After doing some research I have learned that there are some issues with the VTR that owners need to be aware of. One of them is the OEM CCT. Most people say it's best to replace the OEMs with manual adjusting tensioners. The other issue is the OEM rectifier. I have read this item will more than likely fail if not replaced. I'm puzzled as to why didn't correct these issues on the later year model bikes. Usually Honda is very good about doing this. I'm curious which tensioners and rectifiers most of you are using when replacing these items. I have also noticed, and this is probably nothing more than a cosmetic issue, that the header pipes on these bikes always look rusty from a distance. Once up close I can see it's usually just a discoloration issue. At any rate, it's definitely an eye sore. Is there anything that can be done to correct this?

 

Trying to get responses to threads in here is like pulling teeth. Don't you guys enjoy talking about the VTR?

 

There aren't many of us left these days. You're dealing with a bike that went out of production 17 years ago.
I used A.P.E. tensioners and a rectifier from a Yamaha R1. I think. Been awhile since I changed those items.

https://ape-store.com/shopsite/page4.html

 

Thanks...

 

LOTS of info in here if you just spend a minute and look for it.

 

Yeah some of us old farts are still here but I'm personally not on here as much. Yes appreciate you sharing but these are already VERY well known issues than have been pretty much beaten to death over the years. For your benefit (and no one is discouraging you from asking questions) if you search there are YEARS of knowledge already on here that you'll find much more useful (and time saving) if you take a few minutes and search before asking a question that may have already been answered in depth multiple times over the years.

To answer your questions-manual CCT's (there are several brands) and mosfet RR (R1, ZX14, etc). There was even a neat plug and play kit being sold on here. Regarding the header pipes, they are stainless but weren't smooth finished from the factory. If you care about such things (and it's ok because I do too) they need to be sanded down smooth and wet sanded and polished. It makes upkeep much easier. They'll never stay silver but do turn a beautiful shiny golden color from the heat. It's a lot of work but certainly looks nice. Best bet is to buy another stock header and refinish it off the bike so you can just swap them out and reduce downtime. The other option is to have it Jet-Hot (or something similar) coated. Hope this helps.

 

Yeh what they said!

 

Yeh what they said!
And I go back to the original VTR forum, Runlevelzero back in 98. But when Greg Nemish moved over to this "new" forum I didn't find it until 07.

 

Don't get me wrong, we all liked talking about this stuff, but after doing it.. for years.. we got tired of repeating it.

 

Ive still got to do my manual chain tensioners and the main reason for tearing down the bike which has become a full restoration and modification process.

That means I'll be here for a while still as progress is made.

My OEM rectifier was replaced and wired up as per the vast amount of information availae here. It came out really good and looks factory. 😁

I've got an exhaust stud broken that's keeping me from starting the chain tensioners and proceeding to finish everything else up first and then ready to either swap the head with a spare I have or weld a nut to the stud to see if it'll work it's way out.

All issues with those Honda issues of the past will be gone once done.
Many thanks to the people putting in all the effort to give I sight and how to's on these forums. 🙏🤙