My winter bike.....

Destructo · 10-13-2009, 6:11 AM

Here are a few pics of my 'new' winter bike:

It's a 1998 'E' reg VFR750FJ, showing 37k miles on the clock. 21 years old... I was only 12 when this thing first rolled out of the showroom!

Although it's primarily a winter commuter, I wanted something that would be able to offer more - winter ride outs mainly, but potentially to offer an alternative to the Blade on those days where you just fancy something different.

I was looking at Bandit 600's and old CBR600's but after riding my mate's GSXR600 I decided that another 600 wasn't going to cut it.

Then I saw this on eBay. It was on a buy-it-now. I arranged to view the bike on Saturday, with a mate who owned one of these from new and did 70k miles on it. He's also a mechanic.

The bike is clean as a whistle - the guy selling it likes to restore bikes (he had one of his projects in the garage - an immaculate 1970's Yamaha RD250). He was going to restore this bike but a TZR caught his eye (he used to race them) so this had to go. Although that said, the bike is far from cosmetically perfect, but then it doesn't need to be.

The important part is that it's been serviced to death by the seller - all the usual bits + fork oil, brake pads and seals, clutch and brake fluids, new battery, new tyres.

They tyres themselves are comical - a matched pair of new Conti's, but the front looks like a Pirelli Scorpion, while the back looks like one of those retro Pirelli Phantoms fitted to Ducati SportClassics. There are no radial tyres available for this bike and tyre choice appears limited.

The tyres seem to grip well enough though - I've not ridden far on the bike so still getting used to it, but no concerns so far. As the tyres are so skinny the VFR does tip in to corners much quicker than the Blade.

The engine seems pretty good too - when I test rode the bike I'd just got off my Blade, so it didn't seem that potent. But I used it today to ride to work and I was pleasantly surprised by it - quite grunty, and does growl nicely when you give it the berries.

The brakes on the other hand are nothing like the blade - it's as if they are made of soap. I might invest in some braided hoses if there are any available.

I've found some nice little touches too - bungee hooks that fold out from behind the pillion pegs, adjustable screen, and a remote preload adjuster for the shock. My favourite part is the styling of the rear seat - I thin it looks really cool in an '80s retro way:

Overall I'm pleased with it so far, much more than I expected from a winter bike. This is the model Honda built to prove the V4 engine could work, and are supposed to be top quality. I'm glad I went for this over a newer (but cheaper when new) alternative.

FTP_929 · 10-13-2009, 6:15 AM

wow very clean i love the gauge cluster it reminds me of the game road rash

Destructo · 10-13-2009, 6:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTP_929

wow very clean i love the gauge cluster it reminds me of the game road rash

Yeah it is.... at the moment! It'll NEVER be that clean again!

It is really retro, one of the reasons I like it - like riding a time machine!

Bucko@buck88.ka · 10-13-2009, 7:00 AM

I rode one of these not so long ago and loved it the motor is a peach and it's no slouch for a 20yr old bike that's for sure

jazzy · 10-13-2009, 8:23 AM

WoW Destructo, how clean is that!! She's mint mate !!!!! What a wicked, awesome looking bike....for a 'HACK'

:t humb:

vex918 · 10-13-2009, 8:41 AM

Far to nice to be a HACK

........ but there's not a lot more you can do with it... enjoy it bud

steingar · 10-13-2009, 9:58 AM

My winter ride is a GL1100, if I can ever get the fool thing started.

Destructo · 10-13-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bucko@buck88.ka

I rode one of these not so long ago and loved it the motor is a peach and it's no slouch for a 20yr old bike that's for sure

Yeah it does go quite nicely, I'm pleased so far.... much better than a 500/600.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy

WoW Destructo, how clean is that!! She's mint mate !!!!! What a wicked, awesome looking bike....for a 'HACK'

:t humb:

Good for the age and money... as always the pics don't show the imperfections, but much better than the average 'hack' that's for certain.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vex918

Far to nice to be a HACK

........ but there's not a lot more you can do with it... enjoy it bud

Well the idea is it'll be more that just a 'hack' - more like a 2nd bike that I can use all year round. I'll use it for more than just riding to work on.

(I can't wait to give my mate a run for his money on a 21 year old bike... he's got an R1!!

)

Destructo · 10-13-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steingar

My winter ride is a GL1100, if I can ever get the fool thing started.

Post up some pics if you've got any

steingar · 10-13-2009, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destructo

Post up some pics if you've got any

Its pretty old and ratty, never did take any photos. Damn maintenance hog to boot.

jazzy · 10-13-2009, 10:07 AM

Thing is with most 600's they've had a right 'ass-whoopin' as it is, how much was the VFR? If you dont mind me asking?

Destructo · 10-13-2009, 10:09 AM

I'm hoping that the VFR will not need much more than basic servicing.....

time will tell.

And all bike pics are good - I kinda like to see old bikes, for me the fact that they have a bit of 'history' makes them all the more interesting.

encee · 10-13-2009, 5:52 PM

Destructo........that is a real pleasure mate, and really takes me back LOL !

About 10 or 12 years ago, a mate of mine used to turn up on one of those, with his missus on the back, and proceed to leave the rest of us for dead, each and every time he chose to ! We were on Blades and all sorts, so it just goes to show; it`s always about the rider......every time.

Anyway, I digress.......

Beautiful bike, that one mate, and it`ll give you a different "angle" from riding the Blade all the time, looks very well cared for too !

I think you`ve done VERY well for yourself there bud........nice one !

Destructo · 10-14-2009, 4:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy

Thing is with most 600's they've had a right 'ass-whoopin' as it is, how much was the VFR? If you dont mind me asking?

True, a lot will have been ragged, but there are some OK ones about - I'd have had no worries about an old CBR600 or Bandit, those engines are pretty strong (just a bit gutless!). There is a fella on CBR Forum who had a 600 and at the last time I looked he was up to 160,000 miles on his bike (he has some vids on YouTube).

The VFR was the princely sum of £750. Top end of 'hack' money I'd say but then this bike should turn out to be a lot more than just a winter hack! More of a (very) cheap motorcycle than an expensive hack.

Quote:

Originally Posted by encee

Destructo........that is a real pleasure mate, and really takes me back LOL !

About 10 or 12 years ago, a mate of mine used to turn up on one of those, with his missus on the back, and proceed to leave the rest of us for dead, each and every time he chose to ! We were on Blades and all sorts, so it just goes to show; it`s always about the rider......every time.

Anyway, I digress.......

Beautiful bike, that one mate, and it`ll give you a different "angle" from riding the Blade all the time, looks very well cared for too !

I think you`ve done VERY well for yourself there bud........nice one !

I'm looking forward to getting out on it a bit, after riding the Blade for the last 2 1/2 years the VFR is very different - it will take a few rides for me to get used to it. It does seem to handle well enough and has some grunt, so I can see how in the hands of a decent rider it could cause some upset! I see now why the VFR's are rated so highly, even at 21 years old this is a good bike (apart from the brakes....!!!)

jazzy · 10-14-2009, 5:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destructo

True, a lot will have been ragged, but there are some OK ones about - I'd have had no worries about an old CBR600 or Bandit, those engines are pretty strong (just a bit gutless!). There is a fella on CBR Forum who had a 600 and at the last time I looked he was up to 160,000 miles on his bike (he has some vids on YouTube).

The VFR was the princely sum of £750. Top end of 'hack' money I'd say but then this bike should turn out to be a lot more than just a winter hack! More of a (very) cheap motorcycle than an expensive hack.

I'm looking forward to getting out on it a bit, after riding the Blade for the last 2 1/2 years the VFR is very different - it will take a few rides for me to get used to it. It does seem to handle well enough and has some grunt, so I can see how in the hands of a decent rider it could cause some upset! I see now why the VFR's are rated so highly, even at 21 years old this is a good bike (apart from the brakes....!!!)

You under sell yourself sir

I found that with my 600, you could ring its neck all day just didn't pack a punch. 160,000 miles thats impressive!!

Still for 750 bucks as you say, you have a decent motor bike, if you do decide to keepo her, you could always upgrade the braking system

just a thought

Destructo · 10-14-2009, 5:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy

You under sell yourself sir

I found that with my 600, you could ring its neck all day just didn't pack a punch. 160,000 miles thats impressive!!

Still for 750 bucks as you say, you have a decent motor bike, if you do decide to keepo her, you could always upgrade the braking system

just a thought

I'm gonna look at some braided hoses - I wouldn't be surprised if the hoses on it are still the originals

I'm glad I didn't go for a 600 - and glad I had a go on one recently too, it was good fun wringing it's neck for the 20 miles that I rode it, but I prefer to have a bit of torque to play with personally.

jazzy · 10-14-2009, 5:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destructo

I'm gonna look at some braided hoses - I wouldn't be surprised if the hoses on it are still the originals

I'm glad I didn't go for a 600 - and glad I had a go on one recently too, it was good fun wringing it's neck for the 20 miles that I rode it, but I prefer to have a bit of torque to play with personally.

Double

True tho.....

Destructo · 10-14-2009, 5:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy

Double

True tho.....

Well it should 'encourage' me to ride smoother if nothing else....

jazzy · 10-14-2009, 5:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destructo

Well it should 'encourage' me to ride smoother if nothing else....

Yeah and use the old school braking system.....use the engine as a brake, and when you have to stop VERY quickly....put ya feet down!!!

Destructo · 10-14-2009, 5:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy

Yeah and use the old school braking system.....use the engine as a brake, and when you have to stop VERY quickly....put ya feet down!!!

LOL the Flintstones method!

Destructo · 10-20-2009, 3:24 PM

Well at the weekend I stripped the bodywork off and applied a coating of ACF-50. That stuff really makes a mess - it comes out in a jet more than a spray (from the can at least). Let's hope it is worth it. There also seems to be a bottled version that comes with a pump spray - I reckon I'd try that next time and spray it on as a finer mist rather than a jet! It's a pretty hard bike to get covered, the rear exhausts are buried in the bike so it was a case of spray and hope in those areas.

I also re-sprayed the fork legs with Hammerite as they were a little scabby, they are nice and shiny again now.

And I fitted the Scottoiler Touring that I had sitting around in the garage for the last couple of years - glad I didn't eBay it now!

Oh yeah I also fitted a lead for the Optimate as well, another spare I had in the garage.

I also found out that the rear wheel is a right

to put back in - there mist be a knack to it, I'll find out in time I guess.

After all that, I put it back together again....

jazzy · 10-20-2009, 3:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destructo

Well at the weekend I stripped the bodywork off and applied a coating of ACF-50. That stuff really makes a mess - it comes out in a jet more than a spray (from the can at least). Let's hope it is worth it. There also seems to be a bottled version that comes with a pump spray - I reckon I'd try that next time and spray it on as a finer mist rather than a jet! It's a pretty hard bike to get covered, the rear exhausts are buried in the bike so it was a case of spray and hope in those areas.

I also re-sprayed the fork legs with Hammerite as they were a little scabby, they are nice and shiny again now.

And I fitted the Scottoiler Touring that I had sitting around in the garage for the last couple of years - glad I didn't eBay it now!

Oh yeah I also fitted a lead for the Optimate as well, another spare I had in the garage.

I also found out that the rear wheel is a right

to put back in - there mist be a knack to it, I'll find out in time I guess.

After all that, I put it back together again....

Ahh nice to see you had a productive weekend bud

Scottoiler is a must!!! Ease of use is just what is wanted for winter running....no messing about in the cold trying to spay-lube ya chain

.
And I see you had some trouble re-inserting the rear wheel, well it cant ALL go well, sods law tells us at least one thing MUST go wrong whether we like it or not

Destructo · 10-20-2009, 4:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy

Ahh nice to see you had a productive weekend bud

Scottoiler is a must!!! Ease of use is just what is wanted for winter running....no messing about in the cold trying to spay-lube ya chain

.
And I see you had some trouble re-inserting the rear wheel, well it cant ALL go well, sods law tells us at least one thing MUST go wrong whether we like it or not

Yeah I can't say I'm looking forward to tyre changing time, then again the more I do it the better I'll get at it.

I have a Scottoiler on the Blade too, jury's still out - the outside of the chain is nice and wet, the inside looks dry... apparently 'capillary action' ensures both sides of the chain are oiled - we'll wait and see on that one. If there are O/X ring seals at each link, how does the oil get through??

jbond4321 · 10-20-2009, 4:21 PM

I like it mate, very nice

jazzy · 10-20-2009, 5:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destructo

Yeah I can't say I'm looking forward to tyre changing time, then again the more I do it the better I'll get at it.

I have a Scottoiler on the Blade too, jury's still out - the outside of the chain is nice and wet, the inside looks dry... apparently 'capillary action' ensures both sides of the chain are oiled - we'll wait and see on that one. If there are O/X ring seals at each link, how does the oil get through??

I had mine set up towards the front sprocket so it dripped down onto the chain guarded from the elements, wind, rain etc. If you have yours toward the rear sprocket then it could tend to 'fling' and not get into all the chain as required. And use more oil.

Destructo · 10-21-2009, 4:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy

I had mine set up towards the front sprocket so it dripped down onto the chain guarded from the elements, wind, rain etc. If you have yours toward the rear sprocket then it could tend to 'fling' and not get into all the chain as required. And use more oil.

Both of mine drip directly on to the sprockets - the centrifigal force drives the oil in to the chain I guess. I tried dripping on to the chain on my old ZZR but had limited success, the tube kept getting moved so it missed the chain!

In the Blade it drips on to the front sprocket - a neat job (even if I do say so myself!) as you can't really see any of the tubing and I can still use a paddock stand under the swingarm.

On the VFR I just ran the tubing under the swingarm and used the bracket to position the tube on the rear sprocket (the normal way) - looks crap but doesn't really matter on the Viffer, besides it's the Touring version so you can see the kit at the back of the bike anyway. It's got a centre stand too so no worries there!

Destructo · 10-21-2009, 4:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbond4321

I like it mate, very nice

It's in good nick for 21 years old, not perfect with paintwork blemishes, dent in the tank and 1 panel has been repaired at some stage, but good for the money and rides OK. One of these bikes that looks better in the pictures or from 10 paces away.

jazzy · 10-21-2009, 1:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destructo

Both of mine drip directly on to the sprockets - the centrifigal force drives the oil in to the chain I guess. I tried dripping on to the chain on my old ZZR but had limited success, the tube kept getting moved so it missed the chain!

In the Blade it drips on to the front sprocket - a neat job (even if I do say so myself!) as you can't really see any of the tubing and I can still use a paddock stand under the swingarm.

On the VFR I just ran the tubing under the swingarm and used the bracket to position the tube on the rear sprocket (the normal way) - looks crap but doesn't really matter on the Viffer, besides it's the Touring version so you can see the kit at the back of the bike anyway. It's got a centre stand too so no worries there!

No one likes a smart arse

Viffer, havent heard them called that in years!! *damn my old age*

LoopyLee · 10-21-2009, 1:31 PM

Lovely bike for a winter hack Destructo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destructo

the outside of the chain is nice and wet, the inside looks dry... apparently 'capillary action' ensures both sides of the chain are oiled - we'll wait and see on that one. If there are O/X ring seals at each link, how does the oil get through??

I got the dual feed set up on my bike courtesy of SSB on my birthday

so both sides of the chain are taken care of for me

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy

No one likes a smart arse

Viffer, havent heard them called that in years!! *damn my old age*

I think of them as 'Viffers' as well

Sideshow bob · 10-21-2009, 1:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destructo

It's in good nick for 21 years old, not perfect with paintwork blemishes, dent in the tank and 1 panel has been repaired at some stage, but good for the money and rides OK. One of these bikes that looks better in the pictures or from 10 paces away.

it certainly looks good in the pictures....

... almost too good to use as a hack*

*mind you .....ridding through the winter salting season will soon dull them plastics and start it looking the part