Just purchased 2002 VFR800. I have a bunch of questions.

Cool, thanks. I'll look into those. I believe the tires are from 2006, which doesn't really make sense to me because the bike is a 2002, and the first owner only put about 2k miles on it. Why get new tires within 2k miles? Kinda fishy. Unless both tires were blown out somehow. Otherwise the tires are in decent condition and show no signs of dry rot. I'm going to be taking this bike to the twisties very soon to see what she can do.

 

Deffinatley check your air filter, very easy

 

Dude, that's the awesome part about VTEC .... the sound is AWESOME!

 

Forgot to ask or maybe missed it...with the TB system do you have a PCV?

 

I don't think so. Is it absolutely necessary? Also, in regards to the TB system, one isn't used. That's normal, right?

 

Yup, OOTV has the same system. The PCV made a huge difference throughout the rev range and no more snatch. ...
Look under you seat, you may have one

 

3. What's normal operating temperature? Mine hovers around 200-210 degrees Fahrenheit, and even goes up to 222 at times. Could be that we're having hot weather and I do mostly city riding (I live in NYC).


THe hottest my VFR has ever been was stuck in traffic on the BQE in 103 degrees with high humidity. I actually tripped the emergency shut off.
I strongly, strongly recommend using Engine Ice as your coolant in an area like NYC. All the nay-sayers are wrong - it absolutely is more effective than any other major brand of coolant. Once I had that stuff in my bike, I dropped 10 degrees off my average temp while moving, and the rate of dissipation at a standstill was increased to the point that the fan seemed to be able to keep it under control, even in traffic.

 

Definately do a fluids change, especially the coolant. Since using Engine Ice 233 is beyond anywhere I have gotten, even on a 90 degree stop and go on the BQE. Remember to burp the hoses when done. Air bubbles can cause the coolant to not circulate properly.

 

Revin it will burb the baby

 

So the coolant also serves as antifreeze right? How would Engine Ice fair in the winter?

 

According to their site, it's good to -32C (-26F)

http://www.engineice.com/faqs/

It gets super hot here in the summer, but I don't bother with this stuff - most of my riding is on the highway so I almost never get above 106C (223F)

 

Yes it is good to -26F. Do you actually ride in winter here in NYC? I used to way back when until the streets became such a potholed mess that between them and the ice it was not worth the risks. If you will be keeping the bike outdoors during the winter you are good though.

 

I'd ride right up to January and starting from around mid- to late-March.

 

IMHO, you need new rubber - now. Regardless of whether there are signs of dry rot, your tires are 9 years old (and probably more depending on date of manufacture). Don't compromise on safety - just not worth it.