Low Cost '93 Restoration

This past January I was out riding around and found a '93 VFR750 (only year of the all white VFR besides 2006) sitting in someones yard about 15 miles from my place. Upon closer inspection (yes, I was trespassing) I could tell the bike had been laid down and looked as though it had been parked and was beginning to grow into the ground it was sitting on. It had been there for awhile. I left a note on it asking if the owner would be interested in getting rid of the piece of junk. He called me the next day and told me he could bring it to my house for $250 if I could help load it on his trailer. I was there in 30 minutes.

I figured, worst case, I could sell the rear wheel (8 spoke single sided swingarm) for about $300. Here's what she looked like when I got her home.

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By smackdoogle at 2012-07-05

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By smackdoogle at 2012-07-05

Pretty rough. Layers of mold on the bodywork. All pieces of bodywork either cracked, broke or missing. Chain was rusted so bad that as she rolled rollers were falling off. Lots of hornet nests under the plastic. etc. etc. but she had paperwork if I decided to fix it up. I was pretty sure I'd be parting it out though. I checked the oil quick and it was full so I decided to see if she'd fire. A lil starter fluid down the throat and with a new battery she started. Of course the carbs were completely useless so the fire didn't last long but i had a base.

I decided to jump in head first and get her on the road. Here is the state she was in for the next few months.

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By smackdoogle at 2012-08-12

I changed out all fluids, rebuilt master cylinders and slave cylinders and clean calipers and carbs. New chain and sprockets, rebuilt forks, tires and lots and lots of cleaning and elbow grease. About 2 months later she was running smooth. At this point Navy life got in the way and progress was slow.

i wanted to tackle the bodywork myself. I have never painted or primed or used bondo or fiber glass so many hours learning online was what I did. I'll tell you right now, save $1000 and pay someone to do that shit for you. It all sucks!!!! I used Dupont primer, base and clear (all rattle cans, very expensive rattle cans). 3 coats primer, wet sand with 400 grit. 4 coats base, wet sand with 600 grit. 4 coats clear and let it sit for a week or two then rubbing compound, 5 coats of polish and two coats of wax. I had to mend and fix nearly every piece of bodywork. I created sections from other trashed peices of plastic laying around. Filler as needed. Lots of sanding and it still looked like ass close up. I did my best though. So finally, after searching for pieces and creating pieces and then finally painting and polishing I have a complete motorcycle. Here's what the end result is.

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By smackdoogle at 2012-08-12

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By smackdoogle at 2012-08-12

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By smackdoogle at 2012-08-12

I'm still waiting tor receive a few fasteners and a piece of plastic here and there and lil stuff.

All said and done, I'm into it about $1500 including the cost of the bike. not bad. I only had it out for about 12 miles yesterday and she's very smooth. I need to get it inspected and registered this week. Hopefully the Inspector can come out to the house and check it out. That's what they did for my '86.

Future work? 2005-2007 Yamaha R1 Forks and brakes. PENSKE or similar shock for the rear. These will be winter items but I'm shopping now.  It's not perfect but it's mine, I did it by myself and I'm happy with the outcome.  She'll be the daily rider.

Very nice, glad you were able to rescue her. I really like the white 3rd gens.

And I concur with the bodywork. Professionals have all the equipment and supplies, experience and expertise to do the job right.

The time and effort spent for a novice to learn the craft is enormous, and your first project won't be a real looker. Unless it's a track bike, don't bother.

She's a beaut!  Good job!

Good job. Gotta love that North Carolina humidity for all your moldy needs. There is something to be said about bringing an old Honda back to life with your own hands. Nice R in the background pics too...May Safe roads be ahead for you...

I feel your pain on the rebuild. I've got some to do myself!  What a great barn find. How many miles?

You did an excellent job and should be very proud of it. I have always loved the white 3rd gen, they just look so clean. And I agree, bodywork is no fun.

My '93 rebuild is running very similar  it I'm waiting until winter to attack the bodywork and carbs.

What is it about the white ones that gets EVERY body panel damaged? :)

I still need a left upper (or will cobble mine together during assembly) and the lower back peices that bolt to the exhaust on both sides including tge kickstand fairing. Hopefully some will turn up soon.

Good job, great bike.

Great job! The bike turned out real nice and it's good to see it saved from the scrap pile. Ernie

Thanks for all comments.  I'm itching to ride right now.  Miles are 29XXX so just broken in!

It is a lot of work, isn't it? Thanks for reminding me that I constantly under value my work! lol

Good job & keep it up. Nice rescue.

Bravo on your successful 3rd gen save!!
You can always slowly harvest good body pieces to replaced the worst of the patched up ones as they pop up on eBay or the classifieds.....It might take a long time to find them, but it is good to get started asap on that process as every year that goes by means there's just less and less faring panels out there existing.
I also commend you for not going with  the "Naked" bike solution as the 3rd and 4th gens never really looks that good made into one.

Beck
95 VFR

I considered the naked route but putting in the effort to make it look right is soooo much work.  Probably more than fixing the bodywork and when it's finished it still wouldn't look right to me.  Besides,  I want to rack miles up on this touring and commuting so the bodywork helps with the ride.

Thanks again for the compliments.

I never much cared for 3rd gens but damn.... that is a beautiful bike

As another '93 Fridge owner, I applaud your efforts!

That turned out great, as far as the pictures show.

I love the 8-spoke rear wheel so much, I swapped mine with my 2004 Gen 6, and had the black wheel painted white, the white went to gloss black, and my 2004 VFR800 looks trick!

Amazing to look at the before and after pictures - the bike looks great and for $1500 all in. You and that VFR will have many happy miles.