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Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 5:05 PM
To: vfr@xxxxxx
Subject: vfr Digest, Vol 29, Issue 12

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Today's Topics:

1. Re: Tying down a VFR . . . Properly (Joe Cargal)
2. Motorcycle shipping crates (was tying down VFR) (firefly)
3. Re: 1991 VFR 750F (John Johnson)
4. Re: NVFRC: How not to pass - video (Paul Kolbo)
5. Re: NVFRC: How not to pass - video / Frantic.... Gap
Patrol...... (Mrydr@xxxxxx)
6. Re: Fork oil change--actually, lack thereof (John Johnson)
7. RE: Tying down a VFR . . . Properly (John Harrison)
8. Re: Burnt Smell (Gary Dehner)
9. Re: Motorcycle shipping crates (was tying down VFR)
(vfrlist@xxxxxx)
10. Re: 1991 VFR 750F (info.rockies@xxxxxx)
11. Re: Fork oil change-- more questions (JES_VFR)
12. RE: Tying Down a VFR . . . Properly -> Harbor Freight Fold-Up
Trailer (Pap)
13. Re: 1991 VFR 750F (J Richard Ronay)
14. RE: NVFRC: How not to pass - video (Joe Cargal)
15. Re: NVFRC: How not to pass - video / Frantic.... Gap
Patrol...... (firefly)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 15:03:07 -0400
From: "Joe Cargal"
Subject: Re: Tying down a VFR . . . Properly
To:
Message-ID: <005201c6bbe6$730aaef0$7bf1fea9@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Honda does not use a "crate" per se. They use a full perimeter metal cage.
Some bikes are shipped semi-assembled to facilitate strapping them securely
within the protective "cage" with tie-downs. Then things such as fairings
and fenders are assembled on the unit at the dealer.

There is a track down the middle of the cage that the wheels/tires are held
in, with a chock of sorts that each tire settles into.

There is really very little comparison that can be made between Honda's
shipping methods for new units and our methods of transport in the bed of a
truck.

Joe

-----Original Message-----
From: vfr-bounces@xxxxxx [mailto:vfr-bounces@xxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Quint A Marcaletti
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 2:43 PM
To: vfr@xxxxxx
Subject: RE: vfr Digest, Vol 29, Issue 10

[snip]
***This begs the question: What does Honda use when shipping a new bike in
a crate? Anyone familiar with uncrating a new bike care to shed some light
here?
Thanks
QAM

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------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Wed, 09 Aug 2006 14:14:25 -0500
From: firefly
Subject: Motorcycle shipping crates (was tying down VFR)
To: "quint.marcaletti@xxxxxx"
Cc: "vfr@xxxxxx"
Message-ID: <44DA3411.6000001@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

A quick google search found a couple of hits:

http://www.motorcycleshippers.com/s_pop_standard.htm

http://hogcabin.com/

I can't find any info about "Genuine Honda" shipping crates or how they
do it but I would presume it is a similar crate that they just strap the
bugger in with some plastic wrap to protect the bits and off it goes
over the ocean.

Dealer prep probably doesn't amount to much more than filling up the
oils, peeling off the protective stickers here and there and checking
out the bike. Perhaps the handlebars/mirrors come off to make the
container smaller but with today's bikes that wouldn't make much of a
difference. I can't wait to see if anyone has any better
links/pics/insight on this.

-Jim


------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 15:14:50 -0400
From: John Johnson
Subject: Re: 1991 VFR 750F
To: info.rockies@xxxxxx
Cc: vfr@xxxxxx
Message-ID: <26E23159-95D7-4A33-99DA-7CDCBF29DEFB@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed


On Wednesday 9Aug, 2006, at 1:59 PM, info.rockies@xxxxxx wrote:

>
[snip]
> Aftermarket shocks for that VFR are no longer available according
> to some listers, but you *may* be able to find a used one on Ebay
> if you can beat the competition out. If an aftermarket shock isn't
> a big deal (or certain pipes), then maybe that's not a deciding
> factor for you.

I've seen aftermarket shocks for that year available. Ohlins no
longer makes one, but other companies do.

later,
Johnj


------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 15:29:01 -0400 (EDT)
From: Paul Kolbo
Subject: Re: NVFRC: How not to pass - video
To: Joe Cargal , "'VFR'"
Message-ID:

<29184483.1155151741388.JavaMail.root@xxxxxx-huard.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

As long as it remains a federal highway, and Swift pays their federal
shipping taxes, they are entitled to use the route just as much as
motorcyclists and Miata-heads. While not smart, it's not egregious either.
I won't defend truckers that don't know how to handle their rig in that
area. But you can't just ask them politely to go elsewhere. The SMART
thing to do is to make the Gap a parkway, similar to Blue Ridge. But this
would probably require an alternative route that isn't too far out of the
way.


Paul Kolbo
02VFR
94ST1100

-----Original Message-----
>From: Joe Cargal
>Sent: Aug 9, 2006 2:35 PM
>To: 'VFR'
>Subject: NVFRC: How not to pass - video
>
>Swift still routinely sends their trucks over US129 even after repeated
>requests by the locals and motorcyclists to STOP.
>
>
>
>Some of the problems are egregious.



------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 15:32:29 EDT
From: Mrydr@xxxxxx
Subject: Re: NVFRC: How not to pass - video / Frantic.... Gap
Patrol......
To: vfr@xxxxxx
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"


In a message dated 8/9/2006 11:08:27 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
serenityvalley@xxxxxx writes:

This is unacceptable for any type of vehicle on an 11-foot lane
painted/marked road. Even an 18-wheeler should be able to keep the
vehicle out of the gravel. Putting a wheel onto the gravel puts every
2-wheeler's life in jeopardy as it drags loose rock onto the surface. I
own/operate/drive a fairly large RV and don't have any trouble keeping
it on the pavement or to the right of the centerline. I expect other
operators to do the same. Anything less is "all over the road" to me.



It is unacceptable for an 18 wheeler to attempt an assault on the Gap.

I (group) was really happy to see the unofficial "Gap" patrol making
"FRANTIC" move over to the extreme right hand side motions before seeing
the 18
wheeler coming the opposite way..............

What would I have done if I was going faster w/ no warning.....? (I think
this is the start of another "dump it" thread......)
There are places when confronted by a behemoth where there would be nowhere

to go......

It's disturbing to learn Swift sends their loads that way, maybe they need
a
GPS update....... or GPS Ver 2 which takes elevation, wear, tear, time, etc

into fuel/transportation expense.....

Have a fun safe time JohnS. It's amazing.....

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Message: 6
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 15:20:17 -0400
From: John Johnson
Subject: Re: Fork oil change--actually, lack thereof
To: Tom Blooming
Cc: vfr@xxxxxx
Message-ID: <15EFFAF1-0D46-4E00-8AEA-C35D8767D1FC@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed


On Wednesday 9Aug, 2006, at 3:00 PM, Tom Blooming wrote:

> Didn't some versions of the VFR come with drainage bolts on the bottom
> of the forks? If yes, would it still be beneficial to remove the
> forks to do this (to get ALL the old oil out) ?
>
> -Tom
>
I believe that they removed the bolts in '95 or so. It didn't happen
with a model-year change, apparently. the drain hole is simply a hole
in the fork lower, so doesn't give access to a special reservoir or
anything. It's just a hole in the bottom of the fork.

In any case, I don't mess with them. The drain holes are small, and
the bolt requires a copper crush washer that will eventually have to
be replaced. You have to take the caps off anyway to re-fill them, so
I just don't see the point in using the drains. Presumably that's why
they were eventually removed. Up-ending the forks gets all the oil
out, provided you stroke the piston a couple of times (which you have
to do with the drain hole anyway). Actually, I usually leave one leg
up-ended over the drain pan for 5-10 minutes while I drop and open up
the other leg. That lets more oil drip out. Then, the second leg gets
to drip out while I'm re-assembling and filling the first.

Obviously, if you wish to flush out the legs with solvent or
something you'll get more oil (and perhaps other stuff) out, but what
with changing the oil annually and being a grad student (limited
time, no permanent shop, etc.), I just can't be bothered.

Later,
Johnj





------------------------------

Message: 7
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 14:40:58 -0500
From: "John Harrison"
Subject: RE: Tying down a VFR . . . Properly
To:
Message-ID: <000001c6bbeb$bd3ce0b0$1300000a@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Some of the bikes that I have seen in crates have the front wheel removed
and are strapped down onto a support under the motorcycle engine/frame that
rests on the bottom of the crate frame. Not sure if Honda does this or not.

I agree that there is very little useful comparison that can be made between
factory shipping methods and transporting an assembled bike.

John Harrison
Birmingham



> -----Original Message-----
> From: vfr-bounces@xxxxxx [mailto:vfr-bounces@xxxxxx] On Behalf
> Of Joe Cargal
> Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 2:03 PM
> To: vfr@xxxxxx
> Subject: Re: Tying down a VFR . . . Properly
>
> Honda does not use a "crate" per se. They use a full perimeter metal
> cage.
> Some bikes are shipped semi-assembled to facilitate strapping them
> securely
> within the protective "cage" with tie-downs. Then things such as fairings
> and fenders are assembled on the unit at the dealer.
>
> There is a track down the middle of the cage that the wheels/tires are
> held
> in, with a chock of sorts that each tire settles into.
>
> There is really very little comparison that can be made between Honda's
> shipping methods for new units and our methods of transport in the bed of
> a
> truck.




------------------------------

Message: 8
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 13:27:10 -0400
From: "Gary Dehner"
Subject: Re: Burnt Smell
To: "Kyle Allen" ,
Message-ID: <00e401c6bbec$27eda700$6401a8c0@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Actually my riding buddy and I both have 2000 models and we both smelled
this sometimes present and sometimes not aroma. It finally seemed to go
away after about 25,000 miles. It was very strange. Sometimes not there,
sometimes very faint and sometimes quite strong. Always the same smell
which was a sort of cross between electrical and a plastic overheating.

Took lots of stuff off the bike to find .. never saw anything even remotely
over heated.

Finally went away.


Gary Dehner
KY Director HSTA;
IBA; AMA: BMWMOA: Airheads
Lexington, KY

'75 R75 /6
'92 Virago,
'00 VFR800

----- Original Message -----
From: Kyle Allen
To: vfr@xxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 12:37 PM
Subject: Burnt Smell


I have an 03 VFR 800 with 5,000 miles on it. The oil was changed last at
2,800 miles. I think it is due soon and I want to check the coolant as well
this week.
The last few rides I've taken in LA (weather has been cooler by the way),
have ended with a hint of some burnt smell coming from the bike.

Sometimes I think I'm crazy, other times I swore I smelled it.

I know this is very general, but any ideas? The bike is a creampuff,
basically brand new...

GRACIAS



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Message: 9
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 15:50:30 -0400
From:
Subject: Re: Motorcycle shipping crates (was tying down VFR)
To: VFR@xxxxxx
Message-ID:
<9609041.1155153030140.JavaMail.root@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

LOL, I like the http://hogcabin.com/ home page. In the video it looks like
the 'hog cabin' slams shut with the rider inside! (Insert muffled screams
here)
--
Bob in Tucson
Then:
90 VTR 250
98 VFR 800
03 CBR F4i

Now:
01 VFR 800
04 Chevy Avalanche
VFR@xxxxxx
http://vifferman.tripod.com/vfr_album/
http://www.frappr.com/?a=myfrappr&id=72717

---- firefly wrote:

=============
A quick google search found a couple of hits:

http://www.motorcycleshippers.com/s_pop_standard.htm

http://hogcabin.com/

I can't find any info about "Genuine Honda" shipping crates or how they
do it but I would presume it is a similar crate that they just strap the
bugger in with some plastic wrap to protect the bits and off it goes
over the ocean.

Dealer prep probably doesn't amount to much more than filling up the
oils, peeling off the protective stickers here and there and checking
out the bike. Perhaps the handlebars/mirrors come off to make the
container smaller but with today's bikes that wouldn't make much of a
difference. I can't wait to see if anyone has any better
links/pics/insight on this.

-Jim
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vfr mailing list
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------------------------------

Message: 10
Date: Wed, 09 Aug 2006 20:06:47 +0000
From: info.rockies@xxxxxx
Subject: Re: 1991 VFR 750F
To: John Johnson
Cc: vfr@xxxxxx
Message-ID:

<080920062006.3242.44DA40570001F92C00000CAA22135753330101009B9D@xxxxxx>




>
> I've seen aftermarket shocks for that year available. Ohlins no
> longer makes one, but other companies do.
>
> later,
> Johnj

OK, stand corrected. But... why would anyone want to put anything but an
Ohlins on? :P

Randy




------------------------------

Message: 11
Date: Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:11:09 -0400
From: JES_VFR
Subject: Re: Fork oil change-- more questions
To: "Tom Blooming" , vfr@xxxxxx
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060809160609.025a6a28@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

At 03:00 PM 8/9/2006, you wrote:
>Didn't some versions of the VFR come with drainage bolts on the bottom
>of the forks? If yes, would it still be beneficial to remove the
>forks to do this (to get ALL the old oil out) ?
>
>-Tom

Now wait just a minute, If my understanding (and addled memory) is
correct the honda fork drains were just a threaded plug like a pipe
plug near the bottom of the lower fork leg.
So here is my question, If that is all they are why hasn't one of the
more adventurous of our group drilled his fork lowers and installed a
set of drain plugs. That would make the whole procedure that much easier.

Yes I have been dreading setting up a place to work on the vfr in the
garage this winter.
Especially since I don't think I'll be getting any suspension goodies
until next year.


JohnS
A Dragon Ascending
"Forging my body in the Fires of my Will"



------------------------------

Message: 12
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 13:13:14 -0700 (PDT)
From: Pap
Subject: RE: Tying Down a VFR . . . Properly -> Harbor Freight Fold-Up
Trailer
To: jes_vfr@xxxxxx, quint.marcaletti@xxxxxx
Cc: VFR VFR
Message-ID: <20060809201314.85521.qmail@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Quint mentioned that the angle of the trailer when tilted back is very
steep.
I have actually measured it. When the trailer is connected to a vehicle's
hitch (and level with the ground) and then the back of the bed is tilted to
the ground, the front of the bed comes up a full 31". Now, this may not be
as
steep as riding up into a pickup truck but it's plenty intimidating
especially
knowing the trailer is "light duty" and the slam down will jar the fillings
in
your head, if not cause you to drop the bike altogether.

My other reservation about riding up the ramp is that your feet will dangle
in
air for at least a given short period of time before you have anything to
hold
up the bike. But of course, pushing a 535lb. VFR up a ramp, especially a
narrow one, has its own concomitant set of worries that are daunting.

Pap

Message: 8
Date: Wed, 09 Aug 2006 14:52:03 -0400
From: JES_VFR
Subject: RE: Tying Down a VFR . . . Properly
To: "quint.marcaletti@xxxxxx" ,
vfr@xxxxxx
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060809144809.025a68d8@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

At 02:28 PM 8/9/2006, you wrote:
>I do this with my 4-wheeler, but never the bike! I have ramps for
>that! When I do it with the ATV, I always put something under the
>tongue (like a jack-stand) to absorb the impact! The HF trailer
>pivots such that the angle is pretty steep, and you have to get near
>the front edge of the trailer before it will *SLAM*
>down! Therefore, I would never do this with the HF trailer with MY
>bike....Perhaps someone could demonstrate with THEIR bike for the
>benefit of the list and take a video????!
>

How much would you have to dampen the drop. I mean could you mount a
couple (several) new hood/trunk/hatch props to dampen the drop?
I mean we did that do repair a wheelchair lift ramp that was damaged,
the gate would slam down before we added the dampers and moderately
slowly drop after.

I know they would have to be much bigger that the pieces we used
(cause there is a lot more weight, but they would slow the drop to
something less violent and damaging).



JohnS

------------------------------------------------------
"I never cared for fashion much, amusing little seams
and witty little pleats: it was the girls I liked."
- David Bailey (1938-)

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------------------------------

Message: 13
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 16:37:01 -0400
From: "J Richard Ronay"
Subject: Re: 1991 VFR 750F
To:
Cc: vfr@xxxxxx
Message-ID: <00e801c6bbf3$93705f20$90354d0c@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"


Randy said (no doubt, tongue in cheek):

> OK, stand corrected. But... why would anyone want to put anything but an
Ohlins on? :P





Because of the availability of excellent products for that gen from such as
Penske and WP. 8^)

Richard




------------------------------

Message: 14
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 16:34:49 -0400
From: "Joe Cargal"
Subject: RE: NVFRC: How not to pass - video
To:
Message-ID: <001301c6bbf3$426eea10$7bf1fea9@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Endangering the lives of motorcyclists and other motorists, repeatedly,
while attempting to negotiate curves that the truck will become stuck
on...with steer axle off the road on one shoulder, and the rear corner of
the van digging a furrow into the bank on the other side, effectively
blocking the entire roadway and requiring a tow to remove...

....is egregious. Sorry.

Using the logic shown below, if I pay taxes, I can shoot people in the
face...just because I paid sales tax on the firearm.

Joe

-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Kolbo [mailto:pakolbo@xxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 3:29 PM
To: Joe Cargal; 'VFR'
Subject: Re: NVFRC: How not to pass - video

As long as it remains a federal highway, and Swift pays their federal
shipping taxes, they are entitled to use the route just as much as
motorcyclists and Miata-heads. While not smart, it's not egregious either.
I won't defend truckers that don't know how to handle their rig in that
area. But you can't just ask them politely to go elsewhere. The SMART
thing to do is to make the Gap a parkway, similar to Blue Ridge. But this
would probably require an alternative route that isn't too far out of the
way.


Paul Kolbo
02VFR
94ST1100



------------------------------

Message: 15
Date: Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:03:05 -0500
From: firefly
Subject: Re: NVFRC: How not to pass - video / Frantic.... Gap
Patrol......
To: Mrydr@xxxxxx
Cc: vfr@xxxxxx
Message-ID: <44DA4D89.4020503@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Mrydr@xxxxxx wrote:
>
> It's disturbing to learn Swift sends their loads that way, maybe they
> need a GPS update....... or GPS Ver 2 which takes elevation, wear,
> tear, time, etc into fuel/transportation expense.....
>
> Have a fun safe time JohnS. It's amazing.....
>

Maybe someone should find out who Swift is using for an insurance
carrier and send them some of these pictures and a short explaination of
how dangerous this stretch of road is for 18-wheelers and other vehicles
around them (Big fat liability lawsuit in the making).

I think after that the problem might take care of itself.

-Jim



------------------------------

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End of vfr Digest, Vol 29, Issue 12
***********************************


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