VFR750 "Shed find"

[stinkwheel]

[Robby]

From memory, clutch rattle on VFR750s was a sign that the carbs are out of balance.

[stinkwheel]

[stinkwheel]

I found the rubber thingy for the starter solenoid in a box of bits while I was looking for the tank heat shield. Also found the tank heat shield which was cunningly hidden under the tank . Box of bits also yeilded the trip counter zero knob which went missing ages ago and has moved house with me and the rubber thingies the tank sits on. Still missing a round rubber tank mount but I think I'll be able to use a door-stop.

Somethign that had been worrying me were the oil cooler pipes. They are chromed steel and quite rusty and pitted. These have sprung a leak before and were replaced with a used set off a slightly different model. There's corrosion in exactly the same place and they have the potential to spray oil over the front tyre if they fail again.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLUx-3od7YSj_K0OkjoMkv4wjf3v2Wzyh2aAndT7xAjCy409txWOb6Pe72LdVBLXgC49hqKZgpkKOPNApf3uBEMNojtBTuiZQMWMurCeCUlHX9sOYS-0AiafFCgq9Wu1YkPhPvqSF8OaqLDCKR8aa9Hk=w1378-h776-no

They have model specific fittings on the ends, the bends are quite particular and there are no new ones still available. Any used ones I can find are just as bad as the ones I have. Nobody seems to sell pattern ones. I asked on Practical Sportsbike facebook group and they put me in touch with an enthusiast who makes them up. They were £130 but I must say, he has done an amazing job. They are almost indestinguishable from the originals but these are made using high grade stainless throughout. They'll outlast the bike. If I ever scrap this, I'll be taking these with me! He even included new o-rings.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLVyPIbkDDnEnDIxFHhpcgxkHVvzUSHq3o8mmlVfePt1-gZtRsGtqwd5_uvRSLGt6KcpQsAtjRh2-8KJHXjeCGTbprcPdrDUG6eIj_8FU8Ui1BKgutV683VpisiHjP8x1LYM26AOvbvwAdNrXt8YxsV6=w1378-h776-no

Since these are done, there's no reason not to put oil in it while I remember! Sacked off the alloy sealing washer in place of a dowty which will not leak and doesn't need tightening down with the power of ten tigers. I don't understand why these aren't on all fluid-tight bolts on motorcycles.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLVgp-p66uEV4hW0ZJoTUl4t36x6wXd-dhG0-FOVNP0aqanBxhEpoBTc07luhzlpB7QZ6H_SHrzbKV1zKEFP7EEFS4l554Cewh-hvhAVAUPjUiyM7CkN6_hNfePsk4EPp6sjFH7P9wQXtz94E26JpD9-=w1378-h776-no

Oil in. Nothing fancy. It's a complex engine but not a high-tech engine. Honda specify SG which this surpasses by a country mile. Blah blah friction inhibitors, blah blah clutches. It's done 52k miles on Halfords own brand car oil and has had one set of clutch plates.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLVZd_esxX3KZHmN8b-cT2h4JVF2NJZxEYFh1_xTcyflTWjtMDOWRSqHj9QdOa_3gN8ORpsvkGhV7L9ekVQk4D39oTLjBNCH6COpV9c_sLy_-JkJKOshLUtxe_p-mWVrFzrTcc9gL0obuTtDe4smsLfY=w1378-h776-no

Oil cooler looks like it had a hard paper round.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLXHh5JasqjbdDscv_v2__i86POogXpA7x3i6_wH2qOhZE157dfji8mjFv3n9hZx8boT-qtGNiBjthVxRccqfdqQAFOtE5dT55k2ab9dJCr8f19_XTsW_3aUMyxOJnX5TlID2A5ZVdBaeWDgDpJLjex9=w1378-h776-no

The trick with these is to be delicate and don't go for perfection, the fins break easily. You want a gap for air to go through in as many as possible. Fine screwdriver a delicate hand and a fairly slapdash approach to alignment is the key.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLVeGnxFNMvnDMh4pjRv5CgOvJVLsrGDx1g8zElO52Z92eDb12lX9ljix1TtUd1hhzAwomJpQbe6YJwA3zmFg7s_PzUghpGqM-LnqFDDxSdMiHkG36j--O2CYhTDBTQfpDlZUh5OZrsuPNXpkiGsw8Fi=w1378-h776-no

I also filled and emptied the coolant system a couple of times to flush it through. I'll do it properly with a hose later but I wanted to make sure there weren't any outrageous leaks first.

I also had a go at the rear brake calliper. This was hella seized and one of the reasons the bike went on the naughtly step (tried to pump it out with the hydraulics at the time and the master cylinder seals failed, that was 10 years ago.). Replaced the banjo with an M10 nut with the thread drilled out. Fun fact, a grease gun fits on the bleed nipple and can generate 7,000psi.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLUEkNaJInNW0AuwdVaxRjNbMKTCM3RUCauj7-IeSxXZOH-8_CFOrASNzeI_8_ZM7LaZ1p4zKh24ULe1_rtoPGjn-QBzs5cKsiJUx_2Zt0sxSrJnLt4W6jLz_iH1-f_hKEF-JNg434hkPU3XiPvJb3D7=w1378-h776-no

They pretty much have to move.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLVp8NrGcA0giGVPJcDAEPNj_Z9t8JkaWJSw6QtB0rrAq191Nr3NGxP6cOEW1kygYCQGQlK6eGOLDW3094YldRQQjiZDtffSC8Zo8xr_Rkr52OGA2DciFrtsFfjP-8E_GEDtHRCteCQtBagCqFUX8T7T=w1378-h776-no

Well, that was easy.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLWcQtcNVHRuMgmP4turso_WIf9EU2B5L7qq2_1VRJIGVYLVo_4aeJ63wHP85ELwyCXCxWj1C0Y2B96YmWfSHRgCM1TrJVxy3QQreKuaCrt5ofYwV4bkr7kFpdx4NCiznaudzl4qU0iEE8caYkkcc9O5=w1378-h776-no

A little grease sneaked past the sealing washers.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLUgJ8hEGIbNFax6RcIF-DfN4gQXUh_sEaPAXa-cW_SID_eiLAC1lfrrgZPxB4TLTtF4FzDGli6-8UsXduac4mUTgnBfk-fZkhuslarO43mX4JE_ekKG7qDVEN8xlpUP1TB25286OShhBhfXh7lF-0DJ=w1378-h776-no

I'm trying to restrain myself from spending money on running gear and bodywork until I've established the engine runs well. No harm in stripping and cleaning parts ready to fit though.

Not far away from a test start. need to find and route all the drain/overflow hoses and fit the tank. I think it'll run if the tank is reasonably full without the fuel pump if I join the two hoses that usually go in there. Gravity should fill the float bowls.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[stinkwheel]

Worked out the mystery hose. It's a battery overspill drain. No longer required due to the invention of sealed batteries.

I hooked up the battery and all the panel lights work and the engine turns over.

I need to flush and fit the tank, fill the coolant and fit the silencer and we'll see if it will start.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[struan80]

It's a VFR of course it will start.

Which livery is your bike going to have?

[stinkwheel]

[struan80]

This is my favourite livery. I'm more of a poser though.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/yy224/struan80/honda-vfr-750-r-rc-30-reduced-effect-1992.webp?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds

[BenR]

[stinkwheel]

[UncleFester]

Good shout on those oil lines - the resulting off when the old ones popped and coated the tyre in oil would not make for pleasant reading. Sometimes it's better to spend the money and know its right / safe.

I had no end of bother sorting good ones for my VFR - gotca set from Germany that were almost mint but that was 7 odd years ago and they were hens teeth even then.
____________________
Module 1 and 2 passed - October 2014. Happy owner of a 2017 Z1000SX, ex owner of a YBR125 / CB500 / VFR800.

[stinkwheel]

Went out to try to start it last night. Put fuel in, hooked in the pipe, pushed the button and... Nothing. Not even a click.

Spent about 2 hours chasing through the starter circuit. The relay was operating when shorted directly but there was a weird voltage drop across the starter switch area. Stripped and cleaned the switches (and even found the tiny ball bearing on the garage floor twice!). Started chasing wires through in case one was broken. Couldn't find anything so called it a night.

Went out this evening ready to chase everything through with an meter. Started at the ignition fuse which was giving a poor continuity reading between itself and the starter switch, then it clunked down slightly and gave full continuity. Loose fuse! Moral of the story, start at the start!

Attached video is first starting attempt with the tank connected. I stopped after the first glimmerings of firing up to crack the float bowl drains and make sure they were filled in the absence of a fuel pump.

I noticed fluid dripping on the bike lift and was checking to make sure it wasn't fuel. It wasn't, just some water from in the exhaust. The clutch push rod worked its way out and fell on the floor so I had to hold it in with my knee (says good things about the oil pressure).

Now I have to spend some money on bodywork and running gear!

https://youtu.be/Q5PVPrXpiLs
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[stinkwheel]

Just a few jobs today. Took the front subframe and yokes off to clean and paint them.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLXH0QL2-APd4UJNKiilzPtd9le22cqMy9csSCTMqAto0bTfoNFhmyZXDrNpN6VDTtkRqvo7y2km2SSVJWqyUoS4anEFEARTnapjcssPAoB_iSnPlqmgjHJC8mZ0JsO_FCiiQIYKGKoI-SdvvmFS49TU=w1378-h776-no

Subframe straight in a tub of vinegar.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLXvpO9z7FaPKdY9i6vvewDDaL3o6h9trJa5x3Lg8d91zBWAMEKrSiLFiGII1zK_G1QjTA50wtVSNk9YXGVyxIA88EHJ_jG8RHgSnlR_yAhVKElN7WlsysHhMxQIinjqPBaZ-52T5V5x2CU9fzoa00F8=w1378-h776-no

Yoke will be trickier to de-gunge because the bottom bearing is on. Maybe sit it in vinegar to just below the bearing.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLW8AXGTQOD0VSSe3kTUp58IlVwZGHJlXoCuPomsF41HsCPWijfj4HtA8_g8jff36csbndJ8a1pKJfb0x3KUpK7QhomRVs6GtBuFkR8RV7ZywqfaGmB8u74i8USdFJrnN-0re70f7n2oZZLtMJhLSD_x=w1378-h776-no

Also ground the anti-tamper bolts off the helmet lock. I'm not so concerned about the lock itself but the seat release catch is totally seized, I've stuck that in diesel to soak for a while.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLXQ9ArMA6hr1jXM3GrA7obd4_bN9epkb28nAxYIjnlDaZWAB19rfvPBUo_RczPmSVs4HsEgd5zb8BC_yIDU7mBZphuKZpstO5G_tzQIfdc7PVxb0Umm0tVCjEa5o7A7_UtJzuJ-BESjdN0qDl5nUyLM=w1378-h776-no

The alloy footpeg hangers are all pretty tatty looking too. I'm not too keen on sitting with scotchbrite for hours but I've got an old pneumatic oiler which I think I might be able to modify to work as a soda blaster. If that works, I might give the left engine case and barrels a blast with it too.

Found a set of replica fairings on ebay for £350. I recognise them as the poly 26 ones I used on my other bike which were pretty solid and a good fit.

Keeping an eye out for a good VFR1200 shock.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[struan80]

Great, you must be well chuffed. Told ye lol

Can you post a photo of the new fairings?

[stinkwheel]

[stinkwheel]

Hmm. Colours

Original colours:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLXglT_bivJzj3i7ciViDXpIUvVRxRjKvtcybU-MYQAhsqWiBsaRBTZXqM_JilXpDOY2Xf72VvofsdPkhxKXiHpUK41Bw4wm5Fed7uqxVL81dUfY7zWs4J90fQ7ryDnGQppYd5uJt7Guvjg0DeuCqk2N=w620-h377-no

Too bright red:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLXJF_ipKospOumUuk04GxxbXSsRX1fOUNuXnhnu8vUNqZ1nrFw2HZaa605t7a2N8GEIJ4Jf16B9yFc2mKs9_7udn69-8w3kdwX1B7JTNeJxMS61jvzsDEaB8_U_D0G0w3mknLOytgDPFmhSozfbh5Ln=w620-h377-no

Too dark red:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLU4hnNWYna5rzoVekp30dRGh0_Lxg9NJp7MA7TjG51QGf6mOKCixLW-R_9NdgBc3ovBeZH-ZwR7Y3B3soEtSNTGBWcbp4bWsUp6dav4dPSn4L0PYhr_YyttLkxiswb7xb0BajzDKojnzyffbImzpxvK=w620-h377-no

Silver:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLXtOZPYSlyvmI85LS6aJmVvPY_DlDbauB7LlU5vRBbH_al07h62NRSTdKtGdeeZWpymKJ5QRGyajx6dFmrNvblaPVjKTm7XzcZ3X32csBiZ1c3_4-0Lb2QYjMU3Xq-OegJyrCMrAaM8yNInxQbstSyy=w620-h377-no

Silver, black belly pan (original one is intact):
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLUDsL-4iMSczcypkKCNqGuJ-Yfq7l1n518D004X6QnSRaIKIaiyyIBlcR-H2OYLUf8ckjIgMj9grRqLBx0aRc3dCLj2DS3xBayiGLLtb3JahEi_3pDgmdsif_RDIG2ZBCYft1qqu11BXHiK6Avz38UH=w620-h377-no

Black:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLUkQA6YY58445xxVSu0nbYmv7VlwiOfo7mqQhaXf6DCXyBMhDl_pc8jurzC_dJmjmcEXd1Ua0TLm3-8ESaOR5GmC3ijlNmBGv4V3JIo7jX10O3ftcRPgZztpwnRQ1dUguzuBuzRRPTZXXwIW7xG9p2I=w620-h377-no

Silver doesn't look bad....
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

If I could somehow get a cheap graphic I'd totally go for something resembling the vfr800 50th anniversary colours. I really love those bikes - they look great in photos but even better in the metal. I'm not sure how difficult it would be to create a yellow graphic - it wouldn't have to be overly accurate in terms of matching the 50th anniversary colours. All it would really need is a rough mix of silver to red to yellow proportions.

The red tank, tail section and red tank (and front mudguard) with the silver panels and black belly pan already looks good - but with a flash of yellow (preferably with a Honda logo on it) would, I reckon, look excellent. Myself, I'd get a couple of A3 sheets of yellow self-adhesive vinyl or similar, I'd cut both sheets into matching L/R slash type triangular(-ish) shapes, and apply them to somewhere similar to where they're positioned on the 800 50th panels. I'd then buy two suitably sized black Honda logos and stick them on top of the yellow slashes, using the 800 design as a reference. Just something to follow rather then replicate. Obviously none of this would be lacquered in - but so what. It'd imo be a quick and effective way to make an ordinary-ish mix of paint and panels come alive a bit, and look pretty stylish. Of course, not everyone likes the 50th colours. But I think they're one of the best combos out there.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8f/58/a1/8f58a11305fd00e0240601af94d7b1aa.jpg
____________________
"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[struan80]

I do like the red and silver.

[stinkwheel]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

I think that's it! Not sure about the gills though tbh. But that in-fill piece being yellow looks right. The only other thing I'd be tempted to add would be a "VFR" graphic of some sort on - and following the top line of - the belly pan (such that the graphic is picking up that 45 degree line, as it were). And ideally I'd want the graphic in red with maybe a bit of black accenting, like on the 50th.

I managed to wangle some cheap but yet still half decent looking graphics for my KLX using a crappy thing I found on eBay. Unfortunately with these such sellers the range of fonts is absolutely pitiful, but with some of them you can ask them if they've got other styles of lettering available, and some of them are flexible of size and colour too:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232326765417?hash=item3617c11b69:g:6-UAAOSwwPhWlrnc
____________________
"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[BenR]

Number 1 has my vote the red/black with original decals still looks good but understated.
____________________
Current bikes: suzuki RG125UN wolf. Yamaha MT-07

[Robby]

To me, the silver or black both look like you crashed it and fitted a fairing from a breakers.

The mismatched red looks like you crashed it and got a poor colour match.

So my vote is for painting all of it the same shade of red.

To be more specific, I would get someone else to paint all of it the same shade of red. I hate painting, I always end up doing the job several times over, and every time I vow to get it done properly next time.

I do like it in red.

[stinkwheel]

[virus]

I tend to agree with Robby, Ive always thought the red and silver looked like a crash repair (although now i know a bit more thanks to this thread)


How about another matt black Veefer to go alongside the other?


Cheers
John
____________________
own: 81 xs1100g...
owned: 85 rat CG (sold), 91 GS500e (stolen), 84 gsx400f (scrapped), 81 z250 (siezed, siezed, scrapped), 83 cb250rs (sold), 84 gpz750r ratfighter (killed) 84gpz400 (sold), '80 cb650 ratfighter (wrote off) 95gsx6/12f ratfighter (killed) 91 xj900 (sold)
stinkwheel Well I just had my hands up a pigs fanny. Which makes your concerns pale into insignificance.

[myvision]

How about this limited 50th anniversary scheme?
____________________
VFR800FI, YZF600R Thundercat and FZS 1000