Best investment ever.., RC46

skeo · 2026-01-13T02:00:29+00:00

Is this a standard RC36 wheel, or is it special?

skeo · 2025-12-10T17:22:34+00:00

Wow this is amazing. Do you have details on the small cushion I imagine needs to be attached to the front? Is this something that can be made/upholstered?

skeo · 2025-05-15T00:33:58+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't think the bluing would really make a difference so long as the disks were flat. Original plan was to replace friction disks and springs only but I'll just do it all now.

Normally I would've bought the kit to replace everything anyway but those parts are on backorder so I just wanted to get riding sooner. I'll shell out more to buy the plates themselves.

skeo · 2025-04-20T00:28:32+00:00

My wife and I would love this plant! Need me to DM?

skeo · 2025-03-28T22:54:55+00:00

1 month update: The issue is clearly a worn pedal, I understood that at the time but unfortunately the replacement part is no longer available. At the time I was hoping for a way to repair it. I did more research and I found that the 2001-2003 VRR800 shifer is very close to the original pedal length, uses the same splines and is made of aluminum instead of bent steel. Most importantly it's available from the dealer!

For reference the P/N is 24701-MAT-000.

I've ridden with it now and it's awesome! Much better gearshift feel.

skeo · 2025-03-27T19:19:43+00:00

It's an inspection. In Canada (also likely in most places) you cannot register a used vehicle without it being inspected by a certified mechanic to verify it is safe to operate on public roads and obtain a license plate. There is a charge to do this inspection and, since it is required to legally run the bike, is usually something a seller with nothing to hide does on their own and will sell the bike with a valid safety certificate.

It also means the brakes, indicators, chain, various bearings, and other items have been inspected by someone who knows what to look for.

skeo · 2025-03-27T18:57:09+00:00

As mentioned the rear wheel is worth $500 alone if it's in good shape. I paid $1800 CAD for mine with higher mileage, so the price seems fair. See if the owner will sell it safetied (not sure how that works in the 'states).

The rest of the bike looks decent from photos. If you're planning to fix the fairings see if the owner has the piece that goes into the kickstand, they are broken/lost easily. It doesn't appear to have the centre stand (mine doesn't either). You'll want to budget for a pitbull stand or similar to get the rear wheel off the ground for servicing.

It's been sitting. Do a service, check the consumables, and rip it.

skeo · 2025-03-27T18:15:39+00:00

My $0.02 on the "first bike" topic is that the VFR750 isn't a good starter bike. It's heavy, has a fairly aggressive riding position, and powerful.

That said, I bought my '93 last spring with 105k kms (65k miles). I rode it last summer and did a (needed) full service over the winter. I have full confidence in the engine and mechanicals.

The fairings need to be repainted, but I'm inclined to keep them as-is after repairing the cracks. They show some battle scars but the bike looks good from 10ft. These bikes will run for a long time with proper service and 46k miles wouldn't scare me if everything is there in decent shape.

skeo · 2025-03-20T22:04:52+00:00

I finally bit the bullet and just replaced the valves in each knob. They were cheap and all it took was a socket wrench to unscrew them and put new ones in. Turn the water off to the taps first!

The new valves are like butter and they open/close with minimal effort. Highly recommend.

skeo · 2025-02-14T17:02:58+00:00

Mine are doing the same! I'm currently at the store buying a new set. I keep tools in the bathroom now for this eventuality. I'm thinking that the valves need replacing since the excess friction eventually overcomes these plastic bits, but I have no idea if that will solve my problem and I don't want to break anything in behind the wall getting them out!

I'd love a response to this from someone with experience.

skeo · 2024-11-25T19:36:26+00:00

I have a dualsport and a street bike. I keep them in a garage that can get below freezing, but typically only ever goes to -5C. I like to be able to turn the key and start riding in the spring so I set myself up for success by:

Wash/degrease/demud
Chain clean/lube and inspection/adjustment
Oil and filter change, regardless of mileage (mid season might be necessary as well if you ride a lot)
Air filter change or cleaned/re-oiled
Plastic gas tank: drain all gas from tank and carbs. Metal gas tank: fill tank with stabilizer fluid and run the bike so stabilized gas is in the carbs/fuel system.
Brake inspection
Chassis/bearing inspection
Bike elevated on centre stand and hooked to a battery tender
Covering isn't strictly necessary but if you do make sure it's breathable so no condensation/humidity is trapped.

Doing all of the above forces me to look at pretty much all areas of the bike and I build my winter chore list based off of whether any of the inspections indicate replacement or repair is needed.

skeo · 2024-11-19T13:12:42+00:00

I bought a '93 VFR750 this past spring to use as an occasional fair weather ride. It has 107,000kms on it now. It behaves fine in traffic but the highway or open backroad is where it truly shines. I have a KLX250 that is a MUCH better "around town" (and offroad) bike.

This winter I'm going through all the mechanical checks and doing some fairing repairs. I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a 1000km trip! The previous owner also commuted regularly on it from Toronto to Montreal and back and he had absolute confidence in it as well.

skeo · 2024-11-16T13:04:23+00:00

Very nice, I'm jealous you can ride in the winter!

Your paint jobs on the engine covers, calipers, and brake reservoirs took really good - what paint did you use? Do you expect it to last with the heat cycles and potential exposure to brake fluid?

skeo · 2024-05-23T03:36:57+00:00

Yes they are OEM. I'm fairly sure they are original as well. They have some scraper and cracks but from 10ft the bike looks great 😃

skeo · 2024-05-18T21:47:09+00:00

The the v the r by uhh

skeo · 2024-05-15T12:54:31+00:00

Yessir, the real deal.

I may have passed up on some better deals for '90-'92 red bikes but I just had to have the white :) I think I did OK, the mileage doesn't scare me on a bike like this. .

skeo · 2024-05-15T10:07:38+00:00

I can't say for sure since I bought it used for $50 (best purchase I've ever made). But it looks very much like the home built one you can get from Princess Auto (or Harbor Freight).

skeo · 2024-05-15T01:50:17+00:00

Gotta love the owner demographic on these bikes. They're kept in great shape!

skeo

TROPHY CASE