In the summer of 2018 I was contacted by a reader in need of some parts for his project, a 1987 VFR700F2. I had no idea what he was working on, but I usually ask if there's an interesting back story, and Bubba's was especially touching. Through some very dark days in his life, this Interceptor provided him hope, focus and, ultimately, his family.
In his own words....
In his own words....
"I built my white 1987 VFR700 at the local Honda shop. I had worked there in the early 80's. I remember ordering the bike. Rumors were Honda was not going to make the bike any longer. There were only 12 non-California bikes in the Honda warehouse; I made the order. Still have the Honda warranty card and bill of sale. In 1998 I went down on the bike. Hit gravel and got banged up pretty bad. Scrapes and scratches on the bike. Had plenty of time to order parts to get it fixed, five weeks off work. Also ended up marrying my Physical Therapist.
On September 13, 2008, Hurricane Ike hit Galveston (TX). Our anniversary. The bike sat in three feet or more of saltwater. Houses were torn up. Bike sat for weeks. Wanted to push it to the curb many many times. Just could not do it. One day I unscrewed the dip stick. Could not believe how much salt water came out of her. Pulled the tank and air box. Pounded oil through the carbs. Any kind of lube I could find. Filled her up to the top and let her sit. Had houses to repair. Stilled tried to push her to the curb but could not. Drained the oil down to normal level and pulled the back two plugs. Tried to push start to turn motor over. Cylinders stuck. Kept trying and finally got her to turn over. In January of '09 took it to a shop to see if they could get it started. It started. Needed so much work. Thought about buying a used VFR...but not the same.
Figured I would try to fix it. Had to replace every end of every wire I could reach. Replaced every bearing I could. Had shock rebuilt. Wheels powder coated. Have ordered parts from all over the world. Guess I like this bike more than I should. So many tools needed. Great friends helped me out. So many late nights in the garage studying the Honda shop book, eBay, VFR forums — thanks everyone.
Still working on her from time to time. After a salt bath I think I will always be working on her. Just replaced fuel and carb vent tubes. Thank you, Joe
.
She runs great. Still looks great. Have put several thousands on the bike after the hurricane. I tell people about the bike's past and most don't believe it. She looks good. Always a little something to fix or clean up. Guess I have a special place in my heart for the VFR. It has taken me many places and given me a wife and two beautiful kids after spitting me off.
Thanks for reading this,
Bubba"
On September 13, 2008, Hurricane Ike hit Galveston (TX). Our anniversary. The bike sat in three feet or more of saltwater. Houses were torn up. Bike sat for weeks. Wanted to push it to the curb many many times. Just could not do it. One day I unscrewed the dip stick. Could not believe how much salt water came out of her. Pulled the tank and air box. Pounded oil through the carbs. Any kind of lube I could find. Filled her up to the top and let her sit. Had houses to repair. Stilled tried to push her to the curb but could not. Drained the oil down to normal level and pulled the back two plugs. Tried to push start to turn motor over. Cylinders stuck. Kept trying and finally got her to turn over. In January of '09 took it to a shop to see if they could get it started. It started. Needed so much work. Thought about buying a used VFR...but not the same.
Figured I would try to fix it. Had to replace every end of every wire I could reach. Replaced every bearing I could. Had shock rebuilt. Wheels powder coated. Have ordered parts from all over the world. Guess I like this bike more than I should. So many tools needed. Great friends helped me out. So many late nights in the garage studying the Honda shop book, eBay, VFR forums — thanks everyone.
Still working on her from time to time. After a salt bath I think I will always be working on her. Just replaced fuel and carb vent tubes. Thank you, Joe
.
She runs great. Still looks great. Have put several thousands on the bike after the hurricane. I tell people about the bike's past and most don't believe it. She looks good. Always a little something to fix or clean up. Guess I have a special place in my heart for the VFR. It has taken me many places and given me a wife and two beautiful kids after spitting me off.
Thanks for reading this,
Bubba"
If we're lucky, a motorcycle is not just a fair weather toy. The right bike can be more — it can give joy, purpose, memories, and even define a part of us. In Bubba's case, this VFR gave him more than he could have imagined on that day he put down his new bike order. It has earned its place in his family and his life, and will forever stand as a reminder...to never give up.
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