Honda VFR800fi Superbike Part 1: Crazy cheap bargain but will it run again??

[@LS-uv9gg]

Mate, all I can say is bless your heart for rescuing this poor mistreated beauty!

[@dk2428]

I'm an engineer and crazy about bikes, especially the ones from the 90's. Did a few restorations myself, ZXR750, 929RR, DR800...but i have to say...they we're not in such a bad condition as the VFR. You've done an excellent job! New sub. Edit: Great taste in music.

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks DK! A true restorer then. Yes I think because they are on the road a lot these vfr800fi take a beating but amazing engineering. I can’t say I’ve seen better..thanks for chipping in and subscribing 👍👍

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Totally agree re music taste; not yer typical biker-guitar thrashings!

[@davemonday5381]

I was blown away how good it looks without the body work. It’s a bike I’ve never appreciated I did own one once I had it stolen in the first week the only thing I remember about it was how smooth and nice to ride it was and the insurance company wouldn’t pay me out.

[@Nifilheimur]

I had a 2001 VFR800 also and it is such a great bike. one of the dumbest things ive done was to sell that bike. That engine is just a work of art! Great to see an old warhorse being brought back to life where many would have scrapped it.

[@MyRestoration1]

That’s me 😂🙏

[@whitechair3846]

22:46 IT'S ALIVE....beautiful work on a beautiful bike 😁

[@jeffkennedy5448]

It's ALIVE !!! I know very well what that feels like after tearing my 1993 Kawasaki ZX-11 D1 apart to restore during the Summer of 2017. On first go for engine start, turning over & no joy. I had forgotten to move the fuel petcock to "run". Second press of the starter button & that big bad bomber roared to life ! It's a great feeling, isn't it ? You're doing amazing work, Rob.

[@MrVulcan1963]

I just discovered this channel. I'm so impressed with your restoration, and troubleshooting skills. Have to subscribe because as a VFR owner I want to see the end result.

[@MyRestoration1]

Cheers for your nice comments. I’m just as excited! Keep watching..

[@GPR111]

Great job!! On my 6th (?) VFR800fi, owned this one 15 yrs now I think, recommisioned after 4 years standing outside. Its low miles and still rides bang on. Not used often but when I do it is still terrific to be on. Totally brilliant motorcycle. Been thinking of a second refresh .... freshen the wheels, centre stand etc.... this video has got me inspired. And I still have the rear seat cowl and grab handles !!!!! Very rare 😀

[@MyRestoration1]

Do it Gareth! I’m in the middle of mechanical refreshing then on the the body works. I can’t wait! Thanks for chipping in.

[@rockfan3299]

IT still has the old Tax disc on it so I would guess it's been stood since 2015 at the latest! I have a Gen5, my 3rd VFR, great bike when set up properly.

[@DarrenCarter-qe3xp]

Had my 98fiw for 7years did 40k only issue was the reg rec, great bike wish I hadn't sold it.

[@vasilijsleonovs6094]

perfect motorbike of my lifetime. my is 111000km. v4 in my heart .in my main

[@roadwarrior8560]

same here, love my Vfr, best bike ever built. 98 5th gen, not cat and no wax block fast idle, the best of the breed

[@seanbarker7010]

Managed to get a vfr800 myself out a barn. Hadn't been moved in 7 years and the boy said I could get it for £500 but when I went along I ended up giving him £700 as I felt bad. The bike was mint he was the 2nd owner. It fired up with a bit of fresh fuel and new battery. Took it for an mot and it passed first time. I changed every bulb before the mot but other than that and the battery it was perfect. Used it for a year with no issues and now it sits in the back of my shed.

[@MyRestoration1]

Your a good man Sean! Some people don’t know how to sell their things and can get shafted. Good on you and it sounds like the bike was brilliant. If you don’t use it sell it so it keeps running. Bikes don’t like sitting around or better still plan a nice tour..😉

[@seanbarker7010]

@@MyRestoration1 my plan is to give it a bit of a refresh. Love the noise of the vfr so would rather keep it plus considering what I paid I'm fine with it sitting and coming out now and again.

[@MyRestoration1]

@@seanbarker7010 I can’t sell either one of mine even though I have Ducatis and every other exotic bike! They are superb bikes. You think I’d know..

[@renoreno2701]

Your channel is the best i know. Showing what is important to see, skills and problems and everything. Thanks from France.

[@MyRestoration1]

My favourite country. Thank you 🙏

[@shaneingram2389]

Great Stuff mate,I am going to love this channel.

[@sthildas4857]

Great job in the process of adopting one of these so this has been a good help, thank you. 🇬🇧

[@Herco28]

Oooh I like the dinghy. Obviously a gentleman with good taste. Motorcycles and sailing

[@danhollatz5944]

Have a 1998VFR I love it beyond belief! My 1991 GSXR1100 R is my garage jealous!

[@MyRestoration1]

Thank you for chipping in Dan! 👍

[@danhollatz5944]

@@MyRestoration1 your welcome brother! The GSXR is a chiropractic dream 50 miles and it's over! My VFR, 500 miles and it's utterly amazing!

[@danhollatz5944]

@@MyRestoration1 thank you brother! Keep the rubber down and your ankles above them!

[@andrewonmyway8184]

Very nice to see you work. Love the bike. I have a 6th gen. Good luck!

[@427walrus]

Great project! I bought a 2001 VFR800 new back in the day. Sold it 5 years later. Last year I bought another one just like the first. Had to have that experience back in my life again! Enjoy. 🏍

[@MyRestoration1]

I’m as eager as anyone can get. If I can only find the issue!!

[@427walrus]

@@MyRestoration1 Check out the VFR forums. There are a few very knowledgeable people that can diagnose anything on these bikes. 👍

[@MyRestoration1]

@@427walrus I know it well but so far nothing on the forum. I’ve tried to join to post but the site seems not to work anymore?

[@427walrus]

@@MyRestoration1 I am on vfrdiscussion and vfrworld. Both still function. There is a poster named Grum who is very knowledgeable. Best of luck!

[@timpye6162]

great job. I left my 1998 vfr with old fuel in it for three years. And that was after I spent a couple of months adapting Yamaha upside forks to it...what was I thinking! Anyway, I've cleaned the tank of a fine slime and got it to run, however it won't idle and from the feel of a brief run around the block today, it's running on two or three cylinders, so injectors have to come out..not really looking forward to that, but I take note of your calm approach and will endeavour to speak kindly to her as things come apart. I was thinking to sell it as at 74 it's getting a bit heavy to move around...and the 990 Superduke is running sweetly..oh well, here goes

[@DiegoBeltran-il8vs]

Hands down, mate! You completely stripped down the entire machine!

[@roadwarrior8560]

Great work, fantastic bike.

[@chriswhotton7056]

Hi Rob I've had loads maybe 15 of these awesome bikes the only bike you need really , a friend mechanic looked after a dispatch riders bike with 200,000 still ran like clockwork I did the tt back in 2015 and sat at 145 most of the way home back to Grimsby amazing bike and you can't blow them up lol cheers Chris

[@MyRestoration1]

Keep me pumped Chris! I’m having a tough time of it at the mo. We’ll see how I go in the next week on the electrics. All will be explained in part 3. In the meantime standby for part 2 coming in a few hours. Cheers for your comments 🙏

[@mikeharrigan6421]

This model it's very crazy technology 😎🇯🇵

[@MHammer]

So glad I found your channel. I have a Canadian 2001 VFR800FI. I like it bone stock.

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks! Stay with me. I’m about to turn it up with what’s coming! 🙏

[@paulelverstone8677]

Superb! Just bought one of these (pre HISS) so will be watching intently. Subscribed...

[@MyRestoration1]

Thank you 🙏

[@k0nanick]

Nice shop mate, I picked up a 94 RC36 that was left sitting in a field over on the West side of Oahu. The engine runs, tank isn't rusted, but brake and clutch hydraulics were dry and dusty, tires are cracked and the wheel rim paint is chipped and flaking. The fairings are cracked and taped together, but I have em! I'm working my way through the easy stuff, new brake lines and fork & master/slave brake seal rebuild kits have arrived, and a general cleanup of the mud lizards and spiders that were resident are cleaned out. It's still un-rideable, rotted tires, cracked coolant expansion tank and a snapped off brake pedal, but I'm getting parts in slowly but surely. (still need that expansion tank) You have some nice tips for FI cleanout, but this one is carbed, and will stall right away if you give any gas while in idle. Tips? Nice to see you win the issues, especially the exhaust fix, I needs to do exactly that on my 98 5th gen, but it's on another island.

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks. Wow you live in a cool part of the world + cool bikes to restore 👍👍 I’d imaging the rust as you say…don’t stop

[@johnpartridge7623]

I'm rebuilding a VTR Firestorm that was a dirty as your VFR but it's great fun though-so I keep telling myself lol

[@jadesmith6823]

Been on KZbin for ten + years. Love motorrcycles ❤️ Love engine's ❤️ It takes myself a fair bit to give my ten cents worth of an opinion. I just naturally subscribed ✅ Excellent mindset brother. I'd be quite happy to see you work on my ride. Thanks Jade Tasmania 🇦🇺 Australia 🦘

[@MyRestoration1]

There you go Jade! Thank you. When there’s no spare parts left to order we surface to the top 🤣

[@SilverPaladin]

Wow, that bike was crusty! I had the 1st gen and 5th gen, loved them both! Gonna have to pick up another soon, got the itch!

[@caroldave4037]

Ive done quite a few restoring bikes that were dead... for my own use....and it never fails to please and excite when it starts.... one bike in particular cb1000 it had sat in a draughty damp alley for years ....👌👌👌 excellent channel sir....

[@MyRestoration1]

Cheers. Much appreciated 🙏 Youtubr is so good for this instead of condescending mainstream tv!

[@acvn-hg9gy]

i love your approach to these problems, its really motivating. earned a sub!

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Daschickenify]

You got it going again! It really is a great feeling to fix something that's been kicking your ass, isn't it? I had a similar feeling of excitement when I finally found a short to ground that kept my mazda 3 from starting for a month and a half.

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks mate. A really great feeling when you push through. All will be revealed in the next video. Things went south again to further test my enthusiasm so look out and subscribe if you haven’t already. Thanks for chipping in!

[@elviscorgen9674]

Nice work !

[@mountainbearoutdoors]

you must have a lot of know how to be able to do this work, I just sat watching endless wires and pipes coming out of the bike, makes me appreciate how simple my little gs 500 is!

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks mate. Nice content on your channel. Good luck with growing that! I’m learning on the job. It’s not going as easily now as I thought but that’s part of the journey to v4 heaven. This week I’m concentrating on slowing down my expectations. It’s a life skill to master! 🙏

[@brunomacron8021]

just subscribed, I own a 2001 model, such patience is admirable..it's nice to see how are vfr are made. was impressed too by the thilth and dirt.. cheers from France..

[@MyRestoration1]

Hey Bruno 🙏 merci

[@charleswinter1335]

I like the RC36 models the most, the later models just seem to much towards touring than sport for me, but I do believe they are with the best ever made motorcycles. I just don't understand how one could let a bike get to that point...smh, great job getting her going.

[@MyRestoration1]

I can’t wait to ride it/ them!

[@JasonShinks]

Tinkerin' & fettlin' with a jazz sountrack. Does life get any better? 🔧🎷

[@MyRestoration1]

…I can’t complain Jason. I’m VERY lucky. Just imagine life stopping at pop music..?? Thanks for chipping in mate 🙏

[@jimbo9310]

Great video , well impressed, looking forward to seeing the body work video. Thanks 😊👍👍

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks Jim. Be sure to tune in when it does! 🙏

[@rockyp3917]

Please keep more restorations coming not just the current bike

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks Rocky. Yes I have the next bike to announce soon so stay tuned. 👍

[@palletcolorato]

Love this channel ! The videography is superb. Agreed that colour has got to go.

[@gofres]

Always fancied a vfr800 but damn they look like complicated machines compared to my old blade!

[@gerardverweij498]

Great to mirror my own project on this well done. Thanks.

[@MyRestoration1]

Excellent Gerard!

[@alleywatson]

love it love it love it !! subscribed

[@seangannon193]

Fantastic content

[@probablyhomer9338]

Every man when he gets a bike running: "F*** Yesss!" hahah Nice work!

[@MyRestoration1]

You know it my friend!

[@davehoward22]

just got one with a years mot and sounds great for 1200 quid

[@MyRestoration1]

Excellent Dave! What’s the service history? If you don’t know then what this series to avoid problems. They are NOT bullet proof despite the reputation.

[@seangannon193]

Really interesting video, was thinking of getting a vfr800 such a cool bike

[@MyRestoration1]

I wouldn’t know! So frustrating as you will see in the next video hopefully coming tomorrow. Thanks for chipping in Sean 🙏

[@deepwood4]

I concur. Should've never sold mine.

[@paulwright6121]

Great video. Love VFR'S

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks Paul. I’m keen to find out why they are so liked

[@paulwright6121]

@@MyRestoration1 It looks like you'll find out very soon. I would recommend an aftermarket exhaust that makes the V4 sing.

[@mufuliramark]

Just watched another video of an electrical fault in the same age vfr where everytime the rider turned left, the engine cut out, which was caused by the same issue..

[@wendymotogirl]

The third gen was the best, followed by the 4th gen. My gen 3 had 110000 mi😢 when I sold it and my Gen 4 had 129000.

[@matthewglaze5398]

Nice work 👍

[@alvaromateosfernandez-maqu5772]

Wow thanks

[@The1Dude1Abides]

Hey you may already realise this, but KZbin takes issue with music in people's videos, not sure if you're intending to monitise your content, they will flag your videos for copyright issues if playing music that's not a free license. Btw like the video and how you're trying to get it road worthy again by being resourceful 😎👍

[@MyRestoration1]

Yip, I’m aware so far no issues. It’s just a little thing I like sharing. Let’s see how long it lasts

[@The1Dude1Abides]

Ah okay, just be a shame if you have to take videos down due to the music, just seen other channels have to take content down for copyright issues with music, like years after they were uploaded. Glad you got to the bottom of the issue in the end 👍

[@MyRestoration1]

@@The1Dude1Abides jees mate, I hope that doesn’t happen..😳 I’ll need to think about how I shoot. Shame because I can’t function without music.

[@Chris-ye6wc]

very nice video great job

[@MyRestoration1]

Thank you Chris 🙏

[@The9meister]

Hello, I put my fuel injectors in the ultrasonic cleaner for 30 minutes, test with carb cleaner set up like yours, like new.

[@MyRestoration1]

Even a better idea 💡 thanks 🙏

[@dirk410]

Nice job👍

[@johngreenaway5736]

Very good video with lots of practical tips and tricks. Looking forward to part 2. I've had a '98 version from new and reckon that the fit and finish is about as good as it gets for a production motorcycle (others will disagree).

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks John 🙏 Well I’m totally impressed by the engineering detail on this. In fact it so good I had to pause working on the Norton which is positively stoneage albeit I love the character but yes this VFR is impressive.

[@cbluesbc]

@@MyRestoration1 Hah,,I have and 80 Moto Guzzi and an old K75s..as you say, positively stoneage compared to my '99 VFR800

[@matthewglaze5398]

You probably already know this but. The fi light is flashing a code. You can count the flashes when in diagnostic mode to get an idea of where the problem is.

[@MyRestoration1]

Hi Matthew, watch the others on the VFR. This time there were no codes. That was the problem. 👍

[@matthewglaze5398]

@@MyRestoration1 will do sir. Thanks for the great content.

[@alexmorgan3435]

Thought you would take the engine out of the frame and give both a really good clean and then repaint if necessary then protection with something like XCP or ACF50 or is this not a restoration, just get the bike running project? The oiler cooler pipes could do with changing as they looked very corroded. Will you be doing the single sided swing arm pivot either replace or clean and regrease, front forks servicing and servicing the linked brakes? Full flush of the coolant system? How about doing a check of the valve clearances?

[@MyRestoration1]

Hi Alex, for now I just want to get the electrical issues sorted. Make sure I know what I’ve got under me. Paint the panels. Touch up glaring issues, service the bike and take it from there. This was an impulse buy. It doesn’t really fit into my ‘restoration’ schedule but over time if I like it of course then yes I could easily strip and rebuild. Thanks for your comment. Much appreciated!

[@ulrich.hoffmann]

Hi Rob, good work on the electrics of the Honda ! What glue do you use for fixing the plastic or rubber parts? I work on a moped and the rubber mats on the chain guards are broken

[@MyRestoration1]

Hi Ulrich. Superglue. A very viscus type so it flows. Rubber and superglue are a pair made in heaven!

[@gabrielemerenda6470]

Hi man, i will bring home a 01 like your sit outside since 20 year, im fool or must save it🤣

[@alleywatson]

part 4 on the way i presume ?

[@MyRestoration1]

I hope so. Work has got super busy but I’m hopeful I can get to edits

[@Brennen51Nelson]

Could you post a link for the Injector seal kit please. thank you

[@MyRestoration1]

www.mrinjectoruk.co.uk

[@Catatonicwater]

Just wondered when you dumped the coolant, if you also open the engine block drain also?

[@MyRestoration1]

I could have but the coolant was new. I did flush it off camera anyway. Once it’s completed I’m going to go through the cleaning cycle again just in case. Thanks for chipping in 🙏

[@justinacosta8329]

I’m picking up a Honda vfr 2002 and when I went to check the bike out the guy said it starts no problem… I used the kill switch to turn it off when he turned it on and then I went to test ride it and it did not start he said “what do you do to my bike!” And the lights where on killswitche was not on kill but it wouldn’t start… then after turning off and on it did with the kickstand up but it was in nutral the whole time so it couldn’t of been being in first gear with the kickstand down and we assumed it was the sensor that is connected to the kick stand that we thought it was saying it was down when it was not and that was the reason it didn’t start? But how could that be when it’s in neutral? I’m still confused about it and kinda worried for when I pick it up… I hope it’s just dirt in the sensor on the kickstand giving a false reading 😅

[@MyRestoration1]

Hi Justin, Earth connections are 90% of any electrical problem, why? Imagine you push a button, a current flows through the switch but can't travel to earth to complete the circuit? That is generally when things act up in different ways. Pull plugs connectors and spray them clean. Start there! Good luck

[@gregzarkodimos9711]

The fact that when it starts, the automatic subtitles show [Music].

[@MyRestoration1]

Haha 👍👍 spotted

[@eric62backstrom]

Do you have a to remove the oil filter to get the front drain bolt?

[@MyRestoration1]

I can’t remember!

[@phirunseun2675]

Hi

[@stevesteve6092]

Hi I have a vfr800 the sticker on the frame says 1999 , I don’t have a choke lever or a spot for it where I’ve seen on all the other vfrs I looked up . If u have any ideas or know where else it could be , it would be much appreciated

[@MyRestoration1]

Hi Steve. You most like have a very early interceptor which lasted until 2001. I think my 2nd one is also a 99’

[@stevesteve6092]

@@MyRestoration1 do you have any idea where the choke would be or what it has instead of a choke lever? I can’t get it started and every vfr I’ve looked up has a choke lever on the handlebars

[@MyRestoration1]

@@stevesteve6092 this model has an automatic ’choke’ It’s not a choke in the true sense of the word but rather an injection cold starter which is basically a wax melting system which controls the temperature increase automatically. It’s not the best idea in the world but in my opinion this model is a nicer 5th gen due to its other refinements. There is a fair bit of info already. Nice bike for sure

[@MyRestoration1]

There could be other reasons why it will not start. Use my videos to help possibly so you can check against my checks. It’s best to learn as much about this bike as possible because it’s quite a complicated machine. Superbly made.

[@stevesteve6092]

@@MyRestoration1 thanks for the fast response, I have been watching ur videos and I have the service manual so I believe I can get it started

[@rockyp3917]

You are very generous that you paid £750

[@edsonofilieo]

nice video, you could help me do mine soon. hahah

[@DAVIDMARTINEZ-lz8fq]

Podrias ayudarme tengo una vfr 800 año 98 le llega chispa y gasolina pero no enciende que podria ser?

[@MyRestoration1]

Es muy difícil de diagnosticar, pero si tuviera ambos, entonces debería encenderse, ¿no? El VFR necesita una buena batería para arrancar, así que compruébalo. Es algo simple, estoy seguro. buena suerte.

[@DAVIDMARTINEZ-lz8fq]

@@MyRestoration1 tiene buena batería es nueva pero aún así no enciende

[@DAVIDMARTINEZ-lz8fq]

@@MyRestoration1 disculpa tendrás algún vídeo donde muestres como instalar el embobinado con el regulador de corriente?

[@surferdudemi]

No safety glasses while grinding?!

[@MyRestoration1]

No

[@bruceforster3709]

The Condition Some people allow their equipment to fall into is a CRYING SHAME!

[@Desmodromic916]

Over 200.000 km?

[@MyRestoration1]

Yes. Incredible

[@MyRestoration1]

Still pushing 200psi per cylinder cold!

[@mikebrooks9201]

Are you a “garage” or hobbyist?

[@MyRestoration1]

I’m not really sure at this stage. The location where I shoot the restorations are in my Carbonbikerepair business. You might see me talking a different talk on that KZbin channel.

[@UPTHETOWN]

Best motorcycle ever made? No. I can think of 32 better bikes and 3 of them are Hondas

[@wendymotogirl]

I've owned 12 Honda v4s, including 6 vfrs including the one in this video. That's no superbike. It's a great bike, but to call it a Superbike is disingenuous.

[@justinacosta8329]

I’m picking up a Honda vfr 2002 and when I went to check the bike out the guy said it starts no problem… I used the kill switch to turn it off when he turned it on and then I went to test ride it and it did not start he said “what do you do to my bike!” And the lights where on killswitche was not on kill but it wouldn’t start… then after turning off and on it did with the kickstand up but it was in nutral the whole time so it couldn’t of been being in first gear with the kickstand down and we assumed it was the sensor that is connected to the kick stand that we thought it was saying it was down when it was not and that was the reason it didn’t start? But how could that be when it’s in neutral? I’m still confused about it and kinda worried for when I pick it up… I hope it’s just dirt in the sensor on the kickstand giving a false reading 😅