Today is Memorial Day in America, a day which is set aside to honor and memorialize those who have died in active military service on behalf of our country. First established in 1868 to honor Civil War casualties throughout the country, it was to be observed by "strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades" — May 30th chosen because flowers would be in bloom nationwide. Congress, in 1971, established Memorial Day as a national holiday, placing it as the last Monday in May.

​This is considered a somber day, not to be celebrated, but over the years it has become synonymous with the unofficial start of summer and so is usually used as an excuse to join with family and friends at outdoor gatherings. Nothing wrong with that, so long as we remember the very important purpose of this day. In fact, there's something known as the National Moment of Remembrance which asks that Americans pause in silence to honor those who have died serving the U.S., and takes place at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.

For those in search of third- and fourth-gen VFR bits and pieces, eBay seller motorecykle is parting out a couple of bikes to help you out.

Prices are reasonable, if not bargain basement, and the selection is thorough.

But if you're looking for unicorn pieces like 3d-gen side body panels or 8-spoke rear wheel…I've already checked — no dice.

Click on the image to link his eBay store.

While perusing my morning email feed, I came across a Petrolicious (.com) video featuring a guy named Ewen Getley who runs Kingsbury Racing Shop out of a former RAF facility in England. Kingsbury's focus is on ancient Bentley cars but his philosophy runs parallel to those of us who see the beauty and value in preserving old machines as best we can without diminishing their provenance and history. Which is, I suppose, a fancy way of saying that they're only original once.

This excerpt from the Petrolicious summary could just as well describe old motorbikes:
Well-engineered from the outset, but often modified during the course of their lives at points when their values were relatively minuscule, these old Bentleys often come to Kingsbury not to have their past erased in a full restoration, but revived. Getley describes the thinking behind the work as, “Restore where you can, replace where you must. Ultimately you want to end up with a car that looks like you haven’t touched it — much more difficult than making a shiny car, believe me."

When owner Ken stopped by yesterday for a bit of maintenance on Project 25, his 1998 VFR800 FI, I couldn't help but admire his unique addition to the bike.

I was also reminded of what a gorgeous example his bike is of the fifth-gen VFR. Another project I wish I could have kept.

SOLD: $3450

Another nicely-kept, low-mile 800 Interceptor has sold at auction, this one a 1998 VFR800 FI with 12,210 miles.

Like the Anniversary in the previous post, this bike looks to be a fair example of its generation and sports an aftermarket slip-on exhaust.

And, like the previous 800, this sale shows a realistic street value despite typical asking prices north of $4K. Further proof that used Interceptors are the best value out there in the sport-touring world.

SOLD: $3800

This '07 12,000-mile VFR800 Interceptor Anniversary Edition recently sold via eBay auction for $3800 with only six bids.

Details are sparse, but this non-ABS model features a Delkevic slip-on, polished wheels, knee grips and an aftermarket windscreen. It's represented as well-maintained and was located in Massachusetts.

This bike was well-bought. There's no shortage of sixth-gen Interceptors on the market with asking prices north of $5000, but this sale more accurately tells the tale of current values, especially when transportation costs enter into the equation. Good deals can still be found on eBay and this one surely has a happy new owner.

I haven't posted here for awhile and that's because we've taken a COVID break and headed to the mountains…in this case the Blue Ridge of western North Carolina. We're still here enjoying the perfect weather and excellent riding, so I'll share some pics and comments in a few days. And maybe some on-board video.