New Rider and New VFR

Discussion in 'New Riders' started by merc3065, Aug 2, 2010.

  1. merc3065

    merc3065 New Member

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    I bought my first bike about 2 weeks ago, a 98 Interceptor. Bought it for $3500, and safety was $900. Had 26900 on the clock when I picked it up. Had to get a new chain, the original was stretched so much it didn't even register on the wear bar. 2 tires, a Michelin Pilot power for the rear and a Micheline Pilot Sport for the front. A front brake light switch and 2 front brake pads. The front tire was causing so much grief to get a hold of, it was in the shop for a week and a half. What had happened was the tire that was on the front was a 60 series instead of a 70 series tire, so the shop was trying to get that size. I found out about that after a week and a half later so had them order the 70 series tire and it was in the same day, go figure :) I purchased the bike for commuting to and from work during the warmer months here in Ontario to save on gas, I have 2 gas pigs, an 88 Trans Am with a modified motor and an 02 Durango with the baby V8. Both are not so good on gas to drive to work. I think it's quite funny what everyone says about the VFR being too much for an inexperienced rider or a first time rider. After taking a motorcycle safety course and being real easy on everything from the get go, it's a dream to ride. Being a first time rider and having no problems yet, I chock that one up to maturity and taking that safety course! I've ridden about 600km (about 6 hours so far) and have no problems with control or speeding. My first few turns were a little wide as I wasn't used to leaning the bike at all, but it slowly comes in with more practice and that push pull thing they taught us in the course is kinda fun to use in some of the more tighter turns. Applying all of the topics learned on the safety course has made this an enjoyable experience, that and taking your time while in traffic helps a lot too (Don't drive in wasaga beach on a long weekend if you want your sanity and clutch hand to be OK). Im just happy the people behind me haven't gotten too annoyed yet with my slower starts and waiting for longer breaks in traffic. The guy I bought the bike from gave me the double take when I told him it was my first bike. I have yet to go over 100km/h and don't plan to as there's no place for that on the roads im driving in the mornings and evenings. Too many animals(deer, skunks, racoons), tar lines, crappy pavement etc. So in short...If you are a first time rider like me, take a MSC and take it easy for the first little while until you learn the bike!
     
  2. Pliskin

    Pliskin New Member

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    Congrats on the new purchase, and welcome to the site! Sounds like you're enjoying her. Take your time and get used to it - no need to rush into anything. I'm not opposed to a VFR being a first bike; its just a heavier machine than most expect.

    Sounds like you put a lot into her to get her up to snuff, which is good. But don't forget about putting some stuff on you, aside from just a helmet.

    By the way - I realize no one is perfect, but its interesting that you shop took a week to figure out it wasn't the stock tire size. They should know better.

    Now post up some pictures!
     
  3. afpierce489

    afpierce489 New Member

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    Congrats and welcome to the madness. +1 on the pics.
     
  4. merc3065

    merc3065 New Member

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    Yeah...I took it to a Yamaha dealership thats been in business forever in Collingwood. They sell everything under the sun.

    But I guess all they were looking at was what was on the bike vs what the manual called for (I had the manual at home)

    I don't have a riding jacket or boots, but I did get a nice set of leather gauntlets for $50 from Royal Distributing in Barrie, a KBC modular helmet and I use a heavy wool jacket with leather sleeves and my winter gortex boots that breathe somewhat. It matches for the most part but I agree, have to make sure you're safe when you're on a bike.

    I'll have to post some pics when I remember to bring my camera home from work tomorrow.
     
  5. drewl

    drewl Insider

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    Welcome aboard
     
  6. merc3065

    merc3065 New Member

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    Here you go, a pic of the bike next to my friend's SV1000 today before going home. It was sticky hot out too, sucked riding through town. [​IMG]
     
  7. FLYNVFR

    FLYNVFR New Member

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    Welcome aboard! You will find a lot of info for your ride here!
     
  8. SJC

    SJC New Member

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    Hello & welcome:smile:
     
  9. ECHO 800

    ECHO 800 New Member

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    Congrats and welcome.

    I've not seen too many black in that Gen - she looks great!
     
  10. Mark 024

    Mark 024 New Member

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    Hi Welcome aboard,
    Love the bike, I havent seen a black Gen 5 (98-02 model). Just as a tip, you mention you have a repair manual. If you have access to a multimeter, check out chapter 8 (electrical system) and run through a few of the tests. ie regulated voltage test and regulator/rectifier wiring test. The regulator/rectifier is about the only weakness on these bikes. There is heaps of info on this site about it - check it out
    Cheers
     
  11. merc3065

    merc3065 New Member

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    Thanks for the welcome. I'll be sure to have a look at the regulator.

    Since I commute about 100km each way to work, I am finding that after about an hour of riding, my butt REALLY starts to hurt. Also finding a bit of neck strain from the seating position. At the start of the day it's pretty comfortable, but about half way to work it starts to bother me.

    My friend keeps tellin me to suck it up, but Im telling him the ergonomics of the bike aren't working for me. Im 6'2" and about 200lbs.

    I keep reading about the Sgt seats and corbin etc. And I saw something about heli bars?

    Im thinking those two items would change the riding position enough that I would be sitting a little more upright and less leaned forward to help with the neck strain at least. Am I correct in saying this?

    And does anyone know how to take a dent out of a gas tank? Previous owner had the bike fall into his snow blower in the garage and it put a bit of a dent in the tank. Wondering if paintless dent removal would be able to deal with that?

    Also, i noticed some brake pulsing on the front brake, is it possible for brake disks to warp like they can on a car?
     
  12. Pliskin

    Pliskin New Member

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    I'm close to your dimensions as well - 6'2" but about 230. I also have a 5th Gen with a Corbin. Haven't done the Heli bars, but I have considered it. I like my Corbin just fine, but have nothing to compare it to (i.e stock or Sargent). A lot of folks on this site swear by Sargent. I have a chronic bad back, and it usually takes me at least 250 miles before my back or ass starts to bother me.

    Being that your haven't rode much (you said this was your first bike), you'll need to work on your seating position. Learn to squeeze the tank some with your knees, relax your grip, and take the pressure off your upper body. Neck fatigue is interesting - most usually say their wrists/forearms or shoulders hurt.

    I'm sure the Heli's would help, but I think you might find a lot of it is in your positioning.

    As for paintless dent removal? No idea, but I'd be curious if it works.

    I'll let others comment on the pulsing brakes. I'm sure its possible for them to warp. When does this happen - all the time? Heavy breaking? The only time I ever get pulsing is when I'm really grabbing a handful. (Yea, you read that right!)
     
  13. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Welcome Bud. I am like you. Cept probably older. My 06 is my first as well, and I bought it for the same reason...commuting. Has no interest what so ever in bikes all my life and had never ridden a bike, other than a pedal bile in my life until this one. Hell, The salesman even drove my bike to the house after I bought it cause I didn't even have the learners licence. You hit the nail on the head as far as this being just a fine bike to learn on in my mid. Don't drive beyond your ability and you will be fine. The only time I ever ran into trouble was when I was trying to keep up to someone I had no business doing so. I averted tragedy....just. But this is all Reg71's fault.

    Now, some 4 years later, I have 107,000 km on my steed and haven't looked back. I have made two trips to Atascadero California on mine. This year I acquired a Sergent seat and it made the world of difference on the long rides. Did not notice anything on the shorted rides. I think to some degree, you just need to train your toosh to get used to the seat. I mean you are not driving grandpa's Buick you know.

    Proper riding gear is paramount here and most riding sites. But we understand all this cost money and only you can prioritize that. But proper riding suit and boots should be very high on your list.

    BTW. everyone on this site are nutz....cept me of course. Comeone out to BC and see what real riding adventure is like.\\Cheers mate
     
  14. merc3065

    merc3065 New Member

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    Here's me and my bike. [​IMG] Its not the best gear to wear, but at least its something. Trying to find a comfortable seating position is a pain. Literally. I'm finding right now the most comfortable position is when im sitting tucked up against the tank with my arms as parallel to the ground as possible. For the uncomfortable part, its neck and shoulders mostly. More experimenting with positioning is in order. The closer to the tank I sit the more uncomfortable it is for the dangly bits up front, but its easier on the rear end. Further back I sit, it puts extra strain on my shoulders. So trying to find the happy medium is going to take some work. I already do the tank squeeze with my knees. The brake pulsing is noticeable all the way through the slow down process. It's very pronounced the more brake you grab. So say im slowing to a stop sign, and when its around 20kph its like theres a spot where theres no brakes then lots, then none then lots. Its kinda weird. Don't notice is as much when I use the back brakes in conjunction with the fronts. Thanks everyone
     
  15. karazy

    karazy New Member

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    Welcome to the nuthouse. You'll find that it is a lot like the first week, or so, of hockey season. It takes awhile for your previously unused muscles to adjust and build up, before it starts to get more comfortable. Taking breaks, by sitting up and riding with one hand may help a little. This also helps with the whole leg and abs control, as well.

    I'm not sure, but CT may have a DTI that you can borrow, to check out the rotors for warping. If not, Princess Auto usually has them for quite cheap.

    :crazy:
     
  16. kd4ysi

    kd4ysi New Member

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    welcome to the family and i would defffently get the helli bars i love mine
     
  17. Jollyhart

    Jollyhart New Member

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    Hi and welcome to the mob!
    I have a gen 5 and the last owner had the front right disc replaced at 20k.So perhaps there may be a bad batch of them around.I would do a change on all fluids,and have a good look at the front calipers.Check that the pads are free to move on their rails,and that they are not bound up with gunk.
    But it also sounds like you may have a warped disc.
    You did say you had a new front tyre didn`t you?Also you should check the steering head bearings as well.
    Good luck with it.
     
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