Project 14 Is Finished!

Click on image for the Flickr photo gallery.

Project 14, day one.

Eighteen months ago Patti and I trailered home this 1987 VFR700 F2 (left), which would become number 14 in the progression of Interceptors passing though my hands.

Non-running, clutch inoperative, layers of Rustoleum covering cracked bodywork and dented fuel tank, it was quite a moto mess. This past Fall I began the process of bringing it back to life and after two or three reversals of direction, it has morphed into what I think is a great-looking mild resto-mod VFR.

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The list of modifications grew steadily over the winter. Originally conceived as a budget red/white/blue bike assembled with bitsa this and bitsa that, after test riding it in February I decided it was such a nice running and riding bike, that I should take it to the next level.

Here's some of the highlights....
The style has evolved into an original white look with an appropriate amount of black accents. All the bodywork panels are repaired with plastic welding (the right way). The fuel tank is the one that came on the bike and required stripping and basic bodywork. The color was matched to the original Pearl Crescent White and applied by a local professional paint shop. Reproduction decals were special ordered from England. I elected to use a round Honda winged foot emblem on the tank for a little vintage touch. Mirrors, fairing infill panels, and instrument surround are redone in satin black. The front fender has been reshaped to give a visually lighter profile, while the rear fender has been eliminated and LED signals added — the front signals are NOS, tucked close to the fairing. The seat is reupholstered in black vinyl, and an aftermarket windscreen added.

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The bike came to me with a 17-inch front wheel from an early CBR600 to which I mounted a fresh Avon Road Rider tire. The wheels are black with a painted white pinstripe along the inside of the rim to tie into the white body. The mufflers are unique. I've removed the rear baffle chamber, shortening the OEM muffler by 5 1/2 inches which freed up back pressure and sound. The exhaust system was then painted hi-heat black and the mufflers buffed to a satin finish. The carburetors have been jetted to match the exhaust and K&N air filter. The engine pulls strong to redline and sounds much throatier than stock.

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Other personal touches include the engine covers getting a bronze powercoat treatment to mimic the '86 bikes. For a cleaner tail, the old rear turn signal mounts and seat lock have been shaved from the subframe. Galfer stainless steel brake lines replaced the originals front and rear. The rear brake lever has been smoothed and polished along with several more detail touches throughout.
(click on an image to enlarge)

Mechanically, all systems have been addressed. Brakes, clutch, steering head bearings, engine adjustments and tuning. Forks rebuilt, chain & sprockets replaced, fluids flushed. Master cylinders rebuilt with new sight glasses installed.

I consider this build to be a sympathetic restoration, as opposed to a full restoration. It's been brought to a level consistent with the overall condition of the bike, as best it can be represented. No stories, no excuses. There's still some bits of original patina of a 30 year-old bike but the use of as many original parts as possible is important, at least to me. So, if a particular part is visually and mechanically serviceable as is — the master cylinder housings, for example — then they are left as is.

This bike is being offered at $3300. Included is a clear title, an owners manual but no tool kit. There's also no seat cowl available. Trailered delivery is possible. Please click on the first photo for a link to the Flickr album with 43 high-resolution photos. For a short walk-around video and the running bike, here's a YouTube link.

Thanks for following along with this build and please pass this info along if you know of someone who may be interested in this Interceptor.

Cheers.