VFR 750F RC24 1989 Accidental Purchase
Discussion
How one thought can lead to an accidental bike purchase...
It's coming up to the two-year anniversary of my CBT... obviously during lockdown I'm unable to complete the steps to get my full licence, but I thought I'd email the DVSA to see if extensions would be granted. They said "maybe, we'll let you know" - just in case anyone is in the same boat. In contacting them, I found I was still able to book my theory test. After getting that booked, I thought I'd have a look around for interesting bikes.
A couple of hours of browsing later, I stumbled across this ad: https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1226183 which was only a 30 mile drive from my house. Seemed a fun trip to take with the family (social distancing observed at all times, obviously). The bike was in amazing condition, having previously been owned by an aircraft engineer, who even fabricated his own special tools to make some jobs easier.... needless to say, the deal was done and two days later it was sitting in my garage!
The only things I need to source are: spare key (easy), and an original or fabricated original silencer (not so easy), and my licence! Can anyone recommend a good exhaust fabricator who could make something as close to stock as possible? If anyone is a VFR fan and wants pics let me know, I'd be happy to oblige.
Very excited about hopefully getting to ride it before the summer ends!
It's coming up to the two-year anniversary of my CBT... obviously during lockdown I'm unable to complete the steps to get my full licence, but I thought I'd email the DVSA to see if extensions would be granted. They said "maybe, we'll let you know" - just in case anyone is in the same boat. In contacting them, I found I was still able to book my theory test. After getting that booked, I thought I'd have a look around for interesting bikes.
A couple of hours of browsing later, I stumbled across this ad: https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1226183 which was only a 30 mile drive from my house. Seemed a fun trip to take with the family (social distancing observed at all times, obviously). The bike was in amazing condition, having previously been owned by an aircraft engineer, who even fabricated his own special tools to make some jobs easier.... needless to say, the deal was done and two days later it was sitting in my garage!
The only things I need to source are: spare key (easy), and an original or fabricated original silencer (not so easy), and my licence! Can anyone recommend a good exhaust fabricator who could make something as close to stock as possible? If anyone is a VFR fan and wants pics let me know, I'd be happy to oblige.
Very excited about hopefully getting to ride it before the summer ends!
Good luck getting an original exhaust...they were a 4-2-1-2 originally, mild steel and have pretty much all rotted by now. The middle 2-1-2 is particularly hard to get hold of. I have a couple of original silencers, but not that section.
There was at least the stainless Motad replacement...until they went out of business.
Anyway, beware that the 86, 87 and 88-89 bikes are very different. Beware of sellers who don't have a clue (and that includes reputable ones).
This is mine ('89 registered '88 "VFR750FJ").
There was at least the stainless Motad replacement...until they went out of business.
Anyway, beware that the 86, 87 and 88-89 bikes are very different. Beware of sellers who don't have a clue (and that includes reputable ones).
This is mine ('89 registered '88 "VFR750FJ").
Fastdruid said:
Good luck getting an original exhaust...they were a 4-2-1-2 originally, mild steel and have pretty much all rotted by now. The middle 2-1-2 is particularly hard to get hold of. I have a couple of original silencers, but not that section.
There was at least the stainless Motad replacement...until they went out of business.
Anyway, beware that the 86, 87 and 88-89 bikes are very different. Beware of sellers who don't have a clue (and that includes reputable ones).
Looks lovely - and very similar to mine! Yes, I had heard that the chances of original exhaust are slim. I might give this bunch a call and see what they say.There was at least the stainless Motad replacement...until they went out of business.
Anyway, beware that the 86, 87 and 88-89 bikes are very different. Beware of sellers who don't have a clue (and that includes reputable ones).
juniorbox said:
How one thought can lead to an accidental bike purchase...
It's coming up to the two-year anniversary of my CBT... obviously during lockdown I'm unable to complete the steps to get my full licence, but I thought I'd email the DVSA to see if extensions would be granted. They said "maybe, we'll let you know" - just in case anyone is in the same boat. In contacting them, I found I was still able to book my theory test. After getting that booked, I thought I'd have a look around for interesting bikes.
A couple of hours of browsing later, I stumbled across this ad: https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1226183 which was only a 30 mile drive from my house. Seemed a fun trip to take with the family (social distancing observed at all times, obviously). The bike was in amazing condition, having previously been owned by an aircraft engineer, who even fabricated his own special tools to make some jobs easier.... needless to say, the deal was done and two days later it was sitting in my garage!
The only things I need to source are: spare key (easy), and an original or fabricated original silencer (not so easy), and my licence! Can anyone recommend a good exhaust fabricator who could make something as close to stock as possible? If anyone is a VFR fan and wants pics let me know, I'd be happy to oblige.
Very excited about hopefully getting to ride it before the summer ends!
Ooh an FK, good work. It's coming up to the two-year anniversary of my CBT... obviously during lockdown I'm unable to complete the steps to get my full licence, but I thought I'd email the DVSA to see if extensions would be granted. They said "maybe, we'll let you know" - just in case anyone is in the same boat. In contacting them, I found I was still able to book my theory test. After getting that booked, I thought I'd have a look around for interesting bikes.
A couple of hours of browsing later, I stumbled across this ad: https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1226183 which was only a 30 mile drive from my house. Seemed a fun trip to take with the family (social distancing observed at all times, obviously). The bike was in amazing condition, having previously been owned by an aircraft engineer, who even fabricated his own special tools to make some jobs easier.... needless to say, the deal was done and two days later it was sitting in my garage!
The only things I need to source are: spare key (easy), and an original or fabricated original silencer (not so easy), and my licence! Can anyone recommend a good exhaust fabricator who could make something as close to stock as possible? If anyone is a VFR fan and wants pics let me know, I'd be happy to oblige.
Very excited about hopefully getting to ride it before the summer ends!
Are you looking for a collector or silencer? Huge soft spot for these bikes.
ddom said:
Ooh an FK, good work.
Are you looking for a collector or silencer? Huge soft spot for these bikes.
Hiya - I think I want an entire system, minus the manifolds as these have already been replaced with stainless. At the moment it's running a single silencer, rather than the two I think are stock.Are you looking for a collector or silencer? Huge soft spot for these bikes.
It's a real beauty. One of those buys where you can just tell it's been loved all its life. Now I just have to keep up the good work!
Not entirely sure but that looks like it might be a black painted Motad system...in which case I'd keep that rather than try and go "original". It will cost a fortune.
If you must though https://www.wemoto.com/bikes/honda/vfr_750_fj_rc24...
You'll then need to get the collector box made, they do _occasionally_ turn up on ebay but go for a fortune. 18340-ML7-921 is the p/n you need.
They list it available here
https://nutjob.ie/genuine-honda-parts/genuine-hond...
but no idea if they _actually_ have it as it is officially NLA, I suspect it is not.
If you must though https://www.wemoto.com/bikes/honda/vfr_750_fj_rc24...
You'll then need to get the collector box made, they do _occasionally_ turn up on ebay but go for a fortune. 18340-ML7-921 is the p/n you need.
They list it available here
https://nutjob.ie/genuine-honda-parts/genuine-hond...
but no idea if they _actually_ have it as it is officially NLA, I suspect it is not.
Pothole said:
David Silver is a good source for Honda spares. Make sure you sit down before looking at prices.
The parts he wants are NLAhttps://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/parts/by-part-...
https://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/parts/by-part-...
https://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/parts/by-part-...
I have a 1990 VFR750FL (The first 750 with a single sided swing arm), I've owned from 3,000 miles, since 1993.
Done around 70,000 miles on it, until 1998, when I hibernated it (I moved to Japan). Shipped it to Japan in 2013 and its been back in the motherland since, fitted with VTRSP2 front end, etc.
TBH I don't use it, as I have several other bikes, as well as a 1997 VFR750FT in the U.K.
Great bikes though! Nothing wrong with the 1989 model.
I'd update the suspension and brakes. Can fit Brembo calipers and Brembo RCS master cylinder to the front, to give a lot better braking. Did that to mine in the U.K. Still fast bikes, capable of doing 150 mph.
Done around 70,000 miles on it, until 1998, when I hibernated it (I moved to Japan). Shipped it to Japan in 2013 and its been back in the motherland since, fitted with VTRSP2 front end, etc.
TBH I don't use it, as I have several other bikes, as well as a 1997 VFR750FT in the U.K.
Great bikes though! Nothing wrong with the 1989 model.
I'd update the suspension and brakes. Can fit Brembo calipers and Brembo RCS master cylinder to the front, to give a lot better braking. Did that to mine in the U.K. Still fast bikes, capable of doing 150 mph.
Fastdruid said:
You'll then need to get the collector box made, they do _occasionally_ turn up on ebay but go for a fortune. 18340-ML7-921 is the p/n you need.
Well that one wasn't too hard. Malcolm Kirkby at Anaconda is the man to speak to. If his website says he has it, then he usually does. 
18310 rhs silencer new. Www.lo-moto.de
Or another new rhs.
No real joy on the lhs unless you want a Swiss one. Parts based on numbers listed above...
Or another new rhs.
No real joy on the lhs unless you want a Swiss one. Parts based on numbers listed above...
Edited by NS400R on Wednesday 27th May 22:04
NS400R said:
Fastdruid said:
You'll then need to get the collector box made, they do _occasionally_ turn up on ebay but go for a fortune. 18340-ML7-921 is the p/n you need.
Well that one wasn't too hard. Malcolm Kirkby at Anaconda is the man to speak to. If his website says he has it, then he usually does. 
But looks like our man here has found you one if you really do want to go down that route.
NS400R said:
18310 rhs silencer new. Www.lo-moto.de
Or another new rhs.
No real joy on the lhs unless you want a Swiss one. Parts based on numbers listed above...
And *THIS* is exactly what I warned you about. I'll repeat what I wrote. Or another new rhs.
No real joy on the lhs unless you want a Swiss one. Parts based on numbers listed above...
Fastdruid said:
Anyway, beware that the 86, 87 and 88-89 bikes are very different.
Those are *NOT* for an 88-89 bike, not to mention that you casually missed out the prices... 18310-ML7-692 (87, engine number 2105658 onwards so won't fit), 765EUR for that one...a mere 262EUR for the second...which is also for an 87 but not a UK model part (German/Austria/Sweden model) so wouldn't match...even if it fitted, which it doesn't. 
I wouldn't worry too much - it's the standard thing to write helpful advice on the interwebs and have some smartarse try and prove you wrong.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff