Highly Modified VFR800FI

cbxfixer · 01-20-2006, 9:52 PM

Hi Folks,

I outfitted my '00 VFR800 with new five spoke Dymags designed for an RC45 (Silver Sparkle finish). Offset was actually better than stock. The lighter weights - especially in the periphery greatly reduces the moment of inertia (which goes up by the square from the axle center if I remember my physics correctly).

Acceleration and braking are improved - and turn-in is phenomenal. Fitting lightweight Rennsports helped as well (nearly a pound lighter than the popular Dunlop 207). I fitted a Supercoursa equivalent SC1 dead soft and a SC2 medium rear (Pirelli owns Metzeler and is phasing out the Rennsports - same tire from what I understand).

The rear axle had to be fabricated since the ones that are/were available are not what I would want to ride on. Probably cost as much as the rims (or more) but failure here is something I don't want to worry about. Exotic metals, ground threads, no welding, Rockwell tested and I can still use my Pit Bull Stand (though slightly modified).

Went with a 520 chain set and reduced the final drive ratio. The rear sprocket was not available so my tuner ground down a 530 and had it hard coated. First gear is still usable, can keep up with liter bikes in the short straights and can now hit redline in sixth. Freeway droning is no problem either.

Öhlins HRCS rear with a correct (heavier) spring. Traxxion outfitted the front Showa forks with F3 dampening rods and new valving - but my local tuner refined it much further for my riding style. Raised the back a bit for better weight bias and turn-in.

This VFR800 probably handles (for me) better than it should. Riding in the hills it is though I have another lane. Fitted some high-end aftermarket brake pads to the front - it stops better than a bike that weight should - who says you can't do one-finger stoppies with linked brakes?

Sorry for the long post - and excuse my lack of understanding suspension dynamics. All I know is that the bike works.

A poor photo (posted here before):

http://www.fototime.com/879C76F538A071E/orig.jpg

All the best,

John
San Jose, California

CBRVFR · 01-20-2006, 10:48 PM

Very, very nice. Thanks for posting that up.

maxib · 01-20-2006, 11:00 PM

That is a real beauty! Makes me miss my '98 even more.

Red Rider · 01-21-2006, 10:28 AM

Wow! Very impressive! Nice job.

deez · 01-21-2006, 3:40 PM

Nice.

There are a lot of owners doing the RC51 front end swap. Forks, triples, etc.

sounds like you have a sweet setup.

Cheers!

phobiaphobe · 01-22-2006, 10:37 PM

I miss my 800.

Sime · 04-09-2007, 8:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deez

Nice.

There are a lot of owners doing the RC51 front end swap. Forks, triples, etc.

Sweet bike!

Deez, I can't see any reference to the RC51 front end swap in his post. Just curious as to why you mentioned it here mate? He has the VFR800 forks on his bike and I believe is keeping them on there.

Cheers,
Sime

Gaunty42 · 04-12-2007, 5:46 AM

Nice post. Sounds like you have a superb setup to me. My brother has the same model 800 and wants to know what exhaust you have on?

vfrlarry · 04-26-2007, 11:36 PM

Its really nice to see people fixing up their VFR! I love mine! Does any one know how to get rid of the VTEC lag? got a pipe, and power commander, but it seemed to make it worse! I wish I could just put a VTR engine it this bike.