Advice needed for 2ndhand VFR owner!

[Gurd]

Hi all. I had just bought a 2nd hand VFR from a shop in Ubi. It's a 8year old bike and mileage is 107000+. I need some advice on what are the maintenance I should do or parts change to avoid any expensive damage as the mileage I believe is quite high.

 

At present, the problems I face is that when I'm negotiating a right corner/turn/bend high and low speed, the bike shoves to the left and I have to lean further to keep it in line. And the bike gets quite wobbly.

 

And I'm not sure if it's normal, but this seems a really heaty bike!. When cruising at 80 to 90km, the temp goes around 87 to 93. And when stop and go/slow speed/keep shifting gear, the temp went up to 107! Is this normal?? Please advice. Most appreciate! Thanks!

[GuiNNeSS]

the highest my bike has ever gone to was 104 before the fan kicks in , u might want to check if the fan is working ? or flush the coolants ....cant help with the wobbly parts sorry

[WingZer0]

Quite normal for 6th Gen to hit those temps.....just go for full servicing EO, plugs, coolant change and check ur forks and rear suspension....forks maybe need to do oil change....and the rear shocks may need to be serviced....also best change ur and bleed all brake/clutch fluids...u never know how long ago the previous owner changed them. Other than that get a voltmeter......6th gen are notorious for Stator/rectifier failures so always check ur batteries.

[lemont97]

Hi all. I had just bought a 2nd hand VFR from a shop in Ubi. It's a 8year old bike and mileage is 107000+. I need some advice on what are the maintenance I should do or parts change to avoid any expensive damage as the mileage I believe is quite high.

 

At present, the problems I face is that when I'm negotiating a right corner/turn/bend high and low speed, the bike shoves to the left and I have to lean further to keep it in line. And the bike gets quite wobbly.

 

And I'm not sure if it's normal, but this seems a really heaty bike!. When cruising at 80 to 90km, the temp goes around 87 to 93. And when stop and go/slow speed/keep shifting gear, the temp went up to 107! Is this normal?? Please advice. Most appreciate! Thanks!

 

for the heat problem, it is pretty normal. there was a time when i just got the bike, it hits 120 degree in a massive traffic jam.. totally over heat even with fan is on.. after a check, the coolant seal wore out and unable to circulate the coolant to cool the bike.. after changing the seal.. all back to normal.. u may wanna check it out.

 

this are some trick which i did on my bike to keep it cool..

 

1. i use engine ice for coolant. i use water wetter before.. at 1st not bad.. but eventually same as engine ice or worst.. so i change back engine ice for contant cooling effect.

 

2. i change the thermostat sensor which make the fan kicks in at 80 degrees .. letting my viffer enjoy the fan earlier.. original will kick in at around 105 degree before fan kicks in.

 

and yes.. i agree with WingZero.. do get yourself a voltmeter.. u can sense electronic "trouble" earlier... for mine.. as long as it stay along 14.6V while crusing.. (coz it should be charging at that volt when all electronic is working) it should be fine.. if u see 12V while u riding on the road.. this is a sign of coil problem.. (personal experience!)

 

hope it helps.

[Gurd]

Thanks for the reply Wingzero.

 

I was also considering going for the full serv. Any suggestions as to where I could get all these done without getting cut throat?? And for the volt meter too, where can I get it? Thanks!

[Gurd]

Thanks for the reply lemon. Wow 120 sounds pretty hot! And you mentioned about the thermostat sensor...I think I should get that done too, cause I just can't take the heat!! Could you kindly let me know where can I get that done and the price?... Thanks!

[Gurd]

A friend suggested that I do a valve clearance and TOP. Actually I'm not quite sure what are these anyway and if they are absolutely necessary..Any enlightenment please??

[vfrT]

A friend suggested that I do a valve clearance and TOP. Actually I'm not quite sure what are these anyway and if they are absolutely necessary..Any enlightenment please??

 

My take on this & repeated many times previously in this forum (pardon me) is -DON'T FIX IT IF IT AIN'T BROKE.

How to tell? If there is clattering sound coming out of the top cylinder -this clattering increasing in frequency with increased rev - then it may need adjusting. Ask someone knowledgeable to have a listen before opening up the top.

 

You say yours is an 8 y-o, so I guess its a 6th genner whic due to the VTec involves twice the amount of work as the 5th genner.

 

I had a previous 5th genner with 115,00km on it and it never needed adjustment. MY experience with this kind of work with the local mechanics is not good, so I adopted the DON'T FIX IT IF IT AIN'T BROKE rule. FYI, I am presently into my 3rd 5th genner and non ever needed this fixed.

[lemont97]

Thanks for the reply Wingzero.

 

I was also considering going for the full serv. Any suggestions as to where I could get all these done without getting cut throat?? And for the volt meter too, where can I get it? Thanks!

 

I always go republic motor in kaki bukit to service my bike. Look for ah boon. He help my vfr in all matters. They sell volt meter too, but not cheap i remember coz they to resell. I think aroud $40. Suggestion, get a second hand in garage sales and install it when u service ur bike

[lemont97]

Thanks for the reply lemon. Wow 120 sounds pretty hot! And you mentioned about the thermostat sensor...I think I should get that done too, cause I just can't take the heat!! Could you kindly let me know where can I get that done and the price?... Thanks!

 

U can get it at LAB. Tell him thr fan thermostat for vfr800 he will

Know what to get for u. But he told me it is a standard for all honda.. I not sure... I can post a pic of the original thermostat for u if u want. U can change it your self too if u are confident enough. It is reachable from underneath your front wheel. It cost around $28 iirc

[Gurd]

Thanks vfrT for your advice! I appreciate. Like you mentioned, yes there is a very faint clattering sound just below the tank area when bike is is idle and moving, but it's the sound is not increasing with up rev..so I'm really unsure of what could be the issue. Also, I checked with my bikeshop and the mech said, for older bike, this sound is normal.

 

Also, I'm just being 'kancheong' as I'm intending to ride up to KL hopefully and don't want any probs throughout the trip. Kindly advice of what I should do? And could you let me know, what's the process of valve clearance and TOP servicing? Are they both the same? The price I saw in a local bike shop website, quotes around 1000+ for both of these. Please advice. Thanks a mil!

 

My take on this & repeated many times previously in this forum (pardon me) is -DON'T FIX IT IF IT AIN'T BROKE.

How to tell? If there is clattering sound coming out of the top cylinder -this clattering increasing in frequency with increased rev - then it may need adjusting. Ask someone knowledgeable to have a listen before opening up the top.

 

You say yours is an 8 y-o, so I guess its a 6th genner whic due to the VTec involves twice the amount of work as the 5th genner.

 

I had a previous 5th genner with 115,00km on it and it never needed adjustment. MY experience with this kind of work with the local mechanics is not good, so I adopted the DON'T FIX IT IF IT AIN'T BROKE rule. FYI, I am presently into my 3rd 5th genner and non ever needed this fixed.

[Gurd]

Thanks lemon for your reply and suggestions. Appreciate! I'll do just that, to try my first service at the Repulic motor you rec'. The price of 28.00 incl installation at LAB?? Thanks!

[Gurd]

Thanks enhanzed for your advice! The fan is working and I hope after getting the coolant flushing done, it should be ok. As for the wobbly issue, its settled! The front tyre was unevenly worn out it seems so the shop changed for me a new one. Now it's much more stable. Thanks again!

 

the highest my bike has ever gone to was 104 before the fan kicks in , u might want to check if the fan is working ? or flush the coolants ....cant help with the wobbly parts sorry

[WingZer0]

If the clattering sound is only during cold start and warm up and dissappears when the engine is hot then its ok.....U can leave for the time being.

[vfrT]

for the heat problem,

 

 

2. i change the thermostat sensor which make the fan kicks in at 80 degrees .. letting my viffer enjoy the fan earlier.. original will kick in at around 105 degree before fan kicks in.

 

.

 

Hi Lemon97. I am a little confused. The thermostat will start to open btw 80-84 deg & is fully open at 95 deg to allow the coolant to the top of of the engine (cylinder) so that it will get cooled. On the other hand the cooling fan is activated by the fan switch which kicks in normally around 100 deg +- 2 deg. So I think you might have the two mixed up.

 

At normal operating speed ie when moving at say 100kmh, at local ambient temperature of say 27 -32 deg the reading should be around 85 to 95 deg. When on the move, the fan is virtually useless as the air stream will be much stronger. So for the fan to kick in at 80 deg is pointless and it will also drain your battery and wear down your fan needlessly and continuously as the operating temp is btw 85-95.

Of course if you are at stand still, then the said early kick-in might be of use but then again the bike is designed to operate at the optimum zone of 85-95 deg.

 

This is the same operating temperature I see when I ride in zero deg temperature overseas.

 

So while it is psychologically nice, I doubt there is real benefit in kicking in so early at 80.

 

My 2 cts worth.

 

cheers

Edited September 13, 2012 by vfrT

[JoviLoong]

Hi guys, I am riding a gen 6. Face the same problem. Normal cruising bike will heat up to 86 degree and the fan will kick in. Honestly I feel fan kick in at 86 degree is useless and drain battery unless at stationary during traffic jam. Best is have a switch to activate the fan. While riding just let the fan auto switch on when it hit the temperature. Activate the fan mannually during heavy traffic or jam.

Install a volt meter to gauge your charging as VFR charging is really a problem

[Gurd]

If the clattering sound is only during cold start and warm up and dissappears when the engine is hot then its ok.....U can leave for the time being.

 

Hi WingZero..thanks for your reply. Actually I just noticed today the clattering sound is througout although not loud. I rode from my home to the petrol station ard 2km and still heard the sound when I stopped at traffic and the station. What should I do...please advice. Thanks so much!

[lemont97]

Thanks vfrT for your advice! I appreciate. Like you mentioned, yes there is a very faint clattering sound just below the tank area when bike is is idle and moving, but it's the sound is not increasing with up rev..so I'm really unsure of what could be the issue. Also, I checked with my bikeshop and the mech said, for older bike, this sound is normal.

 

Also, I'm just being 'kancheong' as I'm intending to ride up to KL hopefully and don't want any probs throughout the trip. Kindly advice of what I should do? And could you let me know, what's the process of valve clearance and TOP servicing? Are they both the same? The price I saw in a local bike shop website, quotes around 1000+ for both of these. Please advice. Thanks a mil!

 

the sound could be your timing chain or tensioner.. i have my share.. we have 2 sets of tensioner and timing chain btw.

[lemont97]

Thanks lemon for your reply and suggestions. Appreciate! I'll do just that, to try my first service at the Repulic motor you rec'. The price of 28.00 incl installation at LAB?? Thanks!

 

$28 is only the part. installation not included. anyway it is easy.. u can ask them to see if they can help u to fix. a 10 min job.

[lemont97]

Hi Lemon97. I am a little confused. The thermostat will start to open btw 80-84 deg & is fully open at 95 deg to allow the coolant to the top of of the engine (cylinder) so that it will get cooled. On the other hand the cooling fan is activated by the fan switch which kicks in normally around 100 deg +- 2 deg. So I think you might have the two mixed up.

 

At normal operating speed ie when moving at say 100kmh, at local ambient temperature of say 27 -32 deg the reading should be around 85 to 95 deg. When on the move, the fan is virtually useless as the air stream will be much stronger. So for the fan to kick in at 80 deg is pointless and it will also drain your battery and wear down your fan needlessly and continuously as the operating temp is btw 85-95.

Of course if you are at stand still, then the said early kick-in might be of use but then again the bike is designed to operate at the optimum zone of 85-95 deg.

 

This is the same operating temperature I see when I ride in zero deg temperature overseas.

 

So while it is psychologically nice, I doubt there is real benefit in kicking in so early at 80.

 

My 2 cts worth.

 

cheers

 

hi vfrT

 

i have remove my thermostat so it allow coolant to flow once it starts. at least this is what my mech recommend to me when i complain my bike is very hot.. the thermostat i am referring to is the thermostat switch for left radiator fan. my original thermostat fan switch kick in around 105 degree. after replacing.. it start at 80 degree

 

though i agree that it does not make a lot different when u are riding and on the move, but my daily riding route always kena traffic lights and need to stop.. so this does make a bit different to me to have fan on earlier. up to now, i rarely see it hit 100 degree.

 

also, i do agree to install a manual switch to override the fan if u can so u can have better control of the fan. my way is just a lazy way to let it decide when it should enjoy the fan...best control will be 3 tier switch, Manual ON, Manual OFF, Back to AUTO

[Gurd]

Thanks lemon for the reply. So should I be worried? or maybe do the TOP servicing? Simply to avoid having a breakdown. That's really the last thing I would want or never at all, especially when traveling across the border! Please advice. Thank you!!

[Gurd]

Ok thanks for the info lemon

[lemont97]

Thanks lemon for the reply. So should I be worried? or maybe do the TOP servicing? Simply to avoid having a breakdown. That's really the last thing I would want or never at all, especially when traveling across the border! Please advice. Thank you!!

 

as long as the bike is not operating as design.. yes you should be worry.. especially if you are travelling to Malaysia.. better have it check out.. i may be wrong but your problem sound like my bike when i took over.. what is your milleage now?tensioner and timing chain roughly need to change / service around 50k KM

 

better have it check it out with your mechanic...

[Gurd]

Hi Lemon thanks for your reply. Well as for operation, it's operating normal I suppose. I usually ride on the weekends only so I'm really unsure of the signs to look out for. So far the mileague when I purchased was at 107555. Now it's just about 108600. Do you suggest I do the TOP servicing? And does the TOP service means, including the Valve clearance?? Please advice! Thanks so much.

 

as long as the bike is not operating as design.. yes you should be worry.. especially if you are travelling to Malaysia.. better have it check out.. i may be wrong but your problem sound like my bike when i took over.. what is your milleage now?tensioner and timing chain roughly need to change / service around 50k KM

 

better have it check it out with your mechanic...

[loufu]

Hi Lemon thanks for your reply. Well as for operation, it's operating normal I suppose. I usually ride on the weekends only so I'm really unsure of the signs to look out for. So far the mileague when I purchased was at 107555. Now it's just about 108600. Do you suggest I do the TOP servicing? And does the TOP service means, including the Valve clearance?? Please advice! Thanks so much.

 

you might want to try searching in youtube and compare the ticking sounds

 

this is 1 of the many example