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Started to tear it down today, some nice surprises/souvenirs came along with the bike
Tank and seat off A mouse or two has lived here over the years? It's everywhere... Mouse cake? The filter stopped them from getting into the carbs. Ready for next phase...
It was mentioned to me that the best part of this project is the personal/human connections, and I agree 100%. I know quite a few of the original owner's siblings, have rode his brother's F2, and have a few "believe it or not" stories of their motorcycling exploits. This bike is somehow a part of my past and is connecting me with my roots, hoping that it's a big part of my future.
I decided that I had to see if it's going to run before I really tear into it and clean it all up. I swapped coils, plugs and wires, carbs and fuel tank from my running project bike, borrowed the clutch perch/lever and CDI, changed the oil and made sure it turned over by hand before hitting the switch. Runs great, idles smooth, tomorrow she goes for a really slow test ride around the block. Some things are just clicking into place with this project, feels awesome!
Made the first ride around the block, first time it's moved under it's own power in 20+ years... A bit sketchy with the old tires, but felt good to have it moving. Swapped over rear wheel/tire from separate project bike, and put on a spare F2 front wheel I have, will take it for another slow cruise once the weather clears. I know most people use an F3 or VFR front when going to a 17" wheel, but it appears I have perfect size spacers to use, and I can keep the front wheel-driven speedo as well. I tried the F2 wheel on the '96 project bike, and it appears that it would be an option there also. (I have an F3 front for that one)
17" Wheel looks so much better Perfect fit Speedo cable and brakes in Will need custom spacers to fit here Needs custom rotors
Can’t believe the condition of those sliders!, look like new, I think putting a 17 inch wheel on will throw your speedo out, the wheel will be turning at a different speed, maybe you can swap the F3 speedo drive over as well?.
personally I’d have stayed with the 16inch wheel, people swap them for greater tyre choice, but seeing that you can still get Pirelli Diablo 16 inch tyres and there aint nobody needs a better tyre on the road than a Diablo it’s a waste of time IMO, plus they handle better with a 16 inch, but hey if you prefer the look of a 17 inch go for it
I think putting a 17 inch wheel on will throw your speedo out, the wheel will be turning at a different speed, maybe you can swap the F3 speedo drive over as well?.
Except that the F3 doesn't use a mechanical speedometer pickup, it's electronic.
Speedo won't be off with 17" wheel, would actually reduce existing error. Still optimistic though, real 100mph now shows 108mph instead of previous 110mph on speedo.
130/70-16 tyre = 588.4mm diameter
120/70-17 tyre = 599.8mm diameter = +1.9%
F2 front 17" wheel has mechanical speedo and can use same brake rotors too. I have F2 front wheel on my '86 VFR.
Last edited by dannoxyz; Aug 24, 2022 at 11:45 AM.
This bike is somehow a part of my past and is connecting me with my roots, hoping that it's a big part of my future.
