We've been basking in a spell of above-average Spring temperatures here in the upper midwest, so the opportunity finally presented itself for an initial test ride for Project 40, this 1986 VFR700F.

I always leave the side fairings off for these tests, allowing visual inspection as the ride progresses, and the foot brake pedal is taped to help preserve its fresh paint. Here, I've stopped at Fox River County Park in Kenosha County, Wisconsin along my 40-mile test loop.

Absolutely no issues arose during the test ride — this is a typically smooth and friendly 700. The dual Kerker pipes sound great without being obnoxious and the mildly jetted carbs pull smoothly in top gear from 2000 RPM all the way up. Next, I'll fit the remaining fairing panels and this project will be ready for its photo shoot. ​

Project 39, my 1993 VFR750, was in dire need of a refurbishment of the right side footpeg assembly, consisting of the peg, brake pedal, rear master cylinder, heat shield and the aluminum casting itself. Shown at right and in the photos below, the master cylinder was found to be leaking, the pedal was twisted and corrosion was everywhere.



(click on an image to enlarge)

This past weekend at Mecum's Glendale auction this beautiful 1986 VFR750 crossed the block at $7700 and I'm assuming there's a buyers' premium on top of that. This appears to be a for-show replica with lots of cool HRC and period correct bits, but no mention of engine modifications or competition history. No title. It's a very nicely done build and surely looked the role in its previous life as a display piece. Here's the bullet points from the auction listing:
    •    Previously from the Kent Riches private collection
    •    VFR750 Superbike with many rare HRC parts
    •    HRC Magtek magnesium wheels, 17x3.50 front and 17x5.00 rear
    •    Dual HRC style radiators
    •    Large oil cooler with stainless braded hoses
    •    Ceramic coated Kerker race exhaust
    •    43mm adjustable SC-30 front forks
    •    HRC RS-250 front brake calipers and rotors
    •    HRC RS-250 rear caliper and narrow band rear rotor
    •    Fox multi-adjustable rear shock
    •    Superbike bars with HRC clamps and RC-30 hand controls
    •    Lightweight Air-Tech race bodywork
    •    Painted in factory HRC race colors with correct decals
    •    Built for racing only
    •    Sold on a Bill of Sale

Work continues on Project 39, a 1993 VFR750, and I recently got the new Delkevic slip-on muffler mounted for a sound check.

I purchased this muffler/mid-pipe kit via eBay distributor delkevic_us for $310, including tax and free shipping, and it soon arrived beautifully packaged with a flawless finish. Delkevic offers a few distinct variations to fit the 3d-gen VFRs, including high- and low-mount options. To help with my decision, I contacted the distributor and asked which model would be quietest, as I was going for looks over volume. I also wanted a high-mount to show off the 8-spoke wheel and allow me to completely eliminate the passenger peg brackets, further cleaning up the rear of the bike. Available in polished stainless steel or carbon fiber, I chose the shiny look as I think it goes well with the '93's Pearl Crystal White. I settled on the SL-10 14" round style with removable baffle (DB killer) with a claimed weight of only 4 lbs. and a 12-month warranty. The kit is complete and simple to mount to the existing exhaust collector (same as the original muffler) and two existing threaded bolt holes on the subframe.

With everything in place, I hit the magic button and the V4 burbled to life. I immediately liked the deep tone and not-too-loud note with the DB Killer in place, where it will remain. I'm anxious to hear it on the road, but here's a sample in the garage:

What: 1986 VF1000R
Why: Low-mile survivor
Where: Oregon City, Oregon
Price: Auction ends March 28
UPDATE: SOLD $9095 w/buyer's fee
​
​Here's a nicely presented "R" model big-block VF with only 10,872 miles. This example is mechanically sound and cosmetically detailed, even garnering 1st-place in a concours show a few years back. The mufflers are said to be restored; with "new stainless and new packing." There's paint/plastic flaws here and there, but this is one good-looking rider-grade VF. Reserve has been met at $6000.

As I enter the final assembly stages for Project 40, a 1986 VFR700F, one of the finishing touches is fitting a complete set of silicone coolant hoses.

It was nearly a year ago that I set out on a search for a silicone hose set for the RC24/26 models, and was surprised to find that Samco brand, which I'd used in the past, couldn't be found anywhere. But I'd recently purchased a set for the 3d-gen RC36 bikes from AS3 Performance in England, so I reached out to them about adding the 2d-gen to their catalog. One thing led to another and I eventually sent off an original hose set for them to pattern from, then early this month I got the first set off the molds! I quickly installed them on Project 40 for a fitment test, which went perfectly.
(click on an image to enlarge)

I also used their clamp kit, which are generally recommended for silicone hoses. The short water pump connector hose at the engine's bottom left side can be a struggle to get in place. After cutting off the old hose, I loosen the chrome coolant pipe's connector bolt to allow a bit of play to that pipe, then slide the new hose section onto the chrome pipe — this is where the struggle comes in. Once on the pipe, the hose will slide onto the water pump outlet and the clamps put in place (you remembered to slide the clamps onto the pipe before installation, right?). Installing this short hose is somewhat easier if the chrome tube is removed from the engine, but plan to have a replacement upper sealing o-ring on hand.

As an incentive to AS3, I offered to purchase the first ten sets produced, which will soon be on their way across the pond. So, I will have at least a few sets available for purchase at whatever my cost turns out to be — available in black or blue. Contact me if you're in need of a set: [email protected]

Last month reader Gerry contacted me asking if I might help with his search for a 5th-gen VFR800, adding that the 800 is intended as a stablemate to his 1987 VFR700. The fascinating part of this story is how Gerry bought his RC26 35 years ago with 1000 miles on the bike, and has happily added 144,000 more, mostly in his stunning Pacific Northwest neighborhood.

Gerry is quick to credit George Dean and Walter Myers at Seattle Cycle Service, and to Mike Boersma (aka Captain 80’s), formerly of University Honda, "for helping to keep her in good nick." As for modifications, upgrades and replacements on a 100K+ VFR, I'll let Gerry fill us in:
"Not many mods here - Galfer brake lines and pads, Braking wave rotors, Penske shock, Throttlemeister bar ends, VF500 turn signal stalks, heated grips, C-Volt voltmeter, MotoFizz clock/thermometer, RAM cell phone mount, Rick’s regulator/rectifier, ‘88 VFR rear wheel, ‘88 CBR front wheel, spare saddle to accommodate the euro VFR grab rail.
All rubber components have been replaced, as well as the alternator, clutch, fuel pump and relay, water pump, cams and cam followers, and gas cap. Now replacing pulse generator and clutch springs along with spark plugs, oil and oil filter."

Gerry is fortunate to have a group of fellow retiree riders who try to get together for a weekly "safety meeting" and ride when weather permits. His riding history includes a collection of 80s sport bikes, including a VF500 Interceptor. This one is still ridden weekly and he "hopes to be buried with it."

The happy ending to this little story is that shortly after first talking with Gerry, I came across this pristine 5th-gen in Ft. Wayne, IN. Gerry was looking for an exceptional example and, after talking with the seller, a deal was struck and this 1999 VFR800Fi is now enroute to Washington State. This beauty shows 14,339 miles and sports a Staintune muffler and Sargent seat; stock parts included. The seller's VF1000R in the background is pretty cool, too. Congratulations to Gerry on the new addition to his stable.

For reasons unknown, 3d-gen VFR parts are tough to find here in the States, especially the plastic body panels. I happened upon UK seller Straightarms Motorbikeparts eBay listings and he's got some '90-93 pieces that may come in handy for those of us with a 3d-gen project, like myself. Prices seem reasonable, but remember to account for shipping across the pond.