VFR Essentials, things I need to know...

I've been lurking about here from time to time trying to suss out what matters when riding a VFR. Well, I just fitted the 4mm shim modification for the rear shock, that is a definite 'must do'. Can we have list of thing you lot all know about cause you've had your VFR's for years and been on this forum for years? Some things have been lost in time like the old 4mm shim business!

What else can be considered a 'must have' / 'must do' modification / addition to the VFR??

 

I'll bite, what does the 4 mm Shim do for you ?

I've been watching a few videos lately from Dave Moss Tuning, I's say the most important thing to do is adjust the bike to suit you! I know see this as common sense, but previously on other bikes I just thought it is what it is. When you can customise the bike to make it much more comfortable and safer with just a few small adjustments!

 

eventually you will need a volt/ohm meter and know how to use it. HF for about $10 will suffice.

 

I thought I was the only VFR rider left without the 4mm shim! I have a 5th generation 1998 VFR with everything stock aside from a stainless exhaust and I was quite happy with it...it rolls along quite nicely and is a bit of fun for not much money. I've enjoyed incremental improvements to the bike, getting the fork oil changed nudged things up a notch, getting new tyres another notch but very soon you get used to the new and the bike still felt a bit reluctant to turn into corners, a bit heavy on the old steering inputs. And so, I see advertised a 4mm shim which sits neatly onto of the rear shock lifting the rear of the bike a bit. 4mm at the shock translates to around 12mm at the seat and you can feel it immediately, much easier to get on and off the center stand! Once rolling down the road the bike feels much more alert, its like going from badly inflated worn tyres to brand new tyres at proper pressure, not kidding. At speed the bike turns in with little effort and is a much more relaxed to hustle along. Somebody will have all the geometry behind it but for me I spent £5, takes 5 minutes to fit and if you don't like it then it can easily be changed back to stock.

 

I have a multi-meter already but I must be lucky because it's never been needed in anger on the VFR. The rectifier seems to have been changed out ages ago, can't remember the make but is pumping out nigh on 14 volts so seems in rude health.

 

A large plastic tub of Haribo sweets (once consumed) seems to the ideal size to protect the rear wheel hub area when spraying chain lube whilst a large plastic tray/sheet slotted in just behind the chain - will protect the wheel from being covered in chain lube.

If you find it hard to put the bike on the main stand (a common problem on lowered bikes) find a narrow timber plank/scaffolding board (so it fits between the feet of the main stand) , put the plank on the floor and ride the bike fully onto the plank. You will now need a lot less effort to lift the bike onto the main stand.