VFR400RR NC30 Bodywork fitted to the VF500F

Hey guys, I have these two VF500F's (85 & 86) and I was going to do a VF500F2 replica, but changed my mind (order cancelled) I have been busy doing scaled Photographic comparisons of the bare frame and various bodywork that I like.

I settled on the VFR400RR (NC30) and ordered a full set of body panels from a 'reputable' eBay vendor. I also ordered a smoked windscreen, twin headlight, new seat set and tail-light from other vendors... got the windscreen today from China! Woohoo, my project is underway!

I ordered pretty much everything I need to clothe a naked VF500F. The hardest part is fabricating the fairing mounts, but I like a good challenge, and believe me, I've done a LOT tougher things in modding bikes!!

The best part is I don't have to do all the painting & prep work. That is really hard and nerve-wracking work, and also expensive with automotive paints involved. I've done it all before and it's a PITA.

Soooo, here's a pic of the NC30 I'm modeling my VF500F after:



And here's one of my VF500F's, naked:



Here's the pile of stuff I ordered (for under $500 USD delivered) to bolt on to the old VF500F:



And finally, here's what I hope it will look like when completed:



I didn't spend too much time on the last pic, but it clearly showed me that I just HAD to do it no matter what!! Of course the nasty OEM mufflers would have to go, and I am STILL looking for a donor NC30 fuel tank. There's an eBay vendor in the UK that has 3 of them for sale but he's not replying to multiple emails about my wanting to purchase with shipping to the good 'ol USA.

Mebbe he just doesn't like yanks??... dunno. The tank will really hold me up if I can't get one!!! Maybe a NSR125 tank or NSR150 from the far east would work. Rather have the real deal, and I'll paint it up like the one in the last pic. Also need to make a new sticker for the seat cowl to say "VF500RR" or something like that! Also, I have a pair of VF1000R Comstar wheels (17" rear, 16" front) that would look really good on this bike!

Any thoughts? Am I nuts?

Cheers,
BLIGHT

 

You gotta mission on your hands right there Blight. Looks like a good one to follow, remember lots a PICS!!

 

Interesting project. Looking forward to following the progress.

 

Good luck! It should come out pretty well.

 

Interesting. Looks like the bars will be below the triple on this one. I always like the 500's 3 spoke rims, remind me of the Dymags of the day and the ones used on many RC30's, especially in white.

 

Dymags are the cat's pajamas! The CBR600F wheel design was based on their three spoke design. Big fan of this look.

 

Nice job:thumb: I really like the look. I've wanted to find or adapt a full fairing to my 83. I have the Lockhart side panels but don't like them for several reasons. Keep us posted on the build.

 

Thanks for the encouraging comments! I hope it won't be too hard to do. The $125 bike I bought was basically stripped of these body parts anyway so piecing decent used parts together off eBay would end up costing more than the pre-painted NC30 panels from China.

Makes sense to do the CBR600 17" wheels F/R in white powder coat too, but I still want to try the VF1000R wheels in their original black color. I think they will give it the NS400R look:

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BTW, I love the fork slider 'spats' on the NS400R! Also... that's more the look I was after for the rear seat cowl for the standard VF500F seat if I ever make one.

Cheers, and yes, I'll take lots of photos.

BLIGHT

 

Very nice! What's the thickness and overall quality impression of the bodywork so far? And from whom did you buy it, please?

 

looks like a great project going on there, i'd like to put the NS400 fairings on as they are more suited. but the NC 30 looks awsome though best of luck

 

Haven't received it yet. It's on a slow boat from China, and was carried over the Himalayas on camel-back.
I hope it's decent... the seller was one of many on eBay and had positive feedback on previous sales.

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

You can get the Rothmans vintage scheme and the newer Repsol scheme as well!

Hey, you're Canadian, eh?... any lines on a decent used VFR400RR (NC-30) fuel tank? They never sold them here, but I thought they did in Canada.
I'm gonna paint it anyway so color does not matter.

Cheers,
BLIGHT

 

I dig it. biggest hurdle will be the handle bar clearance that Hop talked about. Fun project though.

 

I just tried putting the stock clip-ons under the upper triple... it's a PITA, have to remove the calipers & speedo cable to drop the forks enough to move the bars.

It's a moot point I guess, because they won't fit!! There is too much interference.

I need some 37mm flat angle clipons to go under the upper triple.
The last set I got off eBay was good quality and inexpensive. I'll really miss the comfy ergos of the stock bars though!

Cheers,
BLIGHT

 

I like your project, best of luck. Try emailing everyone on ebay who has a NC30 part for sale someone may have a Tank sitting around.

 

Thanks for the link, Blight. Here are several NC 30 tanks

 

I think I'm going to use a '91-'92 Kawasaki ZX7R fuel tank. I traced one in PhotoShop, scaled it (using the bike wheelbases) and superimposed it on the frame. It matches well with the VFR400RR seat section upper edge which is straight and fairly long. I made an offer on one on eBay and we'll see if he takes it.

It's in Ninja green, white & blue so I used my 'hue adjustment' to at least make it red white & blue... then erased the 'Ninja' script and copied a period Honda wing onto the tank.

I'm still going to paint it like the NC-30 tank shown in the 1st pic in this thread... this is just a 'what-if' trial to see how well the tank fits with the bodywork:

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Here's what the Ninja tank looks like now:

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Kinda junky, but with a little bondo & paint could be a beauty!

Cheers,
BLIGHT

 

Nope. You're not nuts. This sounds like a very cool project. I can't wait to see the final result.

 

Thanks, these are the sellers I mentioned that won't reply to my several messages asking them to consider shipping to the USA.
I gave up on them, but have another solution... see previous post above.
BLIGHT

 

Just ordered these 37mm clipons to go under the upper triple clamp. Nice thing is they also adjust up & down for angle... very important for maximum comfort!

I don't care for clipons with a sharp down angle as so many have.

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BLIGHT