Some identification tips required.

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Artur Mejsak, Mar 20, 2021.

  1. Artur Mejsak

    Artur Mejsak New Member

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    Hi gents. I would need your brains helping me with identification of my newly acquired VFR RC24. I did try a bit already, but not to greatest success.

    I had some MOT passing issues due to a few nuisances. A VIN number was required but not found. A RC24100xXxX frame number was accepted instead, but is it a rather peculiar 11 number instead 17 number VIN. What is this number telling about the bike?

    The tech was also unhappy with a nameplate "missing", but to be honest neither of us were able to locate it WITHOUT tearing off the fairings. So where should I be looking at (apart from the service manual what I did not get yet)?

    Also indicators were cause of trouble as they stay on all the time - just the front ones. It is meant to be this way as there's 3 wire system. An indicator turned on flashes full on full off, and switched off stays half dim on second filament. Not a legal thing here (but looks really cool). Is this a hit that it may come from the US originally?

    Speedometer is scaled "just" up to 180kph. There's another separate "speed indicator" red lamp meant to turn on above 90kph. Dismantled though by the previous owner.

    Wheelbase is F16 R18. Dom 1988. But have no clue if f k j or else code number and why the frame is RC241 start not RC242. Any thoughts welcome.
     
  2. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    vin should be stamped on steering head tube right side.
     
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  3. Artur Mejsak

    Artur Mejsak New Member

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    Yes, that's the 11 number "vin" but it doesn't go along with 17 number VIN database. So I assume it is Honda specific thing from the era?

    Can't find a nameplate though, spots shown in the manual I've downloaded (90 & onwards) comes up with nothing.

    Thanks for your answer anyway.
     
  4. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Send a message to CMSNL customer support, they will be able to tell you everything you might wanna know.
     
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  5. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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  6. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    You have running lights enabled. If you don't want them just snip the 3rd wire..

    if its KM, are you sure its not from Australia....
     
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  7. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Or just unplug the one bullet connector? ;-)
     
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  8. thx1138

    thx1138 New Member

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    Sounds like a Japanese domestic model. The red light on the speedo is a bit of a giveaway.
     
  9. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    My Wife's JDM 1985 CB400T-III has this cool jewel-like red speed light in the triple clamp cap.
     
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  10. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    The 180km/hr speedo and 90km/hr warning light are absolute giveaways that it is a Japanese domestic model. Export models would have a standard speedo, probably 260km/hr IIRC. Engine serial number is stamped on the right side top of the crankcase above the clutch. Frame serial is stamped on the right side of the steering head. A 1990 service manual will be pretty useless, you need 86-87.

    The JDMs should also have "teardop" style faired in front indicators that sit mostly flush with the fairing.
    [​IMG]
     
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  11. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    When I got these (CAM GEAR TRAIN), I thought, "Well, they're for the CBR, but I like it anyway."


    20210323_181628.jpg

    I never knew they put them on the JDM VFR. This 1000R is not running the vented side covers with the original text, so I opted for something available individually.
     
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2021
  12. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    The running light wires will have a white stripe in addition to the usual light blue or orange denoting the side.
     
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  13. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    do not disable the running lights ! :cool:
     
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  14. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Squirrel, I think he was saying that he couldn't have them where he is.

    "Also indicators were cause of trouble as they stay on all the time. Not a legal thing here."
     
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  15. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    stupid regulation, just ignore it. safety first !
     
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  16. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    He has to get it approved first. And in those kind of jurisdictions, it will get you pulled over FAST. Not like here in the States where you can have your license plate wrapped in your inner fender in front of the shock and a LED flashlight taped to the triple clamp.

    There are a lot of Hondas that didn't come with front running lights to the states too.
     
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  17. Artur Mejsak

    Artur Mejsak New Member

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    Yes sir, you're absolutely right. It is all in place as per your description. Moreover all the warning stickers and lettering imprinted are in japanese signs, but since it is my first Japanese and at same go a vintage motorcycle, was not sure if it typically this way. Thank you all gents for your excellent help.

    Got back from a local garage where the tech sadly refused doing some job on her, being skeptical if steering head bearings could be sourced properly. Oh well.

    Instead I was a bit lucky finding a parts catalog for this beauty.
     

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  18. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    no problem finding head bearings
     
  19. Artur Mejsak

    Artur Mejsak New Member

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    I wish I could, but unless I'd get her registered as "historically valued vehicle"sadly it is not legal here and could get me in troubles ie fine and bike towed away.
     
  20. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    it's easy enough to find bulbs that have the low wattage filaments broken, so use those to pass inspection.
     
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