My Journey Into the Heart of The VTR
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
So two thoughts.
The problem is, way too many variables....so gauging sound by a Video tape. .. sound reflection ... angle and distance of mic, ect ect..
Do your due diligence.. pull cam covers and confirm cam chain tension, check valve clearances, check cam timing, drop the oil check it and filter for ANY sign of metal...If all that returns no faults found.. ride that sucker.
- The VTR is a loud/klanky motor IMHO
- Your Motor in the Vid "sounds" louder / klanker then what i would expect..
The problem is, way too many variables....so gauging sound by a Video tape. .. sound reflection ... angle and distance of mic, ect ect..
Do your due diligence.. pull cam covers and confirm cam chain tension, check valve clearances, check cam timing, drop the oil check it and filter for ANY sign of metal...If all that returns no faults found.. ride that sucker.
I was over at my dad and mom’s tonight. He wanted to know it is ran since he has been following the project. I pulled the video up for him and he was so surprised. “That’s you!” he kept saying. I guess it was like I was on TV and being on TV is a big deal. He said it sounded loud. He has no idea. The video does not do it justice.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,544
From: New South Wales Australia
Good to see it's running.
The engines in these bikes are mechanically noisy.
if you have owned Ducati they are quiet, if you are an IL4 guy then they will sound noisy.
It's hard to tell from your vid however it sounds about right.
The hotter mine gets the quieter it is.
Other bikes I have owned are the other way around but not the VTR.
Good luck, swing a leg and get that thing on the road.
The engines in these bikes are mechanically noisy.
if you have owned Ducati they are quiet, if you are an IL4 guy then they will sound noisy.
It's hard to tell from your vid however it sounds about right.
The hotter mine gets the quieter it is.
Other bikes I have owned are the other way around but not the VTR.
Good luck, swing a leg and get that thing on the road.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
I can do that but I had better lay in a stock of shims if we don't want to wait for parts. As for the exhaust gaskets, I ordered a lot of parts from CheapCycleParts.com.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
I decided not to rip into it again. I put a 1/4 turn on the manual CCTs to take out some of the noisy chain rattle. I hunted and came up with the head waters of the coolant dribble. That turned out to be the bottom return hose on the coolant tank. I am hoping that by twisting it a bit I reseated it properly. I also put a bit more slack in the drive chain. I set it to Honda’s spec but it just felt too tight. It is a new chain and I will take up any slack once it is worn in a bit. I installed the chin fairing too. I even aired the tires up.
I started it, (It cranks right up with just a whiff of choke) snicked it into gear and rode it three feet in the shop under its own power. That’s as much room as I had but it was enough to tell me the clutch works and I can get first gear. I also got it hot enough for the fan to come on. It come on around 210 and cut off around 208. That is really similar to my VFR
I am going to ride it a bit and then run the valves.
You can give it a listen at the link below. Bear in mind that the video sounds bassey to me with very little high end. I have the open back on the GoPro but it sounds a but muffled to my ear.
http://youtu.be/T5whAvMAAFw
I started it, (It cranks right up with just a whiff of choke) snicked it into gear and rode it three feet in the shop under its own power. That’s as much room as I had but it was enough to tell me the clutch works and I can get first gear. I also got it hot enough for the fan to come on. It come on around 210 and cut off around 208. That is really similar to my VFR
I am going to ride it a bit and then run the valves.
You can give it a listen at the link below. Bear in mind that the video sounds bassey to me with very little high end. I have the open back on the GoPro but it sounds a but muffled to my ear.
http://youtu.be/T5whAvMAAFw
Last edited by Big_Jim59; Mar 22, 2015 at 10:50 AM.
Thread Killer
SuperBike
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,097
From: Geneseo, IL
I thought in your first video the motor sounded too noisy, but now I think the engine noise sounds normal and what I thought was an engine knock sound in the first video is just your Two Brothers cans. Those things have a thump and the close quarters make it worse.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 834
From: Nooksack WA
Just listened to the video, sounds normal. Warm it up and then see how it idles. Cold throttle blips always make the VTR sound like something serious is wrong. Be interested in what the tickover sounds like when warm and up close to the cylinder.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
I got the leak fixed and put the fairing back on. It kicks off without protest, it idles a hair above 1K and it takes fuel without stumbling. Next week, if it stays dry, I will get the tags. Texas has a new rule that you have to get an inspection before you get tags so I will be doing that. It will pass no problem.
There must be a trick to installing that fairing that I didn't know. I almost never got it back on.
There must be a trick to installing that fairing that I didn't know. I almost never got it back on.
Night Rider
Squid
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 74
From: Idaho
fairings
I got the leak fixed and put the fairing back on. It kicks off without protest, it idles a hair above 1K and it takes fuel without stumbling. Next week, if it stays dry, I will get the tags. Texas has a new rule that you have to get an inspection before you get tags so I will be doing that. It will pass no problem.
There must be a trick to installing that fairing that I didn't know. I almost never got it back on.
There must be a trick to installing that fairing that I didn't know. I almost never got it back on.
Rex Kramer-Thrill Seeker
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,312
From: Brookfield, WI
Get it up near where it has to be and make sure that plastic is above the radiators, otherwise it will hang up. Then, push the tabs (the 4 on the back of the headlight) home into the fairing stay. Once you do that, the fasteners will line up with a little persuasion. No real trick to it, but sometimes the plastic on the inside of the fairing will hang up on parts of the bike.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
Get it up near where it has to be and make sure that plastic is above the radiators, otherwise it will hang up. Then, push the tabs (the 4 on the back of the headlight) home into the fairing stay. Once you do that, the fasteners will line up with a little persuasion. No real trick to it, but sometimes the plastic on the inside of the fairing will hang up on parts of the bike.
I got it all back together, wheeled it to the door ready to ride and then I just sat and looked at it. I can't think of one more thing it needs except a tag and state inspection.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,544
From: New South Wales Australia
It needs to be ridden mate, then recheck the valves and timing chains for slack.
5-7 mm is what you need between the cam sprockets.
I have had manual tensioners for over 2 years and have never needed to adjust them .
I am paranoid about the chains and manual tensioners and have checked them 7 times to date.
just get on her and give it heaps, the best thing about these bikes is that you can't hear the mechanical noises when you are riding, you only hear them when you pull up.
I have even had people ask me how come my Ducati doesn't rattle like their mates.
I just laugh and say because it's a Honda.
V-twins sound different, you will get used to it.
Does yours have a noisy clutch? If so live with it as there is not a lot that you can do. Replacing bearings only lasts a short time as I found out.
Really good to see her back together Jim!
Now you are about to find out what all the fuss is about and judging by your ability it won't be long before you start playing with the beast that is the VTR, one of the best bang for your buck bikes that I have ever owned.
5-7 mm is what you need between the cam sprockets.
I have had manual tensioners for over 2 years and have never needed to adjust them .
I am paranoid about the chains and manual tensioners and have checked them 7 times to date.
just get on her and give it heaps, the best thing about these bikes is that you can't hear the mechanical noises when you are riding, you only hear them when you pull up.
I have even had people ask me how come my Ducati doesn't rattle like their mates.
I just laugh and say because it's a Honda.
V-twins sound different, you will get used to it.
Does yours have a noisy clutch? If so live with it as there is not a lot that you can do. Replacing bearings only lasts a short time as I found out.
Really good to see her back together Jim!
Now you are about to find out what all the fuss is about and judging by your ability it won't be long before you start playing with the beast that is the VTR, one of the best bang for your buck bikes that I have ever owned.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
It needs to be ridden mate, then recheck the valves and timing chains for slack.
5-7 mm is what you need between the cam sprockets.
I have had manual tensioners for over 2 years and have never needed to adjust them .
I am paranoid about the chains and manual tensioners and have checked them 7 times to date.
just get on her and give it heaps, the best thing about these bikes is that you can't hear the mechanical noises when you are riding, you only hear them when you pull up.
I have even had people ask me how come my Ducati doesn't rattle like their mates.
I just laugh and say because it's a Honda.
V-twins sound different, you will get used to it.
Does yours have a noisy clutch? If so live with it as there is not a lot that you can do. Replacing bearings only lasts a short time as I found out.
Really good to see her back together Jim!
Now you are about to find out what all the fuss is about and judging by your ability it won't be long before you start playing with the beast that is the VTR, one of the best bang for your buck bikes that I have ever owned.
5-7 mm is what you need between the cam sprockets.
I have had manual tensioners for over 2 years and have never needed to adjust them .
I am paranoid about the chains and manual tensioners and have checked them 7 times to date.
just get on her and give it heaps, the best thing about these bikes is that you can't hear the mechanical noises when you are riding, you only hear them when you pull up.
I have even had people ask me how come my Ducati doesn't rattle like their mates.
I just laugh and say because it's a Honda.
V-twins sound different, you will get used to it.
Does yours have a noisy clutch? If so live with it as there is not a lot that you can do. Replacing bearings only lasts a short time as I found out.
Really good to see her back together Jim!
Now you are about to find out what all the fuss is about and judging by your ability it won't be long before you start playing with the beast that is the VTR, one of the best bang for your buck bikes that I have ever owned.
Rex Kramer-Thrill Seeker
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,312
From: Brookfield, WI
Jim, like Kenmoore said, you need 5-7mm for slack with the CCT's. You cannot do this by feel or by how the bike sounds. To tight, and you are wearing out parts prematurely. Here is a fantastic thread with pictures to help you out...click here.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
Jim, like Kenmoore said, you need 5-7mm for slack with the CCT's. You cannot do this by feel or by how the bike sounds. To tight, and you are wearing out parts prematurely. Here is a fantastic thread with pictures to help you out...click here.
I have been listening to other bikes in other videos and I hear a distinct whine that I do not hear in mine. I take that to be the timing chain and to my ear, that sound too tight but I have heard it in a number of vids.
I went out and cranked it today and I guess I am getting used to it because it sounds pretty good.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
'Hey! I like that. If you look close at mine it shows signs of wear. There are scratches on the fairing where it has fallen over (on both sides) and a few nicks in the tank but I just love the understated color.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,544
From: New South Wales Australia
The whine is the straight cut primary.
tell us what you think when you get to ride it.
I have some exotic machinery in the man cave and none measure up to the overall experience of the VTR. It has character that is hard to beat!
this is a bike that responds to fettling, and anything that you do shows a difference that you feel when you ride it.
tell us what you think when you get to ride it.
I have some exotic machinery in the man cave and none measure up to the overall experience of the VTR. It has character that is hard to beat!
this is a bike that responds to fettling, and anything that you do shows a difference that you feel when you ride it.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
The whine is the straight cut primary.
tell us what you think when you get to ride it.
I have some exotic machinery in the man cave and none measure up to the overall experience of the VTR. It has character that is hard to beat!
this is a bike that responds to fettling, and anything that you do shows a difference that you feel when you ride it.
tell us what you think when you get to ride it.
I have some exotic machinery in the man cave and none measure up to the overall experience of the VTR. It has character that is hard to beat!
this is a bike that responds to fettling, and anything that you do shows a difference that you feel when you ride it.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 834
From: Nooksack WA
Jim, like Kenmoore said, you need 5-7mm for slack with the CCT's. You cannot do this by feel or by how the bike sounds. To tight, and you are wearing out parts prematurely. Here is a fantastic thread with pictures to help you out...click here.
Rex Kramer-Thrill Seeker
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,312
From: Brookfield, WI
I actually have done it by ear. Went by rpm drop, and thought it was all set. Several hundred miles later, I had to do a valve adjustment and while I was in there, I checked the cam chain tension. The front cylinder was way to tight and the rear was pretty dang loose. I got a great ear and great feel for things, but it supprised me how far they were off.
When we are talking about a part that, to tight will cause premature wear, and to loose will cause the engine to fail, I'll point them to a tutorial that is proven to work. Sure, it takes some time and a bit of work, but you know for a fact it is done correctly.
I just dont want to be the guy that says, you can do it by ear, and someone reads that and goes a little to loose and wrecks his engine.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 834
From: Nooksack WA
I hear ya, but how is that "better" than actually knowing how much slack is in the cam chain?
I actually have done it by ear. Went by rpm drop, and thought it was all set. Several hundred miles later, I had to do a valve adjustment and while I was in there, I checked the cam chain tension. The front cylinder was way to tight and the rear was pretty dang loose. I got a great ear and great feel for things, but it supprised me how far they were off.
When we are talking about a part that, to tight will cause premature wear, and to loose will cause the engine to fail, I'll point them to a tutorial that is proven to work. Sure, it takes some time and a bit of work, but you know for a fact it is done correctly.
I just dont want to be the guy that says, you can do it by ear, and someone reads that and goes a little to loose and wrecks his engine.
I actually have done it by ear. Went by rpm drop, and thought it was all set. Several hundred miles later, I had to do a valve adjustment and while I was in there, I checked the cam chain tension. The front cylinder was way to tight and the rear was pretty dang loose. I got a great ear and great feel for things, but it supprised me how far they were off.
When we are talking about a part that, to tight will cause premature wear, and to loose will cause the engine to fail, I'll point them to a tutorial that is proven to work. Sure, it takes some time and a bit of work, but you know for a fact it is done correctly.
I just dont want to be the guy that says, you can do it by ear, and someone reads that and goes a little to loose and wrecks his engine.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 283
From: Dallas, TX
I rode it up the road, about 5 miles to get my state inspection so I can get my tags. I threw an old tag on it just to keep from being stopped.
First Impressions of the 2005 VTR1000 Honda Superhawk
• Fast!
• Handles like it is on rails
• Pulls HARD!
• Engine still sounds tappy
• Idle increased about 500rpm after ride
• It gets all the gears
• Engine sounds like a sewing machine (not what I expected.)
• Fast!
• I saw and indicated 90mph and wasn’t pushing it.
• Lots of torque right off idle
• It likes my dirt road better than my VFR
• The riding position kind of hurts my neck but I think I am not used to it.
First Impressions of the 2005 VTR1000 Honda Superhawk
• Fast!
• Handles like it is on rails
• Pulls HARD!
• Engine still sounds tappy
• Idle increased about 500rpm after ride
• It gets all the gears
• Engine sounds like a sewing machine (not what I expected.)
• Fast!
• I saw and indicated 90mph and wasn’t pushing it.
• Lots of torque right off idle
• It likes my dirt road better than my VFR
• The riding position kind of hurts my neck but I think I am not used to it.
Last edited by Big_Jim59; Mar 24, 2015 at 11:01 AM.
