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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.

Bought a rough VF1000R this weekend, a bike I have always liked and wanted to get checked off the "bucket bike list" Currently painted black and down on both sides. This fall and winter a rebuild and repaint will be in order. So in the mean time, educating myself and amassing parts. Engine is the best part. 29,000 miles, starts immediately, doesn't smoke or leak oil. Shifts good, revs out well, clutch feels good. So encouraging news there. Several questions about parts through. 1) Need to find a windscreen. Aftermarket is fine. I see Twisted Throttle has choices (original, spoiler, touring) in different shades from MRA. They are available in 4-6 weeks. Any other alternatives? 2) Mirrors. The bike is missing front turn signals, this would be a good time to change to integrated mirrors/turn signals, as the mirrors are rashed as well. Does anyone have suggestions? I'm thinking just some rather plain ones from Ebay in black, then fab up adapters. Modern mirrors all seem to mount vertically (to fairing), the Honda has a horizontal mounting. Small right-angle adapter would be fairly easy. 3) Exhaust. The bike still has a rusty OEM exhaust that appears scuffed and beat up, as well as very heavy. Looking online I can't seem to find a full exhaust system designed for the bike, although I would settle for just a slip-on. I see many brands (Yosh & Hindle being the two most common). Obviously they no longer stock exhaust for a bike this old, but what are options? I like the look of the Leo Vince pipes used on ICON's Magificent Basterd show bike. A cheaper alternative would be to use DanMoto GP series. But if someone makes a pipe designed to fit on the bike, that would be great. Anyone? 4) Footpegs/rearsets. I think the footpeg assemblies weigh as much as a new Honda minibike. Does anyone make a set for the VF1000R, or are we stuck fabricating ones to fit? 5) rear seat cowl. One thing missing was the rear seat cowl. Not surprisingly they are NLA from Honda. Does anyone make a replica? 6) Seat upholstery. Does a 1986 seat cover fit a 1985 bike? Mine has a duct tape special covering the original ripped red seat cover. I see Ebay has covers, curious if there were any differences. Thanks in advance.