Silicone Hoses For Your 2d-Gen!

As I enter the final assembly stages for Project 40, a 1986 VFR700F, one of the finishing touches is fitting a complete set of silicone coolant hoses.

It was nearly a year ago that I set out on a search for a silicone hose set for the RC24/26 models, and was surprised to find that Samco brand, which I'd used in the past, couldn't be found anywhere. But I'd recently purchased a set for the 3d-gen RC36 bikes from AS3 Performance in England, so I reached out to them about adding the 2d-gen to their catalog. One thing led to another and I eventually sent off an original hose set for them to pattern from, then early this month I got the first set off the molds! I quickly installed them on Project 40 for a fitment test, which went perfectly.
(click on an image to enlarge)

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I also used their clamp kit, which are generally recommended for silicone hoses. The short water pump connector hose at the engine's bottom left side can be a struggle to get in place. After cutting off the old hose, I loosen the chrome coolant pipe's connector bolt to allow a bit of play to that pipe, then slide the new hose section onto the chrome pipe — this is where the struggle comes in. Once on the pipe, the hose will slide onto the water pump outlet and the clamps put in place (you remembered to slide the clamps onto the pipe before installation, right?). Installing this short hose is somewhat easier if the chrome tube is removed from the engine, but plan to have a replacement upper sealing o-ring on hand.

As an incentive to AS3, I offered to purchase the first ten sets produced, which will soon be on their way across the pond. So, I will have at least a few sets available for purchase at whatever my cost turns out to be — available in black or blue. Contact me if you're in need of a set: joe.nelson@ymail.com