Nobody wanted it, so it's getting a makeover, big time!!

I've just been viewing the photos of how to change an exhaust down-pipes. Bloody excellent. Well done that man, you have the patience of a saint, and must be a brain surgeon or similar to be so meticulous.

Now that is not the reason I've started this, but there is a connection.

I tried to sell my Black 98 VFR for £1800. Lots of good bits plus some extras, but because I was trying to be honest, I mentioned the bodywork was subject to marks mainly caused over the bike's 16 year life. Hence not one phone call!

So bollocks to them, I have come to my senses and am going to keep it until I am either dead, or too old to ride it anymore.

I was tempted to the dark side (Street Triple) but couldn't get comfortable on it, then tried a CB1300S, that was not as good as the VFR. so along with the lack of interest, I have decided to repay my bike for trying to pass her on, by taking on my biggest project to date.

Once we get to the end of October. I will SORN it for winter, and then I will be stripping it down to the frame, with the intention of doing the following jobs:

1. Bodywork off and resprayed. Colour undecided, any ideas? What would you do with a blank canvas?
2. Powder coat the centre stand, side stand, bottom yoke, fairing and rear sub-frames in Black. Wheels will be done (colour undecided), but rims will be polished.
3. Handlebars, heat plate and top yoke to be shot blasted, then powder coat or respray. Which would you do, and why?
4. Exposed alloy (footrest hangers etc.) to be polished.
5. Engine and swing arm out. Engine will get shims rechecked and done where necessary (43k on the clock).
6. New bearings throughout, plus its coming up to the point where it will need a new C & S kit soon. And new brake pads.
7. New stainless exhaust system, but want to fit a high level silencer. Do I buy Motad or Delkevic down-pipes? I want the exhaust to be close to the bodywork, but not touching it obviously.
8. Replace all exposed nuts and bolts with new items (This seems to be cheaper than having existing bolts polished or anodised).

All will cost between £1500 - £2000. I know I will never get my money back even if I sell it straight afterwards, but considering I would have spent this on another bike, and then have to spend more money on it to be happy with it I don't think it is too bad.
Since I bought the bike in December 2012 I have already done the following:
shock rebuilt by MCT
Forks rebuilt by me.
K&N filter
Irridium plugs.
Touring scottoiler.
Oxford sport heated grips.
Garmin mount for my Zumo 550
MRA Double Bubble Screen.
Renntec Sports Rack.

What I am asking for is any suggestion on how to do this without too many headaches.
Ideas and opinions on colour schemes (Pics would be great).
Any areas that are likely to be a problem, with tips on how to overcome them?

Don't want much do I?

 

IF I was going to do another restyle, I would do the Rothamns colors. Really great color combo, and not seen on many bikes, even in the UK.

BUT, since you have a black bike, maybe you should explore the John Player Special color scheme. Black with gold pin stripes is a great look. You do know you can gold anodize aluminum peces as well. Maybe upgrade the forks to 2000 R1 USD forks (gold) and calipers as well.

Your money, your choices.

Larry

 

^^^ Is cigarette company livery even legal these days?:biggrin-new:

 

Love the suggestions. Who cares if dag sponsorship is legal. I reserve the right to express my artistic talent however I see fit.

 

It's Cool what you are doing ... Keeping your interest in the bike , doing all those upgrades . There will be some cuts and cursing but in the end it is the stuff that makes up our happiness . Keeping interest in things !