Fell in love with a sporty black beauty...

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by Jappel, Mar 10, 2019.

  1. Jappel

    Jappel New Member

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    0C0B270E-670D-436B-A9D5-BDFDBB029893.jpeg Thought I’d make a splash here and announce myself as the site’s newest member. I’ve been in love with the 3rd-6th gen VFR’s for years now (it really all started after my first time seeing the RC30) but life, kids, career have been in the way, so have never owned one. That was until I met the beautifuland sporty black girl pictured above with just 2,300 miles on her. Original owner, bone stock, right down to the original tires. Spent most of her life inside the house in the guy’s “bike room.” I knew instantly she was the one for me and I just had to have her. Picking her up this coming weekend!

    As for my riding history, I’ve been twisting the throttle since 4 years old, competed in a LOT of Trials growing up, raced the woods/desert here and there, and in the past decade have discovered the absolute magic of riding street. My father handed down the bike addiction; his current collection is 30-strong, from classic BSA, Norton, Triumph and Bultaco bikes to modern Enfield, Buell, Ducati and Husky mounts. In general, I just love bikes new and old (sans most cruiser mounts, read: Harley).

    I am excited to begin the love affair with my new “Black Beauty!” I look forward to interacting with this group as well. Do you guys ever organize West Coast gathers/rides?
     
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  2. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Hi and welcome to the MadHouse:Welcome:

    Wow. You have done well, as that bike looks like it has been someone's pride and joy, and with so few miles on the speedo it should provide many years of fun.

    However before setting off on any longer runs I would definitely plan on replacing those "original" tyres(tires) and probably fitting a cheapo voltmeter (the sort you can pick up for a few peso on Tbay). If you browse through posts on here you will soon realise the 6th Gen models suffer from electrical gremlins which really let down a mechanically brilliant bike. It is less an "if" more a matter of "when" your RR and quite possibly stator will go south. OK a voltmeter won't prevent problems, but it will allow you to spot if the charging system is playing up and give you a chance to head for some place safe before the energy left in the battery is drained and you end up with a VFR stranded on the side of a road. If you want to take preventative action then fit a decent Shindengen RR from Roadstercycle.com.

    As for locals there is a large posse of VFR riders in California. DerStuka is probably among the nearest over in Daly City but there are plenty of others scattered along the coast all the ways to Baja. Perhaps try sending a few PMs to see if some of the regulars would be up for a meet somewhere like Alice's or a run down Rossi's highway.

    IMG_1383.jpg


    Have fun ATGATT


    SkiMad
     
  3. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    Welcome Jappel! Like you, I had a dad who introduced me to motorcycles and again, like you, I've had a love affair with the VFR. However, mine started ever since the first VF500 was released, although it wasn't called a VFR at that time. I bought my 09 back in 2011 with 346 miles on the ODO and it now has 82K miles on it. As SkiMad hinted to, mine had suffered the infamous Stator/RR melt down but I have since replaced the RR with a new Shindengen FH0020A and installation kit I bought from www.roadstercycle.com, take a look at them. I also purchased a waterproof volt meter from Amazon and keep on eye on it whenever I ride.

    Although it sounds like the bike was stored in a decent manner, I would definitely do as SkiMad suggest and replace the tires. Before you open up a can of worms and ask what tires to use (trust me, there are more than enough post on this subject matter), any current sport-touring or sport tire today should suit the VFR just fine. If you're one for touring and commuting, choose a sport-touring tire, if your a canyon carver and like to push it, then a pure sport tire should be your choice.

    While you're at it, I would also suggest doing a flush-fill on all the fluids, particularly the clutch and brake fluid, this has a tendency to thicken up and clog the brake lines if left unattended for too long. One more thing regarding the bike, I believe that the 2006 had a recall on it, you may want to check and see if this was done, I think it was something to do with one of the wiring harnesses.

    As far as members go, I think SkiMad's info might be out of date as DerStuka moved back to the San Diego area but members Bweiss and Reg71 (our admin) are up the Sacramento area.

    Cheers!
     
  4. airegin

    airegin New Member

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    Welcome and Congratulations Jappel! Two weeks ago found my own Black Beauty in a 2006 VFR800A with 5,200 miles on the clock.
     
  5. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Welcome dude, nice viffer :wheelie:
     
  6. Jappel

    Jappel New Member

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    Thanks OOTV and SkiMad for the welcome and advice on these machines. I tend to make vehicle purchases with long-term in mind so I definitely plan to go through all the fluids, check all hoses, wiring, common issues/recalls, replace the tires, etc. After that, the fun part - customization! Thinking the Delkevic Stainless GP-style will be the first upgrade and then looking at the Givi V35’s with quick release for the longer rides planned. Some carbon fiber bits here and there and just enjoy for the next decade.
     
  7. Jappel

    Jappel New Member

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    Nice! How about a few pix? I was originally looking for red or the 25th scheme, but the bike looked like it just rolled off the line and the black just spoke to me. With 5,200 miles hopefully yours is a cream puff as well!
     
  8. Jappel

    Jappel New Member

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    Thanks Mello. Love the handle and the wheelie .gif. Need to get one of those for my signature...
     
  9. airegin

    airegin New Member

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    It has the seat cowl as well. The other day I changed the exhaust cans to the Delkevic 8" Carbon Fiber. I'll get a new photo tomorrow. I'd say it's pretty cream puff in person.
    fullsizeoutput_1.jpeg
     
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  10. Jappel

    Jappel New Member

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    Very nice. Looks like we have twins, except for the ABS calipers. I’m wondering how the carbon fibre cans would look against the black so if you can post a pic that would be cool.
     
  11. airegin

    airegin New Member

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    I am super happy with the look...and the sound with the baffles removed. When I installed the cans, I did not try them with the baffles in so I can only tell you which I think I prefer sound-wise.
    I have the seat and fairing off to mount a Power Commander with Autotune. I have found the bike to be a chore at lower RPM's and fairly jerky/twitchy at the point of VTEC. I would hate to be mid-corner and have it kick in. I'm hoping to smooth things out.
    I am held up at the moment, not knowing what to do with the remaining stock o2 sensor. Neither kit came with o2 sensor eliminators and the instructions don't mention it. My Gurq+IZPRiSZ1lvbU1EnCw.jpg P%n1RK6lTKmIv4p0DyFh5w.jpg uXhgkbiYT0msB1ox4Dvs%w.jpg JU+00AP1RWK7kf8v4HNA+Q.jpg Lvw2smoZR+yknJqiSXffiw.jpg forum/Google searches have been fun but fruitless. Also there is the bike side connector that is unused as the Dynojet Wideband sensor plugs into the supplied cable routed to the PC V. I'm not putting it back together until I figure that out. I also want to tap into and run the Speed and Temp wires so I need to run out to pick up wire and taps.

    I hope you are enjoying your new ride as much as I am mine. It will be pretty dreamy to have the throttle smoothed out.
     
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  12. Jappel

    Jappel New Member

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    Man, that carbon fibre looks great against the black! I’m still debating whether I go stainless or carbon cause I do like it a little blingy when it comes to exhaust. I was afraid those 8” cans would be too small and look lost in the tail but that looks fantastic! I am planning to run this on 3-4 day-ers with bags every now and then...thinking the plxr Givi v35 system. Those 8” look to be small enough not to conflict with the pannier brackets...can’t say I know for sure the 9” GP style will clear...off to search forums and google!

    Keep me updated if you would on the PC install. I’m considering this in the future and would be good to know what solutions you come up with on the roadblocks mentioned.
     
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