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Post by everydaybiker on Jun 24, 2007 15:19:48 GMT -5
Just picked up my new bike this weekend, having made the transition from VFR750 (waiting to be sold shortly). - Feels remarkably small and light for a 650, which is quite nice as it's easily manoeuvrable.
- Initially felt the difference in power (100bhp down to 57bhp) until I looked at the speedo and realised I was riding at similar speeds, it just sounds so laid back! The VFR sounds laid back compared to an in-line four, but the NTV goes even further. Obviously outright acceleration can't compare, but hopefully tyres will last longer!
- 80mph seems to be about 5300 revs (if I remember right), compared to 5900 revs on VFR. That surprised me, didn't think the top gear ratio would be higher than the VFR. Hope it can hold it into a headwind, if so, should improve my MPG.
- The new Motad on the bike is very quiet, perhaps a bit too quiet to get the best out of the V-twin sound, but I'm not too bothered as I'm not into making lots of noise.
- Wind blast on the motorway not as bad as I was expecting, having been used to a faired bike. Will still want to fit some wind protection for my 160 mile daily commute, however.
- Fit and finish seems comparable - it's not going to be a show winner at 3000 miles a month but I'll be looking after it all the same. The fact that a previous owner painted the frame might actually help its longevity though the winter salt.
Only thing I've found wrong is that the little headlamp subframe is broken on both sides where the vertical meets the horizontal (rust by the look of it). Have to buy new I think, as a s/h one will go the same way I'm sure.
Hoping it will prove reliable and be a good friend! |
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Post by Jake on Jun 25, 2007 8:42:21 GMT -5
Congratualtions, mate.....hope you enjoy it.
How many miles has it done?
Not knowing the previous owner, then the only things that I changed on mine when first buying were:
The exhaust (silencer)
Engine Oil,
Shaft Drive Oil,
Coolant (Radiator and reservoir bottle),
Plugs,
Battery,
Air Filter,
Brake Pads,
Tyres,
Fork Oil,
I had goodridge brake hoses fitted front and rear with EBC, HH pads, and I stiffened up the front and rear suspension. I also fitted a National Cycle windscreen.
Later on, I switched to fully synthetic oil because I didn't like the gear-box and also fitted Splitfire Sparkplugs SF416C to improve perfomance slightly on those uphill gradients....
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Post by hovis on Jun 25, 2007 14:27:22 GMT -5
Well done mate, must agree with you about performance,weight ect,got a small screen fitted,as jake said i also changed all consumables to be on the safe side,had mine up 100 mph reading 7200 rpm (revere 600),although it was just a one off but did not feel to stable  ,due to the screen i think. Cover mine with Scottoil 365,also as i've said under useful tips,inject all me block connectors with clear silicone,so i'm never stranded !!!!!!!!!!, Oh and vaseline on the battery terminals as its water repellent as opposed to any grease which absorbs water, Anyway as a long standing biker you'll know all these things, Good luck,and safe riding Hovis |
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Post by everydaybiker on Jun 29, 2007 7:49:15 GMT -5
It's got 31k on the clock, plenty left in it yet. Just as well, given that I'm going to be putting 2.5 - 3k on it each month. MPG's on the way up, had 57 on first commute and 61 on the last fill up this morning which is a nice surprise. The VFR was doing 47, which is actually pretty good, but on the NTV I'll be saving £60 a month just on fuel.
Rode the VFR again the other night and noticed how much lighter the throttle and gearbox were compared to the NTV. Maybe a new throttle cable would help the NTV, though the gearbox I'll just have to get used to - I'm sure it's full of lead flywheels!! On the plus side, the NTV is more comfortable with it's softer suspension, without getting wallowy. I also don't get the shoulder pain that came on after about 50 miles on the VFR, due to its more forward riding position. Must be getting old....
All in all, happy with the way things are going. Got a small headlamp fairing (Puig) which helps deflect the wind blast surprisingly well. The broken headlamp subframe was going to be over £80 with VAT etc. from David Silver, so secondhand it is. Got a reasonable one off Ebay for the time being - I hate shaky headlamps! Missing the clock in the instruments.
Hovis, what silicone stuff do you use in the block connectors?
Derek
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Post by derbyshirebill on Jun 29, 2007 9:48:58 GMT -5
Hi Derek. I noticed the twistgrip being a bit heavy when I got mine. Alot better when the cables were lubed, but a big difference when I took off the twistgrip itself and greased the bar. I also managed to back off the return spring on the carb pulley a bit - hung it on another place. All fine after that  Bill |
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Post by Jake on Jun 29, 2007 9:54:53 GMT -5
Like I've said Derek,
The gearbox can be sorted by using fully synthetic oil e.g. Silkolene Pro4 Plus, 5w40 or 10w40.
It's expensive but worth it, considering the number of miles you have to ride. It also makes the engine feel smoother at speed and eliminates some of the vibes....
I used Deauville throttle cables when I raised the handlebars and throttle action is now much lighter, maybe because of the newer cables or because they are not stretched so tight as the NTV ones. They do stick out a bit though....
Jake.
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Post by everydaybiker on Jun 29, 2007 10:00:35 GMT -5
Thanks both, will try your suggestions re. throttle and gearbox. I'll be oil changing regularly, given the mileage, so I'll treat it to some decent stuff on the next change and see what happens.
BTW, I said earlier about getting old......six hours ago I became a grandad for the first time - at 41! Now then, how can I strap me zimmer to the NTV.....
Derek
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Post by Jake on Jun 29, 2007 10:28:56 GMT -5
Whoa... congratulations grandad!!
Try strapping the NTV to the zimmer and seeing how fast it goes.
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Post by jonsan on Jun 29, 2007 11:07:55 GMT -5
I used Deauville throttle cables when I raised the handlebars and throttle action is now much lighter, maybe because of the newer cables or because they are not stretched so tight as the NTV ones. They do stick out a bit though.... Good tip, when i fitted my Renthall h/bars I asked a well known mail order Honda parts specialist if the Deauville ones were longer and if they would fit, but they didn't know nor did a local long time Honda dealer (ex-Honda now Hyosung!). So the renthall bars got cut slightly narrower and the cables harness etc were untangled and carefully routed.... |
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Post by hovis on Jul 1, 2007 8:43:46 GMT -5
Congratulations mate,
grandad at 41 !!!!!!!!!!!,i'm 44 and that worries me !!!!!!!!!!,
as for the silicone,it's just clear silicone from B&Q,very simple,very cheap but very effective,i'm constantly advising peple to do it.
Fitted a set of Oxford heated grips a couple of weeks ago and filled all the block connectors before assembly,you'll never be stuck on the side of the road again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hovis
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Post by everydaybiker on Jul 8, 2007 17:32:47 GMT -5
Well, on to the next mod........
Got NTVLee's Powerbronze Endurance fairing on the way to me. I'm thinking ahead to the winter months but, to be honest, there's been enough wind and rain over the past week for me to want the benefit of it straight away!
Powerbronze reckon on better aerodynamics and .......... wait for it ......... higher top speed! (Who's seriously looking to increase top speed on an NTV???). What I'm more interested in is the amount of protection it offers from the elements and whether stability is affected - for better or worse.
Any comments, anyone? Pops? Lee's fairing has an optional taller touring screen as well as the original.
PS Just sold my VFR on Ebay this weekend - the end of another era for me. Sad to see it go, but needs must........
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Post by hovis on Jul 9, 2007 10:57:28 GMT -5
Might be an idea to beef up the front suspension to compensate for the weight  ?,just a thought, mate had a full Rickman fairing on a old CX500 said it was great in the rain but affected by cross winds especially on motorways,guess you can't have everything !!!!!!!!!!! Hovis |
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pops
New Member
Posts: 16
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Post by pops on Jul 9, 2007 15:10:42 GMT -5
I have never had a problem with stability even at a ton.As for protection against the elements lower half is good. Top half unless you have your belly on the tank and you are licking the speedo you get a bit wet.But Iv'e only got the standard screen.
I do know that from riding the last one I done up I prefer having the fairing.
Would have loved Honda to have made a bare 700 without all that plastic crap and give you the choice on panniers and fairing.
Anyway enough of that glad you are enjoying the bike.
Pops
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Post by everydaybiker on Jul 10, 2007 0:14:29 GMT -5
Wel, that's good news, thanks pops. If there's any specific tips on fitting, let me know!
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Post by Jake on Jul 10, 2007 3:47:04 GMT -5
'Who's seriously looking to increase top speed on an NTV???' A bit more mid-range might be nice though.... I agree with Pops, an unfaired 700 version of the NTVwould be a great idea. And rather than fit a fairing I'd settle for a decent windscreen and some heated clothing.... I might invest in an EXO2 heated vest for the winter months, it doesn’t use wires inside the vest, just panels which transfer the heat. www.exo2.co.uk/I’d also consider heated gloves from Gebing of Chilli and maybe a Gerbing heated jacket liner. www.brmc.co.uk/gerbing%20heated%20clothing.htmDoes anyone own any of these? I’d like to know which brand to buy so if you have any recommendations then please let me know. I’m not too keen on heated grips because I’ve heard that they only warm the palms of your hands….. but handguards sound like a good idea if I could find any to fit the existing bars…. |
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,due to the screen i think.
?,just a thought,