As an aside, we also see in the photo a missing fuel pump relay (yellow arrow). Deleting the relay is a reliability modification, eliminating a potential failure point in the fuel system. I've never experienced nor found a bad pump relay, but that's not to say it can't happen. The relay is a safety item, intended to shut off the pump in the case of an accident where the fuel line becomes severed and the engine remains running, a potential fire hazard.

The relay is bypassed by jumping the two colored wires (not the green) found in the relay's wiring connector, allowing the pump to run whenever the key is "on." This is easily reversible, if desired.

In 2016 Patti & I were on a motorcycle tour through the beautiful state of Mississippi, and spent a night at an idyllic bed & breakfast in Natchez, MS, situated on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Next morning, just after sunrise, I grabbed a cup of steaming coffee and wandered across the quiet rural street to find the Nachez National Cemetery (photo above). Alone in the cool, moist calm, I walked the gravel paths and read the tombstones and the historical kiosks. This place, like many of the early National Cemeteries, was founded soon after the Civil War, in this case 1866. It's small by National Cemetery standards, but its 11 acres makes for a beautiful, peaceful resting place for the more than 7000 soldiers interred here. Cemeteries are moving places, this one especially so on this solemn Mississippi morning.

What: 1999 VFR800 FI
Why: Beautiful, Beetle Bags!
Where: Bridgewater, New Jersey 
Price: $4300

If you're interested in one of the most desirable generations of one of the most desirable classic sport touring bikes around, this is the droid you're looking for. Sitting in the sweet spot between the carbureted and VTEC motors, the 5th-gen boasts injection and redesigned frame, while retaining the venerable gear-driven cams.

Showing 27,000 miles, this one retains its originality with the added utility and style of color-match Corbin Beetle Bags. Maintenance appears up-to-date and the photos show a well-loved example. Priced at $4300, we're looking at the best value in classic motorbikes.

What: 1995 RVF400 NC35
Why: Rare but rideable
Where: Santa Ana, California
Auction ends May 10th

This JDM jewel was a redesign of the Honda VFR400 (NC30), producing nearly 60 HP at 13,000 RPM. The NC35 was offered from 1994-96 and is still considered one of the finest 400-class motorbikes.

​This example shows 15,340 miles and features the popular Tyga full exhaust system and Tyga rearsets, otherwise mostly stock with a few cosmetic blemishes and a clear Nevada title. Enjoy the running video included in the listing.

My 1993 VFR750, aka Project 39, was on the lift this past week to complete some small projects. I'd also been using the bike for tuning rebuilt carb sets for the past two months.

First up was the switch to a different set of carbs. I decided to custom jet a set I rebuilt over the winter in order to see if they would compliment my intake and exhaust setup; a K&N performance filter paired with a Delkevic slip-on. I should make clear that this combination does not require carb jetting changes on the VFR, rather I'm just looking to see if mild jetting increases would be noticeable one way or the other. The only significant change was to use #124 main jets from a (DynoJet?) jet kit, which were a bit larger than the original Keihin #130 (yeah, confusing). As best I can determine, I would put the new jets as equivalent to a Keihin #135. In addition, the slides' bleed holes were drilled larger, per jet kit practice. Slide needles are original (with one shim added) as are the #40 pilot jets. K&L float valve assemblies and new air cut valves were installed and the pilot screws set at 2 3/4 turns out.

On the lift, the carbs sync'd perfectly and throttle response seemed spot on, but the proof would come with a test ride, sampling throttle response and pulling power throughout the range. That happened early this week...and the result? The new carbs worked great. A smooth, strong 4th-gear pull from 2000 RPM to redline, no bogging or flat spots, quick and precise throttle response whether at parking lot speeds or rolling on exiting a corner. No further adjustments required. Are they better than the stock-jetted carbs? Without the ability to do a back-to-back comparison, my butt dyno isn't conclusive, but the "new" carbs seem to pull revs quicker than the originals. In any event, I'm pleased, so they've found their forever home on my VFR.

(Below) Next I addressed a wiring issue with the voltage monitor, sourced from Roadster Cycle (.com). This is a simple $30 LED dash light that changes color to warn of battery voltage drop. I first ran one on my ST1100 after experiencing charging issues on that bike, and having that reassuring green light glowing when hundreds of miles from home got me hooked on voltage monitors. When I initially installed it, I spliced into a convenient keyed 12v wire under the headlight fairing. As it turns out, this little guy is so sensitive that it wouldn't go full green unless wired directly to the battery (or very close). This, despite the fact that my charging system is fitted with Roadster Cycle's best, the "Super Mosfet Kit" which includes heavy duty wiring and a 30-amp circuit breaker charging at 14+ volts.

I tried, but it's stubborn, only going full green when near the battery. The issue with this wiring is that it's no longer keyed to the ignition, so it glows even with the ignition off. Jack from Roadster Cycle suggests that some guys like this as it appears to be an anti-theft light…and he's right. As as experiment, I let the bike sit for two weeks with the little light aglow, and measured only a .01 voltage drop in that time, so I guess it's not a factor, especially if you make use of a battery tender, which I do. However, just in case I ever wanted to eliminate that draw, I wired in a bullet connector under the seat. I suppose an inline on-off switch would have been more elegant, but also bulkier. You can see in the photo my wiring connection is at the circuit breaker…under the red cover. Where previously I had a sickly amber/green-ish light I now have a warm green glow. And yes, it does look like a bike alarm when unattended.

(Below) My next project was one I'd been putting off for some time. After suffering a garage tip-over 18 months ago (don't ask), I spent several months searching for a replacement right-side rider's footpeg bracket, as mine got a slight bend which resulted in the footpeg drooping. After buying and returning a similarly bent item, I finally found a straight bracket on eBay England. I then spent a full day grinding, sanding, more sanding and clear-coating the new bracket. With it up to the standard of the rest of the bike, I swapped the footpeg, brake master, brake light switch, heat shield and brake pedal onto the new bracket and was rewarded with a good-looking, straight assembly. A simple tip-over can involve a lot of money and effort to make right — this was just one of the required repairs.

Finally, with the fairing out of the way, I decided now would be a good time to flush the cooling system and install a new thermostat. The temperature gauge on my '93 seems to sit low in the range, so rather than wonder about the thermostat not functioning correctly, I elected to replace it; part #19300-ML7-003 ($56, ouch!) along with a fresh fill with Honda HP Coolant. I happened to have a NOS thermostat on hand, which I'd paid "only" $32 for some years ago.

As it turns out, the thermostat isn't accessible with the carburetors in place, so…seat off, seat cowl off, fuel tank off, carbs off, replace thermostat, reinstall all of the above. Whew. A test run and system burp on the lift, and call this "little" task done.

With all these projects successfully completed, I coerced all the various fairings back in place, and declared Project 39 ready for the season.

What: 2002 VFR800
Why: Nice condition, low miles
Where: Lancaster, South Carolina
Price: $4995 OBO

​Looking sharp in its creased Italian Red bodywork, this first-year VTEC 800 shows only 15,745 miles. If that's its original paint, then this beauty has been pampered all its life, averaging only 685 miles per year. From the seller: “The bike is in excellent condition with brand new Sargent seat, Delkevic exhaust and battery. I have owned this bike for 8 years, always garage-kept and meticulous maintenance. Runs and sounds amazing. Perfect balance between a sport performance and touring comfort.”

This example lacks the optional ABS, which is a plus or minus, depending upon your preference. The seller is open to offers. Looks like a great find for VTEC fans.