Discussion
I just spoke to Doble's about collecting my bike tomorrow rather than on Saturday. He said that they had encountered issues with a lack of clearance on the R&G hugger to accommodate the Metzeler M9RR than I asked to be fitted; I told them to replace it with a standard one if they couldn't get it right. Another thing is that they were waiting on the rubber for the replacement foot gear lever.
Have you joined the Facebook VFR1200 group? Plenty of knowledgeable owners on there with useful advice
https://www.facebook.com/groups/122074207807846/?r...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/122074207807846/?r...
A993LAD said:
Excellent - definitely the best investment you can make on these bikes. I couldn't believe the way mine was transformed when I rode it away from Darren's place.
I'm baffled why any owner would bother with new exhaust or reflash/PC5 etc before changing the suspension.
Lot's of owners will say the standard suspension just needs dialling in. Darren says not and that it's s
te! I was a bit hesitant about throwing £1k at the suspension upgrade on a nearly new bike but it turned out to be the best biking outlay I've ever done.
Can't believe I didn't do it for my first VFR1200. Racked up 30k miles with rubbish suspension on that 2010 bike before buying my 2015 one.
Did you get the cartridges or springs and a revalve at the front?I'm baffled why any owner would bother with new exhaust or reflash/PC5 etc before changing the suspension.
Lot's of owners will say the standard suspension just needs dialling in. Darren says not and that it's s
te! I was a bit hesitant about throwing £1k at the suspension upgrade on a nearly new bike but it turned out to be the best biking outlay I've ever done.Can't believe I didn't do it for my first VFR1200. Racked up 30k miles with rubbish suspension on that 2010 bike before buying my 2015 one.
Biker9090 said:
Did you get the cartridges or springs and a revalve at the front?
Yes, Darren at MCT recommended that and selected the new fork internals based on my weight and riding style.Just remembered one thing that stopped me getting the suspension work done on my 2010 bike was the long lead times to get a slot at MCT. I bought my 2015 bike in April and called them up to book it in thinking I'd have the new set up for my summer tour down to Italy. Earliest slot was months away in the autumn! but I booked it anyway and glad I did.
There's a reason he's so busy!!
Edited by A993LAD on Friday 26th November 11:13
Edited by A993LAD on Friday 26th November 11:14
Yes, I have been rather fortunate with the timing, as I've just collected the bike from Doble's and made two useful decisions - one was to bring the MOT forward so it's all synced with the service and the other was to fit the Metzeler Sportec M9RR. So the fact that Nitron delivered the shock early and he happened to have a free slot within two weeks was great. The alternative is in 2022 when he is no longer fitting directly to customers' bikes in order to save time and cope with the volume of demand.
Today was collection day. It turns out that we were sensible to have brought the 32k service forward as it was somehow "skipped" by Crescent Honda when they sold the bike on. Here is the air filter, that isn't a routine service item.
The throttle bodies were also dirty as a result, so they were tidied up and sparks replaced.
Other than that, the cable for the exhaust flap was removed as it was removed and the little volume flap lock wired open, to save it slapping around and causing damage to the servo. Also, the gasket connecting to the can to the downpipe was perished, so renewed.
The replacement clutch cover was fitted along with the r&g rad guard, a denali soundbomb which replaces the OEM Noddy horn -- it comes with its own compressor
The rear hugger was packed at the base in order to raise it for clearance on the rear tyre, the clutch level replaced, the 3D printed casing for the heated grips fitted and the button replaced with the OEM unit, as the 3D printed one wasn't quite connecting easily and consistently.
Damaged clutch level replaced
The OEM screen was fitted and if that doesn't prevent the buffeting I'll try the Honda spoiler.
Also, the head race bearing was renewed, ACF50 applied, fluids replaced. Also, the Honda optimiate leads fitted and the charger supplied.
The tech that did the work spanners for Michael Dunlop, which is a nice touch.
Although the front rebound is too hard (that much is evident now that I have new tyres with a sharper profile), the tyres help with turn in and there is a smoother delivery of power lower in the rev range, so is more controllable. I think that the uprated suspenders will really give this V4 flagship a new lease of life and I cannot wait.
Ithink that I'll follow that up with popping into the local IAM once a month for Observed Sundays (though I fear that 50-every-fking-where will crush my soul) and a day with Rapid Training (or similar), in order to help me get rid of cobwebs.
Today was collection day. It turns out that we were sensible to have brought the 32k service forward as it was somehow "skipped" by Crescent Honda when they sold the bike on. Here is the air filter, that isn't a routine service item.
The throttle bodies were also dirty as a result, so they were tidied up and sparks replaced.
Other than that, the cable for the exhaust flap was removed as it was removed and the little volume flap lock wired open, to save it slapping around and causing damage to the servo. Also, the gasket connecting to the can to the downpipe was perished, so renewed.
The replacement clutch cover was fitted along with the r&g rad guard, a denali soundbomb which replaces the OEM Noddy horn -- it comes with its own compressor
The rear hugger was packed at the base in order to raise it for clearance on the rear tyre, the clutch level replaced, the 3D printed casing for the heated grips fitted and the button replaced with the OEM unit, as the 3D printed one wasn't quite connecting easily and consistently.
Damaged clutch level replaced
The OEM screen was fitted and if that doesn't prevent the buffeting I'll try the Honda spoiler.
Also, the head race bearing was renewed, ACF50 applied, fluids replaced. Also, the Honda optimiate leads fitted and the charger supplied.
The tech that did the work spanners for Michael Dunlop, which is a nice touch.
Although the front rebound is too hard (that much is evident now that I have new tyres with a sharper profile), the tyres help with turn in and there is a smoother delivery of power lower in the rev range, so is more controllable. I think that the uprated suspenders will really give this V4 flagship a new lease of life and I cannot wait.
Ithink that I'll follow that up with popping into the local IAM once a month for Observed Sundays (though I fear that 50-every-f
king-where will crush my soul) and a day with Rapid Training (or similar), in order to help me get rid of cobwebs. Edited by bolidemichael on Friday 26th November 16:10
Well, ahem, there is that...
I thought that a FHSH was an assurance of everything having been done up to date, but a little more homework would've revealed that lack of a 16k service and whilst everyone emphasises that the valve clearances may not always been necessary, there are all the other items that won't be addressed in a larger service, such as the spark plugs, fluids, filters (air) etc.
I don't know if I've entered into a false economy with a higher mileage lower purchase price bike, as opposed to a lower mileage £8,500 bike. What would've I knocked off in a best case scenario... £500? So I've bought a VFR1200F in decent nick, spent money on self inflicted damage, commissioned a 'fine tooth comb' mechanical refresh (with some sensible extras), new tyres for £2,300 and am about to drop over a grand on the suspension. It'll be like a new bike and all I have to do is actually create an opportunity to ride it!
EDIT:
Parts - £959.34+VAT
Labour - £1,040+VAT
I thought that a FHSH was an assurance of everything having been done up to date, but a little more homework would've revealed that lack of a 16k service and whilst everyone emphasises that the valve clearances may not always been necessary, there are all the other items that won't be addressed in a larger service, such as the spark plugs, fluids, filters (air) etc.
I don't know if I've entered into a false economy with a higher mileage lower purchase price bike, as opposed to a lower mileage £8,500 bike. What would've I knocked off in a best case scenario... £500? So I've bought a VFR1200F in decent nick, spent money on self inflicted damage, commissioned a 'fine tooth comb' mechanical refresh (with some sensible extras), new tyres for £2,300 and am about to drop over a grand on the suspension. It'll be like a new bike and all I have to do is actually create an opportunity to ride it!
EDIT:
Parts - £959.34+VAT
Labour - £1,040+VAT
Edited by bolidemichael on Friday 26th November 17:13
A993LAD said:
Yes, Darren at MCT recommended that and selected the new fork internals based on my weight and riding style.
Just remembered one thing that stopped me getting the suspension work done on my 2010 bike was the long lead times to get a slot at MCT. I bought my 2015 bike in April and called them up to book it in thinking I'd have the new set up for my summer tour down to Italy. Earliest slot was months away in the autumn! but I booked it anyway and glad I did.
There's a reason he's so busy!!
So which one lol? Completely new cartridges or just springs and a revalve? Just remembered one thing that stopped me getting the suspension work done on my 2010 bike was the long lead times to get a slot at MCT. I bought my 2015 bike in April and called them up to book it in thinking I'd have the new set up for my summer tour down to Italy. Earliest slot was months away in the autumn! but I booked it anyway and glad I did.
There's a reason he's so busy!!
Edited by A993LAD on Friday 26th November 11:13
Edited by A993LAD on Friday 26th November 11:14
So, an early start this morning for a ride round the M25/A12/A14/A140 to MCT. A little bit of a confusing start as the brakes had binded -- must've been because I road home from Doble's on damp roads.
I had so many layers and it was a good thing...
- merino skull cap
- buff snood
- wind stopper t shirt
- merino long sleeve
- rapha cycling gilet
- rapha cycling winter jersey
- merino long johns
- ankle socks
- merino knee highs
on top of that was my ancient rukka two piece that was recently re-proofed and some new Daytona gore tec 'sport' boots that I purchased - my first outing in them and they're actually really cool and comfortable. They're also the only ones that don't look totally old man.
There were a number of firsts going on - a first for the rukka infinitum inner gloves and also for the sena 20s evo. The latter was helpful for directions via wave (and notifications), whilst it was fun to have music streaming, a first ever for me. Sena manages it nicely so rather than interrupting the music completely for waze, it just dims it.
It was also a chance to try the OEM screen that I had sourced from ebay to replace the 'powerbronze' that I inherited. That one was awful for buffeting, you may recall. The standard one is a fantastic improvement for me. I noticed that the air seems to be directed to my neck, so I may experiment with the 'spoiler' that Honda offer, too.
I suppose that it was also a first for the Metzeler M9RR tyres too. They did a great job in cold weather, mist, fog and rain. The same can't be said for the rukka gear. I think that the drop liner tech is seriously outdated as I was colder on the latter half of my journey, I believe it's because the material was being saturated with rain. I'm sure that I can flog it online to a grateful deliveroo rider.
However, despite the poor low speed suspension behaviour, at speed the VFR is pliant and stable. The power is fantastic and its happy cruising at the ton, with the audio discernible also -- though the max speed sweet spot for audio is around 70-80mph with today's blustery conditions. It's always so amusing how speeds that are really triumphant in my car(s) are so nonchalantly achieved on a bike. It probably explains why I'm so inert to high speeds in a car... having a bike warps one's sense of acceptable progress.
Braking for junctions wasn't such a confidence inspiring venture, however; the forks so stiff that it felt as though there was no power and that the front would wash out.
Waze takes you direct to MCT, though it's a moot point as he'll no longer be taking in person bookings from 2022. He is aiming to do less work and more 'life', who can blame him.
The first thing that he observed was how stiff the front end was and once on the stands, how tight the head race bearing is... yes, the one recently replaced by 'Michael Dunlop's tech...
The bike was laughably filthy after the ride
Whilst I cannot show any photos, the cartridge kit comprises an MCT proprietary spec piston which has been developed by Darren. He 'rates' the VFR1200F as the poorest 'out of the box' OEM suspension set up. It wasn't made by Showa, it was made by Kayaba who won the tender...
The replacement rear shock is supplied by Nitron. He works closely with them as a consultant of sorts.
Once fitted, I took it for a ride on a really flat and tricky little road... I've got to get used to the bike is all that I can say. Cold tyres, crap country road in damp weather, new bike, suspension, back to riding after a long time. It felt way better and he knocked the rear rebound down after my feed back that it was pogo-ing on the bumpier sections 'for confidence and stability' he said.
The bike is much lighter on its feet now and happily changes direction, but I need to miles and confidence to just relax and enjoy.
The way home was dirty and more congested. So much gunk on my visor and mirrors refracting the light from car headlamps. Also, as a result (I think) of my skull cap and snood combo, there was little room for one speaker and the left one was pressing uncomfortably against my ear. I didn't install it, so I'll have to check out if there is any additional padding behind it.
I did get 157 miles from the tank before bottling it with the flashing fuel indicator. I don't think that it was so bad, though obviously it would've been nice to do the round trip on one tank (240 miles!). It was odd that I glanced at the fuel and there were two blocks remaining and suddenly it was down to one and flashing. The tank reading seems biased towards a full tank.
Back home and pleased to have been out for a productive winter's ride. I'll be hiding the bike down tomorrow in the daylight.
I've got to say that Würth helmet and visor cleaner is an incredibly effective product -- spray, foam and wipe.
I had so many layers and it was a good thing...
- merino skull cap
- buff snood
- wind stopper t shirt
- merino long sleeve
- rapha cycling gilet
- rapha cycling winter jersey
- merino long johns
- ankle socks
- merino knee highs
on top of that was my ancient rukka two piece that was recently re-proofed and some new Daytona gore tec 'sport' boots that I purchased - my first outing in them and they're actually really cool and comfortable. They're also the only ones that don't look totally old man.
There were a number of firsts going on - a first for the rukka infinitum inner gloves and also for the sena 20s evo. The latter was helpful for directions via wave (and notifications), whilst it was fun to have music streaming, a first ever for me. Sena manages it nicely so rather than interrupting the music completely for waze, it just dims it.
It was also a chance to try the OEM screen that I had sourced from ebay to replace the 'powerbronze' that I inherited. That one was awful for buffeting, you may recall. The standard one is a fantastic improvement for me. I noticed that the air seems to be directed to my neck, so I may experiment with the 'spoiler' that Honda offer, too.
I suppose that it was also a first for the Metzeler M9RR tyres too. They did a great job in cold weather, mist, fog and rain. The same can't be said for the rukka gear. I think that the drop liner tech is seriously outdated as I was colder on the latter half of my journey, I believe it's because the material was being saturated with rain. I'm sure that I can flog it online to a grateful deliveroo rider.
However, despite the poor low speed suspension behaviour, at speed the VFR is pliant and stable. The power is fantastic and its happy cruising at the ton, with the audio discernible also -- though the max speed sweet spot for audio is around 70-80mph with today's blustery conditions. It's always so amusing how speeds that are really triumphant in my car(s) are so nonchalantly achieved on a bike. It probably explains why I'm so inert to high speeds in a car... having a bike warps one's sense of acceptable progress.
Braking for junctions wasn't such a confidence inspiring venture, however; the forks so stiff that it felt as though there was no power and that the front would wash out.
Waze takes you direct to MCT, though it's a moot point as he'll no longer be taking in person bookings from 2022. He is aiming to do less work and more 'life', who can blame him.
The first thing that he observed was how stiff the front end was and once on the stands, how tight the head race bearing is... yes, the one recently replaced by 'Michael Dunlop's tech...
The bike was laughably filthy after the ride
Whilst I cannot show any photos, the cartridge kit comprises an MCT proprietary spec piston which has been developed by Darren. He 'rates' the VFR1200F as the poorest 'out of the box' OEM suspension set up. It wasn't made by Showa, it was made by Kayaba who won the tender...
The replacement rear shock is supplied by Nitron. He works closely with them as a consultant of sorts.
Once fitted, I took it for a ride on a really flat and tricky little road... I've got to get used to the bike is all that I can say. Cold tyres, crap country road in damp weather, new bike, suspension, back to riding after a long time. It felt way better and he knocked the rear rebound down after my feed back that it was pogo-ing on the bumpier sections 'for confidence and stability' he said.
The bike is much lighter on its feet now and happily changes direction, but I need to miles and confidence to just relax and enjoy.
The way home was dirty and more congested. So much gunk on my visor and mirrors refracting the light from car headlamps. Also, as a result (I think) of my skull cap and snood combo, there was little room for one speaker and the left one was pressing uncomfortably against my ear. I didn't install it, so I'll have to check out if there is any additional padding behind it.
I did get 157 miles from the tank before bottling it with the flashing fuel indicator. I don't think that it was so bad, though obviously it would've been nice to do the round trip on one tank (240 miles!). It was odd that I glanced at the fuel and there were two blocks remaining and suddenly it was down to one and flashing. The tank reading seems biased towards a full tank.
Back home and pleased to have been out for a productive winter's ride. I'll be hiding the bike down tomorrow in the daylight.
I've got to say that Würth helmet and visor cleaner is an incredibly effective product -- spray, foam and wipe.
bolidemichael said:
Well, ahem, there is that...
I thought that a FHSH was an assurance of everything having been done up to date, but a little more homework would've revealed that lack of a 16k service and whilst everyone emphasises that the valve clearances may not always been necessary, there are all the other items that won't be addressed in a larger service, such as the spark plugs, fluids, filters (air) etc.
I don't know if I've entered into a false economy with a higher mileage lower purchase price bike, as opposed to a lower mileage £8,500 bike. What would've I knocked off in a best case scenario... £500? So I've bought a VFR1200F in decent nick, spent money on self inflicted damage, commissioned a 'fine tooth comb' mechanical refresh (with some sensible extras), new tyres for £2,300 and am about to drop over a grand on the suspension. It'll be like a new bike and all I have to do is actually create an opportunity to ride it!
EDIT:
Parts - £959.34+VAT
Labour - £1,040+VAT
Great read, how do you find those Daytona boots? Are they comfortable? I have 3 pairs of Sidi’s but they are stiff as hell, I want some comfy boots. I thought that a FHSH was an assurance of everything having been done up to date, but a little more homework would've revealed that lack of a 16k service and whilst everyone emphasises that the valve clearances may not always been necessary, there are all the other items that won't be addressed in a larger service, such as the spark plugs, fluids, filters (air) etc.
I don't know if I've entered into a false economy with a higher mileage lower purchase price bike, as opposed to a lower mileage £8,500 bike. What would've I knocked off in a best case scenario... £500? So I've bought a VFR1200F in decent nick, spent money on self inflicted damage, commissioned a 'fine tooth comb' mechanical refresh (with some sensible extras), new tyres for £2,300 and am about to drop over a grand on the suspension. It'll be like a new bike and all I have to do is actually create an opportunity to ride it!
EDIT:
Parts - £959.34+VAT
Labour - £1,040+VAT
Edited by bolidemichael on Friday 26th November 17:13
Janluke said:
Enjoying this and your RR thread
Thanks. There's also my S211 E500 thread which has never been less than six months from the present day!Krikkit said:
Quite the adventure! Hope you gel with it now.
Looking at that filth it reminds me why I don't like riding in winter, I hate cleaning!
Actually today I got around to cleaning it. Serendipitous in a way that it was both a quiet Saturday and dry + sunny. I listened to the F1 practice and qualifying whilst mission creep ensured that I gave the bike a better clean than intended. Looking at that filth it reminds me why I don't like riding in winter, I hate cleaning!
myvision said:
Your right about the fuel gauge the first bar takes ages to go and then the rest disappear rapidly!!
Seriously, the first two or three bars suggested that I was on the way to two hundred plus miles and I was about to defy common knowledge by extracting optimal performance from the big twelve with a liberal right hand, to boot. No such joy and I was sweating by the time I reached a fuel stop. One thing that I didn't convey in yesterday's summary was the paperwork that I was given, too.
The price of entry
The service document for the rear shock (very prudent that it should be considered a service item)
My settings
Also not pictured, an owners manual for the rear shock with a user guide for suspension settings (thankfully that's been taken care of by Darren -- good for the Nordschleife, he says).
All in all, a good day, it felt good to treat the bike after it looked after me. An important part of bonding, I feel. I also used the 'blow' function on my multi-purpose 'Midl of Lidl' hoover to ease drying of the bike and also to minimise the likelihood of my brakes binding next time that I go to move the bike.
Edited by bolidemichael on Sunday 5th December 01:11
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