1994 RVF400R Build Project

Was able to get a few more things done today, in between getting ready to go back to work, running errands and shagging the last few bits.. These were the last mechanical issues that needed to be addressed.

Started off by removing the heat shield and putting 2000 degree thermal barrier on the inside. Just wanted to make completely sure that the exhaust header heat situation was done with.



Got the heat shield re-installed and went to work on replacing the rear master reservoir tubing and getting the rear brake bled. I used Tygon 2375 for the tubing.



Worked on finishing the wiring for the new manual fan switch and mount that I got from Highway Dirt Bikes. Used Weatherpack connectors and covered the wiring with heat resistant wire sleeving.



Mounted up the switch, got it connected and tested it out. I prefer this switch as it is a lower profile than the last one and easily operated with the left thumb. The mount just replaces the back clamp on the clutch lever perch. Took a break at this point to go downtown and have a nice Italian dinner at Caruso's on 4th Avenue.



Got back from dinner and completed the installation of the upper cowl and faux ram air ducting. Decent looking office.



Finished up with getting the seat cowl installed, checking that all the lighting and turn signals were operational and then I temporarily installed the mid panels to get all of the fairing brackets aligned properly for final assembly. She's starting to come around.



Should wrap it all up tomorrow morning and finally get in a little test rip. Have to wait until Monday to finalize all the documentation for the insurance with Hagerty. Still waiting on the Brembo rotors, they said 3-4 weeks, 2 weeks ago.

 

Yeah, like I said before, SICK !
The "cockpit" is insane !!
Super cool bike !!!

 

Holy crap that is nice.

Faux ram air system??? Is it not functional?

 

Nope, it does not function, as normal ram air, it does take air and run it into the engine bay, but not directly into the airbox.

 

The day finally arrived and that's a wrap. Finally got it done, well except for the Brembo front rotors. Getting the bodywork aligned and mounted proved to be a final bit of pain, but it got there.

 

Helluva an effort NCB!

I think I may drink an IPA in celebration of your accomplishment!

The slash/splash graphics actually good good on there, unlike other 90's bikes.

Might be because I am biased toward Honda

 

Thanks, JM. I'm really just glad the major effort is now over. It's been a struggle at times, but I learned a lot from the process. Mainly my patience has improved drastically from what it used to be.

I kinda like those graphics, they are from the later RT model. I could have done a replica, but I kept it somewhat stock. I went with the matched yellow Honda wings on the tank, just to switch it up and make it a little different.

Took it for a spin, runs pretty decent, it's super light and handles pretty good. Need the insurance and more seat time, right now I'm taking it pretty easy. Been awhile since I've been on a supersport moto, gonna need to get my muscles used to the riding position. I will get there.

 

Must be nice to throw a leg over. Going to be even nicer with insurance and a bit more seat time. Have fun.

 

Got the insurance done with Hagerty today. Insured it for a guaranteed value of $30k. Good deal for the price and I highly recommend their service. Now it's ready to truly go for a ride. Hoping the Brembo rotors show up in the next couple weeks.

 

Pictures or it didn't happen LOL! Let's ride!

 

I will make sure to post one up, when it happens.

 

3 f'n years this month it appears, that is some project dedication. And she is beautiful.

ACE

 

Thanks, Tink. Appreciate the comment.

 

Riding the bike for the first time a couple weeks ago, I couldn't help but notice how overly busy everything looked with the faux ram air ducts and decided I would look around and see if there was a way to clean that up, basically, I was considering removing all of it. The tubes are super fiddly to deal with when installing the upper cowl and it's kind of a bitch to get everything lined up and connected correctly. Too much effort for something that doesn't actually do anything. After much consideration, I pulled the trigger on this:



I ordered this from Tyga Performance. It will blank off the tube mounting locations on the top of the tank where the ram air tubes mount and I can remove them and the carbon tank cover to open up the that area and clean it up. It should arrive in the next 4-5 days and I will drop it off at my painters shop and have him paint it the same red as the tank.

I'm also considering new clip ons that would raise the bars up an inch and a half. With the ram air tubes on there, it would be impossible, due to the front master res slamming into the right side tube. This is just a pre-emptive strike, I will do the tank cover first. Raising the bars will require a lot more effort to deal with, as longer front brake lines, longer throttle cables, and a longer clutch cable will be required and all of those will have to be made custom, by sending off the lines to HEL and having custom brake lines assembled that are 2" longer, while also having to do the same with the control cables, probably through Motion Pro.

I also need to do a better job of connecting the wires to the clutch safety switch, the current connectors provided with the perch and the switch aren't staying put, which causes a problem I don't want to be constantly dealing with. I have ordered the materials from McMaster-Carr to fix this permanently. It's an easy fix, and I already have a plan of attack in place.

Should be getting the machine weighed next week, while getting the sag adjusted by my folks at Evan Steel Performance. I'm hoping my newfound pounds don't rquire a spring change, or you can bet your ass that I'm going on a serious diet so that doesn't need to happen.

 

The folks at Tyga sent me a confirmation that the new piece of bodywork was shipped DHL. Scheduled to arrive Monday.

I also got in touch with my painter, Don Tromble, owner of Cycle Skins. Don told me to swing it by Monday afternoon and he would get it all fixed up for me. Debating on whether I'm going to add very small HRC and Tyga graphics to it before clear coat. I'm pretty sure I'm going to do it, I have the perfect graphics for it, will probably be a "day of" decision. I had been fighting over this ram air tube thing in my mind, but I'm glad I finally pulled the trigger and got on with it. Already working a solution to redirect the air from the intakes on the cowl so it doesn't blow straight through, who knows, it might just stay like that.

The McMaster-Carr stuff got delivered for the clutch safety switch wiring, so I will knock that out and make it right. Still waiting on Brembo, hoping for a Christmas miracle. Parts are super hard to come by these days, if you want anything quick. It's already been 6 weeks since the order to fabricate.

Checking a few sources for +2 cables for the clutch and throttle and I've already contacted HEL about the +2 brake lines and they said it would be no problem. Probably going to add dry break disconnects at the calipers.

 

I think that would look cool. Post up some mock up pics if you are so inclined.

Everything is bitchin' too, by the way.

 

Thanks, Cap. I'll post it up...just don't want the graphics to be overpowering, more like something you don't notice, unless you really look. One of those, oh, that's a decent little detail, type of thing.

I will test fit the piece, before taking it to Don. That way I can heat it up and shape it a little, should it need it, prior to painting.

 

I reached out to Rick Oliver in the UK today, concerning longer clutch and throttle cables. Rick, as usual, got back to me quick and he's going to work with Venhall in the UK to hook me up with a custom length set of +2" throttle cables and a +2.5" clutch cable. So that issue is resolved.

Unfortunately, I found out that the dry break disconnects are no longer available, so I'm just going to go with a +2" set of brake lines from HEL. Looked around some more today and I've decided to go with Woodcraft for the new clipons with 2" rise and 10-14 mm of angle adjustment. Looks like I'm going through with this, rofl. No idea when I'll get around to actually installing it all.....Not really feeling taking it all apart again.

 

All this work and you're not out riding it, enjoying what it's all about. Go ride. Stop futzing. LOL