Honda VFR800 owner's manual: Oxygenated Fuels

Oxygenated Fuels

Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions. If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure it is unleaded and meets the minimum octane rating requirement.

Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel’s contents. Some states/ provinces require this information to be posted on the pump.

The following are the EPA-approved percentages of oxygenates:

ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol) 10% by Volume You may use gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume. Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed under the name “Gasohol”.

MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) 15% by Volume You may use gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE by volume.

230 Technical Information

Oxygenated Fuels

METHANOL (methyl or wood alcohol) 5% by Volume

You may use gasoline containing methanol containing up to 5% methanol by volume as long as it also contains cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors to protect the fuel system. Gasoline containing more than 5% methanol by volume may cause starting and/or performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber, and plastic parts of your fuel system.

If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline.

Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of oxygenates mentioned above are not covered under warranty.

Oxygenated fuels can damage paint and plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel when filling the fuel tank. Wipe up any spills immediately.

NOTICE

Oxygenated fuels can damage paint and plastic. Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered by warranty.

Technical Information 231

232 Technical Information

Consumer Information

This section contains information on your warranty and how to get an official Honda Service Manual.

• Authorized Manuals ........ 234
• Warranty Coverage ........ 237
• Warranty Service ........ 238
• Contacting Honda ........ 239
• Your Honda Dealer ........ 240 The Honda Rider’s Club
• (USA only) ........ 241 Reporting Safety Defects
• (USA only) ........ 243

Consumer Information 233

Authorized Manuals

The Service Manual used by your authorized Honda dealer is available from Helm, Inc.
(USA only, Canada: See your Honda dealer to order authorized manuals.)

Also available but not necessary to service your model is the Honda Common Service Manual which explains theory of operation and basic service information for various systems common to all Honda motorcycles, motor scooters and ATVs.

These Honda manuals are written for the professional technician, but most mechanically-capable owners should find them easy to use if they have the proper tools and observe proper safety standards. Special Honda tools are necessary for some procedures.

*Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation.

234 Consumer Information

Order On-Line: www.helminc.com

Order Toll Free: 1-888-CYCLE93 (1-888-292-5393)
(NOTE: For Credit Card Orders Only)
Monday — Friday 8:00 AM — 6:00 PM EST
OR

By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can pay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Mail to Helm, Inc. at the address shown on the back of this order form (USA only).

Canada: See your Honda dealer to order authorized manuals.

Consumer Information 235

SHIP TO NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent.

Customer Name ____________________________________________________ Attention _________________________________________

Street Address - No P. O. Box Number ____________________________________________________ Apartment Number _______________________

City __________________________________________________________________ State ______ Zip Code ________________

Daytime Telephone Number ( ) __________________________________________

PAYMENT [ ] Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm Inc. U.S. funds only. Do not send cash.

[ ] Check here if your billing address is different from the shipping address shown above.

[ ] MasterCard [ ] VISA [ ] Discover

Account Number □□□□ □□□□ □□□□ □□□□

Expiration: Mo. Yr. —

Customer Signature __________________________________________________ Date __________________

These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14 days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.

HELM P.O. BOX 07280, DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207

236 Consumer Information

Warranty Coverage

Your new Honda is covered by these warranties:

• Motorcycle Limited Warranty
• Exhaust Emission Warranty
• Noise Control Warranty

There are responsibilities, restrictions, and exclusions which apply to these warranties. Please read the Warranties Booklet given to you by your Honda dealer at the time of purchase. Be sure to keep your Honda owner’s card with your Warranties Booklet (USA only).

It is important to realize that your warranty applies to defects in material or workmanship of your Honda. Your warranty coverage does not apply to normal wear or deterioration associated with using the motorcycle.

Your warranty coverage will not be voided if you choose to perform your own maintenance. However, you should have the proper tools and service information and be mechanically qualified. Failures that occur due directly to improper maintenance are not covered.

Almost all of your warranty coverage can be extended through the Honda Protection Plan (USA only). For more information, see your Honda dealer.

Consumer Information 237

Warranty Service

Please remember that recommended maintenance interval servicing is not included in your warranty coverage. Additionally, your warranty does not apply to the normal wear of items (such as brakes, tires, etc.).

If you believe you have a problem with your motorcycle, call the service department of your Honda dealer. Make an appointment for an inspection and diagnosis. Remember, as the owner of the motorcycle, you will be asked to authorize that inspection. Your dealer will give you the results of the inspection. If the problem is covered under warranty, your dealer will perform the warranty repairs for you.

If you have questions about warranty coverage or the nature of the repair, it is best to talk to the service manager of your Honda dealer.

Sometimes, in spite of the best intentions of all concerned, a misunderstanding may occur. If you aren’t satisfied with your dealer’s handling of the situation, we suggest you discuss your problem with the appropriate member of the dealership’s management team. If the problem has already been reviewed with the Service Manager, Parts Manager, Sales Manager, etc., contact the Owner of the dealership or their designated representative.

238 Consumer Information

Contacting Honda

Your owner’s manual was written to cover most of the questions you might ask about your Honda. Any questions not answered in the owner’s manual can be answered by your Honda dealer. If your dealer doesn’t have the answer right away, they will get it for you.

If you have a difference of opinion with your dealer, please remember that each dealership is independently owned and operated. That’s why it’s important to work to resolve any differences at the dealership level.

If you wish to comment on your experiences with your Honda or with your dealer, please send your comments to the following address (USA only):

Motorcycle Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., P.O. Box 2200, Torrance, CA 90509-2200, mailstop: 100-4C-7B, telephone: (866) 784-1870.

Canada: Refer to the Warranties Booklet that was supplied with your vehicle.

Please include the following information in your letter:

• name, address, and telephone number
• product model, year, and VIN
• date of purchase
• dealer name and address

We will likely ask your Honda dealer to respond, or possibly acknowledge your comments directly.

Consumer Information 239

Your Honda Dealer

Once you purchase your new Honda, get familiar with the organization of your Honda dealer so you can utilize the full range of services available.

The service department is there to perform regular maintenance and unexpected repairs. It has the latest available service information from Honda. The service department will also handle warranty inspections and repairs.

The parts department offers Genuine Honda parts, Pro Honda products, Hondaline accessories (USA only), and Honda accessories and products (Canada only). The same quality that went into your Honda can be found in Genuine Honda replacement parts. You’ll also find comparable quality in the accessories and products available from the parts department.

The sales department offers the Honda Protection Plan to extend almost all of your warranty coverage (USA only). Your Honda dealer can inform you about competition and other riding events in your area. You’ll also find that your dealer is a source of information about American Honda’s Rider Education Centers and the Honda Rider’s Club of America (USA only).

We’re sure you’ll be as pleased with the service your Honda dealer continues to provide after the sale as you are with the quality and dependability of your Honda.

240 Consumer Information

The Honda Rider’s Club (USA only)

One of the best ways to get the most enjoyment from owning and riding your Honda is through the Honda Rider’s Club of America. Your purchase of a new motorcycle, scooter, ATV or PWC from a participating U.S. Honda dealer entitles you to a complimentary one-year membership in the Club. There are hundreds of HRCA Chapter-sponsoring dealers across the USA with events and activities almost every weekend. Membership benefits include:

• 24-hour, toll-free roadside assistance for your new Honda (includes roadside assistance for your transport vehicle [up to one ton] as long as your Honda is aboard or in tow). For street-legal motorcycles and scooters only.

• An exclusive HRCA website complete with access to the official Honda Common Service Manual, contests, insider information and more.

• Reimbursement (up to $75) for successful completion of a Motorcycle Safety Foundation training course. Separate, complimentary training from the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America for purchasers of new ATVs.

• One full year of Honda Red Rider magazine (six issues).

• Discounts from HRCA partners for experienced rider courses.

• Discounted vehicle insurance from the HRCA’s insurance partner.

• Racing contingency programs and assistance at selected dual-sport, off-road and motocross events for off-road motorcycles and selected ATVs.

Consumer Information 241

The Honda Rider’s Club (USA only)

If you purchased an off-road motorcycle, ATV or PWC, your benefits do not include roadside assistance or trip interruption protection.

Contact your Honda dealer for more information or call: 1-800-847-4722 or log on to www.hrca.honda.com.

242 Consumer Information

Reporting Safety Defects (USA only)

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.

Consumer Information 243

Table of Contents

The following presents the contents of each section of your owner’s manual.

• MOTORCYCLE SAFETY ........ 1

• Important Safety Information ........ 2

• Accessories & Modifications ........ 5

• Safety Labels ........ 7

• INSTRUMENTS & CONTROLS ........ 9

• Operation Component Locations ........ 11

• Gauges, Indicators & Displays ........ 14

• Multi-function Display ........ 24

• Fuel Gauge ........ 25

• Coolant Temperature Meter ........ 26

• Air Temperature Meter ........ 28

• Speedometer ........ 30

• Odometer ........ 30

• Tripmeter A & B ........ 31 Changing the Speed and

• Mileage Unit ........ 32

• Digital Clock ........ 33

• Controls & Features ........ 35

• Ignition Switch ........ 35

• Start Button ........ 36

• Engine Stop Switch ........ 36

• Hazard Switch ........ 37

• Headlight Dimmer Switch ........ 38

• Turn Signal Switch ........ 38

• Horn Button ........ 39

• SELECT Button ........ 39

• RESET Button ........ 39

• BEFORE RIDING ........ 41

• Are You Ready to Ride? ........ 42

• Protective Apparel ........ 42

• Rider Training ........ 44

• Is Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride? ........ 45

• Pre-ride Inspection ........ 45

• Load Limits & Guidelines ........ 48

• Loading ........ 48

244 Table of Contents

Table of Contents

• Load Limits ........ 49

• Loading Guidelines ........ 49

• BASIC OPERATION & RIDING ........ 51

• Safe Riding Precautions ........ 52

• Starting & Stopping the Engine ........ 53

• Preparation ........ 53

• Starting Procedure ........ 54

• Flooded Engine ........ 55 Bank Angle Sensor Ignition

• Cut-off System ........ 55

• How to Stop the Engine ........ 56

• Shifting Gears ........ 57

• Braking ........ 59 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

• (INTERCEPTOR ABS) ........ 61 ABS Indicator

• (INTERCEPTOR ABS) ........ 62

• Parking ........ 63

• Riding with a Passenger or Cargo ........ 68

• SERVICING YOUR HONDA ........ 69

Before You Service Your Honda

• The Importance of Maintenance ........ 72
• Maintenance Safety ........ 73
• Important Safety Precautions ........ 74
• Periodic Maintenance ........ 76
• Maintenance Schedule ........ 78
• Maintenance Record ........ 83

Service Preparations

• Maintenance Component Locations ........ 85
• Tool Kit ........ 88
• Owner’s Manual Storage ........ 89
• Seat Removal ........ 90
• Rear Seat Cover ........ 91
• Lower Fairing Removal ........ 93
• Inner Fairing Removal ........ 95
• Inner Panel Removal ........ 96

(cont’d)

Table of Contents 245

Table of Contents

SERVICING YOUR HONDA(cont’d)

• Clip Removal ........ 97
• Raising the Fuel Tank ........ 98

Service Procedures

Fluids & Filters

• Fuel ........ 100
• Engine Oil & Filter ........ 104
• Coolant ........ 114
• Air Cleaner ........ 118

Engine

• Throttle ........ 120
• Clutch System ........ 122
• Engine Idle Speed ........ 125
• Spark Plugs ........ 127

Chassis

• Suspension ........ 134
• Brakes ........ 141
• Tires ........ 147
• Side Stand ........ 154
• Drive Chain ........ 155

Electrical

• Battery ........ 162

• Appearance Care ........ 167

• TIPS ........ 175

• Storing Your Honda ........ 176

• Transporting Your Motorcycle ........ 179

• You & the Environment ........ 180

246 Table of Contents

Table of Contents

• TAKING CARE OF THE UNEXPECTED ........ 181

• General Guidelines ........ 182 If Your Engine Quits or Won’t Start .. 183

• If You Have a Flat Tire ........ 188

• If Your Engine Overheats ........ 199

• If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Lights ........ 201

• If a Fuse Blows ........ 202

• If You Crash ........ 207

• If You Lose Your Key ........ 208

• If Your Battery Is Low (or Dead) ........ 209

• TECHNICAL INFORMATION ........ 211

• Vehicle Identification ........ 212

• Specifications ........ 215

• Break-in Guidelines ........ 222

• Emission Control Systems ........ 223

• Catalytic Converter ........ 229

• Oxygenated Fuels ........ 230

• CONSUMER INFORMATION ........ 233

• Authorized Manuals ........ 234

• Warranty Coverage ........ 237

• Warranty Service ........ 238

• Contacting Honda ........ 239

• Your Honda Dealer ........ 240

• The Honda Rider’s Club (USA only) ........ 241

• Reporting Safety Defects (USA only) ........ 243

• TABLE OF CONTENTS ........ 244

• INDEX ........ 248

QUICK REFERENCE

Table of Contents 247

Index

A

• ABS indicator (INTERCEPTOR ABS) ........ 62
• accessories ........ 5
• air pressure, tires ........ 147
• air temperature meter ........ 28
• American Honda, contacting ........ 239
• anti-lock brake system (ABS) (INTERCEPTOR ABS) ........ 61
• apparel, protective ........ 42
• appearance care ........ 167

B

• bank angle sensor ........ 55
• battery ........ 162 brakes,
• fluid ........ 142
• front lever adjustment ........ 141
• pad wear ........ 145
• braking ........ 59
• break-in guidelines ........ 222 button,
• RESET ........ 39
• SELECT ........ 39

C

• capacity, fuel ........ 102
• care, appearance ........ 167
• catalytic converter ........ 229
• chain, drive ........ 155 cleaning,
• appearance care ........ 167
• matte color painted surface ........ 172
• clip ........ 97
• clock, digital ........ 33
• clutch system ........ 122

248 Index

Index

• color label ........ 214 compartment,
• owner’s manual ........ 89
• tool kit ........ 88
• consumer information ........ 233
• coolant ........ 114
• coolant temperature meter ........ 26 cover,
• rear seat ........ 91
• customer service ........ 239

D

• damping, suspension, rear ........ 140
• defects, safety ........ 243
• digital clock ........ 33 display,
• check ........ 16
• multi-function ........ 24
• drive chain ........ 155

E

• emission control systems ........ 223 engine,
• flooded ........ 55
• idle speed ........ 125
• low oil pressure ........ 201
• number ........ 213
• oil ........ 104
• overheats ........ 199
• pinging ........ 101
• starting ........ 53
• stop switch ........ 36
• stopping ........ 56
• won’t start ........ 183
• environment ........ 180

Index 249

Index

F

fairing removal,

• inner ........ 95
• lower ........ 93
• flat tire ........ 188
• flooded engine ........ 55 fuel,
• gauge ........ 25
• oxygenated ........ 230
• recommendation ........ 100
• tank raising ........ 98
• tank capacity ........ 102
• fuses ........ 202

G

• gap, spark plug ........ 131
• gasohol ........ 230
• gasoline ........ 100
• gauges, indicators & displays ........ 14

H

• hazard switch ........ 37
• headlight dimmer switch ........ 38
• helmet holder ........ 65
• high beam indicator ........ 18 Honda,
• contacting ........ 239
• Rider’s Club ........ 241
• dealer ........ 240
• Honda service manual ........ 234
• horn button ........ 39

I

• identification, vehicle ........ 212

250 Index

Index

• idle speed, engine ........ 125 ignition cutoff system,
• bank angle ........ 55
• side stand ........ 53
• ignition switch ........ 35
• indicators ........ 14
• inner fairing removal ........ 95
• inner panel removal ........ 96
• inspection, pre-ride ........ 45

K

• key, lost ........ 208
• kit, tool ........ 88

L

• labels, safety ........ 7
• lamp check ........ 15
• limit, weight ........ 49
• load limits ........ 49
• loading guidelines ........ 49
• lock, steering ........ 64 lower fairing removal

Index

N

• numbers, serial ........ 212

O

• odometer ........ 14, 30 oil,
• engine ........ 105
• low pressure ........ 201
• operating controls ........ 35
• overheat, engine ........ 199
• owner’s manual storage ........ 89
• oxygenated fuels ........ 230

P

• parking ........ 63
• pinging, engine ........ 101
• plugs, spark ........ 127 pre-load, suspension
• front ........ 136
• rear ........ 138, 139
• pre-ride inspection ........ 45
• problems, unexpected ........ 181
• protective apparel ........ 42

R removal,

• inner fairing ........ 95
• inner panel ........ 96
• lower fairing ........ 93
• rear seat cover ........ 91
• seat ........ 90
• reporting safety defects ........ 243
• RESET button ........ 39
• rider training ........ 2, 44
• Rider’s Club, Honda ........ 241

252 Index

Index

riding,

• basic operation ........ 51
• clothing ........ 42
• precautions ........ 52
• safety ........ 2
• safety precautions ........ 52
• with passenger or cargo ........ 68

S

safety,

• important precautions ........ 74
• labels ........ 7
• reporting defects ........ 242
• riding precautions ........ 52
• schedule, maintenance ........ 78
• seat removal ........ 90
• SELECT button ........ 39
• sensor, bank angle ........ 55
• serial numbers ........ 212

service,

• customer ........ 239
• manuals ........ 234
• warranty ........ 238
• shifting gears ........ 57
• side stand ........ 154
• side stand ignition cut-off system ........ 53
• spark knock ........ 101
• spark plugs ........ 127
• specifications ........ 215
• speedometer ........ 30
• stand, side ........ 154
• start button ........ 36 starting,
• engine ........ 53
• troubleshooting ........ 183
• steering lock ........ 64
• stop switch, engine ........ 36

(cont'd)

Index 253

Index

• stopping engine ........ 56 storage,
• motorcycle ........ 176
• owner’s manual ........ 89 suspension,
• front suspension adjustment ........ 135
• front suspension spring pre-load ........ 136
• rear suspension adjustment ........ 137 rear suspension spring
• pre-load ........ 138, 139
• rear suspension damping ........ 140 switch,
• engine stop ........ 36
• hazard ........ 37
• headlight dimmer ........ 38
• ignition ........ 35
• turn signal ........ 38

T

• tachometer ........ 14, 18 temperature meter,
• air ........ 28
• coolant ........ 26
• theft prevention tips ........ 66
• throttle ........ 120 tires,
• air pressure ........ 148
• flat ........ 188
• replacing ........ 151
• tool kit ........ 88
• training, rider ........ 2, 44
• transporting your motorcycle ........ 179
• tripmeter ........ 31
• trouble, unexpected ........ 181
• troubleshooting, starting ........ 183
• turn signal indicators ........ 19, 23

254 Index

Index

V

• vehicle identification no. (VIN) ........ 212

W warranty,

• coverage ........ 237
• extended ........ 237
• service ........ 238
• washing your motorcycle ........ 169
• weight limit ........ 49 wheels,
• front removal ........ 191
• rear removal ........ 197

Index 255

256 Memo

Quick Reference

The following is a brief, but important collection of information you need to know about your Honda. You’ll also find space to record important notes.

How To Avoid Costly Repairs

The engine of your Honda can be the most expensive component to repair. Proper maintenance, especially the use of the recommended fluids and filters, prevents premature wear and damage.

Frequent causes of costly repairs are: • Engine oil: insufficient quantity, improper oil. • Air cleaner: dirty, leaking because of improper installation (poor seal).

Record important information on the following page:

Quick Reference

Quick Reference

Quick Reference

Quick Reference

Quick Reference

Quick Reference

Quick Reference