I've been asked a couple times to do a write up on the handlebar mounted choke install and the Euro pass switch install, so here they are all wrapped up in one thread.

I started by picking up a Euro 2004 VFR left hand switch assembly from eBay. The 2005 VTR switch uses the same case as the VFR so this made it a bit simpler for me, but you can easily make due with the VFR switch and parts from your old VTR switch. The plugs on the VFR switch were completely different from my VTR, but all I really needed was the top half with the pass switch and the Hi/Lo switch.

I first removed the Hi/Lo switch from both assembly's, 3 screws total.


Next, I made a note of the location of the Hi/Lo wires in the coupler


Using a small pick, push down on the lock tab on each terminal. Once removed be sure to bend them back so they will stay inserted in thier new home.

 

I then taped the wires of the VFR Hi/Lo/Pass switches together to feed through the wire sheath on my VTR switch assembly.


For some reason, the VFR Hi/Lo switch does not have the white wire that the VTR needs for the low beam to operate, so I had to steal that wire from my old switch and solder it onto the VFR switch. I also added a dab of epoxy to make sure everything would stay in place... no need to lose the headlights in the middle of the night, right?




Reinstall the switch and the connect the brown/blue wire coming from the pass switch to the black/red wire going to the right hand switch assembly. Done.

I also did the same swap using a 98-2004 VTR switch and a Euro VTR switch. Those two are basically the same, except the top portion has provisions for the pass, on/off and a different hi/lo switch. All I had to do on that switch was swap the turn signal switch as the Euro switch is not wired for marker lights, and add a jumper wire from the pass switch to the black/red wire on the right hand switch assembly.

 

The Handlebar mounted choke is easy as pie too. I robbed a choke lever from a '97 VFR and a choke cable from a '00 VT1100C3. I used the first half of the VT cable in conjunction with the 2nd half of the VTR cable. The second half on the VT cable is not long enough for the VTR, the carbs are too far apart.


The 1 into 2 junction was similar for both models, but it was easier to use the VTR's for some reason (I forget why, did this mod a month ago).


The actual cable for the Vt is a tad short, so i had to drill a new hole 5mm closer (away from the lever) in the choke lever for the cable.


I also wanted to run the cable in front of the fork leg, which is where it would of been routed in stock form, so I had to get creative with the cable routing under the airbox.


I then cut a hole in that removable plastic piece of the carb tray for the cable.


Done!

 

The finished product..


You can expect at least a 10-15 hp gain with these mods.

 

very nice write up.