Last Fall I bought a pair of bikes which, according to the seller, have been sitting undisturbed in a pole barn for seven years. Call me cynical, but my experience tells me that you can usually double whatever number a seller provides.

While this tank needs some paint attention the real problems lay inside, where bad gas and time had turned the fuel to varnish and metal to iron oxide.

I began the tank rescue by soaking for two days with Liquid Plumber. What came out is shown at left. The acrid smell could be sensed throughout the 'hood, or so it seemed. But that was only the first round. Next up was a four-day soak in Evapo-Rust ($25 per gallon at Harbor Freight). Instead of dark roast coffee, what came out was more of a tea color...and more rust. This tank was in such bad shape that the fuel supply tubes feeding the petcock were clogged solid. I spent an hour with a stiff wire carefully clearing them.

After a thorough garden hose rinse, I dry out the interior with a heat gun (on low heat) rigged up to blow into the tank for about 20 minutes. The low fuel sensor in the bottom of the tank is removed during this step.

Finally, I thoroughly coat the interior with WD-40 (a water dispersant) by spraying through both tank openings, sloshing around inside, and draining out the bottom. Reassemble all the hardware and the tank is ready for use.

What: 2003 VFR800
Where: Rolling Meadows, IL (Chicago)
Why: Low miles, bags, fair price
Price: $3300

Another great example of why the VFR represents just about the best used bike alternative out there. Here we have a fine looking 800 with only 14,000 miles from a seller with an honest description for an honest bike. He states the it runs perfectly and everything works. It will need a fresh front tire soon, and, unless it's already been done, probably a chain & sprocket set, based upon the miles. Sorry, no ABS on this one.

The sixth-gen Interceptors look great in this bright silver with gloss black wheels, and the factory saddlebags are just a bonus, whether you use them or put them up on a shelf for the next owner. And, until you've twisted the throttle on the VTEC engine, don't give the whiners any undue credit — running this motor up through the revs is a blast. Fair warning; it can be addictive.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/mcy/5685782945.html

SOLD - Project 19 has found its way to a happy new owner in Wisconsin.

With Project 15 soon to be on its way to its new caretaker in Oregon, I've finished Project 19 and it too is ready for it's next owner.

- 25,050 miles
- Cobra F1 slip-ons
- DynoJet carb kit
- Gorgeous body
- Tuned
- Fresh tires
- Seat cowl
- Overall a 9 out of 10

For more details, click "Read More" .............

SOLD - Pearl has found a new home in Oregon.

I've finally gotten the photo gallery together and am listing Project 15 for sale. I'm asking $4200. I base the price on my last 700 sold and, ironically, my first 750. As comparable bikes, both sold for $4000 or more, two and six years ago. Neither was quite to this standard. For the copy from my local Craigslist ad, click "read more."

Handgrips.

When removing old grips it's easiest to simply slit them lengthwise and peel 'em off. But when I want or need to save the old grips, I run a couple of thin blade screwdrivers around the inside circumference, leave them in place, shoot a bit of aerosol electronic cleaner inside and work the grip off by hand.

Here the OEM grips are being removed on Project 15 to make way for a fresh set. These are still in good condition and may find a new home on a future project.

Sanding Exhaust Pipes.

I end up refurbishing lots of OEM exhaust pipes. The black portion tends to rust and really detracts from the finished project. But with all the bends and crevices the pipes are difficult to sand clear of rust.

I discovered that thin sanding sponges conform to those problem areas much better than sandpaper and the ability to use them wet makes sanding easier and quicker. I use about a 400 grit. 

Intake Manifold Covers

While the carb rack is off the bike for service, I make a point of cleaning the  "V" area under the carbs, which is otherwise not accessible. I use a degreaser and rinse with a low pressure water hose.

To protect the intakes from dirt and water, I cut out some squares of plastic from something like a zip-lock bag and secure in place with some cheap zip ties. I keep a supply of Dollar Store zip ties on hand for stuff like this — I wouldn't trust them for anything requiring a quality zip, but for temporary use they're great to have on hand. And as for the engine block cleaning; after rinsing and drying, I coat the black metal with a light application of WD-40 using a soft toothbrush to apply. It provides a final cleanup and gives a nice sheen to the paint. Here we're looking at an '87 VFR700 F2.

Carb Boot Screws (1986-87)

The upper circular screw clamps on number 3 & 4 carbs boots ('86-87) are a pain to get at the way the factory oriented them, which is facing right, requiring them to be tightened from the right side. I find it easier to tighten them from the left side of the bike.

If you have a long-shaft screwdriver in your overloaded screwdriver drawer like I do, simply flip them over and face the screw head to the left. Problem solved.

No-Scratch Pads

I clean lots of parts. I use these no-scratch kitchen scrub pads on everything and anything. Paint, plastic, metal, whatever. I go through lots of them, so I stock up at the Dollar Store to keep fresh ones on hand.