Back in January I found this 1995 VFR750 locally, in need of rescuing from a seller who used it till the brakes wouldn't brake and the carbs wouldn't carb. The rear tire wasn't just worn to the cords, it was shredded into the cords. During my walk-around I could see that all the pieces were there plus a few extras like the undamaged Micron carbon fiber slip-on and a nearly new RK drive chain. Despite the 38,000 miles showing on the odometer, the seat was excellent, the fuel tank was nearly perfect and the paint original. Good bones, as they say.
The bike actually did run, just not very well, but I was able to ride it around the block to verify that the transmission felt right and the bike tracked true. The deal was struck and Project 24 was trailered home.
It was April before work began with a strip down and bath. What I found was a largely unmolested VFR. Someone before me had installed a carb jet kit and K&N air filter, along with a VFR-ness auxiliary wiring harness and aftermarket regulator/rectifier. The lower section of the frame, near the foot pegs, had been stripped and polished, and a set of VFR800 mirrors installed. Two intake valves needed a slight adjustment while the others were spot on. The chain and sprockets were like new and, once detailed, the black wheels sparkled. There were small areas of rash on the right side fairings from a spill and the fuel tank had two small creases. My paintless dent guy (a metal magician) made those disappear and the tank buffed out beautifully. The carbs got a full treatment and a running sync.
(Below) When reassembly began, I decided to make a few changes and updates. I chose to powder coat four pieces in a textured "Gold Dust" finish — the clutch cover, upper triple tree, shift lever and foot brake lever. They ended up blending well with the similarly-colored drive chain.
It was April before work began with a strip down and bath. What I found was a largely unmolested VFR. Someone before me had installed a carb jet kit and K&N air filter, along with a VFR-ness auxiliary wiring harness and aftermarket regulator/rectifier. The lower section of the frame, near the foot pegs, had been stripped and polished, and a set of VFR800 mirrors installed. Two intake valves needed a slight adjustment while the others were spot on. The chain and sprockets were like new and, once detailed, the black wheels sparkled. There were small areas of rash on the right side fairings from a spill and the fuel tank had two small creases. My paintless dent guy (a metal magician) made those disappear and the tank buffed out beautifully. The carbs got a full treatment and a running sync.
(Below) When reassembly began, I decided to make a few changes and updates. I chose to powder coat four pieces in a textured "Gold Dust" finish — the clutch cover, upper triple tree, shift lever and foot brake lever. They ended up blending well with the similarly-colored drive chain.
(Below) The polished frame sections were wet-sanded and machine polished, along with the foot peg brackets. The Micron muffler and pipe were also spit polished.
(Right) Speaking of foot pegs, I also wanted to delete the passenger foot pegs and their brackets. This modification really opens up the rear area of the bike, visually, and allows the single-sided swingarm to shine.
The right side is easy, just unbolt the bracket from the subframe. The left side, however, also serves as the handhold for raising the bike on its center stand and locates the seat/helmet lock.
To keep the functionality of the handle, I found a used bracket on eBay and cut off the lower portion, eliminating the foot peg but preserving the handle and lock. Some grinding, sanding and polishing gives the remaining piece a clean factory look, and the original bracket is saved for future use.
(Below) This bike didn't come to me with the passenger seat cowl, but I was lucky to locate a nearly perfect example in Canada. In order to tuck the Micron muffler inboard for a very trim look, the rear fender was trimmed to the license plate.
The right side is easy, just unbolt the bracket from the subframe. The left side, however, also serves as the handhold for raising the bike on its center stand and locates the seat/helmet lock.
To keep the functionality of the handle, I found a used bracket on eBay and cut off the lower portion, eliminating the foot peg but preserving the handle and lock. Some grinding, sanding and polishing gives the remaining piece a clean factory look, and the original bracket is saved for future use.
(Below) This bike didn't come to me with the passenger seat cowl, but I was lucky to locate a nearly perfect example in Canada. In order to tuck the Micron muffler inboard for a very trim look, the rear fender was trimmed to the license plate.
Finishing the project included some hidden repairs to the plastics, paint touchup, lots of sanding and buffing, brake system refurbished, stainless brake lines front and rear, fresh Avon Spirit ST tires mounted, forks rebuilt, steering head bearings replaced, cooling system flush, heated grips installed and various correct fasteners sourced. The final piece was a NOS Pro-Arm metal sticker on the swing arm.
The end result speaks for itself, I think. The classic NR-inspired lines of the fourth-generation Interceptor is as good-looking today as it was 25 years ago. With a few modern upgrades and better tires, these bikes are arguably better motorcycles than when new. This one looks great, makes beautiful music, and is impressively quick — the rush to redline never gets old.
There are times when I'm first introduced to a potential project that I can absolutely see the finished project in my mind's eye and know that the bike deserves the many hours of labor to take it there.
This was one of those times.
Click here for the photo album.
The end result speaks for itself, I think. The classic NR-inspired lines of the fourth-generation Interceptor is as good-looking today as it was 25 years ago. With a few modern upgrades and better tires, these bikes are arguably better motorcycles than when new. This one looks great, makes beautiful music, and is impressively quick — the rush to redline never gets old.
There are times when I'm first introduced to a potential project that I can absolutely see the finished project in my mind's eye and know that the bike deserves the many hours of labor to take it there.
This was one of those times.
Click here for the photo album.
RSS Feed