5 Maintenance Items Every Motorcycle Rider Needs to Know - Maintenance VFR1200F

Get your bike ready for the road, get busy now and save time, money and maybe something more precious than either of those by having your motorcycle in tip top shape!
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00:00 Intro
00:40 Air Filter Service
02:40 Final Drive Service
04:10 Coolant Flush
07:42 Engine Oil & Filter Service Stuck Oil Filter
10:45 Brake Pad Replacement
14:05 Brake/Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Flush
18:04 Test Ride
#rodrideswrenches

[@zorancrnomarkovic8723]

This bike is real said story how some owners are unresponsable...Air filter from horor movie... Oil filter too...I tight oil filters with one hand and never seen leekins under....Great video dude...

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks Zoran! 😁

[@alainleblanc4031]

My 2010 runs like a dream and I do all of my maintenance. Your video is excellent, thank you!

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & the view! Hope you subscribed, lots of maintenance vids on the channel.

[@iainhamilton6773]

Just bought one in the White and Red. Moving down from a Honda VFR1200f.

[@bcuzicancuellar5478]

Great vid! Thanks for posting! Ride safe

[@garyt.8745]

Really, really, great video!!! Thanks formtaking the trouble to pass this info on 👍😀

[@tangm6833]

Thank you for the video im just about to tackle the service on my vfr 1200f 2010 model, fingers crossed.

[@mooman12]

Excellent video, much appreciated. And yes this bike is really underrated.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & the view👍

[@FirstnameLastname-ew9qm]

Excellent video, thanks for posting.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnelliot4845]

Hiya Rod managed to bleed the brakes on the VFR as per your video, this video was a big help to me many thanks, best regards John.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

You are very welcome John. Feel free to share the vid with anyone who is in need.

[@Tarabass]

Great video. I recently bought a tdm 900 with poor maintenance done. It's my first attempt to do it myself, my ducati is maintained by the dealer, and I liked the job very much. Rear brake caliper restoration, new disk and pads, new drive chain and sprockets, all fluids, oil, filters, all bearings checked and axles greased, hoses checked and so on. Now I'm cleaning the engine, fearings and put glass coat on the last ones. Next step is restoration of the front brakes and cleaning the steering bar etc. One tip after you bleed your brakes, use a ty-rip to pull the brake lever overnight to push all air out. Same for the rear, use a clam or some weight so be creative. This will make the brake feel harder immediately the next day and prevent dangerous situations..

[@Grahamvfr]

Thank you for the video great help 👍

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the view!

[@Tijn1972]

Nice vid, I like the good explanation! One tip: It's best with radial brake callipers to fit the bolt loosely and apply the brakes a few times. Then hold the brake lever and tighten the bolts on the left and right calliper while all the time holding the brake lever. And to get rid of the last of the air out of the brake system, tighten the brake lever with a ty-warp overnight. The pressure in the oil will force any air in the oil upwards. This ensures good alignment. And have you done the fork oil since getting the bike? I wish you many safe miles!

[@LeonardoAriasMarquez]

I like your videos, are really good vids

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & view!

[@fast73nova]

Great video! 1 tip the po gave me was to put aluminum foil over pipes by oil filter and drain plug to keep oil off of exhaust.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Great tip!

[@georgenauss2670]

Have you ever own a Yamaha FJR. Have made any maintenance video on the FJR? I like your maintenance videos. They are very detailed and helpful! I enjoy your commentary!😊

[@claudioseccia9380]

great video, thank you!

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thank you for watching, hope you've subscribed!

[@RayLombardi]

Hi, great set of videos! About the caliber bolts, Honda apply the thread lock to the new bolts and that's the only reason they recommend you replace them. Bottom line is, if you apply thread lock to the existing bolts, they don't need replacing. Had my Honda CB650R for 4 years, I do all my own maintenance and have the calibers for general cleaning maintenance 2 or 3 times a year(I live in the UK). Been using the original bolts all along with no problems. I just clean the threads and apply thread lock before reinstalling them. Cheers, Ray.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & View!

[@RoeyHaviv]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. One point about the air filter, you don’t have to remove the side covers, only disconnect the tank covers and the tank flips up, super easy.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the tip. I was following the Honda service manual.

[@RoeyHaviv]

@@RodRidesWrenches following the manual is great. I’m procrastinating about changing the shaft oil, needs to get done though. Check out the Motovlog on my channel if you’re interested, it’s all about the big VFR.

[@sasbar187]

Cool stuff you always make great video's

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@sasbar187]

@@RodRidesWrenches I have to ask am thinking about buying 1200 interceptor but am 6.1 is it big enough bike that I won't feel cramped up on it

[@RodRidesWrenches]

@@sasbar187 If you ride a sport bike now it will probably be okay, provided you do not have an inseam longer than 33" (84CM). If you're coming off an adventure or touring bike it maybe torturous until you get used to it. You might want to get a touring seat, there is a number available. There is more leg room on my 6th & 5th gen VFR800!

[@sasbar187]

@@RodRidesWrenches thanks for that have a good day keep up the great video's

[@gilomoto5148]

I just remove the two side panels on the tank to get to the air filter. Also in my Honda manual the level for final drive should be checked when on the side stand. Hope this is helpful.

[@lucress9319]

You sir may be 1 of 2 reasons I buy my first VFR instead of another CBR. Your videos are incredible and so informative! I’ve watched your VFR comparisons and I’m working on general maintenance now to see how in depth/difficult it’ll be lol looking at my first VFR 800 this Friday!

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & the view👍

[@bmwman4756]

how much fluid goes into the system (coolant)?

[@RodRidesWrenches]

@@bmwman4756 VFR1200 takes 3.6 Liters or 3.8 US qt (3.2 Imp qt) Thermostat opens at 80-84 Celsius (176-183 F)

[@bmwman4756]

@@RodRidesWrenches thanks man 👍👍👍

[@RyC2004]

Super video, thank you for your time and effort. Is there urgency for checking the valve clearance every 16,000 miles, because my dealership is asking for $2,500. Sounds crazy every 16k miles (5 years of riding for me). My bike was purchased at 18k miles and I don't know if the service was performed. I have 22k miles now.

[@RichardT2112]

Lovely machine. Question about the crush washers. Is that a Princess auto brass kit? Given what BMW want for a single washer, I am looking for alternatives.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Yes you can pick those up at PA or any automotive outlet; lordco, nappa and the like. Your BMW dealer gets them from the same place! Thanks for the question & the view!

[@TheMasonjarz]

Another great video! What spray do you use to clean up the spattered coolant after running the engine? Thanks

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Just water, don't spray brake clean on a hot exhaust. If the bike is a real mess take it back outside after is cools and use a garden hose. Not much more you can do that dilute the hell out of it!

[@johnelliot4845]

Hi there great video on the bleeding of the linked braking system, on the vfr1200f ABS, can i ask you a question, in your video you said the rear linked brake system is bled through the top valve on the front left caliper , i have been watching other videos on bleeding, and it showed it getting bled through the lower valve on the front left caliper, although the video was on the cross tourer but are they not the same brake system, im just a bit confused, can you confirm that it is definately the top valve on the left front caliper that i bleed the rear linked brake system through, Many thanks John

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Hello John, the linked brake system on the VFR1200F only uses the top set of pistons on the left caliper for the linking to the rear pedal, this system is completely isolated from the front brake hydraulic system. This is different from the system on the VFR800 and ST1300 Honda's which integrate the linked system more completely and use both the bottom and top pair of pistons on the left caliper and the right caliper on the Deluxe model of the ST1300. In these cases the linked brake system bleed is the lower of the two bleeders on the left side. Rest assured that in the VFR1200F the linked bleeder is the TOP LEFT bleeder valve. In reviewing the VFR1200X I do not see evidence that is is any different and bleeder valve placement looks the same. I have a video where I completely rebuild these brakes as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpvUmIyObNmMbMU Thanks for the question!

[@peanutpirate4622]

watched this for the vfr

[@n300zx931]

Just a quick note. I'm pretty sure the final drive is filled when the bike is on the side stand. Also I've found the OEM Nissin brake pads to be much better than aftermarket offerings as I'm now on my 3rd set for the VFR1200F

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Hi & Thanks for the feedback. Honda is a little ambiguous on the point of final drive. To check the oil level the manual says side stand, to replace fluid it says to elevate the rear wheel which would be vertical. I don't think there is that much of a difference in volume, not enough to cause an issue in the final drive housing but your interpretation maybe correct! Regardless the capacity is 200cc or 6.8oz I appreciate the correction.

[@n300zx931]

@@RodRidesWrenches yeah I've just have to look around a lot for that information, but in the end I came to the conclusion it's the side stand. If you find any solid information to say otherwise I'd appreciate the knowledge. Definitely want to do things right.

[@n300zx931]

@@RodRidesWrenches on another note. When you do cat delete and tune, these bikes can gain up to 20hp making it an absolute monster. Also the sounds you get are fantastic

[@garyt.8745]

I'm 99% certain that both the engine oil level, and the shaft-drive oil, are checked with the bike upright. I have done both operations, checking both Internet sources _and_ the Honda workshop manual, and I came to this conclusion with little ambiguity. I will check the manual and repost, verbatim, the text here to confirm. Edit: See below. If you check engine oil on the side-stand, you will overfill. If you check shaft-drive gear oil on the side-stand, you will underfill.

[@garyt.8745]

Ok, so this is straight out of the Honda VFR1200F Service Manual 2010: Section 4-12 Engine Oil/Oil Filter Oil level inspection Start the engine and let idle for 3-5 minutes. Stop the engine and wait 2-3 minutes. Hold the motorcycle in an upright position. Check the oil level through the inspection window. Section 4-20 Final Drive Oil change Support the motorcycle securely and _raise the rear wheel off the ground._ Remove the oil filter cap and drain bolt [blah blah, let it drain, then put the cap and bolt, with a new sealing washer, back in, blah blah, torque to 12Nm] Fill the gear case with recommended oil to the lower edge of the filler hole. [Followed by oil capacities after draining 200cm3, after disassembly 240cm3] No mention of side stand or anything.

[@otmuppet]

Rod thanks for the vid. How is the fuel economy for the VFR. Seems like a complaint

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Actually fuel economy is around 5 liter per 100km riding a bit aggressively, which is good. The tank is small at 18 liters (9 liters on the top half and 9 liters on the bottom half) (4.75USG), it can give you range anxiety. count on stopping every 200 - 250km (125-150mi) to avoid feeling like you're riding a EV.

[@otmuppet]

@@RodRidesWrenches nice! Thanks Rod

[@JpPattersons-kh3rp]

Pls do a spark plug removal tutorial

[@JIMWSMITH]

Mine is running sintered pads but my front brake makes a zzzzzz noise when applied, some other vfr1200 owners have experienced the same noise , have you noticed anything before or after the pad change? Thanks for the upload 😀

[@fast73nova]

I think mine does. I'll have to ride it tomorrow to find out! lol

[@nigel274]

Mine does since pad change ...more so when wet

[@colinm1325]

Hey Jim, did you sort out the zzzzz noise? ABS? Something stuck? Njoy the ride

[@MoonMoon-co4rc]

The oil filter opener is using by rubber belt though not by damage a part to open it😂 . U can see how to open it nicely on ytube

[@hudmoh330]

I have a 2010 Honda VFR1200F and it's starting to run sluggish. Can you send me the link to the K&N air filter.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Found this one, cheaper by over $20 compared to the one I bought. ebay.us/pmrR8r

[@DA-ou7hv]

So when I did the brakes on my gold wing I just reused the bolts with some honda lock on the last 6-7 thread turns. Reason is none of the local dealers even had the bolts here in the US. If Honda is going to recommend replacement then they need to get their SH*T together and MAKE SURE dealers have these parts. If I can't get the bolts what are the dealers doing??

[@robertmacdonald2735]

Great post...lots of good info...Question - I am looking at getting an ST but was wondering anyone can give me a ballpark on insurance - Ontario - senior rider with decades of experience and no 'tickets'?

[@RodRidesWrenches]

I don't think Ontario is much different from BC. Because of the displacement, the ST1300 is the most expensive bike I insure in my stable. $1200 per year for comp/collision! This is the same as my Tacoma Pickup...

[@debjackson9013]

I owned the St1300 and the vfr I paid the same I'm from Alberta.

[@robertmacdonald2735]

I have an opportunity to buy 2006 ST1300P (Police but not used as Police). Mint and maintained....120,000km. What do you think, your opinion?

[@robertmacdonald2735]

@@debjackson9013 Thanks Deb...I have an opportunity to buy 2006 ST1300P (Police but not used as Police). Mint and maintained....120,000km. What do you think, your opinion?

[@RodRidesWrenches]

@@robertmacdonald2735 Anything cheap is a good buy. Police bikes are usually much cheaper than the general population version. Watch out for butchered up wring under the seat that goes to that camel hump trunk. I am unsure about the ST but most police bikes have additional wiring for radios and lights and in some cases additional batteries that go to this area. 120,000KM is decent mileage for and ST1300, the motors are capable of at least twice this without issue. What is the $ market in Ontario? I would suspect you are paying less than $3000 for this bike.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnPdfmZ4qMiBptE

[@bmwman4756]

Is your Honda equipt with ABS?

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Yes the bike has ABS

[@bmwman4756]

@@RodRidesWrenches can you tell me on the left side caliper for what is upper blider?

[@patrickmalone9380]

You should run bike engine and add coolent slowly and sweeeze coolant hoses to get air out.

[@kontemplatemusic2189]

Why every 1200f sounds so much diferently than my bike?

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Akrapovič Exhaust no doubt on mine. 👍

[@garyt.8745]

Hiflo - quality filter?? 😂😂😂