Captain 80s

Oh I hear it. And it sounds directly tied into the cam (gears) speed, which is probably not a good thing.

While I don't think this is the issue, one of my 500 Interceptors can spin the clutch push rod in certain conditions. The tip that is in the Clutch Slave goes to metal on metal and squeals. But you can make it go away by slightly pulling in the clutch to where the bearing on the clutch pressure plate takes over. Every now and then I need to put some moly paste in there. Good luck.

Here are the Honda versions I like to use. Incorporated "shoulder" so it can be torqued and not crush/crack bodywork. Thru single piece of Honda plastic: Thru 2 pieces of bodywork (like a seat cowl):

Zero problems going above or below spec when sourcing aftermarket. If it is proud enough to squish (but not excessive), and will stay in the groove on assembly, it will be just fine. Personally proven over and over. Sometimes a dab of red rubber grease in a tight corner can help hold for assembly. Usually this refers to float bowls

While I prefer the 120/70, a 120/60 is acceptable. Less sidewall, smaller diameter when comparing the same brand/model. 180/55 is perfectly suited for a 5.5" rear rim. It is rider preference between that and a 170/60. You might actually be restoring some geometry with that 120/60 front used in conjunction with the 180/55 rear. But losing some ground clearance.

You need to clarify the issue and explain some more symptoms/problems. Do you meaning "sticking" after the bike has been sitting for a while? As in, won't roll in gear with the clutch lever pulled in?

Good progress! They do make silicone that isn't bright orange. 😉 Yes, hammer and chisel for the round cover works great.

It would be very rewarding to get a nicely equipped RVT1000R that wasn't so goddam nice that you weren't concerned about riding the piss out of it like it should be NOT a dig on your (ex) bike. I have a few bikes like that. It is liberating. Like driving my Honda Element that I bought used and not being a FREAK about door dings and stupid people. There's a spot... I'll take it. Let the fun of the new bike search begin.

There's a great bicycle detailing product for getting around the backside of a piston for cleaning after extending it. Gear Floss. You can soak it in a little Simple Green (or your preferred product) for a little help on a gunkier caliper too. I'm sure there's plenty of other things that can be used like this (like a shoe lace), but it's braided, a good size and not expensive.

Colorong

Your version (Non-US) has the fuel valve down to the left in the upper cowl? Make sure the cables that operate the Fuel Valve are installed/adjusted and working properly. Perhaps "ON" or "RES" really isn't. If your bike is not that version.... never mind and good luck.

1990 - 1997 are painted originally. It can seem light, but they are painted. At least US models are. If the top is "before", and you owned it since new, then the markets are different.

It is a great "mod". I took the brand new looking condom style from my 1995 that the original owner seemed to have swapped out in 2000 and put them on my 1992 that DESPERATELY needed some fresh mirrors. When they decide they are going to shrink / deform and be little bitches they will also be replaced by the same.

He should be happy. F2s are nice bikes.

The shocks are quite short compared to other bikes, so you will likely need to find something specifically made for it. The 88/89 is the same length as the 87 (~280mm), and they are 10mm longer than the 86.

Absolutely. Finding that sweet spot for a clear finish is a balance act without going full polish. Now I say that not knowing exactly what Lorne wants, but judging by his question wording, it seems somewhat likely a factory-ish finish? For clears I tend to final with a uni-directional 3M Scotch Pad fine finish. Good bite for the clear is a bonus. Stay high quality with your clear coat to avoid yellowing. Spray Max 2K is a nice 2 part in a can. Have some other items ready for clear to maximize the can.

VFR750FJ "J" being the year designator. 1988 A common reference in Europe.

Likely not very. Honda will sometimes just smooth out the front/outside a bit, but the rest can still be pretty raw looking.

I have been trying to figure that out. Color abbreviation? What is the official name of the red?

That's because it is. Discussed by the owner in another thread I think.

Steel mesh screen, rusty and degraded from mouse piss, barely holding back stained Kleenex, insulation and kibble, with a top, mid-range friendly, layer of baby mouse carcasses. No air box lid for peak horse power.

The Tusk units are not up to the task of a VFR spring. They will gall / strip before getting close. I tried them on a Fox Shock for a 86 VFR to restore the spring prior to a rebuild. For some reason there wasn't enough room to take the preload out and release the lower split ring to release the holder. The upper hose wrench flats were already rounding and I didn't want to make an enemy of the rebuilder even though I had a new, longer hose. I just needed a little more room, and I got to the point I was nervous. I did apply anti-seize to the threads prior. Fuck it. Spring was nice enough as is for the application. That other contraption doesn't instill any more confidence looking at the size of the threaded struts.

I have zero interest to "Find more on the linked brake system"... As long as you're not asking sealant to hold brake hydraulic pressure... keep on keepin' on.