'08 VFR - Valvetrain & Charging System Questions

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by tommy faulk sr, Dec 16, 2018.

  1. tommy faulk sr

    tommy faulk sr New Member

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    Let me start by saying thanks in advance for your responses.

    I rode VFRs in the early early 2000s.
    Fast forward and I am looking at a maintained (eng oil, chain etc) '08 with 27,000 miles.
    The owner states he has never had any electrical or other issues and also states
    he has not checked or adjusted the valves.

    I have read a good bit, this forum and others, about the stator/RR problems and
    about the challenges of checking and adjusting the valves (shims).
    These are the 2 areas that I "fear".

    1- is there a quick way to check the voltage upon inspection, before purchase?
    (without insulting the owner)
    2- if on cold start and at operating temp, I do not hear any tapping or abnormal
    engine noise(s), can I rest a bit that I am good until I can get her back home and
    check for the valve adjustment at first opportunity or 32-36,000 miles?
    3- Chain & sprockets great condition, tires fresh, K&N air filter new, Delkevic cans,
    (owner still has stock cans) new AGM battery in last 12 months.
    No mods have been performed other than listed.
    4- with your experience for this year VFR, is there anything else I should look for?

    Again, thanks in advance for the consideration and responses.
    TFsr
     
  2. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I wouldn't worry about insulting the seller by checking the voltage. You as a buyer has every right and in fact almost an obligation to check such things out. Part of kicking the tires. The rest of your request, I am afraid I can't help you with much not being mechanically inclined.

    My valves were checked when recommended and were in spec. I think most here say leave them alone unless here is a problem. Mine have been shimmed but it is an 06 with very high mileage.
     
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  3. tommy faulk sr

    tommy faulk sr New Member

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    Randy, thanks for the nod.
    Appreciate the "will not insult" response. So, Wondering what is the easiest way to check charging system output.
    My friends here have managed the Honda store for 25+ years. They told me they rarely rarely adjusted valves on the VFR.
    At the same time we don't have a large VFR community locally so I'm looking to the experience of the site. The bike is 6 hrs away.
    BTW awesome avatar!~
    Thanks again
     
  4. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Here is a very good thread to read posted originally by our own mello dude. Have a read. I just pulled it from the middle of a lengthy thread and posted "The Drill" by itself in its own thread and booked marked it for easy reference when someone might need it.

    https://vfrworld.com/threads/the-drill.52131/#post-579543
     
  5. tommy faulk sr

    tommy faulk sr New Member

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    Randy, thanks for the thread. I've read it thoroughly and it is extremely helpful.
    I actually came across it searching other threads. All threads seem to route you back to
    VFRWORLD. That is a great testament to the validity and helpfulness of this site. :)
    BTW your signature says Caution: VFR is not a good adventure bike.
    I own a big adventure bike and I want a non-adventure bike, a VFR next to it. :)
     
  6. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I added that phrase to my signature recently after a road trip to the Baja. The bike and I had this huge fight against some rocks jutting out of the roadway. We lost.
     
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  7. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    I have an 08 & bought it at 31,000.

    1. with engine off, lift seat by using key in slot on left side, & pulling slightly rear & up.
    plug in volt meter to battery. Start bike.. shouldn't be over 15 volts !!!!!! or under 11 - before start!!!

    2.yes - still have to check mine now at 42,000m

    3. i have the delkavics - lose the baffles - sounds much better

    4. other that the obvious, take a look at the sight levels of the clutch & brake fluid - the colour will tell you if someone has been careful on the servicing.
    Also undo the OIL FILLER cap on the right side of the engine & that a look at the oil colour & texture (does it feel slippery !!!! - this sounds strange but its really easy to tell old oil)..
     
  8. tommy faulk sr

    tommy faulk sr New Member

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    PETE, GREAT!
    Was thinking "just bring a voltmeter and check it right there". :)
    As Randy stated earlier, I shouldn't feel like a slug for checking a known weakness that could be $300 out the gate.
    ~~~
    Owner states he changed O&F with Motul oil each time so I will be able to see if that is the case.
    Does the VFR have a site glass for the oil?
    ~~~
    Thanks for the suggestions. :)
     
  9. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    There is a sight glass very ow right. Bike should e on its wheels and upright as best you can to be accurate. However, there is a fair area of safe measure "between the lines" that will accommodate slight errors in bike positioning .
     
  10. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Tommy,
    I wouldnt be freaking out about the valves, but it just gives you amunition to negotiate $ from the owner.
    There are plenty of guys who delay checking them and some never check. I'm DIY, I plan to wait until ~36K on mine...
    Charging systems - Go buy a multimeter at any Autozone or Harbor Freight. If you buy a VFR, you will need one anyway.
    Check the voltage at 2000rpm and 5000rpm. Typical - 13.0 idle/2000rpm and 13.8 to 14.2, 5000 rpm. If the bike is out of spec, that's more $ to negoitiate with the owner. Typical DIY fixes for the charging will go $400.00.
    Ask the owner what kind of oil he uses and how often its changed. - the question is more to see how the owner cares about the bike. .
    Pull the dip stick and run your fingers in it to see if its gritty/black, neglected.

    VFRs are generally bullet proof, if the bike looks good and the owner show some care, at 27k I wouldnt hesitate to grab it. The only question is what kind of
    deal will you make?

    Good luck
     
  11. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    "Pull the diptstick"? When did they start putting those on the VFR?
     
  12. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    Every time Mello hops on! :)
     
  13. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Oops , you got me, my Valkyrie has one.
    Its a typical routine when I buy a vehicle..
     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2018
  14. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Prolly so true.. My tag line? Half genius, half dumbass.. lol
     
  15. tommy faulk sr

    tommy faulk sr New Member

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    Thank you
     
  16. tommy faulk sr

    tommy faulk sr New Member

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    Mello Dude
    Appreciate the info. ✅
    I'll take a deep breath!!!!
    I pulled the major 36,000 on my
    Water-cooled BMW so I checked
    The valve clearance and all was good
    As it has a shim design also. I was
    Worried about it actually NEEDING
    Adjustment. I need a manual see how
    To check the clearances with the v-tech.
    I have a Meter and will ask the owner
    to do it on a video for me or I'll do it there.
    I am pretty excited about the price!
    Thanks again
     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2018
  17. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    What's the price?
     
  18. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    I figured that, just yankin' yer chain a bit. LOL
     
  19. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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  20. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Yup, Cheers... we have to swap lies and beers sometime... :drink:
     
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