Tricky project - 1983 honda vf750s

[Larksea]

I kinda wish I had chosen something a bit more simple as a first project bike but hey, I have 18months till I get my full license due to the horrid restricted wait so no rush.

got this old think cheap, apparently it runs but i've not fired it up yet. Looks pretty worn out but on close inspection to me it actually looks pretty good. Will post a pick at some point.

I think my main jobs on this bike are going to be

complete carb service & compression check, want to avoid a full rebuild on the engine if I can I mean I've never done it before.

cleanup and repaint of the frame which will basically require removing everything - clean and paint the tank to but that's easy.

replace all the gauges and hand controls with new parts.

Focusing on that last part. is this a pipe dream? I mean the old console is... Old, big, ugly, odometer doesn't work. Ignition switch is missing, has a ignition zip locked to the side/turn signal. I wanna basically rip it all off and install a standard part that I think will fit well with the bike and also put in all new handlebar controls.

Any feedback there?

Also going to have to make/replace the side covers somehow and refinish the plastic cover around the back/tail light of the bike.

[FJRider]

I kinda wish I had chosen something a bit more simple as a first project bike but hey, I have 18months till I get my full license due to the horrid restricted wait so no rush.

got this old think cheap, apparently it runs but i've not fired it up yet. Looks pretty worn out but on close inspection to me it actually looks pretty good. Will post a pick at some point.

I think my main jobs on this bike are going to be

complete carb service & compression check, want to avoid a full rebuild on the engine if I can I mean I've never done it before.

cleanup and repaint of the frame which will basically require removing everything - clean and paint the tank to but that's easy.

replace all the gauges and hand controls with new parts.

Focusing on that last part. is this a pipe dream? I mean the old console is... Old, big, ugly, odometer doesn't work. Ignition switch is missing, has a ignition zip locked to the side/turn signal. I wanna basically rip it all off and install a standard part that I think will fit well with the bike and also put in all new handlebar controls.

Any feedback there?

Also going to have to make/replace the side covers somehow and refinish the plastic cover around the back/tail light of the bike.

Get the bike running and LEGAL (then put on hold) before making ANY modifications or paint. Get a qualified Motorcycle mechanic to look at it and find out what WILL need done to GET legal AND running. This will cost ... but will save YOU time and energy (and money) for things that are known to be needed.

And "Find" a workshop manual for your model. Hard copy is always best.

[ducatilover]

Pics are mandatory!

Switches/gauges are simple enough to replace/swap. You can get a heap of digital ones from fleabay and other overseas sites (they're too expensive here)
As FJ says, get a manual, it'll help you a lot

[Larksea]

I've got a Haynes workshop/owners manual for Honda vf45/65 sabre/magna coming in the post from the UK

yeah I think that's a good idea, getting it legal I believe would require

front bakes: they basically came in a box with the bike!
Odometer: the digital on it has just doesn't work
indicator: one isn't working, may just be a bulb, also the amber cover is not a standard one and is a cowboy bolt on.

The odometer is the issue. I mean given it's gone I think I basically need to replace the entire console, I mean it usually comes as part of the entire console or with a speedo.

[ducatilover]

Check for dry solder joints on the circuit board for the odo

[FJRider]

I've got a Haynes workshop/owners manual for Honda vf45/65 sabre/magna coming in the post from the UK

If it covers ALL parts of YOUR (specific) model ... good.

The odometer is the issue. I mean given it's gone I think I basically need to replace the entire console, I mean it usually comes as part of the entire console or with a speedo.

It only needs a "Working" speedometer to be legal. NOT an accurate one. Think temporary (borrowed ??) fitting to gain legality.

And ... Odometers record distance traveled ... NOT speed. And as such ... not required for WoF.

[Larksea]

this is the book, looks pretty good to me

http://www.haynes.com/products/?sear...+Sabre&x=6&y=9


i do have one pic, just chucked in the garage took the seat off, not a good pic, looks worse than it is.



all I've done since is pull the tank, side panels and front Gard off and given it a bit of a clean up

Can also the the back tire is is goneburger, I think it was used for a few burnouts in it's past life. Front tyre looks good but yeah, the front brakes are in a cardboard box with what I think are the air intake/filter covers

also a pain that the ignition switch/key are not original so they dont match the seat/helmet-lock/tank lock and also there is another key lock on a metal box on this left side which I'm not sure about...

[FJRider]

also a pain that the ignition switch/key are not original so they dont match the seat/helmet-lock/tank lock and also there is another key lock on a metal box on this left side which I'm not sure about...

Which key fits the fuel tank .. ??? (seat helmet lock are usually original item key accessed) Two keys to such are expected in older machines. I have seen some with three.

Post pic of said (unknown) metal box.

[Larksea]

tank lock is ripped out can just open it with a screwdriver or other key, same with the seat/helmet holder lock. have a feeling finding some sort of replacement fuel cap is going to be a pain because it's kinda square shaped flip cap and wont be an easy OEM part.

will post some more pics, including that mystery box. A lot of the mystery stuff will come clear when my book arrives but that could be a week or so away. I'm keen to get my hands dirty.

see I look at something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-S...b924d3&vxp=mtr

I would think it wouldn't be too hard to rip off what's there and get this or something like it going?

[FJRider]

tank lock is ripped out can just open it with a screwdriver or other key, same with the seat/helmet holder lock. have a feeling finding some sort of replacement fuel cap is going to be a pain because it's kinda square shaped flip cap and wont be an easy OEM part.

There are plenty of those models around (built). Such parts should be available from a Bike wrecker somewhere in NZ. Google NZ Motorcycle wreckers ... or check the ones in your area. Most will have an E.mail address. A half decent locksmith can change locks. (no big deal really)

will post some more pics, including that mystery box. A lot of the mystery stuff will come clear when my book arrives but that could be a week or so away. I'm keen to get my hands dirty.

Pic's are good, and answer many questions.

[Larksea]

pics

this pic has the mystery box with key slot. green light and rubber bung for plug of some sort



others:

[Laava]

You should do well with this one.
Something to consider though before you start.
Decide whether you are going to do a restoration or a customised project. The reason I say that is it will make a difference when you go to sell it. If it has many parts missing or badly damaged, then you won't have much to lose but if it is all there and just needs cosmetic, then you are probably better keeping it as close to std as possible.
I recently did a project and even tho it is still close to stock, the finish on the ali frame was impossible to replicate due to damage and a fucknuckle drilling holes.(not me)
So you can also customise without removing brackets from frame etc that would destroy the original state of it.
Looking at the photos, it appears the switch blocks are complete and working? Personally, I would be keeping these as they are good quality, as good or better than any aftermarket stuff and if you are careful they can be painted up to look like new. Shame the odo is shot but also fixable if need be.
But anyway, have fun and consider buying a sand blasting cabinet for all those little bits, ali and steel, that need some loving. I can get an 18" wheel in mine and it cost two fiddy.

[dangerous]

Cool bike, always liked em from new... as for ya green light n bung, duno the rest looks reasonbly tidy quick spruce up n ride it.

[Larksea]

You should do well with this one.
Something to consider though before you start.
Decide whether you are going to do a restoration or a customised project. The reason I say that is it will make a difference when you go to sell it. If it has many parts missing or badly damaged, then you won't have much to lose but if it is all there and just needs cosmetic, then you are probably better keeping it as close to std as possible.
I recently did a project and even tho it is still close to stock, the finish on the ali frame was impossible to replicate due to damage and a fucknuckle drilling holes.(not me)
So you can also customise without removing brackets from frame etc that would destroy the original state of it.
Looking at the photos, it appears the switch blocks are complete and working? Personally, I would be keeping these as they are good quality, as good or better than any aftermarket stuff and if you are careful they can be painted up to look like new. Shame the odo is shot but also fixable if need be.
But anyway, have fun and consider buying a sand blasting cabinet for all those little bits, ali and steel, that need some loving. I can get an 18" wheel in mine and it cost two fiddy.

I take your point, I was going to just buy a whole bunch of new stuff and try stick it on make it look newer, including switch boxes, refinishing them is a good idea. Any tips on sharpening up old plastic parts would be great

But your right, I think for now I will try get the current kit working. The clutch handle needs replacing and obviously need new grips and I'm also clueless yet on what to do with the plastic side covers. When the bike arrived the had holes drilled in the top and used plastic ties around the frame to hold them on. And the right hand one is not even a Honda part I think it's for a GSXR or something.

The orange lines, well they will go, will peel them off and try figure out how to refinish it. Will restore the Honda branding plates, they're old and worn but on close inspection they are metal and really nice quality

[ducatilover]

My first port of call for parts would be econohonda, I have always had really good service from them.

Laava says get a sand blasting cabinet, he's on to it with that. They rule. I need one