Rothmans VF500R Interceptor tribute/restoration/creation

Well, after getting the 86 Interceptor (see my other post), I found a tired 85 that needed saving. Having done quite a few stock bike resto's I really want to do a bit of a custom build. Ive loved the rothmans livery for a long time so Ive decided to build a "what if" Honda had built a VF500"R", type of bike.

Some of the planned work:

Top end will be checked - ensure the cams are good etc
full strip to the frame which will be powder coated
Rothmans paint job and decals
Clip-on bars (lower ones)
Full Fairing
Windshield will be lowered
Aftermarket pipes (short slash cut pipes)
Custom Seat
different mirrors and signals
the usual Bearings. Brakes, fork seals, Tires etc
maybe a set of VF500f2 wheels if I can find them



stay tuned, ill post pics as I go. I have one more small bit of work to finish on my Hawk GT before i really get at it, but here is the bike I will start with, a complete but tired 85.

 

If I were you I would just try to get a VF1000RG that came in that livery. Probably end up costing you less.
Although if you are in it for the journey then ignore me.

 

The VF1000R was only available here in the HRC livery and they are getting pricey (if you can find one). typically $5000 and thats a bike that still needs attention. Taking the experience on the last 4 restorations I have done, I can build this bike for $2500 including the price of buying the bike.

The journey is certainly part of it, but im also sticking to a budget. I have everything purchased at this point (except wheels). Im well under the budget so far.

 

Started the tear down today

 

here' a sample of one of the decals that will be on it

 

New 15" slash cut straight pipes have arrived along with a new rear fender, gear selector and exhaust collector. waiting on the CNC levers, clip-ons and a few other bits.

not gotten too far into the tear down yet, that will get underway as the weather cools off and I'm garage bound.

 

Looking forward to seeing how this turns out. My hat's off to you and others who take on these projects and have the skills to make them happen. I have an '84 700 in my shed dying for attention. I have a vague notion of hanging my engine in a trellis type of frame and going from there. May have to wait until retirement before I can do much ...

ACE

 

Stripping down is going ok, Cams look good, just have to check the clearances

 

Applauding here!

 

Teardown is such a fast, fun time. Especially when you don't find fucked up cams and followers.
Yay!

 

Personally, I think you posted those picture just so we could glimpse all your other, drool-inducing collection!

 

lots more where they came from Terry

 

finally all stripped down.

 

Now with the bike all stripped, i'm starting with valve adjustments, some are too tight , some too loose, but i need another set of feeler gauges so I can use 2 at a time

 

Bit of Progress, Frame painted, head bearings replaced, triple clamp re painted and re installed

 

happy new year folks. a few update pics. engine install is next.....

 

bit more progress. engine is back in, exhaust headers and collectors are on, bars are on and wiring loom is back in.

lots of wiring to connect up now. I also still have new billet shorty levers to go on in place of the originals

 

Update. Most of the bike is back together. Ive just got the exhaust mocked up for these pics, the bike will be ready to start up soon and I can get on with the body work.

 

The Interceptor fired up yesterday, so today it was onto body mods:

Cut off the upper fairing edges (Jelly/jello mould)
Cut some relief into the fairing for the levers and clip-ons

 

Cut the front fender to look more like the retro 500GP style
Trying to determine which position (if at all) I place the TZR250 knuckle blisters (either way means modifications to get them to fit)