Click on image for the photo gallery.
It's been 3 1/2 years since I found this 1986 VFR750 as a stalled project in Cary, Illinois. The seller was a young guy, Mike, who found himself in over his head and wanted out. To his credit, Mike used the sale proceeds to fund a fourth-gen VFR soon after I purchased the bike. Here's a shot of the bike on the trailer ride home, and after initial tear-down:
With several other projects in line ahead of this one, the bike was given all the mechanical checks and prepped for long-term storage. Last Fall I finally got it up on the rack and decided on which direction I'd take it. Initially I wanted to film dip the entire bodywork in a faux carbon fiber with some black accent stripes, but when some technical issues came up with the dipping process, I elected to go with a set of excellent and original red/white/blue body panels I had in reserve.
I did, however, dip a re-shaped front fender in carbon fiber film and mounted it up. Pictured below are comparison shots of an original and the modified fender. (click on an image to enlarge)
I did, however, dip a re-shaped front fender in carbon fiber film and mounted it up. Pictured below are comparison shots of an original and the modified fender. (click on an image to enlarge)
I've done several personal modifications and upgrades to this project. At right is a sample of the bronze textured powdercoat added to a few items: clutch & alternator covers, valve covers, sprocket cover, upper fork bridge and rear brake torque arm.
Braided stainless brake and clutch hoses are installed, foot levers and rear brake master cylinder are smoothed and polished, the swingarm is polished, SuperTrapp mufflers mounted and a RAM ball mount and switched wiring added up front for a GPS. The rear fender has been eliminated and reproduction VFR/CBR 400 LED rear turn signals added. The old signal mounts and seat/helmet lock bracket were shaved, as were the passenger footpeg brackets. When replacing the chain and sprockets, I took the opportunity to reduce the rear sprocket by two teeth, which gives about a 300 RPM drop at highway speeds. Carb tuning was minimal — mostly stock jetting with just a few tweaks. I originally installed a jet kit and opened up the SuperTrapp tuning discs, but the sound was too loud (for me) and after restricting the mufflers I found that the engine ran better with the jetting closer to stock. Now I have a great mellow tone, smooth easy-going drivability and plenty of power.
Braided stainless brake and clutch hoses are installed, foot levers and rear brake master cylinder are smoothed and polished, the swingarm is polished, SuperTrapp mufflers mounted and a RAM ball mount and switched wiring added up front for a GPS. The rear fender has been eliminated and reproduction VFR/CBR 400 LED rear turn signals added. The old signal mounts and seat/helmet lock bracket were shaved, as were the passenger footpeg brackets. When replacing the chain and sprockets, I took the opportunity to reduce the rear sprocket by two teeth, which gives about a 300 RPM drop at highway speeds. Carb tuning was minimal — mostly stock jetting with just a few tweaks. I originally installed a jet kit and opened up the SuperTrapp tuning discs, but the sound was too loud (for me) and after restricting the mufflers I found that the engine ran better with the jetting closer to stock. Now I have a great mellow tone, smooth easy-going drivability and plenty of power.
Another personal touch are heated grips. I was able to find a handy location for the switch on the left handlebar. My favorite hand grips are installed: Biltwell Recoil. And, there's GenMar bar risers for a little more upright riding position. The windscreen is an MRA aftermarket item with a little flip for a touch more windbreak.
For suspension, I rebuilt the forks and installed Progressive brand progressive springs and 10w fork oil.
Out back, the rear shock was sent off to Jamie Daugherty at DMr for a rebuild, re-valve and re-springing. Jamie will set up your shock for your personal riding style and weight. Overall, the suspension feels smooth and planted without being harsh. I'm very pleased with the feel of this bike.
The end result? I've put together a classic Interceptor with a few personal touches which give it a bit more character, performance and comfort. I think it's a nice combination of originality and custom. It will be a great rider that I don't have to be overly concerned about keeping perfect. I like that I have this instantly recognizable classic that still manages to feel like....my own.
Out back, the rear shock was sent off to Jamie Daugherty at DMr for a rebuild, re-valve and re-springing. Jamie will set up your shock for your personal riding style and weight. Overall, the suspension feels smooth and planted without being harsh. I'm very pleased with the feel of this bike.
The end result? I've put together a classic Interceptor with a few personal touches which give it a bit more character, performance and comfort. I think it's a nice combination of originality and custom. It will be a great rider that I don't have to be overly concerned about keeping perfect. I like that I have this instantly recognizable classic that still manages to feel like....my own.
RSS Feed