JZH

Beware using US-based online fiche, as the spec can be different to European models. I use www.bike-parts.fr mainly because it's prominent on my website homepage, but there are others, e.g., Lings. Ciao, JZH

The entire frame is ground, so you could actually use any location that works for you. Ciao, JZH

I think the LCD screen component stores the odometer reading, FYI, so that would change with a new/old unit. Ciao, JZH

Headlight modulator? Ciao, JZH

FYI, the OEM VFR750 petcock does include a reserve function--even if it was not enabled on the US-spec bikes. That's why it has two inlets, and two strainer tubes. The same Honda part can be used on bikes with and without the reserve switch on the fairing--the selector knobs are different. Ciao, JZH

May I just point out that when the 1990 VFR750F was released in late 1989, there weren't a lot of alternatives to 10W40 dino oil. Yes, synthetics existed, and other grades existed, but oil technology has certainly moved on since then. Therefore it makes perfect sense that more modern formulations can indeed be better than the 10W40 specified in the Owners' Manual, although it also makes sense that some of them could be worse. My point is that what's written in the Owners' Manual isn't necessarily the best advice today (although I don't have any to offer!) Ciao, JZH

The bottom duct is the counterpart to the top one. Also an air guide, but on the other side. Ciao, JZH

Looks like France to me (I just got back from a driving trip to Italy), plus Devil being a French exhaust and the bike not having Italy's mono-headlight. Ages ago there was a TV film about a woman who crashed her red 3rd gen near a small US/Canadian town and whilst stranded there helped a rape victim deal with her troubles. And then she fixed the exhaust downpipe and rode off! Ciao, JZH

Interesting. I have not seen that before, but it looks neat and tidy. Ciao, JZH

I get the impression you're going to be based in the UK (it wasn't entirely clear), but in most cases I would probably choose the GS over the Valk or the VFR. The Valkyrie is simply too big for Europe. I used to know a guy with one and we went on week-long group trips together a few times, and I understand why he chose it (he's an, ummm, big bloke), but it's really on the limits of practical. It would definitely make a statement, however! As I don't have a GS, I would be happy to take my fifth gen (it's already kitted out with GiVis, so ready to tour). The GS would be very comfortable, and all the old fogeys ride them, so you'll fit right in! I don't know about reliability, but at least there are a lot of BMW dealers in Europe to visit... By the way, importing and selling a bike in Europe or the UK is not the easiest thing to do, because at some point the tax will have to be paid (either by you if you're a resident, or by the buyer). You can get bikes in without officially importing them (or at least I was able to when I last did it ca. 2006), and you'll have to deal with getting insurance on a foreign-registered bike, which is a big hassle. It usually makes more sense to buy a bike locally (assuming you are resident somewhere and can register it/get insurance) than to temporarily import it or try to sell it. How long will you be there? Ciao, JZH

Er, silicone grease is dielectric grease. Perhaps it is a bit counterintuitive to apply an insulator to electrical connections, but that substance was undoubtedly chosen to prevent bridging between adjacent contacts--which could be a real issue for signal circuits. If you're relying on the grease to make the electrical contact, you've got a bigger problem than the grease! Ciao, JZH

Assuming you're referring to the Battery Tender battery tester which is based on the Midtronics PBT-50 battery tester, I have one and have used it for several years to monitor the progressive demise of many AGM batteries. The main issue I have with that kind of tester is that it requires you to look up the battery type in a list, and then input the corresponding number into the tester. If your battery is not on the list, you don't know which number to input. They (Midtronics, no idea about Battery Tender) have not updated their list since 2004. Most batteries are listed, but I never liked the system they've chosen. Ciao, JZH

"Computer says no"! Sargent (based in the US) just doesn't understand that the same bike was sold in other countries after 2009. If it's not in their database, it doesn't exist. As a Yank, I can say, "typical Yanks", but you'd be best advised not to! Ciao, JZH

Someone on another forum once gave me a full strip of that clear PVC loading dock plastic (hangs vertically, to keep out bugs and cold, but you can drive a forklift through it, etc.). Quite thick and wide enough to wrap around a shock spring. Plus, you can see your lovely shock spring through it! Another option. Ciao, JZH

I dunno. Those figures came from the American Honda microfiche supplied to all of their US dealers. It is also published in the Honda Motorcycle Identification Guide (1959-1998). I'd be curious to hear what Honda said about this discrepancy! Ciao, JZH