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I checked with my engineer and passivation and polishing/wire brushing are not the same net effect with 304 stainless steel. 304 stainless steel is more than 50% iron, around 20% chromium and about 10% nickel. Passivation dissolves the iron on the surface leaving the chromium, nickel, and other trace elements on the surface. These metals left on the surface oxidize when air dried after the acid treatment and form the protective oxide layer that prevents the iron underneath from oxidizing (rust). Polishing/wire brushing exposes fresh top surface of metal; in 304 stainless steel this is more than 50% iron so when the oxides form it doesn't make a protective barrier because of all the iron on the surface. It was explained to me that is why we passivate the equipment in the food processing plants after polishing them. @Ducnut, your headers look awesome and I congratulate you on getting them to a show bike finish. 304 stainless has corrosion resistance but this resistance decreases as temperatures rise, which unfortunately exhaust pipes get hot. Also, 304 stainless will corrode when exposed to chlorides at higher temps. Most of us ride in nice weather so it may not be an issue at all. If I can offer some friendly feedback, keep them clean, dry, and away from road salt (sodium chloride) to keep them looking great and avoid potential corrosion at the welds... or passivate them before installing. Your bike, your call. Have fun and be safe!

Great points about bikes being safer today, and (in some places) more stringent licensing requirements. But though technology has improved, over here in the US we usually lament that the roads have gotten more dangerous. Distracted drivers are everywhere, and even with new cars coming with advanced safety features, they won't keep some idiot on his/her cellphone from plowing into you. Sorry to be negative, but it's true. Anyway, back to the new R1, what a sweet bike! But like you, I doubt I could ride one for very long. Maybe 30-60 minutes max. I looked at a like-new Ducati SuperSport over the winter at a local shop. Beautiful bike, and the ergonomics aren't too bad. Just a bit sportier than my 6th gen VFR, but I'm actually looking to get a bike with slightly more relaxed ergos, not less relaxed! (Plus the insurance premium was quite a bit higher than I pay for my VFR, and I just can't stomach paying 2-3 times as much for a new bike.)

After riding my nephews new R1 and experiencing first hand just how much power is available with new bikes, it got me thinking about whether a new rider today is in a safer position than a new rider was in say 1979 when I purchased my first motorcycle. When I got my licence back in 1979 in Queensland you only had to complete a written test to get your learners and then complete a riding test which in my case consisted of riding a couple of hundred metres up a street through two sets of traffic lights, performing a u turn riding back down the street for about 400 metres, performing another u turn and returning back to the starting point. The testing officer ( a policeman) never even got on a motorcycle, he simply stood on the side of the road and watched you. There was no requirement to complete a certain amount of hours before attempting your practical test.On top of that what licence you got (open or restricted) depended on what size engine the bike you took the test on was. Over a certain size you got an open licence, less than that you got a restricted license. I went straight to an unrestricted licence. My first motorcycle was a Kawasaki Z1R with a claimed power of around 90 to 95hp depending on who you listened to, and a top speed of just over 210 kmh. At the time I was called crazy for getting a 1000cc bike as my first ride. Fast forward to 2020 and licensing requirements have got a little tougher. While I am not sure of all the rules I believe that in Queensland at least you have to have held a car licence for one year and then complete a q ride course. You can then only ride a LAMS bike for I believe three years. If this is correct by the time someone legally throws there leg over an R1 they have vastly more experience riding than I was required to have back in 1979. Of course this is the whole point of the current licensing system. On top of all this modern bikes have far better brakes, suspension (handling), tyres, electronic aids ABS, TC ect. There is really effective safety equipment in the form of Kevlar jeans, air vest jackets, boots, gloves, helmets, chest,back, elbow and shoulder protectors. It could also be argued that the roads are much better than they were 40 years ago. So despite the crazy amount of power available on new bikes I can’t help but think that riding is safer than it has ever been. Of course the one thing that has not changed is the person throwing his leg over the bike, at the end of the day he/she has the most impact on there own safety. I am sure this has all been discussed before somewhere on this forum and I am just stating the obvious, maybe some will disagree. I was tempted to give my nephew the old fart talk and tell him to take it easy, but he isn’t 19 years old, he is married with two young children and has several years riding experience on both dirt and roads. In hindsight I think I was the one who needed that talk back in 1979, but my 19 year old self probably wouldn’t have listened anyway.

Hi, new member first post. I bought this 1983 RC15 a few years ago as a project and put it in the back of the garage. I did get it running on a temp fuel supply after cleaning the carbs etc. And it sounded nice with no unusual top end noises. I’ve now decided to do something with it. My original plan was to get it road legal and then consider whether a full restoration is worth it, I’d value opinions on that. Initial skirmish identified partially seized front caliper piston, rusty fuel tank inside, and a holed and leaking exhaust system. I’ve stripped the front calipers and they’ll go again with new seals etc. The tank will get phosphoric acid treated and then sealed with Slosh hopefully. I have a spare but it’s not in the correct colour. If you want a laugh have a look at the video of the tank fixed to my cement mixer for cleaning agitation! The exhaust is much more concerning, I had to do more damage to the cans on removal to make sure I protected the collector as much as possible. My question is do you think the collector box is a factory part, an aftermarket or one that someone has made? This collector box has no mountings to the frame.If I’m careful I think I can rescue the collector.Also do you think the silencers are worth repairing? New identical ones are available from Italy but cost a fortune. Alternatively what silencers/ pipes/sizes have members used to replace the original equipment? All of the above begs the question is the bike worth a full restoration or should it just get a sympathetic rebuild with some non genuine items? I’ve really enjoyed all of the fantastic tips from knowledgeable members on here and I would welcome any views please. Thanks from the U.K. ! 7C9C581A-2ACE-453A-951B-1B9650AA349E.MP4

Please forgive me, Mods, for posting this here, but it's not really a maintenance question or how-to. My bike is a 6th gen, so I figured this might be the best place to commiserate. Here's a little saga on motorcycle maintenance: A couple weekend ago I was ranting on Facebook about not being able to get a bolt out of my motorcycle's lower cowl, cursing the full fairings, and saying I would never, ever buy another motorcycle with fairings. I had an allen bolt absolutely stuck in the lower cowl. I spent way too long trying to separate it from the hidden well nut. I ended up ordering some new OEM bolts, well nuts, and fairing clips. As a couple VFRD friends said, it's good to have spares, and when you order small parts like that, order more than you need. The parts arrived last Saturday. To add to my angst about not being able to get the full fairing off, oil was dripping from the motorcycle, though it was very difficult to tell where it was coming from. Very aggravating, because this bike has never dripped oil before in it's entire life. After my son, Josh, helped me try again last weekend to get the bolt and well nut separated, unsuccessfully, the allen bolt was pretty much rounded out. I had spent hours trying to get that stupid bolt off. Now it was either take it to a shop, or take a deep breath and attempt to drill out a bolt head for the very first time. So I did, and it worked. It wasn't easy to get to, with the left front brake caliper kind of being in the way, but I got it. After removing the remnant of the bolt, I could see why I couldn't get it out before. Besides the well nut partially disintegrating, the end of the bolt was rusty, and the metal nut couldn't get by the corrosion, although we did get it close to the end. Next time I'll try some PB Blaster before I spend hours trying to get a stuck bolt and nut apart. It might not have worked in this case, but it also might have saved me a lot of time and four-letter words. Once I could take off the left fairing and really see the lower front of the engine, I could see the oil was coming from the back of the oil filter. Because I couldn't get enough grip when on the filter when I did the oil change due to not being able to remove the left fairing, the filter wasn't on there tight enough and was seeping just a little. Compounding the issue in my mind was the fact I'd used a different model oil filter for the first time, a K&N HP-1008, which I'd read should fit, but now I had my doubts. When I went to check the tightness of the filter, it seemed pretty tight. So maybe the filter was off-size just enough to be a problem. Again, it was my first time using that model. I'll also add that I had put just a bit too much oil in when I refilled it a couple weeks ago. It was just above the top line in the sight window, but I didn't think that was causing the issue. I'd overfilled just a bit before without issues. I loosen the drain bolt, take off the K&N filter, and let the oil drain while I run to the auto parts store to buy a Mobil 1 M1-108A filter, which I know works, and which I probably should have bought the first time. I got home and immediately checked the sizes of the two filters against each other, especially the seals. They were pretty much identical, though it seemed like the seal on the K&N had a very slightly smaller diameter. I wipe the excess oil off the underside of the bike, reinstall the drain bolt, install the Mobil 1 filter, and refill the bike with oil. I re-used the oil, which I normally wouldn't do, but it's Mobil 1. It only had a couple hundred miles on it, and I'll be damned if I'm spending another $30 on more oil. At 92,000+ miles, my bike's engine is as worn as it's going to get, so I'm not worried about any little particles from break-in being in that still-new oil. Start the bike, let it run a couple minutes, let the oil drain back down, and top off to the top line in the sight window. Wait a few minutes, and it's dripping from the same place again! Aaughhh!! I lay down on the ground again and this time tighten the oil filter almost as tight as I can, and tighter than I can recall having installed them previously. This time, success - no drips! Just to be sure, I didn't reinstall the left fairing, and parked the bike on it's centerstand overnight, with a paper towel directly underneath the oil filter, so I could check for spots the next day. Thankfully, there were none. And before anyone asks, yes, I moistened the seal of the K&N before I installed it, just like I do every oil change, and did the same with the new Mobil 1 filter I installed a couple nights ago. I think I just didn't get the K&N on there quite tight enough the first time. I saved the filter to drain it and will likely use it next time. Tonight, paper towel still free of oil spots, I reinstalled the left fairing, including using a new well nut and bolt. Job done, finally. For those of us who wrench on our own bikes, I'm sure we've all been through something like this. I'm not a very good DIY mechanic, but I can at least handle minor stuff like oil changes. Drilling out that allen bolt was a first for me, and I was kind of nervous doing it. I know it's a simple thing, but the first time you do anything like that, I think it's understandable to be a little anxious. Now that it's done however, I'm very glad I did it myself.

Hey guys, just picked up a 2004 Vtec model in red with 55,000kms on it. Been riding a weapon of supermoto for the last 2 years and finally decided to get something a little more refined for longer rides. Since purchasing her, I've done all the usual mods as listed - Staintune Pipes - Delkovic Headers - Pair, snorkel and flapper mods - K&N High flow air filter - Techspec Snakeskin tank grips - Power commander 3 usb - Some nice sticky Pirelli Diablo 3s - Stedi HID headlights - Clear indicator lenses with switchback LED indicator globes - Fender eliminator The bike is running so nice and smooth now and boy does it sound good. Time to find a nice set of OEM colour matched panniers and put down some serious saddle time!

Thanks for the ideas. Got it narrowed down to three items. A centerstand for my Versys 650, or an aftermarket windscreen for my Versys. But before I decide on either of those two I'm now leaning towards the Sargent seat on the VFR. Negotiating with the wife for her to take the Amazon card and I just buy from Sargent directly. Thanks for all the suggestions!

I've been thinking about consolidating down to one bike, giving up my VFR and Versys and there are two bikes that keep jumping to the front. A BMW R1200R (maybe the RS variant) or the Ninja 1000. I can manage the height of my Versys but I think I would prefer a less tall bike too. I have taken the R1200R and RS for extended test rides and liked both a great deal. Thought the R was more comfortable and handled better. I've never had the chance to test a Ninja 1000 but sat on quite a few in showrooms and the ergos seem quite okay. I mention these because they are more similar to the VFR in regards to seat height plus they are both great all around road bikes.

Stay home, stay safe, save the NHS. Donot start remodelling your house using hammer, saw or powertools.... 🙂 VID-20200423-WA0006.mp4

If it helps, put me down for one 5 Gen and one 6 Gen.

Dude - as so as you mentioned you had oil leaking, my first thought is that you have a K&N oil filter..... and yes you do... ditch it soon! They have a tendency to crack around the spot welded on removal nut.....

While sitting at home today somewhat bored there was a knock at my door. My nephew sporting a rather excited grin informed me he had just purchased a new bike and it was sitting in my drive. A very new 2020 Yamaha R1 that he had only picked up that day and he had only put 35 km on the clock. Would I like a ride he asks 🤪 (he often asks silly questions) So on with the kit and away we go. For reference the most powerful bike I had previously ridden was a BMW S1000R (160hp) so this was somewhat of a step up for me from my VFR. As the bike was brand new, on brand new tyres, and we were only riding around town I took it very easy (plus of course it wasn’t my bike) Never the less the power was simply mind blowing. I didn’t get out of third gear and can’t imagine ever needing sixth gear. The brakes were excellent, the handling seemed good but having only taken it very easy I didn’t get a real idea of what it will be like at speed. (I did give it a few revs in third in a 100kmh zone it hit 150kmh what seemed like instantly, this was on a straight piece of road though). I envy him being young enough to ride this style of bike for any length of time, as much as I enjoyed it my 61 year old body would protest after about 100km I think. We are heading off for a 300km ride tomorrow and no doubt I will get another go. Will take a change of underwear I think.

To be perfectly honest I didn’t know the answer to your question as I never mount my phone on the motorcycle. I just went and looked and the gloves do have a different material on the index finger. I just tried using them with the iPad and they didn’t work. Not a problem for me but I’m sure it would be for some. So far there seems to be no sign of any wearing. I had a pair of Kjus ski gloves that cost over $200 and didn’t last long. Just replaced them with Hestra’s so will see how they go. Good quality kit is always so bloody expensive. Photo attached of the Knox index finger.

Its rare a 6th gen gets my attention, but the above knocks my socks off.... I offered to buy it at one time....

I'm late to the party on this post, but a big THANKS for posting up your work on it. I have a '98 California bike. My time is crazy scarce and I have other projects going on, but its great to see someone with the same bike I have get it all together.

@MiniCarver

That beautiful machine looks quite lonely. But at lease it is not lonely from being in the garage all the time.

This is his bike, as I couldn’t find him here. One of the baddest VFR’s on the planet, IMO. 5th Gen engine, 6th Gen chassis, 8th Gen running gear, and very well executed with great detailing and aftermarket bits.

I rented a BMW F800GT a few years ago. I've always liked the idea of the bike but all the reviews written were much like your experience, lackluster engine. My experience was completely different, at the time my main ride was a Ninja 650 so that may have something to do with it. I thought the motor was fun, had no problems letting it rip and found that it was really comfortable and stable at very high speeds (a few tests in some sparsely populated places). The two things I found very peculiar about bike were the fuel gauge which only measures the bottom half of the tank and the ergonomics which were the exact opposite of my Ninja. On my Ninja the bars are upright and the pegs are high and back and the F800GT the pegs are more neutral but the bars are more sporty, lower. On the Lake Duffy Loop in British Columbia. Currently I also have a Versys 650 besides my VFR. It makes a bit less power than the BMW F750GS but the ergonomics are really similar. I use it mainly on my long, multi-day rides and for commuting/running errands. It's a fantastic bike, agile and efficient but it's not as much fun to ride as the Interceptor. I don't know if it's the tallish seat, lesser power, it's really hard to say because it's such a great all around bike. Have you looked at either the Tracer 800 GT or the Versys 1000?

I am riding on the OEM rear shock rebuilt by Jamie Daugherty ( JDM ) . Very satisfied with the result. Retains the stock remote preload adjustment too.

I ordered one from a supplier and it indeed was the "big mouth" version. The K&N that came with the bike was the older one with less area. Still good but I wanted max air flow. So, I just ended up selling. I'm thinking any supplier should have the updated version unless by chance they still have old stock (NOS). So, get one from one of the bigger places, assuming they are moving inventory more than the smaller distributors. Just my 2 cents.

IIRC, if you order direct from K&N, you’ll get the larger filter element. I speculate the smaller element is an older-style filter that some distributors may have had leftover.

Clear and concise as usual Grum, sounds like a bad idea with good intentions to me. Air filters aren’t that expensive are they.

I frequent both sites, each has its own personality.... quite a few members here and there are on both sites.......

Welcome to the jungle...

The evolution of my fleets, started with the Reflex, added the Grand Vista for Serena, technically not mine but it was in my garage and I got to ride it. - Added the venerable Nighthawk 650 to the fleet. Believe it or not I was able to pack those three motorbikes, two kayaks, three bicycles, my lawnmower plus my car into that 1-1/2 car garage. Plus there was a workbench in there. - The next fleet iteration, after selling off the Reflex and Grand Vista I rode the Nighthawk for a few years before adding the Ninja 650 - For some crazy reason I sold my Nighthawk 650 and just rode the Ninja 650 for a few years before I added a Nighthawk 750 as I needed another bike for a visiting friend and planned road trip. The Nighthawk 750 was sold after a mere four or five months of ownership. Not because it was a bad bike I just didn't have room to store it. Added the Versys 650 as I wanted a touring bike with hard luggage. How did I resolve my storage problems... I purchased a smaller car! The pinnacle of the fleet, 2012 Ninja 650, 2016 Versys 650 and the newest addition, the 2007 Honda Interceptor. Today it's only Versys 650 and the Interceptor and an honorary designation for the snowblower. I was planning on adding a third bike last fall with contenders being a Honda Hawk GT, Honda 919, Suzuki SV650 and a Suzuki Intruder. I regret not getting that 919.

The guy in that photo must have had girls everywhere - handsome young guy, hot mototcycle - isn't youth grand!!

Since 2013, I've been commuting back and forth between Phila, PA and Brooklyn, NY. Motorcycles are better suited for long distance on the highway, but lack the luggage carrying capacity. Additionally, once I get to Brooklyn, bumper-to-bumper traffic pattern occurs more often than I like, clutch-n-shift become old really quickly in the gridlock traffic. Most of my commute within NYC metro have been done on a maxi-scoot. My Burgman 650 was purcahsed under $2k, with 6k miles on odometer back in 2013; now over 23k mi. Triple digit speed capable, plenty of underseat storage, twist-n-go, no-clutch-shifting; not to mention that my wife gets to sit on a much comfortable seat than my other motorcycles, even has a backrest. Sure most motorcyclists don't consider much of scooters, but in reality, I prefer the Maxi-scooter over many of my other regular motorcycles. 2-wheel vehicles are about maneuverability in traffic and efficiency, scooters are better in both.

Officially diagnosed with MBD this week when I added my “wild card” ride: 2004 Dyna Super Glide Sport EFI aka FXDX/I Factory Showas adjustable for PL, C and R up front and PL and R in the rear. 😱 Near polar opposite to my trusty 98 VFR800:

77 degree F in rural Philly this afternoon. I got all the bikes out of garage for a ride.

Hi guys! I'm guessing I'm not the only one who suddenly realized what they've been missing when HispanicSlammer's email arrived last week. After getting this week's newsletter I took the time to really dig in a bit and visit with y'all, so to speak. Lol DAMN! It's been way too long and I miss you guys! I'm down for a bit after some minor surgery a couple of weeks ago, but i'm itching to chat bikes and looking forward to planning some ride time! I'm in the process of relocating from one side of town to another here north of Atlanta (Alpharetta to Kennesaw). Please hit me up for a chat, coffee, whatever so er can plan some ride time in another month or so. Hope everyone has had the chance to enjoy the nice days we've had!

Really nice looking example! Glad to see bikes like this in OEM condition.

Added this '76 CB750F last summer, just getting around to cleaning it up. It's all original, locally owned bike, completely unmolested. Owner was retiring to Oregon and didn't want to drag it along. I like the look of the '75-'76 SS with wire wheels, before they went to the Comstars. It's just a classic.

I gotta say your MBD is certifiable as a severe case 🙂

That is some "leftover"

Just added another Honda to the stable, a new leftover 2018 CBR1000RR SP. 😎

Last year was a 1969 cb750