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."
"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.
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