Had bike for a month, few questions

[CaGuy78]

Hey guys!

I've been riding my 98 VFR for a few weeks and noticed a few things that I was hoping some of you experienced 5th gen owners could shed some light on…

I have a 98 with 19,000 miles on it. I got it at 18,000 and did a tune-up which included adding Synthetic Oil and new filter, checked the air cleaner (K&N), and changed the spark plugs. NJot sure if it had Synth in there previously or not. I don’t know much else about the previous maintenance, but everything looked good to me. One thing I don’t think has been done is a valve check, but I keep hearing that I could probably wait until 22K before I do that.

So when I first bought my bike a month or so ago it idled about 1200rpm. After I did the tune-up it idles at anywhere from 1600 to 2000. Here’s the puzzling thing, when I first start it up and before it gets warmed up it idles around 1200 still, but when it’s running about 170 that’s where it gets higher. It also seems to idle consistently at 1600-1700 one day, and 1800-1900 the next.

Another thing I’ve been noticing is that before the bike is warmed up; there is a LOT of engine compression, is this normal? Once I get her warmed up and ride on the freeways for a bit it seems to smoothen out somewhat. The last couple of days though it seems to have more engine compression then before, but that could be in my head.

The last thing I’ve noticed is that in the last few rides it seems to run ‘Rough’ above 6500 rpm’s, that’s the best way to describe it… The power’s there, but it just seems to be rougher than before, more vibration maybe. Can’t really pinpoint it or explain it better than that.

Does all of this sound normal or do you guys think I might need to start looking into something? I’ve been known to be paranoid when it comes to my bikes. 

Thanks for taking the time to read! You guys rock!

[Y2Kviffer]

You've probably got a vacuum hose loose or undone. Check all the lines under the tank. Set the idle between 1200 - 1400 after the engine is warmed up.

[hatzyian]

Remember that there is a fast idle lever by the l/h grip. Make sure that it's off before doing any adjustment.

[CaGuy78]

Think I'll stick with my 5th Gen for now, like using my power all the time not just in V-tec mode.