Project 11, a 1986 VFR700F which left my shop five years ago, is stripped down to allow me to tackle some needed updates and maintenance. During a test ride I found a front end wobble during deceleration. It turned out to be worn steering head bearings which necessitated removing the forks. Good time to change out the fork oil — I'll be going up a notch to a 10w oil as these forks felt pretty mushy with the previous ATF as fork fluid.
(Right) That telltale yellowing on the lower portion of the fuel petcock recess and along the bottom seam of the tank is a dead giveaway that the petcock is leaking.
Normally I'd just install a fresh part from Honda, but I recently learned that All Balls offers a rebuild kit for these second-gen Interceptors. So I picked up a kit on eBay for $18 (new ones are $37+ shipping) and gave it a go.
Hopefully I'll be able to sand and buff out those gas stains.
(Below) Here's the contents of the kit. It's very complete, right down to the required drill bit, used for replacing the rivets with self-tapping screws.
Normally I'd just install a fresh part from Honda, but I recently learned that All Balls offers a rebuild kit for these second-gen Interceptors. So I picked up a kit on eBay for $18 (new ones are $37+ shipping) and gave it a go.
Hopefully I'll be able to sand and buff out those gas stains.
(Below) Here's the contents of the kit. It's very complete, right down to the required drill bit, used for replacing the rivets with self-tapping screws.
We begin by drilling out the rivet heads, removing the face plate, and separating the layers of parts. TIP: note the orientation of the rotating portion of the assembly before removing it. The assembly goes back together in the order removed and the new screws are used to tighten up the face plate. Pretty straightforward; hope it seals!
Another modification I now always make, but didn't five years ago, is to hardwire the three stator wires in order to eliminate the high resistance plastic connector. Melting of that connector is a known issue with the early VFRs. This will also help promote a healthy charging system, along with cleaning other connections, especially chassis grounds.
I provide extra lengths of wire in case the stator needs service in the future. This harness will be wrapped in tape and routed safely out of the way under the fuel pump.
The carb set has been refreshed with VITON fuel rail o-rings and fresh fuel lines, again, a maintenance item that's routine for me now but wasn't five years ago. I'll re-sync the carbs when I reinstall. The coolant and hydraulics will also get treated to fresh fluids, and I've ordered up a full set of VENHILL stainless brake lines from a supplier in the UK. They'll be black with black fittings in order to better blend in on this stock-looking VFR.
Things are going smoothly and this beauty should be ready for the road in no time.
I provide extra lengths of wire in case the stator needs service in the future. This harness will be wrapped in tape and routed safely out of the way under the fuel pump.
The carb set has been refreshed with VITON fuel rail o-rings and fresh fuel lines, again, a maintenance item that's routine for me now but wasn't five years ago. I'll re-sync the carbs when I reinstall. The coolant and hydraulics will also get treated to fresh fluids, and I've ordered up a full set of VENHILL stainless brake lines from a supplier in the UK. They'll be black with black fittings in order to better blend in on this stock-looking VFR.
Things are going smoothly and this beauty should be ready for the road in no time.
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