Dazed and Confused: Rejuvination of a 5th Generation

Hi, I'm George Crim and I like motorcycles

Last fall I bought a 2000 VFR. A yellow one with 24k on the clock. It's my first real sport bike, though I've had a few fast bikes. Took it on a 300 mile trip the next day into the VA/WVA mountains. Had a great time. Decided I'd have to spruce up the new toy.

The biggest issue was the scratched and cracked fairing. It had gone down on both sides. The structural damage was limited to a few small cracks and bent fairing supports. Mirrors were mismatched too. So off came the bodywork. More on that later.

I definitely wanted to upgrade the suspension since my skin is on the line. Want to have confidence in the bike. The forks were sent to Jamie Daugherty for respringing, etc. He sent them back with a CBR shock. Everything set up for my situation. Neck bearings were replaced while I was in that far. Found it hard to believe how worn they were. So off came the swingarm. The bearings were OK but since I was in there............ I replace them. Fresh Michelin Pilots were installed as well.

There was a bad tight spot in the chain, so it was replaced along with stock ratio sprockets. The bike was not pampered in it's previous life. I had a lot of cleaning to do from chain lube. The kickstand was uncooperative so I took it apart, cleaned it and greased 'er up good. The chain guard and trimmed down license plate bracket were brought back to black with a propane torch.

Here's a good one. When I got into the airbox, I found a mouse nest! There was a good amount of fiberglass insulation and mousie poop. It didn't appear fresh at all. I'd say that 75% of the filter was covered but the bike ran fine! I suppose the fiberglass isn't so restrictive, maybe? Took the snorkel off and opened the flapper thing in addition to a new filter. Did the usual spark plugs, fresh oil and filter, flushed the cooling system and filled with Water Wetter mixture. (Might as well be track prepared.)

As of today, it's running again. I took a cold 8 mile maiden voyage Wednesday. Many thanks to VFR World for answers and ideas. There are a couple more items that need to be addressed before the Grand Unveiling. But it's gonna be groooooovy!

 

Holy Moly Grimster, mouse crap and all. Sounds like you tore into her like a crazed, dazed biker---------- ahhhhh guy. Thank god you got it out of the abusers cluches and into a good careing home. Cheers to you Man-enjoy

 

Nice! Good to see another Viffer brought back to life.

 

Good to hear you and the Viffer are getting along. It's fun bike. I really need to upgrade my suspension too. I even got a quote from Jamie, but life got in the way. I am hoping I can do it this Spring.

 

George, it sounds like you are well on your way to many fun and trouble-free miles on your 5th gen. It's a great machine, and the 5th gen just happens to be about the best example out there, but of course I'm not biased a bit....
Good weather coming very soon - I'm sure you will get out and ride the daylights out of it!

 

Presenting, Dazed and Confused in all her glory!

 

I like it!

 

I like it too. Very unique, in a good way.

What would you think about putting a green pin stripe on the wheels with that wheel tape stuff?

 

Good stuff!

 

I think that would set off the wheels.

 

kind of King Kenny style, looks unique

 

A stripe on the wheels....... hhhmmm........ Might be hard to match the color, its' not Kaw green, more of a safety neon green.