I have the need to empty fuel tanks on a regular basis, whether it's a new project with stale gas left in the tank or simply wanting to lighten the tank to make removal easier and safer. One method on the VFR is to use the fuel pump, diverting the outlet line into a gas can, but this is best for a smaller amount of fuel as it takes awhile and taxes the pump. There's also a selection of siphons and pumps available online, but I prefer to keep it simple and safe, so I use the universal principal that liquid seeks its own level. All this requires is a length of plastic tubing. Yesterday I needed to empty a nearly full tank from the VFR800 project, and thought I would share the technique.

One of my favorite YouTube guys is Paul Pomerleau. The coincidental fact that he and I own two of the same model bikes is just a bonus for me. He explains stuff in a thorough, down-home way...often in his house slippers! One modification I find useful is to zip-tie a length of narrowed paint stick to the fuel tank end of the hose, which takes out the curl and allows the tube to be positioned at the very bottom of the tank.

Be aware that this technique empties the tank quickly, so be ready to raise the gas can/tube above the fuel tank (to stop the flow) if switching to a second gas can. An alternative is to crimp the hose shut with a locking pliers. If you have only one gas can, pause the flow by securing the raised tube to the handlebar (or crimp the hose shut) then empty the gas can into your car (assuming the fuel is useable).
​(click on an image to enlarge)

What: 2010 VFR1200F DCT
Where: Cathedral City, California (Palm Springs)
Why: Low miles, mature owner, fair price
Price: $5900 opening bid

Showing only 8066 miles, our seller is calling it quits on two wheels. That's unfortunate, but it does make his lightly-used and nicely-fitted VFR available to a discerning buyer. The bike features a Two Brothers muffler, custom seat, factory saddlebags and fresh Michelin GT tires. The original exhaust is included and will be required if the owner wishes to use the saddlebags.

The VFR1200F is world-class sport touring at its highest level and represents the absolute best value in that market segment. With its multiple personality of daily rider and 150 HP mile-munching sport bike, it can be everything most riders need or want. Some lucky buyer will get $16,000 worth of motorcycle (new w/extras) for a song.

Yesterday Patti and I hitched up the trailer and made the one-hour drive to Carpentersville, Illinois to have a look at a potential project bike, this 2002 VFR800 VTEC. We liked what we saw, the price was right, so it followed us home.

The 800 will be officially tagged Project 23. Mike, the seller, decided back in 2002 that this new hi-tech Interceptor model would be just the ticket for him and grabbed it new off the showroom floor. He ordered up the optional saddlebags and top case, mounted them up and never looked back. The passenger seat cowl is still in the box, never used.

Mike has ridden his VFR all over the eastern U.S., racking up 36,000 pampered miles. This bike has no accident history and is completely stock with no modifications, additions or subtractions, and has always been serviced professionally, with paper receipts since new. The tool kit and owner's manual are in place. Cosmetically the bike is easily a 9.0, and with year-old fuel in the tank, she fired right up and ran beautifully. We've been enjoying a warm spell here in the hinterlands so I was able to get out yesterday for a mid-winter test ride with mild temps and clear roads. The bike is comfortable, smooth, fast and stable. The VTEC kick at 6800 RPM is a blast, like a little turbo boost. I've always been a fan of the VTEC engine.

The plan at this point is to go through the mechanical checks, tuning, and cosmetic detailing. I'll be selling off the luggage and mounts separately to bring the bike to an original look. I have a set of bar risers to mount up and maybe add heated grips. This is an unmolested example of the first-year VTEC and I'll want to keep it that way.
(click on an image to enlarge)

While perusing ADVrider the other day, I came across a post by dole555 on the VFR800P (Police). Built off the fifth generation platform, the 800 has been used by police forces around the world for years but are especially common in their homeland of Japan. Dole555 has been researching details on the police version, also known as the RC49. Here's some of what he's dug up:
• Made from 2001 to 2008, stopped production for emissions reasons.
• Models 2001-06 had black mirrors, and 2006-08 had chrome mirrors.
Main differences from RC46 are:
• Engine detuned for peak HP and torque at 1000 RPM lower than stock. (80 HP at 9500 RPM, 50 lb/ft at 7500)
• Delinked brakes.
• Ventilated rear disc.
• ABS front and rear.
• Heavier flywheel.
• Exhaust mounted lower, high bars, forks lowered in the triple.
• Bigger oil cooler (3 rows instead of 2).
• Beefier rear subframe.
• Cutout on the left fairing over the radiator for better cooling. The fan is not inverted, it is still sucking the air in.
• Heat shields over rear cylinders between seat and tank.

2019 is upon us — lots to look forward to; new projects and fresh adventures. It also means that auction season is here, beginning with the big one, Las Vegas. This year Mecum is offering 1750 motorcycles over four days; January 22-27. They're featuring the 235-bike MC Collection of Stockholm, all at no reserve. Bonhams is offering 128 lots on January 24th. No V4's from Bonhams that I found, but Mecum has three from the MC Collection.

1992 NR 750
Estimated at $75,000-100,000 value this is one of only 300 NR's offered to the public. The auction's description notes that the NR once ran over 200 MPH for a full hour on a banked track, a testament to its endurance racing focus. No mileage noted.

1988 VFR750R RC30
This is a first-year model RC30, with only one mile shown on the odometer. Never been started, originally sold in the UK. Mecum's value estimate is $50,000-75,000.

1990 VFR400R NC30
Little brother to the RC30 and looking just as sexy, this little guy could pull 130 MPH and boasted a redline of 14,500 RPM. Never available in the U.S. Its value estimate is $10,000-13,000.