New poster here, have a project that I'm sure will incite some discussion!

Hello all, Figured I'd join over here since acquiring another bike, 1985 VFR 700, that's definitely seen better days. I'd say that the bike is 90% complete, but just really, really nasty shape. Little about myself, I've got 34yrs of two wheeled experience (first dirtbike was a honda mini-trail 50 at 4), I had a short roadracing stint, took a break from riding for a few yrs. after the birth of my first son, got back into it in '06 with the purchase of an R1 SE 50th, added a WR400 supermoto to the stable last winter, sits next to my YSR, which is awaiting a transplant of a TTR225 motor......and now there's this Honda infiltrating the Yamacave. Since restoration of this bike would probably be insanely expensive, I've opted to make it a one-off custom. Oh, and seeing that I got it for a song and a dance, if I screw it up, it won't be a great loss. I had a VFR 500 yrs ago, it was one of my first "legal" street bikes, I remember loving the v4 "grumble" sound it emits, and I have to say that I'm slightly excited to hear this thing run..... As far as the direction of the "customization" I haven't really picked a theme for the bike yet, but have considered a couple of options....

Cafe' racer, clip-ons, bobbed tail, little/no body work, polished/chrome bits.

Streetfighter, Moto-X bars, custom tail, minimalistic, probably hack most of the rear subframe clean off, mean looking, possibly fab in a new S/A for wider rear tire, 17" rim swap, and front end replacement. (this would be a fairly expensive option)

ADV bike , This option may not make sense at first, but I plan on taking a coast-to-coast trip with one of my best riding buds in the future (within 5yrs or so), and think that outfitting the bike with a MX front end, 21" front hoop, enduro tires, a perimeter crash cage, luggage for the back, the bike could hold it's own over all types of terrain (granted the rear would need some help......)

So that's it, I haven't been around the VFR's in around 2 decades, I'll stop in from time to time to update on the progress (with pics), and I'm sure I'll need to pick a brain or two before I'm finished.... Any comments or suggestions are welcome! Now without futher adue....the victi.....I mean the bike:

 

sounds like you have a "project" that YOU want to do and have a good time doing it..... you do what you want to the bike for the record you have the VF version...The "VFR" didn't start until 86...... rock on with your Mods and again have fun doing it....

 

Thanks for the replies, tinker....I'm not particularly interested in VF's/VFR's/Interceptors, it's just that this one fell into my lap, and I'm a sucker for hardcases, I hate to see cool vehicles junked. I'll most likely be parting out this bike, probably most everything except the frame and motor, since most everything else will probably be replaced......

crusty, you hit the nail on the head, I've enlisted the help of my 2 older boys (10 and 7) to help, they're psyched, they both ride too, and have already given me a bunch of suggestions. I'm looking for this to be a "fun" adventure in modding this thing, and figured it'd be a good experience for the boys too.

 

Tink and Crusty just stumbled in here from the Vespa forum, pay no attention. Good project, nice to have you on board.

 

Crusty probably wants to have this guy give him that really cool seat cover for his Vespa.

 

That's a keeper! Nothing beats bringing the old one's back. Welcome to the world. Im torn between sugesting the streetfighter or cafe. Love 'em both & guys have done both with great success. Lurk around the old posts and you will get some ideas.