Captain 80s

Welcome and Congrats.... but not cool. Gotta post pics!!

My buddy was looking at a theft recovery 2002 that wouldn't start after they installed a new ignition switch. Most everything was fixed, had some really nice slip ons, Power Commander, newer tires and new Chinese bodywork. After looking at it I told.him to buy it. It was real cheap and still a risk, but I was confident. Took me a while but I finally figured out the replacement switch (Chinese) didn't make the other connections besides the two main power. Once I jumped the other connectors on the harness side for the switch, everything worked, bike started immediately. Does that sound familiar? Can't explain why your "hot wire" isn't working, but there must be a connection you are missing. Are you working with a Honda Manual to verify what connections need to be made to replicate the switch when "ON"? (He rode it for about 4 or 5 years with zero issues and sold it for a nice profit. Basically got paid to ride a VFR.)

Yum.

Clutch basket appears to be in good shape judging by the reflections across (what appear to be) minimal grooves in the outer basket fingers.

The oil pump chains are loose to begin with. To the point everyone thinks there's a problem. There isn't.

Can... hardly... type.... laughing too hard.

That makes more sense. Very cool. Proceed!

I've seen this dozens of times and that is crystalized brake fluid perhaps mixed with some oil from a failing clutch rod seal. Honda finishes are pretty resilient, but also not sure what you're seeing to say the paint is doing ok. This doesn't convince me that isn't old, shitty brake fluid mixed with oil/chain grime. Multiple issues here likely. Also note the sweet orange RTV on the impeller housing.

It seems nice enough otherwise that it deserves a chance with a different engine.

Any real key cutter / locksmith can (should be able to) do it by the number.

You would have to scan yours (or known good ones) to create a digital model of the fairings. I don't recall reading about this being done already on this model, at least on the main fairing pieces.

Should be easily replaceable from the outside then. The 86/87 has a ridge that slots into the two halves of the crankcase. It's a bitch to extract and you need to either remove the ridge if you're not splitting the cases or buy an aftermarket seal in the correct dimensions. By the way, have you had the cover off to see if the clutch rod seal, shift shaft seal, or clutch slave cylinder are leaking?

Inspect the new seal. Does it have a raised narrow ridge on the Outside Diameter?

Here's the Inner Wing with some of them... 😉

Even though it is called the CB4X, that is a CB650R engine.

Look into Pit Bull for starters.

The tail gets completely assembled off of the bike and then installed as a unit. Start with attaching the smaller pieces to the taillight while introducing the sides. Turn signal are last. Have somebody hold and support to assist while assembling, the pieces are somewhat fragile and intricate, and as you mentioned, now extra brittle. Don't forget to plug in the unit, half way back on the left, as you go on. Getting around the rear brake reservoir can be tricky and it seems like you are stressing everything out... it's because you are. The upper cowls and headlight go on assembled in one piece (upper left and right cowls and headlight surround). Have someone assist on this too, holding the pieces as you put together the upper assembly. This installs into the grommet receptacles above the oil cooler and then bolted on the sides. BE VERY CAREFUL of the side mounts and make sure they stay INSIDE the cowl as you are attempting to push the upper assemble in place and into the grommet holders and getting around the dash panel. Ask me how I know, as I lost a few years of my life on that little detail. So, have somebody help on this too, they can also plug in the headlight and turn signals while you hold it before pushing it completely in place. The inner "V" piece behind the wheel is next, screwed on to the upper cowl assembly. It will just kinda hang waiting for the next pieces. The black textured lowers are next. Screw them together as one piece before mounting. The middle cowls are last. Install the windshield, mirrors and little trim pieces. Crack a beer. And then curse when you realize you forgot to plug everything in. Good luck.

The Emgo mirrors are quality items that are faithful replicas of the OEM.

And just when they've got the disillusioned Honda Sport Bike crowd excited, they will release the production version with V-TEC, PAIR, Dual Combined Brake System, 4 cats, 18" front wheel and integrated, too small, saddlebags because it has undertail exhaust for no reason. And then a fender extender. turn signal, license plate mount that is an integral part of a cast aluminum sub frame. The same headlight as the Hornet/Transalp/every other Honda will of course be implemented to ensure it's ugliness, mounted above a stupid fucking beak, surrounded by sharp lined, insect like bodywork of a new proprietary color impregnated process that turns out to be non-repairable or paintable. Europe will get a KILLER Red/White/Blue color scheme that somehow makes the bike look decent. The US will get Asphalt Black or Matte Grey with red pinstripes. Europe will get Smart Phone BlueTooth integration allowing full Nav, US will get a charging port. The front end mysteriously becomes non-adjustable VFR800. HP is limited to 89... at the crank.

I agree. A bad engine is not that consistent. Not impossible, but highly improbable. It would mean every cylinder and/or accompanying valve train failed / degraded in exactly the same manner. Or has tight valves for every cylinder. CBR valve trains are typically not that delicate. I suppose it is possible a bad cam chain tensioner / slack timing chain was left too long and every piston met a valve. But that should probably result in at least one DEAD cylinder. Good luck!

Likely a 87-88 VFR400 wheel. 3.5 x 18. https://www.ebay.com/itm/275662079532

On original mirrors, I'm pretty damn sure the glass is non-serviceable, as it is plastic molded in place. The Emgo mirrors for the 2000-2001 VFR800 is a bolt on and does not have the rubber condom around the stalk. Pictured is my 95, but fitment is identical 1990 - 1997

Holy shit, so cool. What a great day.

Air flows as needed, it's a vent. It vents the diaphragms and has potential to move more air, so Honda was being cautious with a "Sub Filter". The bowl vent is still just an open tube pointed down on Non-CA bikes.. I've ditched the crumbled foam on every bike that has it and never looked back.

@FromMaine Your first example reminded me of a very similar scenario and something I've learned after buying many used "project" bikes and parts bikes... The size marked on the jet doesn't mean that is the actual size and hasn't been drilled out by the "mechanic" friend.