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98 VFR 800i Test ride tomorrow

Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 6:47 pm
by topgooser
Evening folks,

I am test riding a high mileage (probably been toured or commuted on or both) vfr tomorrow so I might be back on 2 wheels shortly..

Anybody know of anything in particular with this bike I should look out for?

Cheers for any advice in advance..

tg

Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 8:38 pm
by back_marker
I think good old Honda regulator/rectifiers are always a favourite. Take a multimeter to check the bugger's charging at a nice even 13 - 14.5 volts throughout the rev range. you can also check the battery when running to make sure it's not getting hot/smelling like eggy farts/bulging at the sides.

Not a major problem if it is, but just something else you can use to knock the price down (including the price of a new battery of course).

Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 8:39 pm
by fastasfcuk
i had the 750 0n a 97 a very good bike, honda quality as standerd and never had a problem,the 750 and 800 are gear driven cams apart from the vtec which as gone back to chains. the only problem which is supposed to be common is the rectifiers given up and boiling the battery, but in three and a half years it never let me down.that said i thaught i was happy but the vfr never made me grin like the falco. :smt007

Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:44 pm
by topgooser
Cheers backmarker - I will take that into account!

Nice comments too about reliability fastas - bodes well - high mileage bastard thpigh - 63K - so will take a good look over her and really try and test her out when I ride her?

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:45 am
by Fausto
I believe that valve clearance checking the rear cylinder is an engine drop procedure = very expensive at a dealer. That used to be why many got sold as they approached the interval (was it 24000miles?)

May be worth looking into when they were last looked at.

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 12:35 pm
by HowardQ
Good reliable bike that will take high miles and heavy use, typical Honda.
Many people prefer these yo the VTEC versions.
Yes you may get regulator/rectifier problems, but easy to obtain bits from David Silver Spares. They do original Honda units and newer versions, which are slightly more expensive. I replaced the unit on my CBR with an original Honda unit and never had a problem since.
Yeh can be a bit tight to work on, but you should not need to do too much with it.

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 1:07 pm
by Samray
So how did it go turkeygobbler ?

I'd guess that you and the poof bike were made for each other. :smt083

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 2:10 pm
by topgooser
Well ladies and gents - thanks for the advice.

Went and took a look at all stuff today - got him to run a multimeter on battery too - seems fine.

Rode her for about 20 mins - great charcter to engine - spun her up to about 95 to check for any rev range blackspots - she went great. Nice solid feel to brakes - bit softer than I am used to - so when got back cranked up the shoch for firmer ride.

Got the guy to promis polish and full showroom clean for midday pick up tomorrow.

Deposit down - jobs a good un - insurance sorted - back to the land of the free tomorrow.

:smt001

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 2:12 pm
by Kwackerz
:smt003 Congrats TG!

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 2:18 pm
by topgooser
cheers Kwackerz - if you wanna see any pics just pm me - and I will send em over :smt004 :smt003

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 2:59 pm
by Samray
Whohoo. A result. :smt023

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 3:01 pm
by topgooser
merci sam - I have pics can email if you want

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 5:16 pm
by Kwackerz
Yeah chuck us an email with em attached then I'll stick em on my webspace, then show 'em in the gallery for you.. or do you have yer own pic
hosting?

Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 7:16 am
by Gio
Ye gods another returnee.

Bit of a comedown after the old bike I think lol.

:smt003