So I FINALLY have a VFR...but....

Hello gang. Posted a while back trying to get you all to convince me to buy a VFR. You did, but then an old love popped up (Hawk GT) so I snagged it, rode it, and then started modifying it.

Last week a 2000 VFR800 pops up on the local CL. No plastics, turn signals, etc. Had been tipped over, but title is not salvage. Has been sitting for about 5 years. I snagged it for a pretty good deal, imho (<$1,000). Has 6,136 miles on it.

I stuck a battery in it tonight, and tried to get it to light and she won't. She wants to, but won't go. Gave a shot of starter fluid and she runs for a touch and stumbles out. The FI light flashes very rarely (only when stumbling out). Otherwise, during cranking, no lights.

I know I should search for these answers, but am hoping this forum will welcome a new member with some insight on where to look for the issue. Surely it could be old gas, and I'll pull the tank and drain/flush it tomorrow. The previous owner also included a new fuel filter, that I'll install, as well as an OEM Honda parts bag with what looks like twised up christmas tree tinsel, or a very tightly wound spring about 2 ft long (no idea what it is).

Bike will need a bit. All fairings (I hate to ask, but the Hong Kong fairings on ebay seem priced well - but do they suck?), headlight, tailight, turns, mirrors grips and chain. I have a '93 style 8 spoke wheel for the rear. Tank is good. Frame is good. Overall seems like I did OK, and I suppose worse case I could part it out - but - VFR is my dream bike and a bird in the hand is...well, you know the story.

(picture of my other project bike attached, will post pics of the *new* project shortly)

WW

 

Welcome to the world....

Now, about getting your girl running. Definitely put new gas in it and a new fuel filter, check the air filter, plugs, oil and all that good stuff. You may consider pulling off the throttle bodies and giving them a thorough cleaning, same with the injectors. And while you're that far into it, might as well do a starter valve sync.

About making her look good...I've seen mixed reviews about the china fairings, so, buyer beware. Also, the china ones sometimes come with a painted tank cover, but if it doesn't, you'll have to paint it yourself. I think your best bet will be to scour ebay and piece it together as good plastics do come about.

I've been in a long term half assed search for a headlight myself (for a project) and haven't found anything. I have a spare tail light and stock "dumbo" turn signals i wouldn't mind giving you if you dont mind paying shipping. I may have the stock condom mirrors, but most people ditch those first chance they get, so you may want to get some non condom mirrors from the get go.

I may think of some more to write, but I'm beat. Welcome and good luck.

 

Man, Sounds like an awesome project bike. I's love to get a gen 5 like that and do it up like the Belgian's "bio blade" build.

 

Are you in the Reno area?

 

Yup, Reno.

WW

 

when you firstturn the key, do you get any FI light flashes? they come in batches.....

 

no EFI codes

Thanks for the responses. There are no codes being flashed by the FI light. All indicator lights turn on when key is switched to on, gauges boot up, and then the FI light goes out - no flashing.

I should also mention the airbox is off the bike right now. Not sure if the various airbox sensors would be at issue here. It does run with starting fluid - so my guess is fuel pump or fuel blockage at some sort. I will pull and drain tank, do the usual bikes been sitting for a long time routine (oil, filter, etc.) and see what happens.

Should I be able to hear the fuel pump?

WW

 

Don't forget to check for rust in the tank.

Rollin

 

yea, when you turn the key, you should hear the whine of the pump priming

 

Oh sure, get a VFR after I move out of the area.
Good luck getting her on the road again.

 

...ok, I think the culprit is the bank angle sensor. I have no continuity between the red/white and green leads (or any of the three leads, for that matter). Ran out of time this evening to dig deeper - but tomorrow I plan to pull the tank off, yank the fuel pump, rinse the tank, swap the filter, test the pump, reassemble and then fire her off (even if I have to bypass said bank angle switch - I believe jumping the red/white to the green is correct).

Pulled the rear wheel and she's off for powdercoating tomorrow...

WW

 

drewl -

Susanville, huh? Grew up in Chester. My bestfriend from back in the day is now the superintendent of schools there.

Small world.

WW

 

OK, pulled the pump. Gas is old and crappy. Tank needs a thorough cleaning. Voltage gets to the pump, but the pump is frozen (no surprise given the age of the fuel). Sourced a replacement assembly and will wait for that to arrive. I know you can sometimes revive an old pump, but not really worth it to me. I might give it a shot - but will replace regardless. I also figured out what the wound up tinsel is (apparently is used in front of the return line to eliminate foaming or the sort).

Scrounging for plastics now...

WW

 

Replacement pump is in, tank cleaned up and she fired right off tonight. No muffler on her - boy oh boy a VFR sounds GREAT opened up. That's a smallbock sound if I've ever heard one. I have a flashing FI light when running (2 flashes - manual indicates MAP sensor) but other than that engine sounds good. I'll slip on a can tomorrow and check her out a little more thorough.

I had considered parting this one out, but don't think that's the way to go. Should have rear wheel with fresh powdercoat back tomorrow. Grab a tire and start putting her back together :dance:

WW

 

Oh man, that rocks! Congrats on your success so far!
Got me a woody for a winter project now... too bad I have zero free time to pursue it.

 

glad to hear she's purring again. I love stories of resurrected motorbikes.

 

I need to take some pics - but - rear wheel is back. I'll get a tire mounted up next week. Found my FI light issue - bunch of vacuum lines weren't plugged in on the airbox - simple fix. New chain ready to go on. Have a complete fairing bolt kit. Need to make a decision on fairings. I know people have mixed reviews with the china stuff - but I think I'm going to go that route and provide a comprehensive install/review for others that are interested. Looks like the hardest part to find for this bike is going to be a headlight (suggestions? new is about $400 or so). Delkevic pipe inbound (stubby polished). Bike came with a Corbin solo seat - think I want a plain old stocker though.

My goal is to be on the street by March, and for under $2K, I'm at $972 right now...plus tire...fairing...tail light...turns...mirrors...and headlight.

WW

 

Well, it turns out the headers aren't stock :dance:

TBR full titanium exhaust or something of that nature was on this bike before (PO can't recall whether it was Erion or TBR or the specs). Will take a simple mod to get the Delkevic can on there!

WW

 

Took a break, now I'm back...

Jumped up on the fence, thought about selling her, then changed my mind - bought a new headlight and ordered China fairings (sorry, but budget required it). They arrived today (took about 3 weeks total) and really not that bad, though the yellow paint is nowhere close to the tank, and overall paint is a bit thin. They'll work though.

I'll post a review with pics of the fairings later for those that may want or need to follow a similar path.

Question on header gaskets for those in the know. Seems the aftermarket headers (brand unknown) are leaking pretty bad on the front right cylinder. How hard are these things to drop, and should I really be concerned? Torqued the nuts a touch but didn't want to over do it. Figured best bet is probably grab some gaskets and replace both fronts or all four (though it appears to be a SOB to pull the rears?).

Tips appreciated.

WW

(now I just need a tail light and front turn signals