Jim's $400.00 1986 VF500F

Pretty nice, sir!!

 

Looks like she is getting new shoes also.

 

Nice !


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Nice Job Jim !!

 

Yep, got a few weeks of vacation left to take, so I am gathering parts to take me through the holiday!

No family at Christmas = tons of time on my hands!

 

Lookin' really good, Mr. Jim. The details take time and effort, but are really what pay off at the end.

 

Nice job. I install my own seat covers and it is not fun usually. But worth it when you get it right. Re-doing the solo seat cowl pads IS A BITCH to do without visible wrinkles. The OEM ones appear to be slightly heat formed when you remove them.

 

I was wondering about the form fitting part. When I pulled off the OEM cover it almost looks to be slightly form fitting. It would make sense to do heat forming on a production level.

 

Thanks Norcal, I just needed several days to get it right. Still not 100% happy but you have to say it is finished at some point.

For future reference, this was the company I used, it was of a good quality construction. There were other covers out there but they were made from several panels and did not have an OEM look.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VF500F-198...onda-Interceptor-VF500-Red-197a-/160669796503

 

I've bought covers from them and JoMama. Like them both. On some bikes I don't mind the seams, and it can make a better fitting self-installed cover.

Yours is looking good!

 

Next project is to replace the sight glasses on the Master Cylinders. I am working with Joe over at V4 Dreams on this right now.

http://v4dreams.com

Here is what the glasses look like today..



The clutch sight glass was leaking so I had to silicone it.

 

Disassemble and vapor blast it. It's amazing what it can do to restore parts to like new condition, at a really low cost.

Before:



After:





A full rebuild kit and a new lever and it can be made to look like new. I know you are doing a clutch res and master and these are pics of a brake setup, but you get the idea. Not much money, but big bang for the buck.

 

Wow! That looks great. I have seen engines done with vapor blasting and they look like new.

I know it does not matter, but what is the cost local to you doing this service? Is it by the pound?

 

Finally got the new front tire on. Getting close to this being a "real" bike. 100/90-16 seems to be an odd size these days.

One day when I am filthy rich I will buy a tire machine. Changing tires on the floor with tire levers has officially gotten old to me.

 

I bought a used manual tire machine which can do up to 17 car wheels - mine has 18's - lol however garages going out of business are always selling their machines for cents 240v models.. You just need space.

 

Yea, the 16" front is pretty limited selection. I thought the selection was basically down to the Metzler and Bridgestone. That Kenda tread pattern looks sweet!

I think it might be on backwards though. (Kidding! I definitely didn't do that earlier this year myself.... noo...).

 

Typically, by the job. Pricing ranges from a 6 pack, to a 12 pack, to a case......Commercially, I don't have a clue what they might charge. I have never done entire engine cases. Typically, it's restoring case covers that I want the paint removed, or just want them to be in like new cosmetic condition. The most cash I paid was $20 for an oil pan. Your experiences may vary.

 

Back when I wasn't as hateful about changing tires, a 30 gallon oil drum with foam pipe wrap around the lip was my go to. You can stand up....The drum can be used as a trash can, when not changing tires.

 

OMG don't scare me. I checked the rotation like 10 times before I mounted it!

 

I installed those Kenda on a 86 VFR700F as a test, as that particular bike (white, limited edition) is not pushed too hard. They are a Bridgestone BT45 knock off. They have a very nice profile, low and sporty. Warm weather grip was good, but they definitely need to be brought up to temperature before spirited activities. Which helps explain why they are not confidence inspiring in colder weather (under 65). The rear wanted to step out a bit when accelerating and turning away from a 4 way stop.