[rubberhead]

I'm going to swap the detent arm and spring on my VFR 800. I'm tired of missing shifts. It seems like a bit of a job and I'm not sure if I can handle it. I have the Clymer manual and pics on this site to go by:
http://home.insightbb.com/~rlkoster1/

Any words of experience that could tell me whether or not I should attempt this?

I'm good at washing and waxing my bike, but haven't done anything mechanical before.

 

[Mr.Sushi ya ha]

If you never took an engine apart don't start now....you could do more damage or compromise the safety of your bike if you do something wrong...is it really worth the $100.00 bucks or so that 5th gear will charge you to do it right the first time???

 

[rubberhead]

I think it's more than $100 or else I wouldn't even consider doing it myself. It's about 4 hours work according to this home mechanic:
http://www.one-ring.net/strider/stable/shiftkit.html

 

[Dalma]

Do a search on vfrdiscussion.com there are a couple of step by step processes outlining this shifter detent replacement.

 

[rubberhead]

Thanks Dalma.

 

[Guest]

I would get a few quotes first and if it is 4 hours then get a friend who has some experience to help you....4 hours seems like alot of time....I can have an engine out and nearly completely torn down in 4 hours....(used to be a bike mechanic) But go for it if you feel ok with it...no time like now to start learning....and with a good manual with photos it helps

 

[gsxr_45]

Assholes can put that book time shit you know where .

 

[rubberhead]

I bit the bullet and bought a shifter kit from www.factorypro.com for $90 US. Replaced the detent arm and spring today. I didn't do the work myself, but got DJ Paul to do it for me who made quick and competent work of it.

Prognosis: A bit early to be thorough with a report, so all I can say now is that the shifting is a bit stiffer, but very positive! Exactly what I was looking for. No mush, no slide, no clickity click, just a positive snap into gear.

Albiet rare, VFR's are known for the occassional false neutral. I had a precarious moment passing a cager when I needed a gear and didn't get it. I pinned the problem down to the detent arm spring, but decided to change the arm as well. I do believe this will solve the problem and I am now shifting with full confidence again!