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Last night I massaged a 2012 ZX14R rear shock into my 1990 RC36. I expected an easy, cheap improvement over my 25 y/o stock Showa, however, preliminary testing is proving to be far, far better than even I anticipated. It feels like the rear shock from the big Kawasaki beast was built for the early model viffer, giving it a dominant stance, and as an unforeseen bonus it breathed new life into my bone stock front end. I originally intended to post this up only after a thorough test period (at least 1000 miles, pushing it under various conditions), but I'll save that for an update now because it looks and feels so good that I got anxious to share. So keep in mind that this experimental, and for the moment should only be attempted by those who have a basic understanding of suspension systems and those who are comfortable with simple to intermediate level modifications. I believe this could be a new serious option for those who want a "budget friendly" suspension upgrade that will provide the look, handling, and adjustability of a high-end custom shop setup. These legendary 3rd gens aren't getting any younger, and it's getting harder and harder to find decent (read: affordable) aftermarket support. Soon it will be a necessity to improvise upgrades and fixes for the whole damn bike, but that's what I really like about owning one ;) How about you? .

I picked up this 1992 RC36.1 last spring (2018) in Connecticut (USA). It was a really good price, but not exactly a cream puff so I’ve been trying to bring it up to a decent standard and as cheaply as possible. To do that, I've been poking around online and you all have been guiding me too, so thank you for that. By now I have a few insights and experiences of my own that might actually help somebody else. Time to get out of the shadows. The odometer was at just over 25,000 miles when I got the bike and I am at least the fourth owner. The bike's history is long lost along with a number of odds and ends, bits and pieces. I wonder if there is a way to trace it all back. The guy I got it from seemed honest and funny but he had some curious theories of shade tree mechanics so it's taking me a little while to learn to trust the ride. I'm still semi worried about the long term effects of some of his theories but so far, so good. The title showed that he'd bought the bike in 2012 at 23,122 miles. So we're talking 2000 miles in 6 years. I’ve ridden about 1200 miles in less than 4 months without major surprises. I've also encountered the usual gen3 issues. When I took it on, the bike had almost new tires and chain and battery, and the upgraded regulator/rectifier. The starter clutch is supposed to be new too. The engine oil was the color of honey. I needed a few things right away and, as you'll see, this is a work in progress. The cosmetics really, really need help. Really. Look closely at my photographs and you'll spot plenty of issues. I haven’t decided exactly how to proceed on those yet, but I’m considering options. You are welcome to make suggestions here and I might even follow some up. And I can tell you all my experiences so far. A few things done as soon as I got the bike home... Front Brake Switch I needed a front brake switch. These are $16 at Honda or $3 from China for a generic one on Ebay, or maybe it was Amazon. I’m trying out the $3 version. Sorry Honda. The one I got is pretty cheaply constructed with a thin plastic shell, but it does fit and work as advertised so far. I check it before every ride. If it doesn’t last, I know where to find the real one. Or I can get 4 more cheapos… Krator Mirrors I picked up the Krator replacement factory-look mirrors too, also from Ebay (...or Amazon...). They’re fine. The bike came with carbon look mirrors that were a mess. I know lots of you prefer newer styling and you get rid of the boots. I’m content with the original look. The Krator fittings are plastic, not metal, and the boots are kind of a fiddly fit on the proximal end. But you can tighten down the collar so that with a little patience you can get the boot to stay in place. These cost $22 for the pair. Honda OEM? Um, more than $22. Keys I needed proper keys. The bike came with a single cut key that looked like a generic car key made at the DIY store. It didn't even fit all that great. I had to get the key code from under the gas cap and there are services that’ll make you the right key from the code for about ten bucks. Once more to Ebay. Once more cheaper than the dealer. I don’t have anything against my local dealer. Not at all. I feel bad not supporting the guys more. But jeez louise, I just can't afford it. I wouldn’t even mind paying a little extra, especially if I could just walk in and out again with the parts I need. Unfortunately, not only is the dealer expensive, but most things have to be ordered from the warehouse anyway. So I still have to wait three or four days. I’m just sayin. So far I’ve had good results from all Ebay orders. I'm not thinking they're better than OEM. But some things are good enough. There's plenty more to add, but that's it for today. Stay tuned.

Having dug out all those old brochures I might as well share the 1990, 1991, and 1992 VFR750 as they appeared in the Canadian brochures of the day. As before I have somewhat large jpg scans if any is interested.

Hey guys, I'm extremely new to motorcycles and was looking for any advice about my situation. I have a very beat up 1992 Honda VFR 750 and was wondering if it was best to try and find new fairings, or take the whole thing apart with the help of some mechanic friends and put some generic fairings on it? Not trying to spend too much money so that's my biggest factor I guess. Less than a grand preferably to fix this thing up and have it running soon. Any help or if I need to explain anything else, I will try my best. Thank you!