1998 VFR800F Pre Vtec 17,000 Miles

Twincam · 09-10-2007, 5:59 PM

Hello,

Ive just bought yet another bike, collection now totalling 11, and another one on its way. Dont worry, ill be selling alot soon. The wife isnt to keen, but it keeps me busy.

Anyway, today i bought a 1998 VFR800F (normal exhaust) which has done 17,000 miles on it. It has been standing for a while so i will do a service (Oil, Filters, other fluids, maybe Pads + plugs, deff chain and sproket). Is there anything else i should be looking out for on a VFR?

I have owned bikes for years, but was wondering if the VFR's had any problems or common faults? What would i be getting from it e.g. MPG/MPL Top speed etc?

Pictures to follow, will have to polish and wash it though - Redness has died.

Take care

MT Wallet · 09-10-2007, 6:56 PM

I think your bike is the first year the VFR went from gear-driven cams to the traditional, chain-driven cams.

So you might wanna make sure the cam-chain tensioner is okay.

I don't know enough about bikes to know how to fix it or diagnose it. With your low mileage I don't think it'll be a problem, unless you're getting all kinds of weird noises from the engine.

Also, maybe add some Sea Foam cleaner to your gas tank.

I posted about that on VFRdiscussion.com and a couple members swear the stuff cleans fuel injectors, carbs, etc...

congrats on the bike!

maxib · 09-10-2007, 8:43 PM

I know for a fact that my '98 had gear driven cams. I know the yellow 2000 in the US also had gear driven cams. I don't think they went to chain driven until 2002 or 2003.

MT Wallet · 09-10-2007, 8:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxib

I know for a fact that my '98 had gear driven cams. I know the yellow 2000 in the US also had gear driven cams. I don't think they went to chain driven until 2002 or 2003.

Shows how much I know about VFR's

CRU · 09-11-2007, 12:35 AM

I used to own a 2000 VFR. Man, I miss that bike. The gear driven cams didn't stop till the new VTEC model came out in 02. The only known major issue with the 98-01 model was the regulator/rectifier. It's kind of the luck of the draw. You either get one with no issues or you get a lemon that will burn through a reg/rec every 2500 miles. Luckily my 2000 model never burned a single one up. And their a bitch to get to. They are located under the tail fairing on the left side of the sub frame.

As for top speed, you're looking at about 155 or so. Not the fastest one in the bunch. Plus they are a bit piggish in weight. Coming in just over 500 pounds wet. You'll love it though. It's a great bike. I miss that linear powerband. Good luck.

moley · 09-11-2007, 2:49 AM

11+ bikes - big respect!

I've never managed to get past 4 without the wife losing control

So what is the full collection - not being nosy just that I'm intrigued?

I once sat down and worked out that 9 was the optimum number of bikes to own

mostecak · 09-11-2007, 3:27 AM

I once sat down and worked out that 9 was the optimum number of bikes to own

[/quote]

And I thought I was the only one conducting such a researches. My number is little short of yours - 6 1/2 (minibike)

-Z- · 09-11-2007, 4:02 AM

Like someone already mentioned, watch out for the voltage regulator/rectifier. I'm on my third one on my 99 VFR. And yeah, it's a big in terms of weight....but sit on it and lean it left and right, and go do it to any of the new 600s....the VFR FEELS lighter because it carries it's weight so well. And yeah, you're gonna love that sucker. I STILL have mine, and consistently beat the snot out of guys on their 600s both in the twisties and on the track with it!

As for things to watch out for, other than the general stuff like fuses and old fuel/clogged fuel filter, the only things I can really think of are the rotors, and most definitely the bank angle sensor. I don't exactly know how common that is, but mine quit on me one time. Stranded me in the middle of the mojave desert. For about 8 hours. In the first week of August. So picture if you will a 21-year-old sweating his butt off with the plastics off of his bike on the side of the highway, trying to troubleshoot his bike with his factory service manual and a multimeter. NOT FUN.

Twincam · 09-11-2007, 2:18 PM

Well the last time i can remember, I have:

02 Honda CBR954RR-2
05 Honda Hornet CB900F-5
03 Yamaha Fazer 600
98 Honda VFR800F
96 Kawasaki GPZ500S
90 Something - Suzuki RM125 (Motocross)
70 Puch Maxi (pedal started – Bring back the old days!

)
02 Honda SH-125
90 Yamaha RXS 100
03 Piaggio NRG MC3 50cc
89 Yamaha Jog 50cc (Field Bike)
Italijet 50cc x2 (For my sons)

I have more at my other garage, can’t remember – have quite a few cars as well. Some you might say are not motorbikes, but they have motors and are bikes… Might be getting an 07 Kawasaki 636, but ill have to wait and see.

Red Rider · 09-11-2007, 10:57 PM

It's a great bike...on the street or track.

Twincam · 09-12-2007, 9:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Rider

It's a great bike...on the street or track.

That looks exactly like mine, just mine needs a good wash / polish etc. Might get a bubble screen and some other minor mods for it.

Lets see what i can ruffle up...

-Z- · 09-13-2007, 2:15 AM

So far on mine I've got a Power Commander 3USB, K&N air filter, HIDs for the lights, Zero Gravity double bubble light smoke windscreen, the full Galfer braided line system for that bike (yeah, I know it's expensive!) with Galfer pads, and Galfer Wave rotors. Been running Vortex sprockets on mine, with a DID chain, rolling on Pilot Power 2CTs.

What, a Power Commander and K&N air filter, and no mention of an exhaust? Yeah, I'm having a custom one made in the next couple of months.

So yeah, all these little bitty mods and everything, and what was the best?

By far, the 2CT tires.

The power commander is great if you're gonna tune it up right and actually use all the power that it can help you get (with a higher-flowing intake & exhaust than stock!), and the Galfer lines and rotors make a big difference in the braking on this bike (if you're willing to take the time to bleed it all!), but the tires are something that are working right off the bat and all the time too. Believe me, if you like riding the twisties, you'll LOVE THEM after trying a set of dual compound tires!

Gonna try the Diablo Corsa 3s next....

Twincam · 09-13-2007, 4:05 PM

Lool, Twisties... In England Uk...

The only twisties around here are the roundabouts - and they are no cop. Its currently got BT104's on it, i dont think ill change them unless i need to...

I would like to modify it, same with all of my bikes, but for power wise i have my 954, touring my VFR800 and in the middle i have my Hornet... My three Main Hondas....