check back on vfrd for issues on the regulator/rectifier in the electrical section (http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/scgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?;act=SF;f=7). some of the earlier models have issues with heat building up in them. i *think* the later models (00-01) might have an updated rr to remedy the problem and most of the older models either update to it or put some kind of cooling device on it (like a PC case fan).
VFR Issues?
I'm looking at purchasing a low mileage 2k1 VFR and wanted to know what some of the issues are that I should be concerned about. Reading on VFRDiscussion I saw something about a right radiator overheating and recall seeing the magazine Motorcyclist mention something about not holding a charge. Are there any other issues I should know about? Thanks.
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What are the valve adjustment intervals?
I believe that they are the same as the VTec models, 16,000 miles. I'm playing some Burnout 3 right now but will confirm that later. 
The biggest issues with the VFR are the regulator/rectifier issues. Seems that most years from the early 80's to late model years are affected (Honda has a problem with the stator producing more electrical output than needed).
Legal Ninja
I have a 98VFR for sale. The rectifier and battery was replaced last year. I also mounted a PC fan on the rectifier to keep it cool. I have a few goodies to go with the bike also. Look at the bottom of my post for a link to see my VFR
I have a 98VFR for sale. The rectifier and battery was replaced last year. I also mounted a PC fan on the rectifier to keep it cool. I have a few goodies to go with the bike also. Look at the bottom of my post for a link to see my VFR
Re: Legal Ninja
The rectifier hasn't quit completely, but when the bike is hot (e.g., after a full day of riding) it will often loose all electrical power and I will be unable to start it. So far a push start has worked and the bike has not actually died while I was riding, but I am sure glad to know what the heck is going on w/ it.
How did mounting the fan work out? After reading the discussion on vfrdiscussion.com I think I am experiencing the rectifier problem on my bike.MotoRider said:
I have a 98VFR for sale. The rectifier and battery was replaced last year. I also mounted a PC fan on the rectifier to keep it cool. I have a few goodies to go with the bike also. Look at the bottom of my post for a link to see my VFR
The rectifier hasn't quit completely, but when the bike is hot (e.g., after a full day of riding) it will often loose all electrical power and I will be unable to start it. So far a push start has worked and the bike has not actually died while I was riding, but I am sure glad to know what the heck is going on w/ it.
Re: Re: Legal Ninja
My bike was doing the same thing you describe. I was out on some long trips and the bike odometer would freeze and when I shut the bike off I would have to push it off to get it started. It made me very nervous because every trip I was venturing out farther and farther and I did not want to get stranded. I went ahead and replaced the battey + rectifier and I had no more issues. As far as the fan, I wired it into the license plate light so that it comes on with the key. Even with the old rectifier and the fan the problems persisted. I will tell you what made me go ahead and replace it, a friend of mine said his SuperHawk was doing the same thing but it burned up his whole electrical system. 3-400 hundred dollars to fix.
If any one is looking for a 98VFR with a new rectifier and batttery send them my way.
VFRBill said:How did mounting the fan work out? After reading the discussion on vfrdiscussion.com I think I am experiencing the rectifier problem on my bike.
The rectifier hasn't quit completely, but when the bike is hot (e.g., after a full day of riding) it will often loose all electrical power and I will be unable to start it. So far a push start has worked and the bike has not actually died while I was riding, but I am sure glad to know what the heck is going on w/ it.
My bike was doing the same thing you describe. I was out on some long trips and the bike odometer would freeze and when I shut the bike off I would have to push it off to get it started. It made me very nervous because every trip I was venturing out farther and farther and I did not want to get stranded. I went ahead and replaced the battey + rectifier and I had no more issues. As far as the fan, I wired it into the license plate light so that it comes on with the key. Even with the old rectifier and the fan the problems persisted. I will tell you what made me go ahead and replace it, a friend of mine said his SuperHawk was doing the same thing but it burned up his whole electrical system. 3-400 hundred dollars to fix.
If any one is looking for a 98VFR with a new rectifier and batttery send them my way.
Cool! Thanks for the info. Time to see if good old Trick Tape can get the part. Was it hard to install the new rectifier?
. Was it hard to install the new rectifier?replaced the R/R on mine after 45k, also did the fan motor;s........2 small comp fans.
Can anyone tell me how to get to the battery on my 97 vfr? I just bought it and the battery died on me. Any suggestions? I tried to remove the seat, but couldnt even manage that. Help ASAP if you can.
Thanks
Thanks
It's not hard, if you are a little mechanically inclined. Its a unplug -plug up deal once you remove the seat cowl, that's the hardest part. You will want some zipties on hand because you may have to cut off some stock ones. Just go to AutoZone and get an assortmate pack.VFRBill said:Cool! Thanks for the info. Time to see if good old Trick Tape can get the part
Hope that helps you out but if you need more info just let me know?
Well, I would say you described me pretty well. I am a little mechanically inclined, but you wouldn't want me to do much more than change the oil on your bike!:laughingMotoRider said:
It's not hard, if you are a little mechanically inclined. Its a unplug -plug up deal once you remove the seat cowl, that's the hardest part. You will want some zipties on hand because you may have to cut off some stock ones. Just go to AutoZone and get an assortmate pack.
Hope that helps you out but if you need more info just let me know?
Thanks for the help :thumb
BTW, looks like Trick Tape can set me up with an aftermarket R/R that comes with its very own heat sink. (From what I can infer, it sounds like the original doesn't come with one)
well, OE it does have fins for cooling. it is very easy to change....a little harder to wire up the computer fans
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