How I became a VFR'er - The story of my latest bike...

[Rat]

I had originally posted this story in a different Moto Forum, several months ago.

By way of a proper Intro to VFRWorld, I thought I'd copy/paste the story here for fellow VFR'ers to read, and possibly enjoy.

A little background: I had been trying to buy a 1990 FZR400 at the time. A bike I've wanted for many years, and actually could have (should have...) bought when new.
The VFR was just in the right place at the right time, and I felt it was a good bike that needed rescuing.

My personal Moto-History:
1/4-million miles and counting! (probably more than 300,000, by best estimate)
Includes 2 years of German Autobahns, Alps, Nurburgring, Spa Francorchamps (Belgium) & Assen (Holland).
MUCH sport-touring in Northern California, a Solo X-Country ride from Boston to Sacramento many years ago, a couple years as a Bicycle Messenger / Moto-Courier (GB500), and many years moto-commuting in all weather & traffic conditions.
MSF ERC & BRC many years ago; Currently considering an ERC refresher, and possibly becoming an MSF Instructor.

The Bikes:
1975(?) Honda Z50
1978(?) Yamaha YZ-80
1982 GPz 550
1985 500 Interceptor - Taught me how to ride. I'd buy another!
1986 XL-250 - Taught me how to fix flats...
1987 HD 1100 Sportster Modded & Tuned/1200cc courtesy of Wiseco - Taught me to stick to sportbikes!
1987 GSXR 750 My one true Beloved. My Mistress. We toured Europe in love. The bike I never should have let get away, sniff... Perfect in every way.
1985 RZ 350 (2 racebikes) - Taught me how to replace cylinders, head gaskets & plugs in minutes!
1982 Honda CB 900F SuperSport
1986 700 Nighthawk S - I'd buy another, just wish they'd made an 1100 version.
1990 ZX-10 - Perfect FAST Sport-Tourer, even now.
1990 Ducati 750 Sport - Moody but beautiful!
1990 Honda GB-500 - Heart of gold and classic good looks. I want another.
1986 FJ 1200 - My "Millenium Falcon", a fast old dinosaur! HUGE Torque - Downshifting entirely optional, even 2-up!
2001 R1 - EDR Tuned, 'nuff said! I still just wanted 20 more HP or 40 less lbs, or both!
1994 VFR 750 - Current Project - Repli-racer riders beware! I'll pass you in comfort!

* I KNOW I'm forgetting a few - Call these the Highlights!

The story (July '07) - Part 1:
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"Well, after having been sans-moto for a couple years, I'm finally (nearly) back on two wheels!

If anyone had been following my previous posts regarding possibly getting a nice '90 FZR400, or '94 Honda VFR750, this is an update, as promised.

The fizzer deal could not be done, but I wound up getting the 1994 VFR 750, for $300-.
Yes, three hundred.

It has a Salvage Title, due to moderately (but strangely thoroughly...) mangled plastics.
The previous owner was an older guy who has had Parkinson's Disease (think Michael J. Fox) for the last couple years.
It seems that until recently he could ride well enough, but lacked the strength and coordination to hold the bike up when stopped.
Hence several no-speed drops. On both sides...
Now he simply can no longer ride, so the bike has languished.
He was seeking an older, experienced rider to adopt his cherished mount.

It has 29k miles, and rides and handles just fine.
The only issues are almost entirely cosmetic.
When perched and rolling, it feels like a nearly new bike!

The carburetion has a few minor glitches, but I suspect a bottle of carb/F.I. cleaner, a fresh air filter and new spark plugs will cure all or most of that.
The Two Bros. carbon fiber slip-on has loosened up from the falls and sounds a bit loud. A fresh packing of fiberglass and new pop-rivets should fix that, and will likely resolve any remaining carburetion issues.

I've also always believed that bikes should be carefully jetted (remapped) even when brand new and perfectly stock.
Any intake and/or exhaust mods only exacerbate any leanness (thank the EPA).
So if it still feels less than perfect after a few tanks of fresh fuel have run through the system, I may bring it into my local Tuner for proper jetting on the dyno.

Aside from that, the right side fork seal has little-to-no remaining actual sealing capability, and the chain & sprockets are toast.
Interestingly, the fork actually provides damping, and there's little driveline lash from the worn chain.
All other mechanical bits are just fine. Typical Honda!

The first thing I've done is to strip all bodywork off for a thorough cleaning and to assess any other mechanical deficiencies (none found).
Even the O.E. battery is clean and very strong!
All O.E. fuses and the original Honda toolkit appear untouched by human hands (both good signs).

I'll also yank the fork tubes this week and deliver them to a local suspension tech for a rebuild while everything's stripped down, and will spec heavier weight oil than stock, for better damping.

In the meantime I'll also replace the chain & sprockets - I've used many RK chains over the years with nothing but positive results, and will likely go back to a trusted friend, although I'll look around to see what's new and consider my options.
I'm thinking maybe the new Renthal kit (a famously high-quality brand).

With both wheels & fork removed I'll be left with little more than an engine in a frame, so everything will be carefully inspected, cleaned, lubed, reconditioned, etc.
Also a perfect time to change the spark plugs (the front two are notoriously difficult with the V4) while they're (fairly) easy to get at.
It appears the radiator will simply swing out of the way to access the front plugs.

I might as well flush & refill the coolant system, and add Redline Water Wetter for cheap insurance in hot weather, and also change the oil & filter, and flush/bleed the brakes & hydraulic clutch while I'm at it, as well as install new EBC H.H. brake pads (all knee-jerk/automatic P.M. items with any used bike for me).

It'll essentially get a comprehensive once-over (mostly labor - my own, free!) while it's stripped down.

The biggest matter is the cracked plastics.
I haven't found a good source for low(er)-priced replacements, and I'm honestly afraid to know what my local Honda dealer wants for O.E. items.
While I'm saving up for that, I figured it can't hurt to at least try my own hand at repairing the current stuff.
It's not 'totally' trashed, although I'm thinking I'll spring for at least the top/headlight/windshield unit since it's actually a structural support for the headlights, mirror, and the side body panels.

It could also use a new windshield (the stocker is unscathed but yellowing).
Lockhart or Zero Gravity are my faves.

The rest of the bodywork, even if not too pretty, can't get much worse with my handiwork, and should at least be solid and road-worthy until I can afford to replace it.
Heck, it may even come out decent enough to warrant smoothing out and painting; I already want to repaint the bike a 'smoke-silver' color anyway.
I've surfed the net for ABS plastic repair and it appears fairly straightforward and cheap with simple supplies from any hardware store.

When all that's done I'll probably get the O.E. shock rebuilt by G.P. Suspension (later if not right away) install braided-steel brake lines ASAP, and see about a passenger backrest for my daughter.

Oh, the bike also came with some tasty CNC'd handlebar risers that raise the bars 3/4" - Just enough; still sporty, but a bit more comfy for my aging spine.

As soon as I can reinstall the essential parts, including fuel tank & seat (but basically stripped), and it's rideable and street-legal, I'll get it into my local Tuner to inspect/adjust the valve clearances, before all the bodywork gets in the way and they have easy access.
In fact, it'll probably make sense to let them change out the plugs & flush/fill the coolant, since they'll pretty much need to do that anyway in order to access the valve covers.

If everything goes well, I could have a very nice looking, and strong running VFR 750, for under $1000-!!
Mostly what she needs is elbow grease and TLC - I can afford that!
A comfortable, and surprisingly sporty bike, for (hopefully) very little investment, other than time.
I like to spin wrenches anyway; It provides a real connection to a bike.

If anyone's interested, I'll continue to update the saga.
I think I'll start taking a series of photos as I go, and track the costs involved; I didn't think to take any 'Before' pics, when it first arrived home.

This could actually make an interesting story - Whaddaya Think?
Please vote:
- Yes, I'm interested. Please post Updates!
- No, don't bother with any more drivel!".
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Chapter 2 to follow soon!
I'll also add some recent observations in an New Update after that.

[nozzle]

Rat: If I found a used FZR400, I'd have it. Until then, I've got the 07 VFR and it is strong for my only ride in the stable. I'm up for notes as I can just pass if I'm not into the story. Upload some before/after picks once you get the bike back to where you're proud of her. - Paul

[R.W.]

Great story Rat, looking forward to your next chapter, enjoyed your descriptions on your previous rides...

[reg71]

nice to see you here. I was always fond of the VFR 400 myself. I wanted one to race in WERA when I was back in MO riding an FZR 600. Nice little bikes...

[RVFR]

Cool read, and to think your just down the street. Hmm maybe we should brain storm over what you've got in mine

[tmac6767]

Yes, I'm interested. Please post Updates! Great writing too :)

[biker7]

Rat...you really capture the motorcycling hobby. A great read from a thoughtful man. Please continue your updates including pictures. Why not try to fix the plastic body cladding yourself? Congrats on finding a rebuildable Viffer and sharing your story with us. Keep the updates coming...what this forum is all about.
George

[Rat]

Thanks all for the encouraging words.
My "writing style', I suppose, is simply 'conversational' - I sorta imagine someone is standing in the garage while I ramble my thoughts.

I forgot to mention that this story was actually started in late July of '07, just a week or so after I had picked up the bike.
I edited that bit in, for clarity.

Great story Rat, looking forward to your next chapter, enjoyed your descriptions on your previous rides...

For my bike comments, I just closed my eyes and asked myself "what's my instant impression when I remember a bike?".

nice to see you here. I was always fond of the VFR 400 myself. I wanted one to race in WERA when I was back in MO riding an FZR 600. Nice little bikes...

Yes, I LOVE the VFR & RVF 400's!
I saw many cool bikes in Europe that we never got in the U.S., and I heavily followed GP & Bol d'Or, etc. at the time.

Cool read, and to think your just down the street. Hmm maybe we should brain storm over what you've got in mine

Pretty much all I have in mind is making it solid, dependable and safe.
For me that means "racetrack ready", except for safety wire.
I need to know the bike is safe to take a hard ride whenever I feel like hammering, although the VFR actually encourages a mellower pace for me.
I no longer seem to be very concerned about cosmetics nowadays, as long as it works well and looks half-decent.
Or maybe I'm just getting older...
I just want to ride.

Let's get together for a ride - I'd love to do a multi-day tour of Vancouver B.C., and the rugged coast of Washington and Canadia.
Maybe see who else from this forum would like to plan something?

[eddie cap]

Thanks all for the encouraging words.
My "writing style', I suppose, is simply 'conversational' - I sorta imagine someone is standing in the garage while I ramble my thoughts.

I forgot to mention that this story was actually started in late July of '07, just a week or so after I had picked up the bike.
I edited that bit in, for clarity.


For my bike comments, I just closed my eyes and asked myself "what's my instant impression when I remember a bike?".


Yes, I LOVE the VFR & RVF 400's!
I saw many cool bikes in Europe that we never got in the U.S., and I heavily followed GP & Bol d'Or, etc. at the time.


Pretty much all I have in mind is making it solid, dependable and safe.
For me that means "racetrack ready", except for safety wire.
I need to know the bike is safe to take a hard ride whenever I feel like hammering, although the VFR actually encourages a mellower pace for me.
I no longer seem to be very concerned about cosmetics nowadays, as long as it works well and looks half-decent.
Or maybe I'm just getting older...
I just want to ride.

Let's get together for a ride - I'd love to do a multi-day tour of Vancouver B.C., and the rugged coast of Washington and Canadia.
Maybe see who else from this forum would like to plan something?

Hey Rat; I like your story, I got interested in VFR's because I was seriously going to buy a Honda Police bike. When I found out no mere mortal like me can buy a new one, I started looking at its cousin the VFR. My y2k VFR is the first used motorcycle I've owned, I was always under the impression that any used bike was probably "junk",so I always stayed away. Anyway Feb 07, I found a damaged one and brought it back in several pieces, put it together with some used stuff, new stuff and repaired stuff. She dosent look half bad and runs pretty well. Anyway I can relate to the methodical way you approach a rebuild. Maybe us VFR world guys can learn a little something plus enjoy the read, so I say keep it comming! eddie

[reg71]

Yes, I LOVE the VFR & RVF 400's!

oh, just realized I mistyped that when I read your replay. I meant to say I was always fond of the FZR 400. I wanted to get one on race it back in my 20s. Now I'm just happy to ride. :)