VF1000R rebuild

Got to tell you..........You got skills boy.

 

It will be RWB in some form or another. Just as soon as I think I have it nailed down, I change my mind. I don't want to show my hand just yet but for sure, it WILL scream Honda with a nod to the 80's Factory race bikes.

The inlet was already there but because it was an aftermarket race tail, it was very thin. I stiffened up the entire piece but I gave that spot a little extra love. I think it might actually help in keeping things cool back there as well.

 

This build is definitely some Must See TV. I am looking forward to seeing what you decide on for the final paint scheme - can't go wrong with the RWB, 80's Factory race bike designs - IMHO.

 

:hi2:My hat is off to you, very nicely done.

 

Thanks guys.

We'll be celebrating our 25th anniversary together this June 12th( I remember it like is was yesterday) so I thought I'd get her a pretty new dress. Here are some ideas. Not a replica just taking styling cues here and there. Flip colors, move stripes, etc.

A few inspirations...

 

What is that weird piece below the brake foot under the swingarm.

 

I believe that's the exhaust chamber, being the 2 stroke NSR500. Speaking of which, that paint might be an option?



Looking good, I'm sure you're itching to get this back on the road.

 

To me what made the Rothman design was the Rothman part and the history of their racing. With-out the Rothman name the scheme with the gold stripe is too bland for me. Needs more red in it.

 

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I envy the skill and patience you have to build/re-build a bike like you are doing.

Your work is outstanding and astounding.

Keep up the fantastic work.
Cheers
Shane

 

I got the projector headlight in and all seems good. It looks flat in the front and the headlight looks flush all around...




...but as you can see from the below pics, the nose is now more rounded than the flatter stock headlight opening, both top to bottom and from side to side. Trying for a bulbous race nose from the 80's without it being like a basketball. The headlight is close to flush on the left side and recessed on the right, exactly what I wanted, kind of like the OKI RVF's. Had I just glassed the front flat it would have looked like an '86 GSXR750.
(Great help from my five year old!)






It sits a little close to the upper radiator but I think it will be fine. I made it so it will have some degree of fine adjustment for aiming. All stainless hardware. I made the tunnel out of fiberglass cloth and lots of resin. I used a piece of 1/2 inch MDF to act as a block to hold the bolt heads. It's light, sucks up resin nicely and I had a piece kicking around. I attached it with a thick epoxy resin paste and covered it with fiberglass cloth to secure it to the fairing. It's pretty strong.




...and it is bright. I couldn't take a picture directly in front, too bright for the camera. This is off to the side.



I still need to do some body work on the upper to smooth things out but she's starting to look pretty tough.



I think she's lost 50lbs visually. Wish it was actual lbs.

 

Your project bike is looking top shelf. I also noticed the weathered, wood sided building in the background - looks like a nice set-up for a vintage bike shop!

 

Yea, my wife is wondering why there is weathered paint on the barn and the house and I'm working on a motorcycle.

 

All barns should have weathered siding - lots of character in this. The house, well...that is a bit tougher sell

 

As some may remember, a while back, I tried my hand at home powder coating my RC30 wheel. It went pretty well but I figured it was just beginners luck. It was now time for the RC51 front to get done.

I removed the tire, stem, and bearings. Then it went into my home made sandblast cabinet to get it down to raw aluminum. After a slight sanding with 220, it looked like this...




20 minutes in the oven, raw, to flash off any contaminants then time for paint. I felt like I had a better handle on the powder flow this time so I didn't bail on too much like the first try. Into the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. It's always an agonizing wait when it's in the oven. I picture all kinds of horrible things happening in there from insulation falling on it to the powder running off in huge blobs. When the time was up and with fingers crossed, I opened the door.

Whew!! Looks soaking wet!! And even smoother than the 8 spoker!



Almost broke my thumb nail trying to scratch it. Rock hard and very shinny. I just need to re-install the bearings, get a new stem, mount and balance the tire and the front end can go on.

Seems like I only take pictures on overcast days but let me tell you, it's very smooth and very white!!

 

WOW......this thread makes me all tingly inside.

Keep up the good work...and Kudos to you for being so awesome at all this stuff.

 

Wheels look sick Hop. :thumbsup:

 

Thanks Bud! Hopefully it won't all come off with the tire mounting!

 

Looking very nice!

Not to let the cat out of the bag but with the white rims are you thinking of going with a darker main color for the body?

 

Well, sort of? I'm not sure which color, the blue or the white will occupy the most real estate, probably the blue but not by much. A splash of red and a hint of yellow will also be at the party. Now you'll just have to be a good boy and wait to see.:wink:

 

I got some work done and baby steps are adding up.

Off the To Do List...

Frame painted and clear coated.
Motor back in.
Carbs cleaned, jetted and installed with new filter.
Coils on.
Upper fairing stay painted and installed.
Radiators flushed and upper installed.
Gauges detailed and installed.
Carbon fairing surround wet sanded and clear coated.
Thermostat painted and installed.
Air box capped and puke filter installed.
kF rad. reserve tank installed.
Swingarm painted.

Time for a beer(s)!