Project overview

I bought my 1994 Honda VFR750F in 1997.

I commuted daily to work, and took several road trips through 1999.  In that year I slid it on its right side after locking the front in a low-speed panic turn.  Other than a failed battery, loose turn signal, and the obvious body and lever scrapes, there was no serious damage.  I replaced the battery and bought some new right-side body panels, but did not install them.

I rode regularly for a few more months, but then stopped commuting on the bike, having a new job downtown convenient to the Metro.  Some time in 2002 I stopped riding altogether, and the bike  has been parked, unridden since.

It’s time to do a decent renovation and get this beauty back on the road.  Here she is, in the new garage (minus mid-fairings, which are stored away in good condition):

I inventoried the bike and drafted a checklist [V1] of tasks, tools, and materials.  I’m using that to log purchases and track work progress.

Highlights of work planned:

  • Clean/rebuild fuel system:  carbs, fuel paths, tank, petcock, cables, controls
  • Clean/rebuild brake and clutch master cylinders, brake calipers, clutch slave
  • New: stainless braided brake and clutch lines
  • New: brake pads, oil/air/fuel filters, fork seals, spark plugs, tires, slip-on silencer, grips
  • New, as needed: Rectifier/regulator, thermostat, thermosensor
  • New: coolant, engine oil, brake/clutch fluid, fork oil
  • Clean/lube: chain, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, center stand, side stand
  • Inspect/replace any brittle rubber hoses, wiring
  • Check exhaust system for rust/leaks
  • Clean/polish: engine covers and frame parts, windscreen, meters, swing arm, wheels, etc.
  • Repair/replace/repaint: upper right, lower right, right rear fairings and seat cowl (tabs); coolant overflow bottle, right front turn signal, foot brake pedal/driver right foot peg

It’s likely I’ll find more things wrong during tear-down and as I open bits.  But this is the starting point.  On we go …