VFR owners' thread, for VFRPS members and prospective members

[GerryAttrick]

Just swapped my VStrom for a mint 2002 VFR800 with Staintune pipes. I rode a '91 and a '99 and liked them okay - but just love the 02. It's a total grin machine from the instant I rode it. I think the sound of the Staintunes helps a bit

Anyway... there was no tool kit with it and I understand you need the special tool to adjust the chain. Are these hard to get or is there something else you can use that works okay?

I'm leaving tomorrow for a trip from Whangarei to Gore and back so no doubt I'll need to adjust the chain at some stage .

Anything else I should watch on them when doing large distances? I don't even know where you check the radiator water level - I'm guessing you need to remove the fairings?

Thanks

The chain is adjusted by using a C-Spanner. The sort of thing used to tighten handlebars on bicycles (but larger). They should be easy enough to get and I'd get one. You could try tapping the adjuster round with a hammer and screwdriver if you are a member of the "bodger brigade" as eventually you would stuff it up. Why not just call into a Honda dealer and ask them to give it a "tweak" if you think it needs it.

The only thing you need to really watch is the regulator/rectifier - these are crap on the VFR (and many Hondas). If you can get a real cheap small multimeter from Dick Smith then grab it and hard wire it into the battery for the trip and cable tie it where you can read it. I got 2 for $10 a while back. That will let you see that the charging system is OK.

When you get back join OzVFR and VFR Discussion - the two best sites for anythin related to the big VFRs.

You are going to love that bike and belive me with not too much spent (mainy on suspenders) they will give their sportbike brothers a big surprise.

[CRM]

Cool mate thanks for that - I'm so looking forward to the trip on the VFR. My daughter is coming too on her 09 250 Ninja - which should help me keep my licence hopefully

[HenryDorsetCase]

I bought a VFR (400) chain adjuster tool off ebay.co.uk. You dont want to know what a Honda dealer will charge you for the honda toolkit one. cost me about $25 landed IIRC

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Honda-RVF400-N...item45f1ac21ba

heres the equivalent for VFR800

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Chain-Hub-Adju...item439d978be3

[Squiggles]

use a screwdriver and hammer

[Jonno.]

I think I read in the manual you have to take the swingarm off to get the chain off on the NC30 is this correct?

[PirateJafa]

No. [10char]

[Swoop]

heres the equivalent for VFR800

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Chain-Hub-Adju...item439d978be3

It was interesting that the US VFR guys hadn't seen the full toolkit that the rest of the world are supplied with. They appear to get about 3 tools & "that's your lot, charlie!".

[vifferman]

I think I read in the manual you have to take the swingarm off to get the chain off on the NC30 is this correct?

Only if you want to get it off intact. Normally, you would break the master link, and if you wanted to re-use the chain, fit a new master. Of course, for the modest power the NC30 produces, you could use a clip-type link. I used one on my VTR1000 for a year or so wih no problems...

[HenryDorsetCase]

I think I read in the manual you have to take the swingarm off to get the chain off on the NC30 is this correct?

if the chain is stuffed you can grind the pins and remove it, but you are left with the problem of having to rivet the master on the new chain. The last set I bought from Cycletreads and Don did the riveting FOC.

[HenryDorsetCase]

use a screwdriver and hammer

Jebus! please dont! think of the next owner!

[GerryAttrick]

Jebus! please dont! think of the next owner!

Hey, Don't get me wrong guys!!!

I said" You could try tapping the adjuster round with a hammer and screwdriver if you are a member of the "bodger brigade" as eventually you would stuff it up"

No way am I suggesting this method...guess I should have put a "smiley" in there. I've found Honda dealers usually will give things the odd "tweak" free of charge. I had to tighten a mirror in Tauranga once and they were happy to do it for me.

[koba]

Hey, Don't get me wrong guys!!!

I said" You could try tapping the adjuster round with a hammer and screwdriver if you are a member of the "bodger brigade" as eventually you would stuff it up"

No way am I suggesting this method...guess I should have put a "smiley" in there. I've found Honda dealers usually will give things the odd "tweak" free of charge. I had to tighten a mirror in Tauranga once and they were happy to do it for me.

Bah, A screwdriver and hammer will work just fine aslong as you use a bit of brain power.

Not that I need to because MY VFR has a proper swingarm!

[motorbyclist]

Bah, A screwdriver and hammer will work just fine aslong as you use a bit of brain power.!

no, it wont

it destroys all the "pegs" and fucks things up for the future

if you must use a hammer, get a bit of aluminium (i use a squished 4.5mm pipe) that is softer than the metal on the bike so that your sacrificial tool gets mushed rather than your financially-non-replaceable chain tensioner

[motorbyclist]

I think I read in the manual you have to take the swingarm off to get the chain off on the NC30 is this correct?

I can only think of a handful of bikes that don't require the swingarm removal.

It's much easier to either grind or cut the chain and replace the master link later. Clip type would do fine just remember to put the clip on the right way

[gatch]

The chain adjustment tool is just a big c-spanner.. You can get ones that flex to accomodate many sizes for cheap.. No hitting with screwdrivers or drifts. no specialist tools..

Or if you are awesome like me you can make one for free