Honda VFR400R Restoration

[Ancientmariner]

Don't I know it but something is better than nothing. I have decided getting it to a stage where it's ridable and has an MOT and then maybe do more restoration.

Anyway will vapour blast the front wheel next week and get it recoated and then it's into the exhaust project. New inverter and cylinder of argon are here now so no real excuse not to.

 

[Del640]

Very nice..

 

[adt70hk]

James,

Good luck with the restoration. I'm not a bike man myself so can't be of any assistance other than to offer some encouragement!

So GOOD LUCK!!

ATB.

Andrew

 

[Ancientmariner]

So today decided to rip off all calipers and the carbs ready to take to my friends unit for extensive works to be completed.

Being a "grey import" it's hard finding any accurate info. I am working from a manual for the Nc35 (2 models later) and a parts website. So after 3 hours managed to get them off. Looking forward to getting them down to base components and hopefully finding the main jets blocked, fingers crossed!

 

[Tim Marlow]

Nice work. Don’t think I could take that on. I need pictures and instruction so I know where I am

 

[Ancientmariner]

So a busy day.

Carbs and brake calipers washed and looking good.
Stripped carbs and as expected found all main jets blocked which explains why it was stalling when revs were applied.

Caliper pistons all free and ready to go back in.

Shocks rebuilt ready for filling. Found not only had some parts been done but almost all were wrong and mixed up as left and right forks are very different construction.

Looking forward to starting reassembly!

 

[Tim Marlow]

More great stuff. Front shocks look excellent now. You’re going to love this when it’s done….

 

[Ancientmariner]

More great stuff. Front shocks look excellent now. You’re going to love this when it’s done….

More great stuff. Front shocks look excellent now. You’re going to love this when it’s done….

Will be happy to see it run properly tbf. As it didn't start when I got it I'm past that already and and I think really the way things are with the carbs it will work properly now. Not sure what to do with it when it's done. I want to put it on the lounge with one of my others but these plans don't always meet with the approval of all concerned parties.

 

[Ancientmariner]

So rebuilt and refitted shocks, new carb rubbers in and carbs refitted.
Not far of popping a fuel tank on putting fuel on and seeing if she fires into life.

 

[AlanG]

Those forks look well smart fitted

 

[Ancientmariner]

Those forks look well smart fitted

Thanks Alan, they came up ok, rattle can in the back garden technique was used

 

[Ancientmariner]

So I have something that's is starting to resemble a bike again! Put carb tops on and air box, reconnected all pipes and fuel tank and put rear side fairings back on.
Shani forgot the keys so I couldn't test it today.

 

[Ancientmariner]

So apart from exhaust, oil and filter change and a spacer for the front wheel, it's done. Rode it round the units tonight, must be the first time it's turned a wheel in almost 10 years!
Oh and I also need some wing mirrors ideally.

 

[minitnkr]

A beauty. Looks fast just sitting there. Your comment on the mirrors brought to mind the famous movie racers' quote, " ..........what is behind is unimportant".

 

[Mini Me]

"Gumball" Rally......remember it well.

 

[Ancientmariner]

I think she looks faster than she is tbh

 

[Tim Marlow]

Looks great James. Really good job on that! Does the number get in the way of the headlight?

 

[Ancientmariner]

Looks great James. Really good job on that! Does the number get in the way of the headlight?

The number is a velcroed on plastic plate which can be removed.

Really need an exhaust as it's obnoxiously loud currently!

 

[adt70hk]

That's coming on very, very nicely indeed. Just had a catch up.

Great work.

ATB.

Andrew

 

[Tim Marlow]

The number is a velcroed on plastic plate which can be removed.

Really need an exhaust as it's obnoxiously loud currently!

That makes sense Andrew.
I remember loud motorcycles……I had a 500 single with a short straight through exhaust. It used to scorch the pillion riders feet when on overrun…. Probably illegal now…..