To measure the adjusted fork rise, use the depth end of your verniers, not the caliper end. EDIT; BTW, the 1998/99 VFR 800 is probably my favorite bike of all time.
Thanks for the video. I like that you left the problems encountered and what might happen. Very helpful. As for the mod... The problem with VFR and Honda bikes in general is NOT that the seat is high but that it is TOO WIDE, so the rider is forced to spread the legs out which costs him inches. For a short rider this can be dangerous particularly when you are pushing around on road dirt and you slip. Case in point, the ducati ST4s (which I've ridden) has a seat height of 805 mm vs the VFRs 820 mm (which I own). Yet on the Ducati I am completely flat footed, but on the Honda I am on my toes. That's because the Ducati seat is saddle like, your legs drop straight down. I have not done this but I've heard some people say that the best way to gain leg room on a VFR is to take the seat to an upholsterer and shave off some of the side foam at the seating spot so that your legs can drop straight down.
Hey Alfredo first of all thanks for taking the time to write a comment and also to share tour thoughts. Thanks for appreciating the fact I left my mistakes in the video. It will happen to all of us and what is the purpose to try to help people if I hide what could potentially help other. Thanks for noticing. You bring up a great point. Indeedd the seat is wide. I already Reupholstered my seat but at the time I did bo think about shaving some material but I have done it in other bikes. Although this was a no cost solution, I could spend a few dollars and purchased a Trex triangles but the good thing is that this option is totally reversible. I have not felt any weird behavior from the bike that is making me feel regret my decision. Thanks so much for your detailed comment I really appreciate you for taking this approach and sharing your thoughts with me. Thanks sir.
The thought of shaving the seat down never crossed my mind. So thanks for the inspiration. I went to my garage armed with a Carving knife. Unpicked the staples an set about it. After cutting loads of foam away and finishing with a 120 grit sanding disc. Banged it back together and hey presto. Feet flat on the ground what a difference its made. Can't thank you enough. Feeling dumb cos I should have thought about it myself. Lol.
Great tip. It also works on the 5th Gen VFR800 (98-01). We tried it yesterday, because the bike had a longer shock (stock linkage) and was too high for the rider. Thanks👍
Hi, had to let you know that I just lowered the back end of my '98 model in about 20 minutes. I didn't take the wheel off either. I just put a large wedge of wood under the back wheel and then took the 3 nuts off the bolts, then knocked in the wedge until all 3 bolts were loose enough to slid out easily. Now I turned the plates around so the arrow was still at the top, but pointing backwards. Then slid 2 of the bolts back in, then knocked the wedge in further to lift the wheel and line up the last bolt. Very easy. Putting the plates on this way gave me a drop in ride height of 3 cm ( 1 inch, and 3 sixteenth )
You also could take off 3cm from the seat. I am 184cm and I love it. You sit much more in the bike and the seat also feels more comfortable. I have done this at all Street bikes I have owned. Actually on my "new" 2004 VFR800
Triangles are stock. If they didn’t want or it was unsafe to do what he did then guess what? They would have left the triangle the same length or just blocked out the holes so it couldn’t be changed. Just common sense. I just returned to riding and purchased the “Yellow Hornet”. I’m shorty short 29” inseam. As far as I know it’s stock height, talk about tip toeing!!! I have to remaster my tripod stance. Loving the bike though!!! Nice clear vid!!!
Good video....IV been wanting a vfr...but they all sit high....so maybe I'll buy one...vfr engines r awesome.....I have 2003 magna 81 thousand miles.. almost same motor
Thank you sir. I love these bikes! To me it's the perfect daily 🙂. Yep I am familiar with tha magna! That's an awesome milestone. Keep looking and will find a cheap one worth buying! Ride safe!
My humble opinion: I appreciate the desire to disclose and involve others, really, however, in my opinion this is a type of change that does not ONLY have the desired effects, but also extends to unwanted effects. In this way the geometry of the bike is profoundly altered, and at least it would be advisable to rebalance the weights, between front and rear, at least by performing a static sag and a sag rider. As the owner of an identical VFR, I would immediately notice the behavior of this bike in this configuration. It would perhaps be advisable to report to other users that this change alters behavior and is not recommended or suggested, but only for personal enjoyment.
I bought a lowered 2003 SV650S and I returned it to stock height after I bought it. The handling felt much better after returning it to stock. In general I don't advocate for lowering any bike as it affects the lean angle and handling.
I've done this with my '07 VFR as well but with a Soupys threaded link and I'm 5'7. While it definitely helped me get my feet mostly flat footed, I didn't like the way it handled and the centerstand was hitting some speed bumps so I returned it back to stock. After installing a new rear shock and refreshed the front suspension, she feels so much more planted. It's a PITA moving her in gravel but how often do you really park in gravel?
The comment about the gravel....hahaha you made me laugh it's true. I understand even matching the geometry by lowering the front etcetera the bike will react a bit different. Thanks for sharing. How are you liking yours?
Love it and will never lower it again, ever! Honestly you just have to keep riding to get comfortable with not having both your feet down. I've always balanced on just one foot down all the time. Been riding for 25+years on different bikes and the VFR is one of the best balanced bikes. Practice rolling to a stop sign without putting your feet down and holding it for a few secs is a great teaching tool. And I'm sure you've seen waay shorter girls ride sportbikes not lowered so if they can do it, anyone can. But you have to ride it often and practice, practice, practice.
Hi, you lowered another bike by 6 cm or so. My question is about that big lowering on this bike and riding ground clearance, how aware you have to be in terms of road bumps or speed bumps (not sure if you have them in US)?
Hey man, 👋! No issues with this bikes and bumps. We have a few kinds of bumps as well and did not have any issues. Honestly the drop was minimal. Now look at my Suzuki, that one is almost scraping the road 🤣
Hey @engstreet that sounds like the Mercury Switch. The VFRs and almost all bikes have a Mercury switch that turn off the bike in the event of a tip over. If you were to lay down your bike while running this will turn it off for you. I doubt the switch is bad but is possible. Some people disable it by bypassing the sensor but I think it's good to have it. Anyway seems like your is maybe defective? I'd remove it, clean the contacts? Remove the battery for 5 minutes and try it again to see. I don't think it's fuel related but I am guessing your file pump is working okay and the you had enough fuel? Happy New Year!
You'll never make a mechanic buddy ... lol ... good effort on lowering the rear end, you're going about it all wrong lowering the front end, but got there in the end.
and next time, use the jack from the other side so you can operate it with one hand while guiding the links into place rather than get up, adjust, go back, check, get up, adjust, go back, check ...🤣
Hey @gransport12 mine is 6th gen. I have never owned a 5th, so I don’t know. I know there are thing that are similar between the 2 but not sure if this is something similar.
The linkage (and shock) seems to be different. Lowering links are available but only fit to the 5th gen OR the 6th gen, so they are not interchangeable. BUT the trick from the video also works on the 5th GEN. My buddy has a 98 with a longer shock from Wilbers and also a reupholstered seat, so he had his troubles standing secure with the bike. We made the same change as seen in the Video and the rear wheel is now about 2cm (about an Inch) higher, when on the center stand. 👍 Also there are NO clearance issues between shock, linkage or swingarm.
That is correct and if you watch my other videos I have always shorten the kickstand, but honestly the drop on the VFR was negligible so the OEM stand was working perfectly. Thanks for the comment
Hey John would you care to elaborate? Just trying to understand. The T-Rex company for example has been designing lowering links or triangles to lower bikes for a long time and I have used them for many years. Although I did not use the lowering triangles I used the OEM in a different position which replicates the same purpose of changing the connection points between the spring, swingarm and chassis. Or maybe you are referring to lowering the front? If done carefully, none of it is compromising the bike, bolts were torqued and I have been doing this with almost all of the 40 plus bike I have owned. I'll be happy to chat. Have a good day!
@@ToModorNottoMod By just flipping the standard link plates you are fundamentally altering the behaviour of the linkage over a dynamic range.. be this in vertical stiffness profile or damping. without calculating the effect this has on the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle, it is dangerous to suggest that this would be a good idea, I'm sure Honda would warn against a modification such as this.
@@DynamixsEd I know what you mean. People do this all the time but as you said, now that distances are changed, torque (force) exerted on the different points are changed. One would think that the tolerances on the plate and connecting elements are such that this minimal change is not going to be critical. But for just a 10mm gain, I would buy shoes with thicker soles ;-) . I appreciate the video though, I like that he left all the mistakes made as a warning of what might happen. I think that was worth more than the mod.
To measure the adjusted fork rise, use the depth end of your verniers, not the caliper end.
EDIT; BTW, the 1998/99 VFR 800 is probably my favorite bike of all time.
Thanks for the video. I like that you left the problems encountered and what might happen. Very helpful.
As for the mod... The problem with VFR and Honda bikes in general is NOT that the seat is high but that it is TOO WIDE, so the rider is forced to spread the legs out which costs him inches. For a short rider this can be dangerous particularly when you are pushing around on road dirt and you slip.
Case in point, the ducati ST4s (which I've ridden) has a seat height of 805 mm vs the VFRs 820 mm (which I own). Yet on the Ducati I am completely flat footed, but on the Honda I am on my toes. That's because the Ducati seat is saddle like, your legs drop straight down. I have not done this but I've heard some people say that the best way to gain leg room on a VFR is to take the seat to an upholsterer and shave off some of the side foam at the seating spot so that your legs can drop straight down.
Hey Alfredo first of all thanks for taking the time to write a comment and also to share tour thoughts.
Thanks for appreciating the fact I left my mistakes in the video. It will happen to all of us and what is the purpose to try to help people if I hide what could potentially help other. Thanks for noticing.
You bring up a great point. Indeedd the seat is wide. I already Reupholstered my seat but at the time I did bo think about shaving some material but I have done it in other bikes.
Although this was a no cost solution, I could spend a few dollars and purchased a Trex triangles but the good thing is that this option is totally reversible. I have not felt any weird behavior from the bike that is making me feel regret my decision.
Thanks so much for your detailed comment I really appreciate you for taking this approach and sharing your thoughts with me.
Thanks sir.
The thought of shaving the seat down never crossed my mind. So thanks for the inspiration. I went to my garage armed with a Carving knife. Unpicked the staples an set about it. After cutting loads of foam away and finishing with a 120 grit sanding disc. Banged it back together and hey presto. Feet flat on the ground what a difference its made. Can't thank you enough. Feeling dumb cos I should have thought about it myself. Lol.
would love if you had some pictures of your work with the seat
It is a minimal change but it takes a lot of small details to make it happen ! Good show ! 🇵🇷
Great tip. It also works on the 5th Gen VFR800 (98-01). We tried it yesterday, because the bike had a longer shock (stock linkage) and was too high for the rider. Thanks👍
Awesome video Sir! Nice one! Thanks!
Hi, had to let you know that I just lowered the back end of my '98 model in about 20 minutes. I didn't take the wheel off either. I just put a large wedge of wood under the back wheel and then took the 3 nuts off the bolts, then knocked in the wedge until all 3 bolts were loose enough to slid out easily. Now I turned the plates around so the arrow was still at the top, but pointing backwards. Then slid 2 of the bolts back in, then knocked the wedge in further to lift the wheel and line up the last bolt. Very easy. Putting the plates on this way gave me a drop in ride height of 3 cm ( 1 inch, and 3 sixteenth )
I have to do same.
You also could take off 3cm from the seat. I am 184cm and I love it. You sit much more in the bike and the seat also feels more comfortable.
I have done this at all Street bikes I have owned. Actually on my "new" 2004 VFR800
Triangles are stock. If they didn’t want or it was unsafe to do what he did then guess what? They would have left the triangle the same length or just blocked out the holes so it couldn’t be changed. Just common sense. I just returned to riding and purchased the “Yellow Hornet”. I’m shorty short 29” inseam. As far as I know it’s stock height, talk about tip toeing!!! I have to remaster my tripod stance. Loving the bike though!!!
Nice clear vid!!!
Good video....IV been wanting a vfr...but they all sit high....so maybe I'll buy one...vfr engines r awesome.....I have 2003 magna 81 thousand miles.. almost same motor
Thank you sir. I love these bikes! To me it's the perfect daily 🙂. Yep I am familiar with tha magna! That's an awesome milestone. Keep looking and will find a cheap one worth buying!
Ride safe!
Sow looks goood !
✌️
My humble opinion: I appreciate the desire to disclose and involve others, really, however, in my opinion this is a type of change that does not ONLY have the desired effects, but also extends to unwanted effects. In this way the geometry of the bike is profoundly altered, and at least it would be advisable to rebalance the weights, between front and rear, at least by performing a static sag and a sag rider. As the owner of an identical VFR, I would immediately notice the behavior of this bike in this configuration. It would perhaps be advisable to report to other users that this change alters behavior and is not recommended or suggested, but only for personal enjoyment.
Estoy 100 % de acuerdo con Tigo , de esta manera afecta mucho en la geometría de la moto
I bought a lowered 2003 SV650S and I returned it to stock height after I bought it. The handling felt much better after returning it to stock. In general I don't advocate for lowering any bike as it affects the lean angle and handling.
I hear you. It is possible to make it feel balanced but not as agile as stock height ride. I agree. Bikes looks so good lowered sometimes 😋
And don't forget....always test it without a helmet
Lol
yo modifique me asiento, y ahora mes mucha mas fácil, y además el asiento es mas cómodo pero bastante mas fino, un saludo desde Sevilla España
Nice, now there is a way to rise the height? The bike is just barely high enough to cross the roads in my country
Carbon fiber plus Cyanoacrylate glue on rear will fix plastics...
Megs PlastX will clear the windshield...
I've done this with my '07 VFR as well but with a Soupys threaded link and I'm 5'7. While it definitely helped me get my feet mostly flat footed, I didn't like the way it handled and the centerstand was hitting some speed bumps so I returned it back to stock. After installing a new rear shock and refreshed the front suspension, she feels so much more planted. It's a PITA moving her in gravel but how often do you really park in gravel?
The comment about the gravel....hahaha you made me laugh it's true.
I understand even matching the geometry by lowering the front etcetera the bike will react a bit different. Thanks for sharing.
How are you liking yours?
Love it and will never lower it again, ever! Honestly you just have to keep riding to get comfortable with not having both your feet down. I've always balanced on just one foot down all the time. Been riding for 25+years on different bikes and the VFR is one of the best balanced bikes. Practice rolling to a stop sign without putting your feet down and holding it for a few secs is a great teaching tool. And I'm sure you've seen waay shorter girls ride sportbikes not lowered so if they can do it, anyone can. But you have to ride it often and practice, practice, practice.
Megs 105/205 will get scratches out of paint by hand...
Hi, you lowered another bike by 6 cm or so. My question is about that big lowering on this bike and riding ground clearance, how aware you have to be in terms of road bumps or speed bumps (not sure if you have them in US)?
Hey man, 👋! No issues with this bikes and bumps. We have a few kinds of bumps as well and did not have any issues. Honestly the drop was minimal.
Now look at my Suzuki, that one is almost scraping the road 🤣
I'm to short for this bike cause I'm only 5'3".
Quick question mate, any idea why mine shuts off when I lean it a few degrees and then have to wait like 15 minutes for it to start
Hey @engstreet that sounds like the Mercury Switch. The VFRs and almost all bikes have a Mercury switch that turn off the bike in the event of a tip over. If you were to lay down your bike while running this will turn it off for you.
I doubt the switch is bad but is possible. Some people disable it by bypassing the sensor but I think it's good to have it. Anyway seems like your is maybe defective? I'd remove it, clean the contacts? Remove the battery for 5 minutes and try it again to see.
I don't think it's fuel related but I am guessing your file pump is working okay and the you had enough fuel?
Happy New Year!
You'll never make a mechanic buddy ... lol ... good effort on lowering the rear end, you're going about it all wrong lowering the front end, but got there in the end.
Thanks I feel special! Haha
and next time, use the jack from the other side so you can operate it with one hand while guiding the links into place rather than get up, adjust, go back, check, get up, adjust, go back, check ...🤣
Oh man you are funny!
What generation or year is your VFR (5th generation is 1998 - 2002)? Will this work on any generation?
Hey @gransport12 mine is 6th gen. I have never owned a 5th, so I don’t know. I know there are thing that are similar between the 2 but not sure if this is something similar.
The linkage (and shock) seems to be different. Lowering links are available but only fit to the 5th gen OR the 6th gen, so they are not interchangeable.
BUT the trick from the video also works on the 5th GEN. My buddy has a 98 with a longer shock from Wilbers and also a reupholstered seat, so he had his troubles standing secure with the bike.
We made the same change as seen in the Video and the rear wheel is now about 2cm (about an Inch) higher, when on the center stand. 👍
Also there are NO clearance issues between shock, linkage or swingarm.
Your Thumbnail graphics - VFR not VRF - V FOUR RACING is the acronym source.
Ha I never noticed. I know how to spell it out though. Bad QA en on my end!
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment
The kickstand would need to be shortened because the bike is lower.
That is correct and if you watch my other videos I have always shorten the kickstand, but honestly the drop on the VFR was negligible so the OEM stand was working perfectly.
Thanks for the comment
You can buy adjustable side stands on ebay for 20 quid. Fitted perfectly and the cut out switch works just fine.
How tall are you bro?
It’s more how short I am 😩. I’m 5’6” sir.
@@ToModorNottoMod me too. My inseam is 28. You?
@@thawthaw03bro why are you asking that 🤣
@@PWNAGE703 cause I am too damn short 😂😂
This kind if thing is incredibly dangerous!!
Hey John would you care to elaborate? Just trying to understand.
The T-Rex company for example has been designing lowering links or triangles to lower bikes for a long time and I have used them for many years. Although I did not use the lowering triangles I used the OEM in a different position which replicates the same purpose of changing the connection points between the spring, swingarm and chassis.
Or maybe you are referring to lowering the front?
If done carefully, none of it is compromising the bike, bolts were torqued and I have been doing this with almost all of the 40 plus bike I have owned.
I'll be happy to chat. Have a good day!
@@ToModorNottoMod By just flipping the standard link plates you are fundamentally altering the behaviour of the linkage over a dynamic range.. be this in vertical stiffness profile or damping. without calculating the effect this has on the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle, it is dangerous to suggest that this would be a good idea, I'm sure Honda would warn against a modification such as this.
@John Edward McGladdery Thanks for sharing your point of view and explaining.
@@DynamixsEd I know what you mean. People do this all the time but as you said, now that distances are changed, torque (force) exerted on the different points are changed. One would think that the tolerances on the plate and connecting elements are such that this minimal change is not going to be critical. But for just a 10mm gain, I would buy shoes with thicker soles ;-) . I appreciate the video though, I like that he left all the mistakes made as a warning of what might happen. I think that was worth more than the mod.
Use a punch, buy a set, instead of an abused screwdriver
I know, it's time for me to get a punch. I don't want my screwdriver to feel useless. Hahaha
Thanks for the comment!