VFR Mods/Farkles?

[85V65]

Hey guys, I just picked up a low mile '97 VFR, and am curious what the popular mods/farkles are, and if there are any known issues with these bikes. Here's a pic.....



Thanks in advance!

85V65

[DosEquis00]

That is a clean looking 97 enjoy the new ride.
Great bunch of people over at http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php? and I am sure than can answer some of your questions.

[traveler]

Moving to the Honda forum in 5....4....3....2....1

+1 on VFRD.

[Guy]

Known problems on the VFR? The rectifier/regulator. I think it is about 1 in 5 have some sort of problem, and have to replace the r/r. I had to replace mine at about 30k miles. Just to be on the safe side, buy a voltmeter and install it on the bike. Other than that, my VFR has been problem free for 50k+ miles

[vfrrider]

Ah, vifferisti modding.

Voltmeter
R1 R/R
Upgraded stator
SS Exhaust w/ carbon cans
USD fork conversion
HID lighting.
Seat
bags
LED signals
Paint
Windscreen
Turnsignal mirrors

Lets see now, what have I forgot?

On yes, single nut rear end ala Ducati and new wheels to match.

That should blow your budget for the next year.

Now get you to VFRD ASAP.

Larry
VFRrider

[Zerosum]

Hey, great bike!  You just picked up one of the best bangs-for-the-buck out there.  I've had my '97 for 2 years, and I'm still amazed at what I got vs. what I paid.  How many miles are on yours?  Mine was hardly ever used... it only had 7200 when I bought it.

First and foremost... if this bike is on its original stock Regulator/Rectifier, replace it immediately.  It's on borrowed time.  The nice thing is that you can do it for cheap... rather than buy the Honda unit, you can pick up an R/R from a 2000 Yamaha R1.  (It has to be a 2000).  It cost me $40 on eBay, and it's superior to the Honda unit.  You'll have to do a little cutting to your VFR's connector plug to get it to mate up to the Yamaha unit, but it's like a 1/2 hour job.

Also, a volt meter is a good idea.  I have one on my handlebar, next to the throttle.  This is a great bike, but I don't trust it's electrical system completely.  If mine is left to idle long enough, the voltage will drop below 12.0v.  If I'm reving it at all, it's no problem.  I think I need to up-size the conductors between the stator and the R/R, but I'm lazy and I have too many bikes.  

I have a luggage rack installed on my VFR... got it from here:  http://www.revsperformance.com/   It's functional, and easy on the eyes.

Also, I have a red Zero Gravity Double Bubble windsheild that I could sell to you cheap, if you're interested.  It's taller than the stock screen, clean, no scratches.  I just replaced it wth a taller one.

Enjoy your new viffer!

[fotomoto]

ahh, another nice 4gen. Congrats.

I went a little, ahemm, overboard modding/farkling my second 4gen (a 96):

[XLR8]

fotomoto, pretty cool man, I like it.  

[DosEquis00]

fotomoto what front end did you get for the VFR?

[traveler]

I had a '96 VFR, same generation (4th) as '97, but left it completely stock. I did, however, buy a Ventura luggage rack and headlight protectors for it. BTW, that bike went ~75,000 miles and still ran great when I sold it.

My '00 VFR, a 5th gen, has a Yoshimura slip-on, helibars, double bubble windscreen, heated grips and voltmeter. Also bought another Ventura luggage rack. Currently the bike has over 80,000 miles and runs very strong.

IMO, best mods/farkles would be those that make you the most comfortable, like seat, bar risers, windscreen, heated grips, etc. Also, tailoring the suspension to your weight and riding style. This might involve fork springs and rear shock springs.

Additionally, as others have mentioned, get a voltmeter. For added cranking power, get a ST1300 battery, though I think you'll need to cut a piece of 3/4" wood to place under it, as it's shorter than standard VFR battery. I had to replace my r/r on the '96 with a new one (Honda), so look into that.

Inspect ALL electrical connectors and grounds, clean as required.

If you are seriously wanting to explore your own and the bike's limits, go for fork rebuild/respring, and aftermarket shock. Otherwise, just set sag properly and enjoy.

I'm not a believer in the hype of K&N air filters, and replace my a/f yearly with stock. I am a believer in using iridium spark plugs, which seem to last forever without a drop off in performance. I also use roller headstock bearings (All Balls) as replacements for stock. My gearing I have left stock.

Pay particular attention to regular (i.e. frequent) fluid changes, to include oil, brake, clutch and coolant. Keep an eye on front wheel bearings.

I don't do any major service myself, just routine stuff. If you are a diy sort, getting the carbs dialed in really well (after checking valves), you'll be amazed at how well it will run, and how smoothly. I once took my '96 to a performance shop in Portland, where they did a major service that resulted in a super running engine. I watched them do the carb sync and they nailed it. Not every shop will take the time to do it properly.

Very satisfying bikes, whether left stock or modded. Best advice, just ride it. A lot.

[fotomoto]

fotomoto what front end did you get for the VFR?

Where to start?  

2003 CBR600RR front fairings
F4i forks
2002 VFR VTEC rear including subframe
Tons of other stuff

I apologize for the slight thread jack 85 but just wanted to show the possibilities of modding the 4gen or any bike.

[Rogue]

I went a little, ahemm, overboard modding/farkling my second 4gen (a 96):

I'll say......that is a nice......is it still a VFR?  Or is it a V-CFR?  

[fotomoto]

I'll say......that is a nice......is it still a VFR?  Or is it a V-CFR?  

Since it is part RC, part CBR  but mostly VFR,  I call it an RCBVFR.     It has a couple of GSXR items too but I, ahemm, "forgot" about those during the naming process.  

[Rabidsnipe]

+1 on VFRD. Miguel (Hispanic Slammer) runs a good ship and is a great guy to ride with to. They'll help you with all your questions and you can find a lot more examples of mods to do.

[dawgwhat]

to bad you didn't get the 5th generation, you could of got this mod


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more info here

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=31492&hl=

[Zerosum]

I just snagged a used set of GenMar risers off of eBay this week.  I put them on my VFR last night and went for a ride.  WOW!    I can't believe I waited this long before getting a set of these.  They take just enough pressure off my arms and lower back.  I highly recommend these things.

FYI, this is AS HIGH as the bars can go on the 4th Gen.  In fact, my windscreen now bumps my kill switch when I turn the forks all the way to the left!  D'oh.  It's silly, if I had an extra MILLIMETER, the switch would clear the windscreen.  I might have to go "ghetto" and file down my kill switch by 2mm.  

[DosEquis00]

  I might have to go "ghetto" and file down my kill switch by 2mm.  

Can you just trim the windscreen?