WOW!!! The CHP recovered my VFR abandoned very close to the Weaverville CA motel where it was stolen! Recovery of stolen motorcycles is virtually unheard of, so I am one of the very lucky ones!
I have no particulars about the condition of the bike, although the police report says the condition is "good" except the ignition has been "tampered with." Also, the police report says the tank was "empty." I have no idea how the officer concluded that or how the tank was emptied - by riding it dry or by jimmying the locked cap. The key was not in the ignition, so I'll just have to wait to see at pick up. I'm arranging to have it picked up from the impound lot tomorrow, so I'll have more information then.
Thanks for your help and emotional support. You guys are the best!
I had a 1987 Ninja ZX750 recovered after it was stolen in NYC. It was great news. I repainted the bike and if was promptly stolen a few months later. I wasn't so lucky again. Although my next bike was a 1986 VF700F.
This is good news. 99% of the time, it's never seen again. Bet they hot wired it, and rode it until the tank went empty. Couldn't get the cap opened. And just left it.
*looks at new R1200RS in garage* "That might've been premature." :blush:
Look at it this way - now I have TWO fantastic motorcycles. Well, three counting the 748. The dealership and BMW North America combined for a screaming deal on the R1200RS - $2000 off the sticker price, 15% off on all accessories, and 0.9 percent APR for 60 months with zero down payment. :cool:
Visible damage - ignition jimmied and ignition wires clipped, blown main fuse, windscreen missing, left mirror broken off, missing fairing cap screw. NO SCRATCHES OR DINGS!
Unknown whether the ECU etc. was damaged in the hot-wire attempt. Also unknown whether the crooks got it running.
Apparently there were multiple thefts in Weaverville over the last several days, including an ATV from the motel parking lot.
Outstanding. Good old H.I.S.S did its job. Hopefully you can rewire a new barrel in easily or can you go back in the loom to find a connector to reconnect the barrel as a new item?
Outstanding. Good old H.I.S.S did its job. Hopefully you can rewire a new barrel in easily or can you go back in the loom to find a connector to reconnect the barrel as a new item?
Love those wheels
H.I.S.S. had nothing to do with this one, North American bikes do not have it. Inept thieves had more to do with this IMO.
Oh, thought it would have been fitted to all marques of the VFR as it is so good in preventing thieves from starting the bike. This is the first bike that I have had with an immobiliser fitted as standard and think it is a great deterrent.
Outstanding. Good old H.I.S.S did its job. Hopefully you can rewire a new barrel in easily or can you go back in the loom to find a connector to reconnect the barrel as a new item?
Love those wheels
I think I can buy a barrel and have it set up for my key, but I don't know that for certain . . .
There appears to be a number on ebay that include the barrel, gas cap, seat lock and keys for not a lot of money. A bit of work but maybe the path of least resistance to setting things right. Man it's been great to hear it was recovered. Truly a happy ending. :fing02:
The good news - it now is certain the VFR was not started by the thieves, although they tried; the VFR started right up with a jury-rigged wiring and a new main fuse; battery is fully charged; the Geico insurance adjuster accurately determined the value of the repairs; I am told I will be receiving the insurance payment in the next 10 days.