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Old Maine joke. Someone from away: Boy is it really cold and so much snow up here in the winter! Mainer: Yup. Someone from away: So, what do you all do in the summer? Mainer: Well, if it falls on a weekend, we have a BBQ. 😁 Give me a bell if you are anywhere near NE this summer.
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I left New England in 2004 and never looked back. Haven't even been back up there in many years...but 2026 could be the ticket once the snow melts and you guys have the one great week...in June. 🙂 Chin up. Build an army of snow people.
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Don't feel bad man, I started off 2025 by destroying a front rim 1,600 miles from home on a cross country ride. The bike and I came home in a rental truck. 😒 Wouldn't have been so defeating if it was during the return ride, but it was on the outbound leg. So basically I rode halfway across the country to destroy a wheel. I ordered an eBay rim on the drive home during the first hotel stop.
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Hmmmm... by looking at the pictures, I don't think it's that hard to come up with a working theory.
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Oops! that's a lotta damage, for a slide, how on earth did ya manage to wreck a front rim, had a few minor off yrs ago, never bust a rim tho, since front rim's been walloped i'd be concerned fork stanchions are bent, check for any obvious kinks under lower yoke clamps, forks bend all too easy. https://us.fowlersparts.co.uk every component part number you'll ever need for any bike. I'd suggest stalking eBay bike breakers. Seen a few silencers cheap, right side footrest assembly bend easy, looks like its took a hit, there's a used front rim on eBay, aint cheap at £600 tho, new are £1,100ish. I've had numerous parts from Motorcycle Recycle Bike Breakers (01206 793111) Colchester, so not far from your area, they sell on eBay, ring em direct, you might get lucky if they've your model in for breaking, prices are decent too.
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Yeah. The weather.............😬
- Today
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Whilst im hoping for a better balance between tasks and free time, your last sentence is what im waiting for better weather for.
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Terry, you are pretty much describing the VFR1200X. Upright riding position, larger fuel tank, engine tuned for lower torque delivery. Yes, some other requirements of yours are missing, but overall it's a great package.
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Yeah, that was my worry. Including 1200 wheels isn't a bad idea, hopefully someone'll chime in to confirm. Thanks very much for the part no.s, I'll do some proper digging when I get up this afternoon. I'm currently in on night shift, and am already feeling sore!
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Agree! I also have a pair of Reusch waterproof winter gloves since over 20 years, but I will take a look at these Louis heated gloves when in Germany (in 4 weeks)
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Wheels are tricky to switch, while you have a standard 3.5x17" rim like hundreds of other bikes, things like the disk spacing/diameter and location of the ABS ring would make me look for an original wheel. There's a 800x wheel (which I would bet is a direct swap) located near me but we are on the wrong side of the planet. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/wheels/listing/5756818964 I think it is possible that a VFR1200 wheel would fit but don't quote me on that. The genuine 800F wheel is 44650-MJM-305ZA The left mirror mount is 88220-MJM-305ZA (the black part including the mirror and light)
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Also, if anyone happens to know the part number for the nearside mirror mount, that'd be really helpful too. Thank you.
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Good evening champs! So, it was a bit slippery out there on the way into work tonight. Could any of you lovely people help me with some advice as to what replacement front wheels will be compatible. I need it at pretty short notice, and dont have a lot to spend, so any recommendations as to what may fit from an older model, would be much appreciated, so I can start trawling flea bay 😊
- Yesterday
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Once I sussed out how to remove the fork spring without "spontaneous unplanned disassembly" and bought a fork seal driver, the seals are reasonably easy. I'm now at the next level which is disassembly of the damper cartridge; on the Showa forks that I've worked on, the base valve comes out just by pushing it into the cartridge tube and removing a circlip, and the rebound valve can be slid right out of the bottom too, but KYB do things differently. The Racetech bible shows the way, but with more special tools than I possess.
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Each time I ride the 1200 I think it was a great missed opportunity by Honda. The F has a more committed riding position than it should (lower bars, a cushier seat and higher bars would all be welcome) but otherwise shows great design maturity. The engine/chassis provides an easy/narrow reach to the ground, the aero has fantastic engine heat management and very little wind buffet, and it has a relatively low centre of gravity with a superb chassis and brakes. The engine is also highly impressive for its power delivery. I really wish they had made it into the ST1300 replacement; wih a touring ride position and fairing, properly integrated panniers and a larger tank, it would have answered many ST-owner's dreams.
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VF500F2 Aka MBD Incubation Period At Least 52 Years
FromMaine replied to Dutchy's topic in Earlier VFRs
Louis is still the best Motorcycle gear store I have ever been in. When I was working in Kiel, I would stop by most Friday afternoons, mostly just hanging around, sometimes contributing to the German economy.🙂 I still have and use the Steetfighter leather riding pants and boots, and the Reusch winter gloves I bought from them 16 years ago. They are a "Buy buy once, cry once" shop. Pricey yes, but worth every Euro at the end of the day. -
I feel the same. I retired 4 years ago, and I look at my calendar now and wonder how I ever held a job working overseas for 6-8 months a year and got anything done at home. I have no job now and some days feel overwhelmed with what I have to do.😀 The good news is that my bikes see more of me now.......
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Hi. I specify that my work is about an exclusive use on track; i thought for a long time for a solution, and i think there's two way, for an homemade work as mine: 1.using the two OEM radiators in stock position with airscoops crafted to help cooling. 2. Charge a specialist to build a front radiator correctly dimensioned. This second solution obviously are more expensive than first, so i think to use the first, that also admit to keep in stock position the oil cooler. Ciao. Luigj.
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Hi m8 and thanks. I used an extension bar for one of my socket sets with a 17mm socket on the end. Worked well. This bike is much easier to work on than the 1200F, though I dont fancy removing the swing arm to access the secondary coolant tank
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Customizing...fun phase of owning a bike. 😊 I see your tank propped up. Mind if ask what “tool” you’re using in the photo? I’m always looking for a better way to do this. Everything I’ve used to date has been sketchy. BTW, congrats on the retirement Skids. Did so myself last year. Oddly enough, been busier now than when working…just a a slower pace.
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I have a Honda ST1300 radiator up front. The top mount is welded to the frame. The bottom mounts are steel and bolt to the cylinder head. I never overheat. I have more liquid inside. I run two 4" fans on the back on a manual switch. And I have a Honda RC51 oil cooler up front on a bracket that's on my lower triple tree.
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Looking at your pics @Terry the VFR12 design has aged so so well. I know some people didn't like it when it came out first but I think it looks like an absolute gem, especially now.
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Probably different from the VFR1200, but I've done Honda 45mm USD forks on a cruiser. Was actually easier than conventional VFR forks, there was no cap screw with thread locker at the bottom to fight with. Some tens of thousands miles later I need to do said job again as a weep has started, I'll wait until it's a little warmer. I'm not the biggest fan of USD forks from a in use standpoint. Engineers saying "Hey seals and chrome tubes, you take that full onslaught of road debris head on. We're rooting for you!" Side note, I am so chuffed my recently bought GL1800C uses conventional forks. No bellow type gaiters, but there's a hard cover arrangement I've never seen before on any Honda I've owned shielding them completely. 🤩
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I haven't done many USD forks, but the right tools are essential. It makes the process much easier. I got mine from Traxxion Dynamics back when my girl had her ST4. You could fabricate them if you have the skills, and additional tools. Yes it's all about the tools. I recently rebuilt the Penske shock on my Work Girl. Broke one part on disassembly so lesson learned, but I'm now fully willing to do it again no breakage next time. The parts/supplies, and the tool I needed were about the same as if I would have farmed it out. The knowledge is priceless.
- Last week
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VF500F2 Aka MBD Incubation Period At Least 52 Years
V4 Rosso replied to Dutchy's topic in Earlier VFRs
In a test in the latest issue of Motorrad those came out on top. You just came across that ad or did you buy these?. If you did: can you charge those without taking the batteries out of their pocket?
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Latest Entry
The Last Day Of Good Riding Weather
Juniper Pass
I took a day off from work and also from my bicycle training to take out the Veefalo one last time before the weather turns ugly, supposed to snow the rest of the week and possibly start sticking to the ground along the Colorado Front Range. I took a leisurely pace up hwy 105 toward Morrison and got reacquainted with the bike since its been over a month since I took any sort of twisties on it at all, hwy 105 is a scenic ride along the front range between Denver and Colorado Springs, its mostly easy fast sweepers and lite traffic so its a favorite road of mine when going north. Then I have to negotiate a bit of traffic near Highlands ranch and up hwy 470 into the mountains. I decided to take the Morrison Exit and try either Lookout Mountain or head up Golden Gate Canyon - this time it was Lookout Mountain, I was sort of making it up on the fly as I went along. Lookout Mountain is my old bicycling haunt from my days while I was working at Coors, its a killer ride and all uphill - I don't think I could do it today If I had to, not quite there yet! I saw a whole bunch of riders doing it though and wished I was in shape enough to be there doing it as well. 30 more lbs and I will be able to do it! On this day I would do it on the Veefalo instead.
I took a video from the gateway to the top at the Lookout Mountain State Park, getting past riders, the guy in the green jacket actually pretty much astounded me with how far he had gotten in the short time it took me to set up my camera, some 3 miles at least and up to the gateway from the turn off at hwy 6! Amazing I thought. I took the first two turns slow then got more comfortable as I went up further, till I was doing well, I made some gearing mistakes and took the tight 15mph marked hairpins in the wrong gear so I lugged it a bit on one or two. Still enjoyed it though and then got off at the top and hiked over a rock outcropping for an overview of the road for the pictures below.
Lookout Mountain - Golden Colorado
Zoomed in
Lookout Mountain Park top of the mountain
From there I headed up interstate 70 to Idaho Springs for a beer at the Tommy-knockers brewery, I was the only customer in the joint - slow day for them so they treated me like a king! I got a nice tour of the place sort of impromptu, they made me a nice Pastrami sandwich on rye and with the brown ale it was fantastic. I must say the beer is much better there than in the bottles - its always good at the brewery. I am glad I stopped
Tommy-knockers Brewpub Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs Colorado
Mashtuns and fermenters
Rows of fermenters
I finished my lunch and since the road to Mount Evans is right there I headed up Squaw pass hoping to get in some nice pictures I wasn't expecting what I found, ICE IN ALL THE SHADY PARTS
Icy patches on Squaw Pass definitely taking it easy on that road
There were some section where the ice covered the whole road for 300 yards or so I had to roll through it with my legs out to help keep the bike from sliding and falling over, I took it real slow. A Ford pickup was right behind me so I pulled over to let him pass but the guy was going slower then even I was so I pressed on - in places where I could see I just cut over to the oncoming lane and out of the ice where the sun was shining on the road more, but some places there was not alternative so I just had to go slow, good thing it wasn't slick but rather they tossed some gravel over the worst parts so I had some traction!
I did stop for pictures in all the best spots
Echo Lake at Mount Evans showing off my new plate
Elephant Butte Park and Denver
Close up
Veefalo on Squaw Pass
Juniper Pass
Juniper Pass
Mount Evans
My route A is home B is Tommy-knockers
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I Am Back !
Not that it matters and not that I expect anyone had noticed, but to those who sent me "where are you?" I would like to say I am back. Not only that I am officially returning to VFRD after nearly 2 months break but I have also ridden my Hawk last weekend and had FUN! Let me restate that; I had major fun riding! Something I have almost given up on.
Most of you have been riding your whole adult lives and riding is not only a hobby to you, it is part of you. But I started riding three years ago and even though I have encounter some setbacks, till this spring I loved riding with whole my heart. However, I have always considered riding as my hobby. As a hobby which suppose to make my life better, more fun and more rich. Life is too short to do something which we don't fully love.
My love of riding received a first major scar this spring: I lost a friend on the racetrack. He was a total stranger who offered me his help after I lowsided at CMP track last year. I still remember hearing his "Hi, my name is Todd, do you need help?" while I was duct-taping my roadrash from ripped jacket. He helped me straighten up the shifter and we kept in touch. The next time we saw each other was the day he died.
With 9 months delay, I can say that Todd's death shook me more than I have realized. It rooted fear in me which was fueled by seeing and hearing about others getting hurt over and over again. If I was to summarize this year - it would be one big accident report. I became sensitive to every broken bone, every roadrash, every lowside. And even though I did 10 track days this year, I became slower and slower and slower. Suddenly, I have acquired this 'grandma' riding style on the road, frozen with fear that behind every corner there is car standing in my lane, or major sand trap or deer staring at me ... I was crippled with fear not only for me about also for my fellow rider.
So, at the end of this year, I rode more and more by myself. I could not bear the feelings of responsibility for others on the road and my lines were crippled by my own fears. It all culminated this fall at WDGAH. In a freaky accident Love2rideh82crash was taken down by a truck crossing into our lane. I was done. I finished the weekend, locked the VFR into a garage and took a break.
Until the last weekend, I pretended that motorcycles do not exists. As a last instance after 2 months break from riding, I decided to go to CMP track to see if I can still have fun. I also felt like I should go for the memory of Todd. I went and I had fun! I had much more fun than I expected and the most fun on track I can remember. Suddenly the whole track connected into an uninterupted line of turns and I felt one with the bike riding around! I was giggling like a little girl in my helmet and keep on giggling ever since
Granted I was not the fastest one and through out the weekend, I have never exceeded about 60% of my riding abilities, but I had no "oh-shit" nor 'blond' moments. I could have maybe go faster, I could have brake later for the turns and I could have lean further, but I am no Rossi nor Stoner. I decided to ride for fun and I had amazing blast riding well within my comfort zone.
I was proud of myself when, after bandaging Ricks arm, I was able to distance myself and go back to riding without the year-long fear. I did feel bad for him but the feelings were not crippling my lines nor my mind. And when a total stranger came to me and said "Hi, my name is Todd", my heart stopped for a minute though but I suddenly knew that my life went a full circle. I probably will never win MotoGP :idea3: , but I am back! :wheel:
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VFRD Mission Statement
For owners of the Honda Interceptor and related Honda V4 motorcycles, for the purpose of mutual help concerning safe riding, maintenance, and performance of their motorcycles.
Rules of the ride - No one goes to jail, and No one goes to the Hospital.
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By vfrpilot28 · Posted
I enjoyed reading this and seeing your story. For the love of motorcycling! -
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By interceptor69 · Posted
Oops. I do believe I know how to post YT videos or they wouldn't be on YT. However I may have screwed up copying the link to the playlist. Thanks for the helpful comment. -
I think that you might not know how to post videos. You're in your YT studio in these links. You need the link to the actual video.
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