Keyless Gas Cap for the RC24/26 1986/87 VFR

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Captain 80s, Oct 7, 2021.

  1. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    So the RC26 started out as a Track Bike build, but the farther I got into it I realized I want to ride it more than what has turned out to be non-existent track days lately, a pandemic not helping. I have a toggle for the ignition and the seat doesn't need a key. So here's the gas cap key.

    20211007_184444.jpg

    Which is fine, but it got me on this journey. The 86/87 gas cap bolt pattern is just a little different than all the other Honda caps and nobody makes a Race / Keyless option (I don't care what the listing says... they don't). So I started doing some interwebbing and looking at the bolt pattern dimensions. Discovered that certain years of ZX6/9/10 Kawasaki somehow have the same bolt pattern. WTF??? OK, let's do this! Oh no... it ain't that easy.

    Part II coming soon.
     
  2. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Part II

    I found a used correct Kawi Vortex cap that was missing the center "lid" and got it for $18, just to absolutely verify that the holes were indeed in the right spot. They were. Cool. But... the outside diameter of a Honda cap is about 114mm, the Kawi was 118. So now off to the machinist to have it machined down (Yuzon Design Works - $25... including shipping back to me!).

    20211008_060234.jpg

    He put a nice new chamfer on the upper edge too. I also ordered the cheapest used Vortex cap just to get the center "cap". You can't buy just the center new. And you won't find them used. The cheapest one I got happen to be for a (TYPE 1 !!!) Honda ($50), so it was a nice comparison.

    The fuel opening on a Kawi is smaller than that of the Honda, so the gasket that comes with the cap is just a little small to really get on top of the rolled lip around the gas tank opening. So, I ordered a sheet of Viton in the correct thickness ($18) to make a new gasket.

    20211008_060211.jpg
    Honda gasket on left, Kawi on right. Getting closer. Also found out that the lugs on the bottom that contact the tank are a little shorter on the Kawi lid. So I came up with some small flanges with nylon plastic washers that actually locate into the lugs and center themselves. Oh yeah, the VFR bolts are smaller diameter too, so the flanges also help reduce the "hole" size and I added a small washer on top to center the bolts. Jesus Christ.

    You can also see from the impressions on the new gasket, that the Kawi opening is just a little farther forward than the Honda. Another little surprise that luckily didn't become a problem.
     
    Last edited: Oct 9, 2021
  3. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Part III

    20211008_055737.jpg
    Test fit on a spare tank. Pretty damn good. The angle of the next shot makes it look like it's high, but it's actually nearly flush with the raised lip.

    20211008_055805.jpg

    So.... $111 for a used keyless race cap. Worth it? I dunno, but figuring it out was worth something. They are about $100 new. But I had to see it thru and it is pretty cool. Won't see many RC24/26 with one. Even the faded anodizing doesn't bother me. I'll probably try and re-finish the center cap. Maybe I'll blast it down to raw and clear with some 2K.
     
    Last edited: Oct 8, 2021
  4. RogueRC24

    RogueRC24 Member

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    son of a... I can't handle cliffhangers. I gotta know what that fairing is. proper english right thar
     
  5. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Cmon.... you already know...

    RC26_1_resize.jpg

    CBR900RR

    Hence the "RC26".

    [​IMG]

    Only way I was gonna have an "RC" with the sweet dual round headlights.
     
  6. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Bump for Part II update
     
  7. RogueRC24

    RogueRC24 Member

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    So jelly. I want round headlights. :( Is there a writeup on that vfr? I love the wheels. F2? And yes I had a strong feeling 900rr. I had a buddy with a sparkling new one when they came out. I had my junker hurricane that lasted forever. :)
     
  8. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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  9. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Bump for Part III
     
  10. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Tyga Performance sells a Honda Type 1 keyless entry cap that might be an option for your next tank. $68 shipped from Thailand. Got one for the RVF, haven't installed it yet. Black/Black.
     
  11. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    That was the point of this whole ordeal NB... the 86/87 is not the Type 1 Honda. Even tho everyone lists as fitting the early VFRs, they don't fit.
     
  12. RZMike

    RZMike New Member

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    Thanks for doing all the legwork on this. What Kawasakis had the right bolt pattern?
     
  13. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Whatever models share the same cap as a 2006 ZX6. The correct Vortex vented cap is GC420.
     
  14. RZMike

    RZMike New Member

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    Thanks so much!
     
  15. straycat

    straycat Member

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    Map
    you build some cool shit Capn'
     
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