Hello to all

[joshbea6]

Hello all,

I'm hoping to purchase a 2005 VFR this weekend, and I had a couple of questions for the masses:

How bad are the regulators on the 05? Is this something that I need to worrk about changing ASAP if it has not already been done? The bike only has 6K on it, so it is still relatively new.

Thanks in advance.

[derstuka]

Hello and welcome Josh. It is hit and miss. In general from what I have seen....the 6th gens do not seem to have as many issues with the R/R (regulator/rectifier) as the previous gens did/do. Maybe that is because of the relocation of the R/R to the front of the bike for better air flow. I would not worry about it really. If you really at uneasy about it, you could go to Wire My Bike to grab the bull by the horns and almost eliminate the possibility of it failing.

My bike is a 5th gen, and the previous owner had the R/R replaced with the upgraded (larger) one before I got it.

Good luck with the hunt.

[joshbea6]

Jason,

Thanks.

With the rectifier/ regulator problem, what was it that was causing the overheat problem? Was it just the location of it on the bike, or was it a wiring issue?

Is there anything else that I need to be wary about with the 6th gen's? So far, the Rectifier was the only "warning" that I was told about regarding the bikes.

-Josh

[Slothrop]

The biggest problem with these bikes is that once you ride it you won't want to do anything else with your life.

[joshbea6]

The biggest problem with these bikes is that once you ride it you won't want to do anything else with your life.

That's not QUITE what I was hoping for... especially with the wife and kids... but who am I to turn down a dead sexy lookin bike...

[drewl]

That should be the only regularly occurring failure. Honda has always had a reputation for quality and the VFRs are no exception. Good luck, and enjoy.

[derstuka]

Jason,

Thanks.

With the rectifier/ regulator problem, what was it that was causing the overheat problem? Was it just the location of it on the bike, or was it a wiring issue?

Is there anything else that I need to be wary about with the 6th gen's? So far, the Rectifier was the only "warning" that I was told about regarding the bikes.

-Josh

Well, part of the problem is that the wiring was/is too small of a gauge, the R/R size/fins were too small, and not in an ideal condition (prior to 6th gens). This would sometimes cause the plug going into the R/R to become overheated and melt in some circumstances. In one extremely rare case (one guy on here on a 5th gen) the bike actually caught on fire from a bad R/R when the connector/wiring got so hot it ignited. That was rare though. Mostly your bike would just die, and/or starting function oddly. The wiremybike harness that the guy has designed basically makes everything bigger nad/or more durable. There are some threads on it that can tell you more on it and in greater detail that I explained. I maybe be a little off on some of my explanations, but that is the jist of it.

Well, the 6th gens from 2002-2005 (06 and on is ok I believe) all need the Honda wiring harness recall performed. If this has not been done (inquire about it from the owner) it will be done free of charge at any Honda dealer. I believe that you can have a dealer run your VIN to determine if the harness recall was performed.

VFR's are very reliable bikes for the most part......most all bikes have some issue that affects them. Fixing some of Honda's inadequacies is one of them.

[300shooter]

The biggest problem with these bikes is that once you ride it you won't want to do anything else with your life.

Gospel on that!!

[joshbea6]

Thanks for the info guys, and keep it coming. This is my first bike in a LONG time, so I'm a little rusty.

Is there any timeframe that the Wiring harness must be replaced by, or was it a "mandatory" recall from Honda with no time limit?

-Josh

[derstuka]

Thanks for the info guys, and keep it coming. This is my first bike in a LONG time, so I'm a little rusty.

Is there any timeframe that the Wiring harness must be replaced by, or was it a "mandatory" recall from Honda with no time limit?

-Josh

Mandatory....not sure of a time limit. Don't think there is one. However, I think they get grumpier the longer that you wait from what I have heard....

[joshbea6]

I may need to put a new chain and sprockets on this bike I'm looking at as the chain looks like it has some rust on it. So what I need to know, is based on these pictures, should I replace the chain/ sprockets, or let it go. The bike only has 6000 miles on it.