hey gang. i just completed the 10 step 'i can't believe i sold my vfr' :crazy: program and am ready to rejoin the ranks of vfr owners. i had a fantastic '04, red vfr but sold it for something different (aprilia tuono, a fantastic bike which i will still keep). 3 years later, i yearn for another vfr. the first vfr i tested was an '01 but ended up buying a new '04. 34K trouble-free miles and loads of fun (and occasionally terrifying) memories). i'm now looking at a few 5th gen viffers. i'm a little concerned about the stator-r/r problems that i've heard and recently read about. should this put me off. i'm fairly mechanical and could probably upgrade to the 'improved' honda stator-r/r. please advise. i'm gonna get one regardless but would like some feedback. it'll be great to be back in the vfr saddle. cheers!
The R/R is an easy fix, and relatively cheap. Here's one of many sights to check. Wire My Bike I recall seeing the R/R as low as about $110, and as high as about $140. Throw in the wiring harness for good measure. That being said, I have 10,500 miles on my Y2K, and still going on the original RR with no charging/voltage issues whatsoever. (Damn I hope I didn't jinx myself!). 5th Gen is a joy. No way would I let it put me off from buying one. Good luck in your search.
As a fellow 5th gen owner, I do have to say the VFRness from wiremybike.com fixes the R/R issue. I have almost 40K miles on mine and zero issues with the R/R after installing the VFRness. It's a great bike and IMO, better looking, sounding, and handling than the 6th gen.
