Jump to content

'92 VFR750 Fighter Build - Project "Vianca" - Work in Progress


MotoMatic

Recommended Posts

I decided it was time to share my work in progress, a '92 VFR build - codename: "Vianca". This is my first foray into modifying/building a motorcycle and it has been quite the learning experience thus far. Without the help of communities like this one, DIY'ers like myself would surely be lost.

 

Background

I bought the bike from a guy off Craigslist for $1000 along with another project bike - a Honda Magna VF500c (my next project after this one). Two running bikes for under $2k - I was pumped!!! :woohoo:

 

The VFR was done up as a streetfigher with some CBR parts (subframe, 929rr front-end) and overall ran pretty well, but needed some work. It was involved in slow low-side and it was suffering from the results of that lay down. It would have some trouble starting every now and then (starter clutch) and had a really loud knocking sound (heres a Youtube video of the sound), so those would have to be addressed. In addition to that, I wasn't a huge of the styling, color choice and especially the exhaust sound - way too ratty for my taste. After viewing some Youtube videos of what these bikes can really sound like, I knew immediately I wanted a deeper tone, but more on that later. 

 

Here is how she sat when I bought her:

IMG_3893.jpg.8152c7834de365c48bb2786e583241e5.jpg3FE781AF-B884-4745-A93A-5D0DFE2E1192.thumb.png.2ddb9ac92153a4834b5451185cbd0ba5.png

 

Planning & Inspiration

Before setting off into the build I wanted to have some semblance of plan so I wouldn't spend a fortune trying to decide on a design direction. My overall goal for the bike was to simply swap out a few things here and there to have a roadworthy machine that looked decent and was reliable for the next season. That plan lasted maybe a whole two days - thanks internet. After seeing what some of you guys have done here on these forums and finding inspiration builds like @SEBSPEED  and @apexandy I knew I wasn't going to be happy with a little tweaking - I needed...the full monty...within reason, of course. 

 

Ultimately, I found myself gravitating towards the speed triple and ducati monster look, so I decided that my best bet was to mock something up in Photoshop. I am familiar with the application (web designer by trade) so it was going to be the easiest way to see what I really liked. About 20 minutes later I had a rough idea thrown together:

 

v1.png.604e33059e08d3c510297310370a591b.png

 

 

v2.png.627332f096499c23c7cad70e4a666c0a.png

 

I am 100% sure this will change as the project evolves and if I can achieve even 50% of what is pictured above I will be beyond happy for my first build. Juggling work and a young family eats up the majority of my time, so the build gets my attention only after the kiddos are down and obligations are met.

 

With a basic idea and mock up it was time to begin tearing her down.

 

The Teardown (WARNING: Lots of Pics) :wheel:

With a Honda manual in one hand and wrench in the other, the teardown began!

 

IMG_0097.thumb.jpg.2c1721682e75c78b78be76f04c0ea1bb.jpg

Seat off and checking things out

 

IMG_0101.thumb.jpg.befd0538887b564d0d83e058d9c255e8.jpg

Bye bye CBR subframe

 

IMG_0104.thumb.jpg.e7bd4ffa6802acb1b883b093a964a58c.jpg

Poor frame was hacked up to bits :unsure: :ohmy:

 

IMG_0137.thumb.jpg.ea339f9fd1b5953ab6fb0fcb6a286096.jpg

Feeling naked now!

 

IMG_0158.thumb.jpg.9e7b4d18157bc67410f97297b0a3cd2c.jpg

Mmmmm...Carbs

 

IMG_0170.thumb.jpg.96f2d94f3be6601f29171cc3a91a0455.jpg

Carbs removed

 

IMG_0261.thumb.jpg.138686a48907768b79fd1eb6432efb3d.jpg

The source of that sound we all love!

 

IMG_0192.thumb.jpg.c2491f2711eacba249b252bf8f521b19.jpg

Crankcase cover removed...hmmm whats that?

 

IMG_0193.thumb.jpg.9547b9309bbb49c05f5a01d2f811bfd8.jpg

Upon closer inspection, you can see the cracks on the outer rim of the starter clutch. Additionally, those gold bolts were so loose when I took the cover off that they were about ready to fall out. Glad I caught this before something really bad happened.

 

IMG_0076.thumb.jpg.4560ff00af14c848ed574ca6dac9ee80.jpg

Houston we have a problem. Remember that "clackity-clack-clack" noise? Yeah, I found it. Blowing out lighters all day long. Also, check out that other bolt...WTF!? Hahaha 

 

589ea88ed126d_IMG_0265(1).thumb.jpg.a4a61b12382bf57da63a02771deb1d0b.jpg

Front cylinder head removed. Gonna need a bigger bench!

 

IMG_0444.thumb.jpg.fcb95e278c3ebdd13fecf1391ce5792a.jpg

Score! Picked up a Harbor Freight lift for super cheap and threw on a beefier wheel chock. Much easier to work on the bike this way.

 

IMG_0464.thumb.jpg.d41db43dd060e43583b2193ce8bbb7a9.jpg

Removing the shock and Two Bros left-exit exhaust system.  

 

498EA3BC-6BC7-460D-857A-6AEFA5DFE3EF.thumb.jpg.819958d79004bbbebddb0693ee0bb523.jpg

These pipes have seen better days.

 

IMG_0477.thumb.jpg.8cb3f7e2e2ada89e07be6b45f078492f.jpg

Trying to clean them up a bit. Its no sand or vapor blaster, but its helping.

 

IMG_0474.thumb.jpg.13f44934469fcc95728c1f2040303972.jpg

Hey, not too bad!

 

2ssMzl7.jpg

18MPjvn.jpg

Nice to have some helpers around the shop!

 

e6FHXzS.jpg

Scored a Ducati Monster 696 seat on the cheap. Thanks Ebay!

 

3ZRbSv0.jpg

Was so excited I had to mock it up real quick. 

 

vpcjrji.jpg

I like the way this is looking.

 

VQ31SaT.jpg

Time to tackle the swingarm

 

Current State

That pretty much brings us up to speed on where the project is at this point. I am waiting the specialized tool to remove the castellated swingarm nut (another Ebay special), but I may get tired of waiting and just fab one up from an old socket and use the special tool tighten everything up properly. After that its on to cleaning things up and addressing the front end. Lots to do!

 

I will try to update this thread as often as I can for those that may be interested, but feel free to follow along on via my Instagram account here - its easier to post quick updates with my phone then to rummage back through photos.

 

Happy building! :beer:

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, WackenSS said:

This is going to be real nice reading. Any time frame?
Engine mods?
If you get close to your initial Photoshop, you got yourself the best looking SF project IV seen ?

 

Thanks! I am hoping to achieve rhose results by the end of this journey. ??

 

In regards to timeframe, it's pretty much up in the air since my schedule is so erratic these days with the kiddos, but I would like to be close to roadworthy in the next 3-4 months. 

 

To be honest I havent even thought about engine mods at all because Im so wrapped up in other aspects of the build. What do you think would be some simple mods worthy of taking on?  I know nown is the best time to do them since the bike is apart, but I'm trying to balance funds with the "absolutely necessary " vs "nice to have", but cheap/easy mods would be something to consider.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Thanks! I am hoping to achieve rhose results by the end of this journey. ?

 

In regards to timeframe, it's pretty much up in the air since my schedule is so erratic these days with the kiddos, but I would like to be close to roadworthy in the next 3-4 months. 

 

To be honest I havent even thought about engine mods at all because Im so wrapped up in other aspects of the build. What do you think would be some simple mods worthy of taking on?  I know nown is the best time to do them since the bike is apart, but I'm trying to balance funds with the "absolutely necessary " vs "nice to have", but cheap/easy mods would be something to consider.

 

I always start with engine mods, but that's me, engine mechanics is my passion, not so much the looks other than small aesthetics.

 

Keeping weight down, dynojet kit, air filter and exhaust is a must, I would leave the rest as of now, If I where not me

 

This is going to be awesome man

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, WackenSS said:

 


I always start with engine mods, but that's me, engine mechanics is my passion, not so much the looks other than small aesthetics.

Keeping weight down, dynojet kit, air filter and exhaust I would leave the rest as of now, If I where not me emoji12.png

This is going to be awesome man emoji7.png

 

Haha yeah, those mods sound about right on par with what I would want to do for stage 1. Of course, that only lasts so long before looking at what else can be done! ???

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, artpongs said:

Where in Va do you live? I am in D.C.

 

art

Ahh nice! I'm west of you out in the Bristow/Gainesville area. I work in Alexandria. 

 

You ever make it out to Skyline Drive or out west to ride?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We were actually planning to head out that direction tomorrow but the rain pattern is coming in from the NW.  We are heading down toward Richmond for the day for mid 70's temps before coming back up in the evening when it stops.

 

Art

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And you should definitely scoop this up for the build from the other forum:

 

http://vfrworld.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=6807&title=90-93-ohlins-shock-3-springs&cat=4

 

I have been keeping an eye out for a 5th gen Ohlins but it seems no one is ever letting them go.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

43 minutes ago, artpongs said:

And you should definitely scoop this up for the build from the other forum:

 

http://vfrworld.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=6807&title=90-93-ohlins-shock-3-springs&cat=4

 

I have been keeping an eye out for a 5th gen Ohlins but it seems no one is ever letting them go.

 

Damn thats nice, I wonder how much it would cost to get a spring and rebuild.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, artpongs said:

We were actually planning to head out that direction tomorrow but the rain pattern is coming in from the NW.  We are heading down toward Richmond for the day for mid 70's temps before coming back up in the evening when it stops.

 

Art

 

Nice, yeah I heard its supposed to real nice tomorrow...makes me wish I had a machine in rideable condition! :ohmy:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

36 minutes ago, Bingles104 said:

 

Damn thats nice, I wonder how much it would cost to get a spring and rebuild.

You should reach out to him and find out what the current settings are, but I do recommend scooping that up and putting it in the stash for another day as they are rare.  I recognize the seller from the Hawk GT forums, he keeps his bikes and spares in good condition.  You can research then mail it out if it needs a different spring/revalve in the future.  Come to think of it, check out the VFR750 he also has listed for sale.

 

Art

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Member Contributer

I'm satisfied with the Penske shock put together by Traxxion for my 6th gen.  I went with Cogent Dynamics for my CB and Rick put together a custom shock that includes Ohlins parts, which may be your best bet considering the age.  Cogent is more expensive than Daugherty, but that is to be expected when the parts say Ohlins.  I wanted remote adjusters but the parts wouldn't fit on the CB.  It wouldn't hurt to give Cogent a call before the busy season starts.  Looks like you already have the front end done right - do you know the last time it was serviced and is it sprung for your weight? 

 

PRBs Fall Ride is calling...  Do you think it will be done by then so we can all drool in person?  We may be moving the base camp to Marion, VA for 2017 in case you need extra motivation to get the project done!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, 007 said:

I'm satisfied with the Penske shock put together by Traxxion for my 6th gen.  I went with Cogent Dynamics for my CB and Rick put together a custom shock that includes Ohlins parts, which may be your best bet considering the age.  Cogent is more expensive than Daugherty, but that is to be expected when the parts say Ohlins.  I wanted remote adjusters but the parts wouldn't fit on the CB.  It wouldn't hurt to give Cogent a call before the busy season starts.  Looks like you already have the front end done right - do you know the last time it was serviced and is it sprung for your weight? 

 

PRBs Fall Ride is calling...  Do you think it will be done by then so we can all drool in person?  We may be moving the base camp to Marion, VA for 2017 in case you need extra motivation to get the project done!

 

Very nice, thanks for the info. I have gone back and forth on what I want to do with the rear - CBR swap, ZX-14 or aftermarket. Cogent sounds nice, but might be a bit more $$$ than I'm looking to do. I have a buddy who works at a local shop and could do some work on it so may try to scoop the Ohlins unit @artpongs mentioned. In regards to the front end, they are going to be sent off to be re-worked soon to the buddy I mentioned - they def need some tweaking. 

 

IMG_0898.thumb.jpg.2f678a6411cb0d4099868c0406fd5027.jpg

 

I hope to have her ready by the PRBs Fall RIde, but who knows with all thats going on...I'm gonna be trying my best! What is that event? Never heard of it. Love your bike btw!!! :beer:

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Member Contributer

PRB Fall Ride:

 

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/index.php?/forums/forum/121-prbs-fall-ride/

 

There is always TMAC in Franklin, NC some time around Memorial day.  It won't be called TMAC anymore, but it will go on in some form or another.  Usually a few more folks attend.

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

29 minutes ago, 007 said:

PRB Fall Ride:

 

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/index.php?/forums/forum/121-prbs-fall-ride/

 

There is always TMAC in Franklin, NC some time around Memorial day.  It won't be called TMAC anymore, but it will go on in some form or another.  Usually a few more folks attend.

 

 

 

Thanks ??

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Member Contributer
On 2/13/2017 at 9:36 AM, MotoMatic said:

 

Thanks ??

 

And here is the TMAC / Spring Ride link for this year:

 

(Sorry to get off topic, I hope it is welcome).

 

I look forward to watching your progress since I may be undertaking one of these projects in the future.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice score - it has some good stuff on it. And nice work with Photoshop too, what you've envisaged is realistic and you're already well on your way.

 

WackenSS mentioned some performance mod ideas - the reality is that those ideas are almost all you can do unless money is no object. But he also did throw 'weight' into the equation and the very nature of a SF VFR means that a lot of weight is ditched - and that's where you get your additional performance.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 years later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.