The next step for Project 37, a 1993 VFR750, is to remove the plastic panels and fuel tank. Each generation of Interceptor grew increasingly complex bodywork, such that the Factory Service Manual for this third-generation bike began including a section dedicated to removal and installation of the ten assemblies making up the bodywork. In addition, those assemblies further break down into some 15 separate items. My painter will have a lot to keep track of.

Below is the second video in the series following this refurbishment project.

I'm in the midst of rebuilding a few sets of VFR carburetors and at least one set has languished far too long in old degraded gasoline. The result is a sticky varnished mess, clogging passages and gluing various parts to one another.

Case in point; this needle and slide. The needle itself looks as if it's sat at the bottom of a swamp for a few decades but the plastic slide is also covered in gooey varnish. All this needs to be completely removed if this part is to ever effectively meter fuel again.

It would be nice if the ultrasonic cleaner would magically make this badness go away, but no such luck. This requires careful hand cleaning. I like to use a product called Ballistol, a multi-purpose cleaner and preservative. I gently rub the affected areas with a patch of kitchen non-scratch pad as the varnish slowly dissolves. In the second photo below I'm using the reflected light to see that there's still some stubborn varnish on the slide. A little more effort and everything's back to normal.

NOTE: Upon disassembly, three of the four slides in this set were stuck in their bores along with three immovable butterfly valves. I've had good luck freeing these items by soaking overnight in a tub of hot water and soap solution — in this case I used Simple Green. Forcing the plastic slides will often crack the plastic so patience pays off.

(Below) Next I'll deal with the float bowls, where the drain passages have filled with a sticky black residue from evaporated fuel. I begin by removing the drain screw and scraping the crud out. I polish the drain screw tips with a fine sandpaper then let everything buzz away in the ultrasonic cleaner. Little by little these carbs parts are brought back to service, pictured below with a fresh set of VITON bowl gaskets.

SOLD: $6900

​Recently offered on eBay auction this base (non-Deluxe) 2014 VFR800 sold for $6900 after 22 bids.

The bike shows only 2057 miles and sports an aftermarket taller windscreen and OEM saddlebags.

That's a lot of motorbike goodness for not a lot of money.

With the arrival of Project 37 a few days ago, I thought I'd try something a little different, at least for me; a video introduction. Everyone and their brother has a YouTube channel these days — some good, some garbage — so I figured…how hard can it be?

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.