Project "Chrome" the Cycle Guide magazine 83 Interceptor

Hey all...new to the forum here but a long time bike and car guy in So Cal. Today I picked up an interesting project bike...an 83 Interceptor that was the Cycle Guide Magazine test bike, and the "Bike of the Year"! On the cover of the magazine for the Bike of the Year issue...they "chromed" the whole bike! ( something they did every year for the Bike of the Year)



Unfortunately the bike does not look like this now...it has been sitting since the 80's and was "partially" returned to normal by the guy that I got it from. It is definitely the bike though as a lot of chrome remains and there is paperwork backing it up. It has just over 3100 miles on it...I think still on the original tires!



This is a pic as-found. Doesn't look like much ... But it's something to start with!



A detail of the frame and side cover after the first bath.

Many more pics to come...I am missing some parts and maybe you can help? The plan is to return it to its cover-bike look! I am really excited to have it...should be a fun project!




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Welcome to crazy world of VF's. You got your self a project, I know, I am in the process rejuvenating my '83. Just had my pipes ceramic coated and my Kerker slip ons polsihed. That killed my budget for this month.

Unusual color scheme, I see you have the Corbin seat too. Parts are going to be hard to find, what parts do you need? I may have some.

I used to power wash my bike until I tried to take rear wheel off, and the detergent got in around axle. Now used Simple green and fresh water rinse.

 

Old hot rodder's sayings:

"If it don't go, chrome it."

"Does it have a chrome dipstick?"

 

The bike still looks to be in nice shape, if the same bike had been sitting here in Ohio since the eighties this bike would be a rust bucket, good luck with your build should turn out great.

Mark

 

The color scheme and Corbin will go...I really want to return it to the cover status so I can display it with the magazine article all framed and such. Realistically it won't be much of a rider..if at all. I imagine the finish would be hard to maintain with heat and gas and all that.

Fortunately it has always been indoors and in a dry climate. It should clean up pretty nice. I can't wait to start scrubbing. I have it a quick water-only pressure wash on my way home with it ... Just couldn't wait!

I am missing the one side cover, the lower fairing, exhaust and carburetors...the guy I got it from "thinks" he has most of that "somewhere", but he has a massive storage spot...it could take months to find it all.


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Keep after him, parts in good condition are hard to find!

 

Absolutely! I am planning on another visit tomorrow


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Mroldbug ...VFRW classifieds. .parting out an 83 FWI

 

The clean up is going well! Made some progress today.


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