NEwbie 2003 VFR -A

[Rondeau]

Greetings-

Newbie (to VFRs) here, just picked up a 2003 800 ABS, loaded, w/ just under 10K miles. My fist bike was in 1988, a Honda 400 w/ 4 in to 1 pipes, cafe front end, etc. I have been riding and still have BMW GS bikes since then, first trip on the VFR was a blast. Bike looks emaculate, but looks are hard to rely on- what if anything should I be prepared to upgrade/fix/farkle etc I have been around a few FVRs, they seem to have a huge and dedicated following, and the bike seems rock solid.

Thanks all in advance, this was an impulse buy 2 hours ago (was getting new meat on my 01' GS @ tyhe BMW dealer when this got traded in) and I am still pumped

[02 VFR Rider]

congrats and welcome to the madness

[Scubalong]

Welcome, As for mod there are no limit if you have the cash $$$$$$$
Check out NCB bike I think his bike is one of the best MOD that I have seen so far :)
Ride safe keep the rubber down. BTW post some picture if you can.

[VFRShorty]

Welcome, it was a great impulse purchase!

[VIFFER RIDER]

Just do general maintenance and it should last a long time. make sure all recalls (if 03 had any) were all done. Some models were affected by R/R and wiring harness problems.

[SilverSurfer800]

Welcome to the World! The 2002-2005 was affected by a wiring harness recall. The Honda dealership will take care of if for free if it hasn't already been done. Other than that it should be a trouble free bike with many miles left in her!

[sound wave]

congrats on the new ride!

[ewryly]

Nice impulse! You won't regret it. And welcome!

[smithyVFR800]

A very warm welcome to the world of Very Fine Riding from all here in OZ. You might also like to check with your local dealer about a recall we had here in Australia concerning the rear sub-frame, i believe it only affected certain vin numbers. Regards Smithy.

[Alaskan]

Welcome! I have a 2004 w/out ABS. Upgrades? Well, here are my Top 3:

1. Replace the seat with a Sargent or Corbin. I have never heard any 6th Generation owner say, "Wow, I love my bike's stock seat!"

2. Depending on your riding style, you may find the stock shock is weak (my tuner calls it "crap", but I think that is a bit harsh). Fortunately, there are options from Ohlins, Works Performance and others.

3. You may also want to invest in a Power Commander and a custom map to smooth the throttle response and the power delivery through the VTEC transition point (6800 RPM for your bike).

And then, there's this (only one left in the warehouse at Carrozzeria. I considered this wheelset for my bike, but it's too spendy for me! Or is it? No. Yes. No.)


CARROZZERIA USA INC - MOTORCYCLE AFTERMARKET WHEEL MANUFACTURE MAKERS OF THE TRI-R VSTAR V7R FORGED WHEELS HONDA VFR800 VFR



Or, you can just ride it as is! Enjoy!

[kc7zrb]

general maint. , other then oil changes and air filter, are there other major changes at sertain mileages?

[park800]

Funny story, I know you will enjoy her for years to come, congrats!!!

[TimRav]

Congrats on your VFR and welcome to VFRW!

As others said, check with a Honda dealer on whether the recalls have been performed on your bike. The wiring harness recall is the one I would be most concerned with.

Other than that, as long as you perform routine maintenance when due/needed your VFR will last for years and 1000's of miles to come. (39k so far on my '04!)

Popular mods are swapping out the seat (most opt for Sargents), OEM hard bags, fender eliminator, Power Commander & oxygen sensor eliminators, Pazzo levers, grip warmers, and double-bubble or touring windshield.

[bl4ckd0g]

I just rode me bike with the new ASV unbreakable levers this afternoon and they rock!

Would also recommend Genmar risers or Heli-bars if you want an upright seating position. Replace your factory pegs with Buell Ulysses footpegs also help if you're even taller.

I don't mind the stock seat, but I also sat on the Sargent seat and it's an improvement.

There was also a recall on the LBS secondary master cylinder or proportioning valve (can't remember which).