes.  I miss mine, especially after riding my buddy's '98 this wknd.

[Rogue]

Do yourself a favor and buy the oil filter socket NOW.  That factory oil filter is tight and it will take a big oil filter tool to get it out.  Problem is, there is no room to fit a big oil filter wrench.  So get that Honda oil filter socket (or equivalent) and save yourself the head ache.  It does take 10w40.  Use cheap oil for now.  Oil change intervals on the bike is every 7,500 miles I think.  If it's got the original tires, maybe now is a good time to replace them with Dunlop Roadsmarts.  If I were you, I would go ahead and flush all the fluids like brake and clutch and coolant, replace with fresh ones.  Be mindful when replacing those brake fluids on linked brakes--it must be done in order.  Starter valve synchronization would be nice if you have time.

It's nearly a 7 year old bike afterall.

[ol Rocket]

Can I start the "Vtec sucks" sub-thread now?

[XLR8]

Can I start the "Vtec sucks" sub-thread now?

 

I read so much of it, it made me want to try it even more.
Posted on: October 14, 2008, 10:01:02 pm

Dude, it takes a week to ship it from Fort Collins to Boise?

Only takes about 15 hours to make that drive!

Sorry about the wait...I spose that it gives you time to order frame sliders and such.  

May be here sooner. I was going to go get it but I don't have the time.
Posted on: October 14, 2008, 10:01:46 pm

Do yourself a favor and buy the oil filter socket NOW.  That factory oil filter is tight and it will take a big oil filter tool to get it out.  Problem is, there is no room to fit a big oil filter wrench.  So get that Honda oil filter socket (or equivalent) and save yourself the head ache.  It does take 10w40.  Use cheap oil for now.  Oil change intervals on the bike is every 7,500 miles I think.  If it's got the original tires, maybe now is a good time to replace them with Dunlop Roadsmarts.  If I were you, I would go ahead and flush all the fluids like brake and clutch and coolant, replace with fresh ones.  Be mindful when replacing those brake fluids on linked brakes--it must be done in order.  Starter valve synchronization would be nice if you have time.

It's nearly a 7 year old bike afterall.

Forgot all about that oil filter wrench. Thanks. I need to see if they have one. I bet that filter is on there tighter than a sumbitch.  

[mtrider16]

Yes, my memory was incorrect.  It is 10-40.

I bought a dual sized filter socket from Napa and it was too large in diameter to take the filter off.  I used the ole screwdriver trick, but it was touch and go to get the factory filter off.  Since then, I've been using a water pump plier.

I read the shop manual on the linked brake bleeding process, and after all the fun I had with the clutch, I'm not sure I want to tackle the brakes without a power bleeder.

Your going to have more posts on this thread before you get a chance to post pictures than most people do with their new bike threads after they post pictures.  

You have to take at least the left side panel off to get the oil changed.  Pick up some of those flakey Honda plastic rivits as you will eventually break one or two.  The ones that hold the left and right fairing together under the engine are easy to break with all the dirt and road grime.

David

[mtrider16]

3 days and counting....  

Paper and keys have arrived.  

I think some of us our about as excited as XLR8.  

David

[XLR8]

It finally left Denver!  

[merrily]

congrats on the bike purchase!  fun bike, but i don't suppose you'll ever find a non-fun bike.  each motorbike has its own niche.

m.

[XLR8]

congrats on the bike purchase!  fun bike, but i don't suppose you'll ever find a non-fun bike.  each motorbike has its own niche.

m.

thanks merrily!

tomorrow I can do an oil change, possibly coolant if I can figure it out and then I can try it out.  

[traveler]

thanks merrily!

tomorrow I can do an oil change, possibly coolant if I can figure it out and then I can try it out.  

Did you get a Honda shop manual yet? Might want to review it prior to attempting a coolant flush/change. May also be helpful for your first oil change, but owner's manual should have info on that.

Oil change is easy, at least on mine, with the exception of fairing r and r. You might need a Honda filter wrench, and note that Honda recently changed filter diameter/size or number of flats, so now I have two filter wrenches. See VFRD for aftermarket filters which fit your bike and are also of high quality. Honda gets $10 and change for a filter. Also, a 10-12 in. extension (3/8 drive) for your ratchet plugged into the filter wrench will ease the process. Don't forget to buy some crush washers for the drain plug. I change mine at each oil/filter change.

VFRD should have lots of how-to's you can refer to if you get stuck on anything. I could possibly come by to give you a hand but don't even know what part of town you live in. I pm'd you my phone a while back. Call if you need anything.

As previously mentioned, stock up on the fairing plastic rivets, as they will fail.

 

[XLR8]

Did you get a Honda shop manual yet? Might want to review it prior to attempting a coolant flush/change. May also be helpful for your first oil change, but owner's manual should have info on that.

Oil change is easy, at least on mine, with the exception of fairing r and r. You might need a Honda filter wrench, and note that Honda recently changed filter diameter/size or number of flats, so now I have two filter wrenches. See VFRD for aftermarket filters which fit your bike and are also of high quality. Honda gets $10 and change for a filter. Also, a 10-12 in. extension (3/8 drive) for your ratchet plugged into the filter wrench will ease the process. Don't forget to buy some crush washers for the drain plug. I change mine at each oil/filter change.

VFRD should have lots of how-to's you can refer to if you get stuck on anything. I could possibly come by to give you a hand but don't even know what part of town you live in. I pm'd you my phone a while back. Call if you need anything.

As previously mentioned, stock up on the fairing plastic rivets, as they will fail.

 

I should have everything I need but time. Here's the account since it got off the truck yesterday...

Wake up, do homework, eat, go to work. On the way out of the house I stop and say, "hey, look at my cool bike I can't play with".  

At the end of the day I do this in reverse.  

Tomorrow I have the day off to catch up on stuff and run some errands and maybe take some pictures.  

[mtrider16]

Wohoo!    Can't wait to see the pics.  I have a shop manual I can read to you if you get stuck.  I haven't flushed the coolant, as I think it has been running enough.  

PM sent.

Hey, quit posting on STN and get cracking on that bike, you can still put some miles on yet this year.  

David

[ol Rocket]

You're going to lose your reputation as a serious slacker if you start putting work and studying ahead of playing with a bike.

[Rogue]

I don't know if you've done the coolant already.  Changing this on the VFR is super-easy.  There is a drain plug right above the oil fiter I believe.  Just loosen that and out comes the coolant.  Remove the "radiator" cap (it doesn't really sit on the radiator) and more coolant comes gushing out.  Don't forget to drain the reservior as well.  After wards, put the plug back in (use a new washer), fill the reservior, pour new coolant in.  Then run the engine to temp (to circulate and "burp") the system.  Check coolant level again and top up.  It's so easy, a Caveman can do it!  

[merrily]

I don't know if you've done the coolant already.  Changing this on the VFR is super-easy.  There is a drain plug right above the oil fiter I believe.  Just loosen that and out comes the coolant.  Remove the "radiator" cap (it doesn't really sit on the radiator) and more coolant comes gushing out.  Don't forget to drain the reservior as well.  After wards, put the plug back in (use a new washer), fill the reservior, pour new coolant in.  Then run the engine to temp (to circulate and "burp") the system.  Check coolant level again and top up.  It's so easy, a Caveman can do it!  

there are two drain plugs on the 5G: one on the left side on the water pump, and another that is ~5 inches above the oil filter.  did the 6G lose a drain plug?  i definitely second the new crush washer.  i didn't replace the washer once, and i had to go back and replace them.  the task is pretty easy.

my '98 had crusty hoses and the coolant overflow tank kept drying up.  i ended up replacing all of them ~2 years ago, and there haven't had any coolant leaks since.

m.