This past weekend I hosted a reader in the shop for a "gab n' wrench" session. Reader Bill has recently acquired an exceptional example of a 1990 VFR750, complete with a leaking set of carburetors. After some discussion, Bill decided to hit the easy button and swap out his carbs for a rebuilt set I happen to have on the shelf. He's only two hours away so arranged a trailer and motored down from Wisconsin for some garage therapy…for both of us.
Gen-3 photo op! My '93 in company with Bill's gorgeous '90.
Bill arrived around noon, but our work session was delayed for a bit while I ogled Bill's stunning Italian Red survivor. This is, of course, the only year that Honda combined this brilliant red with white wheels, giving the classic '90's sportbike look. I was first impressed by the low 17,587 miles but even more so with the very correct details of an original survivor and the obvious loving attention lavished on this bike for the past 36 years. The only variations from stock are the Delkevic carbon slip-on, a perfect Corbin seat and a bobbed rear fender. Not pictured, but included, is the passenger seat cowl.
Eventually we did get busy with the task at hand, beginning with the removal of the tank, seat, tail cowl and side fairings, affording access to the carbs and fuel lines. This was fairly new to Bill and I'm happy to share any knowledge I can, so that's where the "gab" came in. Things progressed well and, once primed with fuel, the "new" carbs fired up and ran well, the Delkevic singing its perfect V4 score. With everything accessible, we replaced the tank-to-pump fuel line and filter. The rear brake fluid was a little dark, so we did a quick flush. By the time we got everything buttoned up. the day had moved on, leaving too little time for a two-bike local test ride, which Bill completed the next day, reporting "bike is running great."
It was a pleasure to meet Bill and share some wrenching time on such an exceptional machine. An afternoon well spent — we're already thinking of pairing up for a Gen-3 ride in Wisconsin's Driftless Area. What a rare experience that would be.
Eventually we did get busy with the task at hand, beginning with the removal of the tank, seat, tail cowl and side fairings, affording access to the carbs and fuel lines. This was fairly new to Bill and I'm happy to share any knowledge I can, so that's where the "gab" came in. Things progressed well and, once primed with fuel, the "new" carbs fired up and ran well, the Delkevic singing its perfect V4 score. With everything accessible, we replaced the tank-to-pump fuel line and filter. The rear brake fluid was a little dark, so we did a quick flush. By the time we got everything buttoned up. the day had moved on, leaving too little time for a two-bike local test ride, which Bill completed the next day, reporting "bike is running great."
It was a pleasure to meet Bill and share some wrenching time on such an exceptional machine. An afternoon well spent — we're already thinking of pairing up for a Gen-3 ride in Wisconsin's Driftless Area. What a rare experience that would be.
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