New Guy Intro
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
New Guy Intro
I guess it is time for the obligatory new member introduction. Like many of you I have been a motorcycle rider for years. I started in my teens on a Honda SL125 and I guess I have remained a solid Honda fan all these years. I have had my share of other bikes but I find Hondas to be the best built, best handling and the least trouble of all my rides. My VTR is a new purchase. I have ridden one before and enjoyed it but I have never had the pleasure of owning one.
I paid $1250 for this one and it comes with a clear title. It has new tires and a new battery. Baring a few scratches the paint looks really good with zero dents in the tank. It has all the lights and turns signals. I heard it run (briefly). I am the third owner from new. It has a Two Brothers exhaust system.
I heard it run long enough to diagnose a sloppy timing chain on the front cylinder. It sounds nasty. The story was the owner rode it a mile and it started making noise. He rode home and at the end of his drive it quit. I am pretty sure it has bent a valve(s). It has an oil leak on the drive side engine cover. Both rear view mirrors are broken and the drive chain and sprockets are shot (normal). The triple clamp looks like crap. It's cosmetic I know but it is faded gray and key scraped. It make the whole bike look shabby.
The Two Brothers exhaust system is a slop fest. I have never seen an exhaust system that is so sloppy. The pipe joints, with tight clamps are not tight at all. It’s just strange that a system that cost so much is so floppy. I got the title work done today so it is mine in the eyes of the state of Texas. The manual adjusters are already on the way. Next weekend I’ll strip it down.
I don’t let little things like slipped timing chains and bent valves put me off. I’ll tear it down and get it scattered all over the shop. It’s projects like this that help me through the winter. I also have a 2000 VFR800 5th Generation (gear driven cams), a 2001 Kawasaki Concours and a Norton Commando that I keep as a pet.
I’ll try not to bug everyone with stupid questions during the exploratory surgery but I might vent my frustrations a little. I am looking forward to putting this bike to good use.
I paid $1250 for this one and it comes with a clear title. It has new tires and a new battery. Baring a few scratches the paint looks really good with zero dents in the tank. It has all the lights and turns signals. I heard it run (briefly). I am the third owner from new. It has a Two Brothers exhaust system.
I heard it run long enough to diagnose a sloppy timing chain on the front cylinder. It sounds nasty. The story was the owner rode it a mile and it started making noise. He rode home and at the end of his drive it quit. I am pretty sure it has bent a valve(s). It has an oil leak on the drive side engine cover. Both rear view mirrors are broken and the drive chain and sprockets are shot (normal). The triple clamp looks like crap. It's cosmetic I know but it is faded gray and key scraped. It make the whole bike look shabby.
The Two Brothers exhaust system is a slop fest. I have never seen an exhaust system that is so sloppy. The pipe joints, with tight clamps are not tight at all. It’s just strange that a system that cost so much is so floppy. I got the title work done today so it is mine in the eyes of the state of Texas. The manual adjusters are already on the way. Next weekend I’ll strip it down.
I don’t let little things like slipped timing chains and bent valves put me off. I’ll tear it down and get it scattered all over the shop. It’s projects like this that help me through the winter. I also have a 2000 VFR800 5th Generation (gear driven cams), a 2001 Kawasaki Concours and a Norton Commando that I keep as a pet.
I’ll try not to bug everyone with stupid questions during the exploratory surgery but I might vent my frustrations a little. I am looking forward to putting this bike to good use.
Last edited by Big_Jim59; Jan 6, 2015 at 03:04 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
I wondered about that. The 2005 model was the last year of production. Before that the colors were red, yellow and blue but this model seemed to be understated. I like it but it doesn't seem like the livery for a sporting ride.
I saw and ST1300 once painted in the red, white and blue Honda racing colors. It transformed the bike. The ST1300 was one of those bikes that Honda painted in stodgy colors like black, gray and dark blue.
I think the VTR1000 would look great in gloss black or even white.
I saw and ST1300 once painted in the red, white and blue Honda racing colors. It transformed the bike. The ST1300 was one of those bikes that Honda painted in stodgy colors like black, gray and dark blue.
I think the VTR1000 would look great in gloss black or even white.
Retired- but not tired!
SuperBike
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,481
From: Pittsburgh
I was thinking you are lucky to get one of the rarest color Honda delivered in this model. But if you will be changing it I can tell you I've seen the SuperHawk in white and it is very striking and flashy.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,806
From: Atlanta, GA
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 12
I wondered about that. The 2005 model was the last year of production. Before that the colors were red, yellow and blue but this model seemed to be understated. I like it but it doesn't seem like the livery for a sporting ride.
I saw and ST1300 once painted in the red, white and blue Honda racing colors. It transformed the bike. The ST1300 was one of those bikes that Honda painted in stodgy colors like black, gray and dark blue.
I think the VTR1000 would look great in gloss black or even white.
I saw and ST1300 once painted in the red, white and blue Honda racing colors. It transformed the bike. The ST1300 was one of those bikes that Honda painted in stodgy colors like black, gray and dark blue.
I think the VTR1000 would look great in gloss black or even white.
Here is a picture of my 2004, Black was the only color they came in that year. Picture is kind of crappy, bike stored in the corner of the garage waiting for the spring thaw.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,544
From: New South Wales Australia
Welcome,
Like you I have owned too many bikes and still do!
The Vtr is my all time fav!
Be very very careful as they are one of the most engaging rides you'll ever experience.
Every time you do something to this bike you will feel the difference.
May I suggest that you do the following.
1- fit a 6mm spacer to the back shock.
This really transforms the handling by putting more weight on the front end.
2- while you have her stripped down get rid of the P.A.i.R system.
3- check the jetting on the carbs. There is a great thread on here by Hawk.
4- Upgrade the front Callipers, there are many options, have a look
The list goes on and on and on, however as I said every change gives a mostly rewarding return.
I have owned mine for 2 and a bit years and still there are things that I want to do.qq
Here is how she now stands.
Good luck when you pull her down and welcome.
Ask away and the answers will astound you. The knowledge base on here is outstanding.
Like you I have owned too many bikes and still do!
The Vtr is my all time fav!
Be very very careful as they are one of the most engaging rides you'll ever experience.
Every time you do something to this bike you will feel the difference.
May I suggest that you do the following.
1- fit a 6mm spacer to the back shock.
This really transforms the handling by putting more weight on the front end.
2- while you have her stripped down get rid of the P.A.i.R system.
3- check the jetting on the carbs. There is a great thread on here by Hawk.
4- Upgrade the front Callipers, there are many options, have a look
The list goes on and on and on, however as I said every change gives a mostly rewarding return.
I have owned mine for 2 and a bit years and still there are things that I want to do.qq
Here is how she now stands.
Good luck when you pull her down and welcome.
Ask away and the answers will astound you. The knowledge base on here is outstanding.
Last edited by kenmoore; Jan 1, 2015 at 10:21 PM. Reason: Bloody I Pad
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
Welcome,
Like you I have owned too many bikes and still do!
The Vtr is my all time fav!
Be very very careful as they are one of the most engaging rides you'll ever experience.
Every time you do something to this bike you will feel the difference.
May I suggest that you do the following.
1- fit a 6mm spacer to the back shock.
This really transforms the handling by putting more weight on the front end.
2- while you have her stripped down get rid of the P.A.i.R system.
3- check the jetting on the carbs. There is a great thread on here by Hawk.
4- Upgrade the front Callipers, there are many options, have a look
The list goes on and on and on, however as I said every change gives a mostly rewarding return.
I have owned mine for 2 and a bit years and still there are things that I want to do.qq
Here is how she now stands.
Good luck when you pull her down and welcome.
Ask away and the answers will astound you. The knowledge base on here is outstanding.
Like you I have owned too many bikes and still do!
The Vtr is my all time fav!
Be very very careful as they are one of the most engaging rides you'll ever experience.
Every time you do something to this bike you will feel the difference.
May I suggest that you do the following.
1- fit a 6mm spacer to the back shock.
This really transforms the handling by putting more weight on the front end.
2- while you have her stripped down get rid of the P.A.i.R system.
3- check the jetting on the carbs. There is a great thread on here by Hawk.
4- Upgrade the front Callipers, there are many options, have a look
The list goes on and on and on, however as I said every change gives a mostly rewarding return.
I have owned mine for 2 and a bit years and still there are things that I want to do.qq
Here is how she now stands.
Good luck when you pull her down and welcome.
Ask away and the answers will astound you. The knowledge base on here is outstanding.
I had planned on removing the PAR system just to clean up some tubes and such.
I have been kicking around the idea of powder coating the valve covers. I like the look of the yellow shock spring next to the smoke gray of the bike. I was thinking a little color, deep in the center of the bike wouldn't look amiss.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,544
From: New South Wales Australia
I have done a couple of track days on the VTR.
Problem is it highlights the deficiencies and starts you on the never ending spiral.
Depends how fast you want to go as well I spose.
Good luck keep us posted.
Problem is it highlights the deficiencies and starts you on the never ending spiral.
Depends how fast you want to go as well I spose.
Good luck keep us posted.
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 14
Hey nice ride! I just bought a blue '03 myself (my own FNG thread to come...) but dare I ask what this PAR system is?! Google search reveals lots of websites en Espanol!
Again, great looking ride with that finish! Your price point makes me want to cry, too, haha!
Again, great looking ride with that finish! Your price point makes me want to cry, too, haha!
Last edited by thork86; Jan 6, 2015 at 02:05 PM.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,510
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
Checked carbs today. Needle has two shims that mic out at .020" and .025" for a total of .045" lift. Pilot jet is a #50. So someone has taken the time to do the jetting.
I noticed that the bike still has old POS R/R.
The bike has big oil leak on the stator cover. Must fix.
It's getting there.
Jim
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
I think the black looks damn good. In fact I was looking my bike over and picturing what it would look like in black. Now I know. The gold wheels are fantastic too.
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 14
PAIR removal plates are on the way. Going to use the redundant vacuum hose to make a carb ballance port. I'll put a T into the hose that activates the petcock from the rear cylinder.
Checked carbs today. Needle has two shims that mic out at .020" and .025" for a total of .045" lift. Pilot jet is a #50. So someone has taken the time to do the jetting.
I noticed that the bike still has old POS R/R.
The bike has big oil leak on the stator cover. Must fix.
It's getting there.
Jim
Checked carbs today. Needle has two shims that mic out at .020" and .025" for a total of .045" lift. Pilot jet is a #50. So someone has taken the time to do the jetting.
I noticed that the bike still has old POS R/R.
The bike has big oil leak on the stator cover. Must fix.
It's getting there.
Jim
What's this r/r? Googling looks like it's something to do with electrical? Would a slight flickering of the LCD display have anything to do with R/R?
You are all far more knowledgeable than me, here!
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 9
Hey Jim, I am pretty much doing the same with a month or two head start on a '98. Hopefully your valves don't look like mine did. There is someone selling r/r's on ebay right now ( FH020AA Voltage Regulator). The dealer is nps out of Salt lake City, he has them as buy now for $69.99(with over 30 available) but he also keeps listing individual ones with a starting auction price of $0.99, I got one for $36 and saw another one sell for $17. Here is a link to the one I got....you can get them cheaper than I did. Cheers!
Arctic Cat FH020AA Voltage Regulator for 2012 2014 Wildcat 1000 ATV | eBay
Arctic Cat FH020AA Voltage Regulator for 2012 2014 Wildcat 1000 ATV | eBay
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 9
Yah, the regulator/rectifier...Thork86 the Knowledge Base is your friend for figuring out all about these bikes. I picked up a non running '98 and almost have it back together(this weekend) thanks to this site. I am no mechanic and had not a clue about Super Hawks ,but thanks to this site I have almost completed an engine rebuild along with a few other recommended mods simply by absorbing all I could from this site...grab some beer and start reading.
Last edited by yekrahs; Jan 6, 2015 at 03:54 PM.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,510
That is a fantastic price for an FH020. I paid about the same for my FH010. In fact i just finished making a bracket for it yesterday.
The 50 pilot jets seem pretty big. 45 is stock, lots of people use 48, but there seems to be some debate on whether 45 or 48 is better...
James
The 50 pilot jets seem pretty big. 45 is stock, lots of people use 48, but there seems to be some debate on whether 45 or 48 is better...
James
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
My VFR800 has the same Regulator/Rectifier issues. It may even use the same one for all I know. Most Japanese electrical systems are designed in balance or harmony of the parts. Throw it off ballance, with a bad battery or any marginal component and it will wreck other parts of the system. It is why I tend to replace my batteries after 3 years,
I have been puzzling over the lack of major problems with this project. The timing checks out, the CCTs do not appear to be compromised (I have replaced them with manual ones just in case) and yet there was a noise issue. I pulled the Two Brothers exhaust system apart and found that the PO assembled it with the exhaust gaskets well down the pipe. It was VERY loose. I am wondering if the noise didn't come from the front head but it was actually a resonance in the exhaust pipe?
I am waiting on my PAIR valve cover plates and new exhaust gaskets for the pipes. Then I will reassemble it and see how it runs.
I have been puzzling over the lack of major problems with this project. The timing checks out, the CCTs do not appear to be compromised (I have replaced them with manual ones just in case) and yet there was a noise issue. I pulled the Two Brothers exhaust system apart and found that the PO assembled it with the exhaust gaskets well down the pipe. It was VERY loose. I am wondering if the noise didn't come from the front head but it was actually a resonance in the exhaust pipe?
I am waiting on my PAIR valve cover plates and new exhaust gaskets for the pipes. Then I will reassemble it and see how it runs.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
That is a fantastic price for an FH020. I paid about the same for my FH010. In fact i just finished making a bracket for it yesterday.
The 50 pilot jets seem pretty big. 45 is stock, lots of people use 48, but there seems to be some debate on whether 45 or 48 is better...
James
The 50 pilot jets seem pretty big. 45 is stock, lots of people use 48, but there seems to be some debate on whether 45 or 48 is better...
James
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 14
My VFR800 has the same Regulator/Rectifier issues. It may even use the same one for all I know. Most Japanese electrical systems are designed in balance or harmony of the parts. Throw it off ballance, with a bad battery or any marginal component and it will wreck other parts of the system. It is why I tend to replace my batteries after 3 years,
I have been puzzling over the lack of major problems with this project. The timing checks out, the CCTs do not appear to be compromised (I have replaced them with manual ones just in case) and yet there was a noise issue. I pulled the Two Brothers exhaust system apart and found that the PO assembled it with the exhaust gaskets well down the pipe. It was VERY loose. I am wondering if the noise didn't come from the front head but it was actually a resonance in the exhaust pipe?
I am waiting on my PAIR valve cover plates and new exhaust gaskets for the pipes. Then I will reassemble it and see how it runs.
I have been puzzling over the lack of major problems with this project. The timing checks out, the CCTs do not appear to be compromised (I have replaced them with manual ones just in case) and yet there was a noise issue. I pulled the Two Brothers exhaust system apart and found that the PO assembled it with the exhaust gaskets well down the pipe. It was VERY loose. I am wondering if the noise didn't come from the front head but it was actually a resonance in the exhaust pipe?
I am waiting on my PAIR valve cover plates and new exhaust gaskets for the pipes. Then I will reassemble it and see how it runs.
My '03 also has Two Brothers slip-ons. Sounded great. The bike fired right up (w/choke, I haven't pulled anything apart yet like you have) after sitting for a week in a cold garage. Good sign, I'd say!
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,544
From: New South Wales Australia
Big Jim,
Check to see if your bike has a 4 degree ignition advancer.
They can cause a strange rattle sound at idle.
Mine does and it's been like that for approx 2'years.
Others have reported the same!
There is plenty of info on here about it.
Check to see if your bike has a 4 degree ignition advancer.
They can cause a strange rattle sound at idle.
Mine does and it's been like that for approx 2'years.
Others have reported the same!
There is plenty of info on here about it.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
LOL when I get it running I'll let you know. I am sure can't be good. I was thinking it is too rich but I was checking out other rider's jetting and they are running 180/185 main with stock pipes. It stands to reason that 190/195 would be an acceptable range for the Two Brother's cans. I think all bikes are jetted really lean from the factory.
I am going crazy waiting on parts or I would have had it back together by now.
I am going crazy waiting on parts or I would have had it back together by now.
