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Shiny Parts
 With the brake hard parts ready and waiting, it's time to attend to the leaky forks. Removal and tear-down went smoothly so it's on to the bench for cleaning and seal install. This gives a good opportunity to detail the front of the engine with the wheel and forks out of the way as well as cleaning the front wheel and mounting up a fresh Bridgestone BT-45. Then it's on to the rear wheel.
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 Project #19, an '86 VFR700, has been exposed to leaking fork seals for quite some time, apparently, and here's the collateral damage — the fork oil runs down the fork leg, onto the caliper and then onto the disc rotor and brake pads. In the meantime, road grit collects and turns the whole affair into this sludgy mess. I completely disassemble the calipers, scrub everything with degreaser and run them through the ultrasonic cleaner a few times.  New seals are fitted and if the caliper pistons aren't corroded they can be reused. If not, they're $60 a pop, and the fronts are only available from Honda (K&L offers an aftermarket rear). The slider pins also need to be checked for gouging or corrosion and replaced if necessary, about $8 each.
In this case I've fitted Galfer HH pads front and rear, and will add Galfer stainless lines when they're refitted. Better than new. Transforming The VFR800 With Paint Is this the look Honda should have gone after for the sixth generation Interceptor? Courtesy of spotthedogg on VFRdiscussion.com, this 2003 is one I'd be proud to call my own. Based loosely on the '07 Anniversary Edition scheme, the subtle three-color is all paint, no vinyl striping, with the black exhaust and frame complimenting the package. I've always felt that the factory underplayed the single-sided swingarm by not showing off the naked right side of the wheel, but the choice here of pearl white addresses that. Plus, I'm a fan of white wheels, must be an 80's thing. Here's the forum thread: (may require registration):
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/49749-my-journey-into-custom-paint/ With the required pre-start maintenance complete, it was time to hit the magic button and see what we have. With a set of freshly cleaned and jetted carbs mounted, the 700 fired immediately and ran well. I double-checked the carb sync, but it was spot-on. A major concern was the charging system, as some repairs had been done by the previous owner, but the system is charging normally. Here's a short video. Very nice exhaust note with the dual aftermarket slip-ons. Next on the to-do list—brakes.  eBay item number 301915713043 From beautiful (not really) Beloit, Wisconsin we have this exceptional 2001 VFR800 offered on eBay. Showing only 4135 miles, in "perfect working order" and "the closest you will find to a new one unless you find one in the crate," according to the seller's description. Extras include a Scorpion pipe, a set of GIVI bags and mounts (not mounted), tail rack and higher bars from a Honda Hawk GT.
The fifth-gen VFR brought the line into the modern era with fresh styling, the addition of fuel injection and, sadly, the end of the iconic gear-driven cams. This 2001 model is the final year before the VTEC engines were fitted to the Interceptor line. With an opening bid of $3200 (no bids yet), the auction closes April 7th. Update: With nine bids to $4050 the reserve was not met — no sale. Update, April 22: Relisted at $3200 opening bid, new item number 301937766324 |
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