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I'm always interested in others' projects and ideas, and always encourage readers to send along photos and interesting backstories about themselves and their VFRs. Below are a few that I've received over the past year. Two of the submitters wish not to be named and, with my apologies, I've managed to lose information on the others. In any case, here's some eye candy for your enjoyment. (click on an image to enlarge)
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 I'm getting several little projects tended to on Project 40, a 1986 VFR700F. One of these is to repaint the sprocket cover, slave cylinder and water pump cover. In the case of the sprocket cover, Honda specifies this gasket between the cover and engine case. I checked my parts stash and found my last one — and Honda no longer supplies them. Looking to the future, I decided to make a few more to have on hand, and the original will make a perfect template. You can get all fancy and order a roll of gasket paper material off the interwebs, or just grab a discarded cereal box. In my case, this cookie box will work perfectly. After tracing the outline I simply cut out the shape with scissors or a sharp razor and form the holes with a paper punch. In about 20 minutes I had four new gaskets that fit great. (click on an image to enlarge)   Don't have a new or old gasket to use as a template? No worries, just trace the part itself or use the old mechanics' trick of "tapping out" the edge with a hammer which will actually cut a sharp edge. Below is an in-depth Delboy video on this technique, including a primer on the use of gasket cement.  Personally, I rarely find the need to use any dressing on gaskets, but in the case of a homemade gasket it would be a good idea where the application is any sort of liquid pressure gasket, like an oil sump or alternator cover. OEM or aftermarket gaskets rarely require cement, and its use causes more work for the next guy. Having said that, I do like this Permatex Anaerobic Gasket Maker for tricky situations and when you really don't want to risk a leak. In this case, my sprocket cover gasket is installed dry.
Last week I finished some four months of work on a very special 1986 VFR750 Interceptor. The bike's owner, Eric, had made a great start on several mechanical modifications, making my job one of final integration and assembly. Eric had a similar red/white/blue VFR during his college days and now wanted to fulfill his vision of a "modernized" example of the 2d-generation Interceptor. His idea is to have a bike that outwardly appears to be a stock-looking classic VFR but, under that gorgeous skin, boasts improved performance, handling and braking.  I would say that Eric's vision has been achieved, and then some. A partial list of mods include: • Hindle full exhaust with carbon fiber can and carb tuning to match • CBR600 fork conversion • CBR600 wheel conversion, front & rear with Dunlop Sportmax radial tires • DMr remote reservoir shock • Billet upper fork clamp by SebSpeed • CBR900 handlebars • Wave-style front brake rotors • Stainless steel brake & clutch lines • See-thru clutch cover by SebSpeed • Samco silicon coolant hoses • Rear fender eliminated • Bungee bars and left passenger footpeg bracket eliminated • MotoGadget high-intensity LED turn signals, front (bar end) & rear • Complete repaint • Reupholstered seat and rear pad • Windscreen by Gustaffson  This is a transformed VFR; the bike's feel, handling, sound and instant throttle response is immediately evident the moment the road turns twisty. With a bit lower front-biased stance and the larger front wheel, the bike's look is somehow familiar yet distinct. The Hindle is a work of mechanical art that gives fresh lungs to the 750 and sounds like no other. It's been a pleasure to be a part of this project. Eric is justifiably proud of his baby and I hope theirs is a long, safe and happy relationship. Photo gallery here A short walk-around video:  Click on image for the eBay link SOLD: $4650 (19 bids) This one-year "F" model was purchased from a collection, shows 13,000 miles, is unmodified and the seller represented it as a #2 condition bike. Maintenance is up-to-date but "would benefit from a carburetor cleaning." The bike is, indeed, a sharp-looking survivor with just the right amount of patina for a fun vintage rider. The 1000 "F" models are an under-rated, useable model, IMHO, and the auction winner got a very fair value here.  Click on image for the Iconic link What: 1985 VF1000R
Where: Atascadero, California Why: "R" model, unique look Price: Auction ends Sept. 21st UPDATE: Bidding reached $7100, but the reserve was not met. Iconic Motorbikes is offering this unique VF1000R custom painted in Freddie Spenser's 1983 NS500R racing colors. A few more items complete the custom vibe, including a dual headlight conversion, '84 European fuel tank, side covers and mufflers. The odometer shows 18,141. The build was completed a few years back so would benefit from additional detailing, but if you think that your "R" needs to be noticed a bit more, here's your chance at a one-of-a-kind ride. More photos and details on Iconic's link. Canadian reader Darrell shared his recent find, a 1999 VFR800 FI in Pearl Shining Yellow. I'll let Darrell share his story…. "I had a wedding to go to out west so I figured what the heck, and see if there were any 5th gen VFR'S with Corbin saddle bags out there. What are the odds, being in Canada there were few 5th-gen sold , let alone with Corbin bags. Well, as you can see, unicorns do exist, and only 2 hours from the wedding location. She has had a couple of driveway tip overs and she needs a going-over service; fork seals, brakes, etc (no safety inspections out west so out there if it's not broke, drive it). It is a 1999 so the last year without a cat/converter or the auto idle system, has 50,000km (30,000 miles) but, as you know, that is nothing. In the end I could not pass it up, being from out west there is not a lot of rain and the air is dry so there is little corrosion or rust. Pearl Yellow with the original seat cowl, Corbin bags, seat and Heli Bars, plus two brand new Dunlops. Hopefully by Spring she will be on the road again." What a great find! Well, here's something completely different from the eBay menagerie of old motorbike parts. Our seller, in Portugal, and by some happenstance, is offering an exhaust system and partial bodywork for the 1992 Honda NR 750. "Used but in very good condition," these two bits of rarity are being offered for $9000 USD (!)…or make offer. Less than a day remains in the auction, so to all you NR owners, here's your chance to grab some spares. (click on first image for the eBay link) This past week I said goodbye and new owner Marty said hello to his new ride, Project 36. This beautiful example of a 1986 VFR750F shows only 4500 miles and has been treated to a few discreet updates to improve its road manners. These include RaceTech fork emulators and springs, along with a custom-built M-Shock from France. As for cosmetics, this RC24 got a full repaint, reproduction turn signals, powder coated valve/engine covers, and a reupholstered seat and bum stop. The mechanical systems were all addressed and fresh Bridgestone BT46 tires are mounted on repainted wheels. Marty (right) looks pleased. (photo gallery here)   Click on image for the BaT link Sold: $6600 After first selling on a BaT auction to a non-paying buyer for $4750 back in May, this 1985 700 Interceptor recently resold for an impressive $6600. I say impressive because the bike still presents as a slightly above average example with lowish miles (10,558) and typical patina. From my original post: "... appears to be in average to above average survivor condition with the usual cosmetic aging issues; some paint discoloration and surface rust on the frame and exhaust headers. The tires are listed as Dunlop K591, so they're likely well past their best-by date. Amazingly, those unobtainable black chrome mufflers appear to be free of road rash." This sale demonstrates the interest that an original survivor can generate and here's hoping that the sale signals a general uptick in 1st-gen values. Well sold. |
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