Hi, a quick introduction.......I've been riding bikes most of my life. I've had too many to remember, apart from two 750's FS I believe, but I see they are called gen's. I managed to put about 140000 miles on them, and they still ran like new. So I'm back with a good looking 1995 silver model. This time to be looked after.......hence joining. Does anyone know if the side panels are still available ? I've noticed mine has a large crack near the rear foot rest. I would love to replace it. Any help or advise would be great. Located in Devon, UK. Many thanks Jamie
If you find an OEM panel either new or used expect a mismatch in the paint. Nothing drastic to freak out over but something to know about. ABS plastic is also repairable. A pic of the damage is helpful. Probably best moneywise to search in UK for the part and before we start the new wall to keep y'all out.
Canada is going to build its own wall to keep Badbilly in. The World Health Organization does consider him a risk to mankind. But he does have good points occasionally so I suppose he is tolerable. There is a guy who posts up on You Tube from your side of the pond who demonstrates how to repair plastics using zip ties. You should try searching that out. It is kinda nifty process. I would imagine it does take some practice though. You may be able to get new Chinese parts but the common consensus here is that they don't fit worth a pinch of coon shit. I have no experience that way but I have confidence in the people who make the claim here. Given the age of the bike, with a new part, yes there is likely to be paint fade or even a difference in the finish. We don't all care for a bike the same. However, if you are into restoring this bike to its original beauty, then you might consider painting it. Mine is just about ready for a second repaint and it is only 11 years old. Winter riding is hell on the finish. Welcome to the World of strange and people of questionable character. Badbilly is our post hoe and lead the pack. We do like to see pix of your ride though.
Hi Many thanks for the quick and helpful replies. I will check out the cable tie video's. If i can find them.... Please image of bike, just waiting for it to be delivered.... ......Not sure if it will work.... Jamie
Hi Jamie and welcome to the MadHouse:welcome: When you get a chance you may want to edit your forum profile (Forum Actions+Edit Profile) to include the year and specs of your VFR and your approximate location -city/town is fine - that way they will appear automatically alongside your posts and if you need help with the bike you may find someone nearby is willing to swing by and offer advice especially if you have a well stocked beer fridge. :focus: As for any cracked fairing panels, you are usually best advised to try and repair the OEM panel rather than consider fitting aftermarket Chinese stuff which is usually hopeless in quality and fit. You can usually make a very good repair to a simple cracked panel by plastic welding. I think the video Randy was referring to is probably one of these: The basic skill is shown here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRCMIDILfEI Using zip ties as a filler is shown here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61iyLarL258 (This is pretty much the approach used to repair Jason's VFR after his off-roading incident at last years R3) If you need to repair a broken lug on the fairing panel try this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7GRNvPSf7k If you decide to attempt this, the biggest message is please only work outdoors as the fumes are not good for your health! Let us know how you get on. SkiMad
Slowly getting to grips with all the menus and updating my profile. My new ride hasn't arrived yet, so it will need a close inspection. I do know that one panel has a crack, hence all the questions. I don't think I will try the repair myself, just need to find a good repairer in my area in Devon, and hope they can match the paint up reasonabley well. I'll keep you all posted. I'll also try and find a NOS panel, if lucky.
Ooo a silver one. We never got that version state side, so yea definitely a keep an eye out on your side of the pond. FWIW keep an eye on your version of Ebay too, seems you guys over there like 4th gens. So hopefully you'll find one in good enough shape to want. That said . welcome to the nut house of VFR owners.
I was just thinking. Then it became to hot here so I stopped. The crack. I read somewhere that if you don't stop the crack, it could very well continue after the repair. An old trick old timers used before my time to stop cracks was to use a magnified glass and locate the very end of the crack, then drill a hole there. Both ends. Seeing as you are doing a plastic fill repair anyways, it can't hurt. Regardless of if the zip ties and the fairings are of the same material, there is likely to be a variation in their composition and the crack just may re-develop.
Thanks I never thought a crack could be so much hassle. Just proves how much I know - hehe. Have a good one....cheers
Welcome to the nut house! I joined last year with the 2014 or 8th Gen like you mentioned as reference in your intro. There is much more info on the site for all of the previous generations like yours if you go to those forums. But over all I look at the newest posts across the board to get info that will help in the long run no matter the year of your or mine. Randy gave Badbilly some shout out. Advice from me is take everything with a sense of possible sarcasm. Trust those that give you more positive than negative and trust your gut. Also give badbilly a thanks every once in a while. He does have merit. sometimes. He is intelligent and informed or ill informed as others have noted, but likes to bust someone's ass every once in a while if you show any weakness, shivery, courteous, or post that are overly "knowing" due to his liking or not. otstir:
