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.

On this day in 1775 the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines, and all Marines, current and former, honor this day as the Birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.

During the summer of 1969, my draft number was among those chosen in a lottery drawing — this meant that I would be drafted by one of the services in the fall. Wanting some say in the matter, I preemptively chose to voluntarily join the Marine Corps. During my tenure with the Corps, I was assigned an 18-month gig in Morocco, Africa where I was able to purchase my first motorbike; a 1971 Honda CB500F. This bike was my introduction to a life-long passion for the sport and carried me on my first motorcycling adventures. For a short story on that bike: https://sites.google.com/site/joesceptor/Home/honda-cb500-4

So if you see a current or former Marine today, please wish them, "Happy Birthday, Marine."

The two Pearl Crescent White bikes were brought to me from Oklahoma by owner Jeff C. Both are 1986 VFR700F2 models, Project 32 (left) showing 22,752 miles and Project 31 with 38,514 on the odometer. They may look like twins but each has its own character: Project 32 has received a full repaint, including the engine side covers and valve covers, with aftermarket reproduction windscreen and sports a shiny new YSS shock absorber, while Project 31 only received new paint on the Chuck Crites reproduction fiberglass replacement side fairings and doesn't wear the optional rear seat cowl. With full mechanical refurbishment both bikes run and ride as they should — smooth, fast, confidence-inspiring. This pair will be a great addition to Jeff's collection.

The red/white/blue model is Project 35, a 1986 VFR700F with an amazing 1165 miles which I purchased earlier this year from its original Florida owner. This example was carefully stored, unused, for 30 years and, with the maintenance checks attended to, fired up and ran like the day it was shut off three decades ago. The carbs were cleaned, the brake system needed full seal replacement, the fuel lines and petcock replaced, full fluids flush, new battery and Bridgestone's new BT-46 tires fitted. All the original parts, including battery, were preserved for posterity. A discerning owner in Seattle with a small collection has convinced me to part with this rare beauty. 

That brings me to an empty shop for the first time in years, but a reader in Idaho has offered me his low-mileage '86 r/w/b Interceptor and it will be arriving soon as Project 36.

Out in the picturesque riding heaven of southeastern Pennsylvania, reader Dennis B. is deep into a refurbishment of his 1993 VFR750. He was in need of some carb parts, and happened to mention that he has a few other VFRs as well. True statement….

(Below) From the left: 2007 800, 1995 750, 1992 750, 1991 750, and on the rack the '93. Snuggled in the background are a classic Hawk GT (NT 650) and its big brother, the SuperHawk (aka VTR1000F or Firestorm elsewhere in the world).

So, Dennis has a tough decision to make when, on a crisp autumn riding day, he needs to choose a mount as he looks west into the Appalachian foothills. An enviable conundrum, indeed.