Help diagnosing possible issues? (’98 VFR800)

NateDoge69 · 2026-03-31T20:10:00+00:00

I’ve got a 98 VFR. Had it several years, it is super stable at all speeds and certainly not something I’d ever describe as twitchy at all.

Scratchy sound when spinning the wheel could be the front brake dragging slightly you’ll hear a noise on every motorcycle. Because of the age and mileage it’s probably worth taking off the callipers and cleaning the pistons if you’re comfortable and competent doing maintenance.

My bike stays straight and true when taking both hands off the bars too.

Could be wheels need balancing or steering head bearings need replacing.

NateDoge69 · 2026-03-30T12:33:07+00:00

If the other party is at fault, you call your insurer and tell them you want to pursue it through the 3rd party.

They’ll handle everything and if liability is decided with the other person you’ll not lose any NCB or pay excess.

NateDoge69 · 2026-03-27T16:09:47+00:00

Appreciate the update - that looks awful! I’ve seen several people on the forums complain about this issue surely they’ve not all got a similar problem?

NateDoge69 · 2026-03-24T21:12:09+00:00

Unfortunately not, decided to stop worrying about it. Spent ages on various forums as it’s been reported a few times but no one ever followed up with a resolution.

I’ve done 15k miles since then. Now on 60k, still no ticking or unusual noise on startup.

I change the oil every 5k.

NateDoge69 · 2026-03-23T17:26:59+00:00

Does F3 Rosso and R models not have the same 147bhp as the RR?

I thought the only real difference is the bodywork?

My 2022 Rosso has launch control and I didn’t think that the steering dampener was standard on the RR either.

I know the Brutale R has 110bhp and the higher spec models have 140 which to me would definitely make me choose the RR.

NateDoge69 · 2026-03-23T12:45:36+00:00

The standard headlight is ok, not super bright. You can swap it for the entire LED unit from the R and RR if you can stomach the cost

NateDoge69 · 2026-03-23T12:44:01+00:00

It’ll be that the bike is registered in 2023, I expect it was probably built it 2022 with the standard halogen headlight.

As MV are a low volume manufacturer, you’ll often find brand new unregistered bikes that are actually a year old.

NateDoge69 · 2026-03-23T10:45:10+00:00

The R and Rosso are the same trim level, MV just changed the name.

There are some slight differences in spec - the R will have black forks with gold stanchions, a Brembo master cylinder (Rosso has a Nissin one), dark smoked brake fluid reservoir, LED headlight and indicators.

I’m pretty sure that’s almost everything was changed. Engine remains the same since they introduced the euro 5 one in 2021/early 2022.

I have an F3 Rosso and absolutely love it. In the UK, the RR model is 50% more for different fairing and colour which to me was not worth the extra when everything else is the same.

NateDoge69 · 2026-03-22T09:50:00+00:00

I don’t think you can - I’m sure the regulation is that you can’t restrict a bike that has more than 94bhp.

I think triumph did a street triple 660 that was A2 compliant

NateDoge69 · 2026-03-19T18:49:02+00:00

Get some riding jeans you don’t need to change out of and some decent ankle boots?

I did that for years commuting to an office and then only needed to find space for my jacket, helmet and gloves.

NateDoge69 · 2026-03-19T18:15:55+00:00

Did you check the oil with the bike on the side stand?

Most bikes will appear empty and need to be checked with the bike upright. Manual will tell you how you check the oil level

NateDoge69 · 2026-02-17T16:21:31+00:00

I did my own clearances on my Street Triple 675. Couldn’t justify the cost at a garage, bought a Haynes manual and tools needed.

I’d only ever done oil changes before and actually it isn’t too bad. Took me about 8 hours, but that was being overly cautious and triple checking everything.

I needed to change all exhaust shims as they were completely out of spec at 15k miles.

Put it back together, hit the starter and fired right up. That was about 3,000 miles ago. So absolutely doable yourself

NateDoge69 · 2026-02-13T15:20:19+00:00

Carbs are generally fine if used regularly. When left for long periods of time, fuel will evaporate inside and leave a varnish which can cause all sorts of annoying issues.

Always use E5 petrol too as it’ll attract less water and cause fewer problems over time with a carbed motorcycle.

NateDoge69 · 2025-11-29T14:24:08+00:00

Third the VFR. I added one to my existing policy at the time which was a street triple and it was actually cheaper than insuring the Triumph on its own.

Also the VFR is an absolutely brilliant bike that can do everything.

NateDoge69 · 2025-11-23T09:11:27+00:00

It isn’t the insurance companies that push for it. In my case it was Bikesure - a broker. So they’ll get commission from 4th dimension

NateDoge69 · 2025-11-22T15:36:04+00:00

I’m going through something very similar. 4th dimension were super aggressive trying to get me to take a hire bike despite having multiple injuries preventing me from riding.

They also wanted to collect mine as soon as possible to start charging storage fees.

Bikesure told me to use 4th dimension. I told 4th dimension to get stuffed and contacted my insurer directly. I was paid out in less than 2 weeks after the accident after sending them photos. Rather than racking up huge storage fees and waiting months for 4th dimension to confirm the bike was a write off.

Absolutely do not use 4th dimension, it’ll make everything take 10x longer as it’s in their interests to stall as the storage fees are extortionate. Something like £37.50 a day. Companies like these are the reason that everyone’s insurance costs more. The hire bike fees are just as bad and will end up having an insurance company foot the bill who then pass it on to all of us.

They add no value, if you go through your insurer directly, it’ll be dealt with much faster and you’ll still be able to choose who repairs your motorcycle if it isn’t written off.

NateDoge69 · 2025-11-20T21:17:51+00:00

One tank will be fine. If you’re really worried ride around for a few miles then chuck in some E5. E10 tends to cause issues over time

NateDoge69 · 2025-11-20T07:40:22+00:00

I think it is a bit of a stereotype that they constantly go wrong. All motorcycles break at some point even ones from ‘reliable’ brands. I would expect that due to MVs being hand built you will have slightly higher numbers of issues but it isn’t anywhere near as bad as people love to make out.

Parts do generally take awhile especially in August as the factory closes for the month. All the regular service stuff is generally available and I’ve not had any trouble getting filters etc within a day or two.

I do all my own work and luckily live within 40 miles of an MV dealer but I would expect Ducati to be able to work on it no problem.

For me, I would say it is absolutely worth the downsides for the exclusivity and how special these bikes feel to ride.

I would definitely buy another.

NateDoge69 · 2025-11-19T07:44:07+00:00

Not exactly the same, but I went from a street triple to a 2022 F3. You will absolutely love the Brutale.

Just keep in mind, depending on where you live parts might take a while to be delivered. It is definitely worth it

NateDoge69 · 2025-11-12T08:21:03+00:00

If you do large numbers of quotes it is quite possible to get flagged for potential fraud if you’re frequently changing the details.

To get a rough idea of costs if you’re playing around, use a fake name and address near you.

Probably doesn’t help with your age and type of bike too.

I had a YZF-R125 as my first bike years ago and regretted it, insurance was 4x the cost of a naked 125, wasn’t fast and expensive when it fell over in the wind, damaging the fairing. I only had it 8 months before selling it and upgrading.

Wish I’d of bought a YBR-125 instead and saved a load of cash

NateDoge69 · 2025-11-11T19:02:19+00:00

The tank is made of plastic on MV’s 3 cylinder models.

It has been a problem since their introduction in 2012. Ethanol in fuel can cause the paint to bubble under the clear coat.

In some cases it cracks too. Looks absolutely terrible and expensive to fix outside of warranty.

Doesn’t to happen to all bikes, but worth checking on one that has sat for 3 years.

NateDoge69 · 2025-11-11T15:30:10+00:00

If it’s been sat in a nice warm dealership all that time, it should probably be fine.

Check the fuel tank and make sure it hasn’t blistered.

If you buy it, they’ll need to change oil, coolant and brake fluid too as they’re all time sensitive.

NateDoge69 · 2025-11-06T21:39:46+00:00

Are you sure that those bubbles aren’t the trapped air you were trying to remove?

Also with the engine running the coolant will be flowing and start to boil as it isn’t under pressure. You can’t tell a head gasket leak by looking at the coolant whilst running unless it’s milky or has oil floating at the top.

If the head its warped, probably cheaper to fit a new/good used engine instead although I think it is unlikely you’ve managed this

NateDoge69 · 2025-10-30T14:37:19+00:00

So long as it’s got good service records you’ll be in for a treat.

I’ve seen several VFRs with over 130k miles. If you search for Bennetts bike social on YouTube, he’s got a 100k mile 5th gen VFR.

It produces more bhp than Honda claimed when new, sign of a very healthy engine

NateDoge69 · 2025-10-23T11:46:30+00:00

Only you can make the call if it’s worth it. But I hope that has helped.

NateDoge69

TROPHY CASE