Ebay seller Bikestrippers has a complete selection of 3d-gen salvage parts available, many at reasonable buy-it-now prices. Someone beat me to the 8-spoke rear wheel so that little prize found a new home for only $155. But, there's lots left, including many rare body panels, so have a look.

Sargent Cycle Products is offering a Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion on their range of products. They're not specific, but I read there's a 15% discount on seats.

Sargent offers seats for the 5th, 6th, and 7th-generation VFR these days, but, in my limited experience, they're the best in looks, quality and comfort. They also offer seat covers for many of the VF models.

The ongoing debate regarding phone vs. dedicated GPS will go on, but in the meantime I use the Garmin Zumo on all my bikes and have since 2007.

In fact, earlier this year I finally replaced my 14-year old Zumo 550 with the latest Zumo XT and it's an amazing piece of equipment — the best dedicated GPS out there, period. I hardwire my bikes and keep a RAM mount on each, so I can quickly move the XT between bikes. Since using the Zumo 550 on the Great Divide Ride back in '07 I feel a little naked riding (or driving) without one. Adding an auto mount allows me to have the same great navigator in rental cars when we travel.

And now it's on sale, which is a rare event. $400 for the basic unit at Amazon, GPScity and Garmin.

Keeping wheels clean is a chore, neither an easy nor pleasant one, and white wheels are the worst. But there's a few tips and tools that can help.

Firstly, don't let the dirt win. Keeping your wheels (or anything) clean is easier than putting it off, eventually facing a bona fide mess. Next, if you can raise the wheels up to your level, or at least spinning freely, life will be better. I'm fortunate to have a lift, and if I jack the wheel so it's free to rotate, then use minimal water with an old towel to catch the drippings, things go much more smoothly.

If chain goop is present, I use WD-40 on a paper towel to wipe it clean, followed by a water-based degreaser then a rinse. But getting in the corners and crevices requires a tool. A firm toothbrush or small detailing scrub brush works okay, but my favorite is the Sonic Scrubbers oscillating cleaning brush system.

I found this glorified electric toothbrush on Amazon a few years ago, and these days there's several types to choose from. There's three attachments; two brushes and one with different grades of hook & loop scrub pads. My brush of choice has pointed bristles which reaches into corners and the cast-in lettering. 


Click on an image below to enlarge

However, given enough time and neglect, I often find permanent discoloration in the corners. I address this with a light coating of touchup paint. The most convenient paint for the white VFR wheels I've come across is Dupli-Color GM Pure White. It's not a perfect match, but I only apply a light coat using a "dry brush" technique — applying minimal paint and feathering it outward.

This paint touchup is a quick and simple "5-foot" cosmetic cleanup and will likely need to be repeated every year or two.

Lastly, using a quality wax type chain lube and wiping the excess after application (use a throw-away rag wetted with WD-40) will help keep chain lube where it belongs — on the chain and off your wheels.

​Click on an image below to enlarge

"Might have very light surface rust."

Well, that's one of the more hopeful bits of ad copy I've come across in awhile. This cosmetically challenged gen-2 tank is listed on eBay for…are you sitting down?…$250 or make offer. In all fairness, that does include shipping.

Personally, I would cut this tank lengthwise, using the "good" side as a wall mounting for a perfect piece of gearhead decor. I would require a price adjustment, however.

A few weeks back I ordered a set of Bridgestone tires from Rocky Mt. ATV & MC. Soon after the order was placed, I was pleased to get an email from Rocky Mt. advising me that there's a $50 rebate in effect for the purchase. I was then directed to their rebate page, filled in a few items and they handled the rebate process from there. Today I received my $50 VISA card in the mail. Easy. The only limitation is three rebate forms and six tires per household.

Today I'm placing an order for a second set to have on hand. I checked pricing this morning between Rocky Mt. and my traditional tire supplier, AMT. Rocky Mt. came in $50 cheaper. So I'm saving $100 on the set; $217, including tax, shipping and rebate. I call that a bargain. If you're in need of tires in the near future, here's your chance to save, but hurry, you need to purchase by November 30th. I'm purchasing the new BT46 for use on the 2d-gen bikes, but the rebate also applies to other Battlax types like BT016, RS10/11, T32 and S22.

First up is this 1988 VF1000FE, looking sharp in its red/white/blue livery and showing 64,000+ kilometers (40,000 miles). The color scheme is said to be original, and the patina supports that. This example sports the single headlight, white wheels with polished edges, and fairing mirrors added. First sold in Germany, comes with a U.S. title.

Next up is this 1984 VF1000F2 which appears to show 41,000 kilometers (25,000 miles). The brief description is confusing, but the F2 model featured a twin headlight, extra radiator and a full fairing. I have no idea if this is an original color but the overall condition, judging from the supplied photos, is a bit rough. Imported from the UK with a Pennsylvania title.

Today Americans honor all military veterans by noting National Veterans Day, a federal holiday.

The origins of Veterans Day come from the end of World War I. On Nov. 11, 1918, an armistice between the U.S.-led Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was then that Nov. 11 was officially recognized as the date of the holiday.

The day is traditionally marked by a Presidential ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier along with local parades and ceremonies.

It's a day to say "thank you" to all veterans who served our country.