Honda VRX400 1995 "barn find" restoration
Discussion
Have a look on evilbay.
Somehting like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-GL-500-SILVERWING-...
Looks like there are many variations.
Somehting like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-GL-500-SILVERWING-...
Looks like there are many variations.
Managed to pick up a workshop manual off the bay of E ... in Japanese ! (remember, this was an import, so never sold in English speaking countries ... or America)
However it's got lots of pictures, exploded diagrams, and handily all things like torque settings are in English (e.g. "32nm")
However it's got lots of pictures, exploded diagrams, and handily all things like torque settings are in English (e.g. "32nm")
Cool bike! Never knew these existed.
Definitely a cousin to the Bros, lots of similar parts. Downpipes look a little different though which is a shame as they're nice stainless items on a Bros. Carbs should be fairly simple Keihin CVs, shouldn't have a problem getting them working well.
The 400 is a nice torquey engine although if it isn't enough I'm sure an Africa Twin engine will slot right in
Definitely a cousin to the Bros, lots of similar parts. Downpipes look a little different though which is a shame as they're nice stainless items on a Bros. Carbs should be fairly simple Keihin CVs, shouldn't have a problem getting them working well.
The 400 is a nice torquey engine although if it isn't enough I'm sure an Africa Twin engine will slot right in
Mr2Mike said:
Out of interest is that a big oil cooler at the front or is it actually water cooled with the fins just for decoration?
It's fully water cooled ... with fins ?!? LOLOne disadvantage to the Japanese manual ... the index is in Japanese too. Think I need to flick through the whole book and start putting post-it note markers for each section. Right ... when on earth is the exploded diagram for the front brake master cylinder ...
RumpleFugly said:
Fun project. 
I think you'll struggle to get the exhausts rechromed, most chromers won't touch used pipes as they contaminate the tanks. Let us know if you do find someone willing to do it though as would be useful to know.
Cheers I think you'll struggle to get the exhausts rechromed, most chromers won't touch used pipes as they contaminate the tanks. Let us know if you do find someone willing to do it though as would be useful to know.
I've contacted both Ashford Chroming and Derby Plating, and both will rechrome the downpipes (though prices seem to vary between £80+vat and £130+vat, and 6 weeks lead time up to 12 weeks lead time !)
Following the time honoured principles of methodical and logical working, I decided randomly to refurbish the front brake calliper (then move on to the forks etc)
About the only non standard thing I've found on this bike is the fender-extender ... I think I'll be ditching that.
The brake was seized in an off position ...
... which I'm putting down to the copious amounts of fork oil that had leaked out of the right fork, all over the brakes on that side, then congealed. There's very little or no scoring or corrosion on the pistons.
Took a good 2 to 3 hours to clean it up, using harsher and harsher liquids ... this black gunk was properly stuck on !
All cleaned up ...
Repainted the callipers.
And then fitted all back up, all ready for the new piston seals and brake pads which are in the post.
About the only non standard thing I've found on this bike is the fender-extender ... I think I'll be ditching that.
The brake was seized in an off position ...
... which I'm putting down to the copious amounts of fork oil that had leaked out of the right fork, all over the brakes on that side, then congealed. There's very little or no scoring or corrosion on the pistons.
Took a good 2 to 3 hours to clean it up, using harsher and harsher liquids ... this black gunk was properly stuck on !
All cleaned up ...
Repainted the callipers.
And then fitted all back up, all ready for the new piston seals and brake pads which are in the post.
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