My First VFR and my First 60 days.

I have posted before but felt like telling my story in more detail now that I know more.

It was Feb 1, 2013, Just another work day that I rode my Hawk to work. I was on my 13th bike since 2009 after 35 years without a bike. I am 64 now and started riding the day I turned 15-1/2. #13, was a well-worn 89 Red Hawk GT that I used as my daily work bike for the short commute to work. #12, which I still have, is a super clean, low mileage, candy blue 88 Hawk GT setup nicely for twisty roads. Now the question, why was I still cruising Craig’s list night after night looking at other bikes?
I can’t answer that question. So Feb 1, during my lunch break I went for a short walk . I often walked by a covered bike parked along the way. I thought, the owner must love his bike to cover it at work. Once, I remembered, it was not covered. It was bright red and said “Interceptor” on the side. Just recently, under the same cover, was some sort of BMW adventure model but today the Red one was back (just showing enough red from under the cover to entice me) . I got a CRAZY Idea. I knew someone who knew the owner. As soon as I finished my walk, I got his name and number, sent him a text and asked since he got his new Beemer if that red bike was for sale. He replied with a 2 page love story about the bike and yes it was for sale. We met an hour later, I sat on the bike. My vertically challenged body with 28 inch inseam meant this will be a make or break if I can’t touch the ground, well I got most of both toes down and figured that might be enough. That 2004 VFR Red was hot. I think I lusted for it. He was the original owner, we talked about a price, well, we both had looked on Craig’s list just before this first meeting and agreed prices were all over the map. This was clean but high mileage (47k+), had never been dropped and with full service history (stator, valves, chains, etc.) and he live 25 miles away (his daily commute to work). 3600.00 seamed fair.
The next day, I went to get it. I was very apprehensive so I rode it a few times up and down his street, stopping, starting and getting ready for my 30 mile trip home. Ok, I felt I could get home safely. I thought it’s only 100 pounds heavier than my Hawk. Panic set in for a moment just before I left. He had mentioned the day before, a rattle at idle that I did not hear then. Well, I sure could hear it now. Too late, it was my problem cause he had all the money. I was thinking I paid too much and a shop was going to get lots more money. No matter, I rode off and made it home safely.
Now comes the rest of my adventure. Week 1, got on the VFR World forum and read and read and read. I ordered 2 cam chain tensioners (200.00). I also ordered a Soupy adjustable lowering link (100.00). I got them by the weekend. The link was adjustable so I could try out many settings. My final setting lowered the back 1.5 inches with the triangle plates rotated (both feet pretty much flat on floor). The cam chain tensioner instructions on the forum were good and as stated by many experienced rider/mechanics, no coolant needed to be drained or throttle bodies removed. The best part was my grin when I started it and the rattle noise was gone (yahoo). Next, I did the pair removal and flapper removal. Yep, I did have to adjust idle some.
Week 2, I invested in a chain break/rivet tool (25.00 eBay) and removed/cleaned/and oiled the chain and installed a new master link. I got a new kickstand (40.00 eBay), cut out an inch with my Dremel and a friend welded the foot back on. I use Rotella oil in my Hawks so this baby got a fresh oil and filter change.
I had about 200 miles since purchased and the bars were just too low for my back (I had surgery in 07 where 6 vertebrae were sawed in half and wedges installed to spread them out). So, week 3, I installed Helibars and raised forks in tree 10mm. I decreased the preload up front and 3rd preload in back. I think I got it by golly. The paint on the tank was really nice so back to VFR World (bra-no bra discussions). I got a bra. Immediately, the worry of scratching the tank was gone (what a friggin relief).
Week 4, I had the adjustable lowering link and it was working but read about a couple of failures on VFR World (and non on other forums). I contacted Sigma and found their hole to hole length was exactly where my adjustable link was set, so swapped to the Sigma dog bone style (120.00).
So now 60 days have passed, I rode 90 miles last Saturday which makes 990 miles total. I am getting used to the great tractable low rpm power and cautiously learning about the 6800 rpm vtec wild power rush (what fun). I am learning to handle the weight at low speeds and parking, learning it’s unique noises (or lack of it), maintenance and so on. Overall, I figure I reached my VFR starting point now and it is time to enjoy it, and I am doing just that. I often ride on a local 10 mile section that is pretty twisty. So far, I have hit my boots but not dragged any part of bike since lowering the suspension, Remember I am 64 so my tire chicken strips will most likely be wider on the VFR than my Hawk but that could change. Red may not be the fastest VFR color (Yellow seems to be tagged on VFR World as the fastest) but I like this Red. I also don’t mind the cam chains in this generation because I also get the under seat exhaust that really shows off the single sided swing arm.
I visit VFR World a couple of times a week. I am still reading lots. It is clear VFR World has been here for some time. I have found humor, sarcasm, bitching, frequent posters, how to, pictures and great information by seasoned riders and new owners who share their VFR experiences. So here I am sharing my first 60 days
Gee, I wonder if Craig’s List misses me yet?
Bill

 

Thanks Billnoroville for sharing you first 60Days. Your red beauty looks spotless! I got my red Gen 6 on the road about 14 Days ago and can relate to much of your story! :vtr2:

What distance above the triple clamp have your fork tubes ended up at?

 

Enjoy the ride, man!
Some pretty nice roads out by Oroville, from what I remember when I lived out there in '95.

 

Very nice looking bike, and a wonderful introduction. Welcome aboard!

 

Congrats, nice story.. What year is the bike?

 

Rainman6, 14 days is not much time. Hope you are enjoying it. we are in early spring here so rain comes and goes. I ride with leather pants and jacket, gloves, boots and helmet so tip scales at about 215lbs. I did 46 miles today after work on a 15 mile 6 percent uphill grade at 70mph 4 lane road. Felt pretty good. Not sure what season your in there but hope its riding time. factory manual says 41 mm to fork tube end. I measure from top edge surface of fork bolt (top plug or whatever you call it) and I get 52mm. I was shooting for 10 mm over stock as most thought was ok on the forum.

 

91Talon, 95 I was here. actually since 72. roads and hills make for good rides. once you get out of city, traffic is not so bad.
You are a long ways from CA. Never been to MO (Missouri )

 

thanks Wagzhp, I was Army in Nam but my son got out of Marines a couple years ago. 4 deployments in 10 years. He is a mess and VA Hospital in Vegas
has been testing him almost non-stop . He cant even drive or Ride, had a Honda v4 Magna. He is getting better lately. Sacramento Is a great city. been there a few times.

 

thanks much white_335i. Year is 2004. prior owner got a BMW I talked to him 2 days ago and he told me BMW had to sell him the time and mount it too or it voided his warranty. He was not happy but got it through them. He was missing his VFR.

 

I enjoyed the roads in my '79 Camaro. I especially liked the roads off to the west of town, IIRC, that's the area where I lived with my friend.

 

HooAhh Soldier. Sorry to hear about your son. Hopefully the testing reveals something they can actually treat and things get better for him.

Say, not sure if you like group rides or not, but check out this thread if you would be interested in joining one: http://vfrworld.com/forums/usa-west/41467-group-ride-northern-cal.html