HOW TO PAINT AND RESTORE A SUPERBIKE: HONDA VFR800FI - don’t miss the end!

#Honda #VFR800FI Generation 5
Todays video covers the final paint and completion of the first of 2 Honda VFR800fi. This is the 2001 model. The 2nd one is a manual choke 2000 model.
Every week a new video will be uploaded covering a specific topic of restoring a motorbike of some interest.
I intention is to share how to restore an object. Anything that I grow passionate about. It’s that simple. I have a day job in a company which restores for a living. Please check out our other channel CarbonBikeRepair (a blue shield logo) for some amazing carbon fibre and paint skills.
I’m not a professional KZbinr but maybe one day if this amazing response for you all continues!
So PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL AND HIT THE NOTIFICATION 'BELL' ICON, TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN A NEW VIDEO IS PUBLISHED.
Some history of this Honda VFR800FI 2001 model:
Discovered on Facebook right in the middle of restoring of a very rare Norton Commando, I decided to impulse buy! It was later that I discovered the Gen5 version was a limited production run before the VTEC model emerged in 2002 and quite sought after. Lucky me and lucky bike!
It is in a shocking state but I’ll turn it around if you watch this challenging restoration! Old tech is fickle…
I don’t imagine there will be more than 2 parts to this as I’m just as excited to deliver the iconic Commando back to the road or a museum!
For now my intention is to restore this VFR on the tightest of budgets (which is fun for me to ride) but also to deliver to my viewers a great example of a Honda VFR800FI.
Thanks again for watching my work. You are all contributing in some way to the growth and maturation of the content.
See you on your screen!
Rob

[@martyndunn1905]

Dropping bikes happens to the best of us, the bike looks absolutely stunning. I've got a 99 vfr800fi, they really are such gorgeous looking bikes and the sound from that v4 engine is just something else. These bikes really were ahead of there time when they first came out

[@uhtred7860]

They are great bikes true, but not "ahead of their time" they were a result of years of development from Honda, going back to 1982 and the disastrous VF 750S and later VF750F of 83. Luckily Honda persevered and developed the outstanding VFR 750F G/H and slightly updated 88/98 J/K model, which was the start of a long line of VFRs.

[@bodystunt1]

@@uhtred7860 they are ahead yes, the best bike of all time is Honda VFR 750 RC36.

[@martinivanov1319]

nothing compares to a V4 except R1's crossplane

[@HeroRR]

Excellent work, lots of inspiration here! :)

[@r1273m]

Lovely bike, I really felt for you at the end.

[@MyRestoration1]

Thank you. The restoration of the panel etc I’ll share next. I’ve recovered 😂

[@christophercurry7410]

Nice work, good video.

[@80sDweeb]

Thanks for sharing the process, I needed to see the patience it takes to get things right. Though I could never achieve the paint finish you get, I can pay attention to the little details like you show.

[@sthildas4857]

I dropped my bike on my knees..it is very frustrating yet will repair.. Great repair guys beautiful quality.

[@anthonyallsopp1474]

A really great job with superb paintwork. Awful that you dropped it, but thankfully you are in a position to fix it properly. Keep up the good work.

[@motofiction4233]

It is sad that you dropped it, especially considering all the hard work you put into it. I just found your channel and must applaud you for how you take your time to explain your process and thinking. Your style is very refreshing and makes working on a bike very non-frightening.

[@MyRestoration1]

Gosh that’s so nice! I’m not all that comfortable in front of the lens but I’m glad it’s working for you. Keep your eyes peeled…I’m about to upload the follow up from the drop 👌

[@owen368]

I feel your pain had something similar happen few years ago.

[@92OnTV]

My dream bike for 20 years now :) Awesome job !!!

[@micyclesport]

Beautiful!

[@mikem2652]

May I say that I’ve only recently discovered your channel and I am so Impressed with your content. I could’ve cried too when you dropped it. Could I offer a fail safe method for side stand use. Engage first gear, clutch out, roll forward to take up the slack in the chain / shaft drive then and only then, side stand down. The bike will not move and won’t fall off the stand at anytime even if another bike is bumped into your bike off a main stand. I learnt this 20yrs ago, it’s never failed me. Congratulations again on a great channel - Mike

[@MyRestoration1]

Thank you Mike. Very kind and yes advice to late! 😩

[@eirha]

Great videos man, love the VFR.

[@fisherkalastaja]

What an absolutely incredible job well done guys! If i lived nearby i would for sure visit! Just mind blowing!

[@garybroom8418]

I did cry! Great machine - I've got a yellow Gen 5 amazing machine. Great channel, you've got a new subscriber!

[@squirrel6687]

Looks like Winning versus Italian Red. I knew the colors would not be the same, as Italian Red is a two-stage candy paint requiring a different and specific primer. Afterwards the base coat is sprayed soon after the primer application. Later, the smokey clear is added to give that uniquely deep color of red. However, I am impressed. With three VFRs and another I'm building, I'd love other colors, especially the flat pastey colors such as grey, tan... You provide inspiration. Watch eBay enough, and you will find near mint alternatives. Was able to secure OEM gas tanks and fairings for both 5th and 6th gen examples. Most VFR owners are anal about the slightest imperfection.

[@danielito956]

Amazing job bro

[@sthildas4857]

I detail paint bikes as well with a mini Rotary..big light. WAX. FK1000p paint plus bikes. Meguiar's PlastX on plexiglass wet sand buff with da, orange pad.

[@nononsenseBennett]

Sweet!

[@Omnificuser]

It's not a superbike, but a superb bike!

[@milosknoll9091]

I look at your repairs of this motorcycle with respect. You have golden hands and patience. I myself have owned this motorcycle for 15 years and you are an advertisement for me. Greetings from Slovakia! Veľa šťastia! 🙂

[@MyRestoration1]

I love Slovakia. I have a few of my team from there and a nephew in Bratislava. Thank you for your comments 👍

[@dannyb4826]

its really great how you take the extra effort and time to make it perfect !! I work the same way on my bike !!

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks 🙏

[@joeparamed90]

Hi, 1st time with you . On my 6th video one after another. Great videos, great to watch how you sorted f1 light, thoroughly enjoyed. Cheers

[@MyRestoration1]

Perfect Mark. Glad you are with me. Hope you hang around. Some nice projects coming up. Thanks for the chime 👍

[@leeroynestum]

That’s a shocker!!! Can’t believe you dropped it. What a beauty though!!!

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks don’t rub it in! 😂 I’m going to release a video of how to repair scuffed decals and fairings. Trying to take the positive. She’ll look purdy again!

[@BunikuXXL]

Looks stunning and sounds just as good! I wanted to thank you for this video series, it's top notch and the wealth of knowledge provided can't be found elsewhere. And to cheer you up a bit, that damage from the drop looks minimal, consider yourself lucky! Mine (RC24) dropped during some strong winds and had a broken fairing, cracked windscreen and dented fuel tank. So there's always something worse off that can happen with static drops.

[@MyRestoration1]

Thank you very much. I’m glad it works of so many viewers. Really nice to hear from you!

[@danp6976]

exact same thing happened to me last week Rob, feel you pain, at least you know you can fix it.. double down time.. dont let it.get you down, ride.the bike enjoy it

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks Dan. You’ll see the next video is the repair. All forgotten now 😂

[@H8FUL4IM]

Great Effort. Guess I'm not the only one in the world with such shitty luck in life! 😂

[@MyRestoration1]

Indeed. Ride on my shoulders!

[@Fake-moon-landing.]

Three months I've owned a Blackbird only 1 owner for 25 years only 24,0000 miles . Pulled it out of storage yesterday for a spin and caught the tank. I also felt like crying.

[@MyRestoration1]

Oh man… No words..

[@davidmitchell4899]

Great video Rob. Was absolutely gutted at the end with all the painstaking work you put into it. I’m sure you’ll have it back to pre drop condition soon though👍🏻

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks David. Turns out now you can see the skills applied to fixing those scratches. Video coming soon 👌

[@thepetlamb]

Awesome job! I have a 2001 in Pearl Conifer Green (rare) which I'm getting resprayed next summer.. Awesome bikes! I was a courier, so I went through a lot of different bikes in my time.. this one beats them all, hands down. The handling, the power delivery, and they look ace, imho. 🤘

[@MyRestoration1]

Cool mate. Thanks for the pump. I’ve not ridden either on yet…can’t wait!

[@memduherdogar150]

That bike is stunning, shame about dropping it at the end of the video, but you have done an amazing job with restoration, at least you can fix that yourself unlike many of us. Looking forward to your future videos.

[@johngreenaway5736]

Very nice job. Superb paintwork. I'd swap the mirrors for the later model ones which are a direct fit but more elegant. These are available as OE or pattern parts from David Silver.

[@MyRestoration1]

Yes totally agree! These were rubbish eBay product advertising as 2001. I have the original but the mounts are missing. Anyone with mounts?

[@Catatonicwater]

Overall, a great effort Rob. Look forward to seeing the 2nd bike come the same way. I know you appreciate the feedback... the "frankenstein" bolts that hold the rear seat cowl on, should have a provision for an 8mm washer to help spread the load for the fastener. The second bike may also show clues how to route the side stand wiring and overflow hoses. And to be very picky, the HONDA decal under the front screen could have been a little higher.

[@MyRestoration1]

Haha there is always someone out there who know more! Thanks mate. I never looked at that graphic…it was measured off the original but I’ll check. Yes definitely washers going on when I tighten all panels on. Thanks 🙏

[@blazesboylan7947]

How awful, but these things happen to the best of us. (And I rank you towards the top.) For what it’s worth, the next time something like that happens to me I’ll remember this video and be a little less hard on myself.

[@jonasbeavis552]

Awsome job! Restoring a RC36/2 myself . Can you share the spray color code that you applied to the forks? Thx . Keep it up!

[@MyRestoration1]

Hi mate thanks for the support and subscribing. The stuff I used was aluminium casing paint. It needs an oven to cure. A bit like powder coating. You’ll have to freeze the bud as I can’t remember the brand!

[@TheJmebe]

I've seen some nicely finished resprays, but that restoration is something else. In fact, it's not right to call it restoration given how much it is improved over the brilliant original. I love Honda red and the subtle lift you've mixed gives it that blue sky pop all the time. Lovely. I've dropped 3 bikes on the side stand over the years. Last time I not only damaged the bike, but I also damaged my new car - a big dent right on the rear wheelarch. I guess the best way to reconcile it, is that you're definitely in the right place to get it sorted! I have a Honda Blackbird in factory silver - I'd love to have it in that red. The BB was never sold in that colour and I think it would really suit it.. what would the rough price range be for the paint job you did on the VFR800Fi?

[@MyRestoration1]

Hi Jamie, drop me a pm with some details and I’ll get back. [e-mail]

[@peterturnbull9133]

Discovered your channel recently and I am really impressed with the quality of your work …it is truly excellent. Your knowledge and restoration tips have inspired me to tackle my own VFR gen 5, which is in great condition, but unfortunately had its engine attacked by mice. One thing that I have noticed is how difficult it is to get the tank decals in exactly the right place. When I looked at the tank it looked beautiful but the decals did not appear to be positioned correctly…checked on my own bike and they are different. I have noticed this on other restored bikes …especially old superdreams. I’m sure it is really difficult to locate them in exactly the right place and at the correct angle. An accurate method of positioning tank decals is probably worth investigating? Enjoying your channel.

[@MyRestoration1]

Thank you for you kind comments. Yes you are correct. I gave it to my painter and didn’t notice the position was quite way off. It was nearing the end of the project and I was happy to overlook it. I’ll see about it in the future..maybe 👍

[@guystevens162]

Ohh wow looks awesome great paint work. And yes I know you have to some it again and yes shit happens. But it will be good. Its in the right hands. Ohh am glad you painted them forks for a second thought you would leave them lol. 🙂

[@MyRestoration1]

Have faith! Although it’s not what I would call a full blown restoration but it’s definitely looking great. Can’t wait for the best part..to ride it!

[@guystevens162]

@@MyRestoration1 Hi oh yes. Definitely worth the effort and wait. Hopefully do a video riding it soon 🙂

[@josh20109]

Would you respray and sort the graphics on the right hand panels and tank on my vfr800 if I paid?

[@MyRestoration1]

Hi Josh. Can you Pm me at [e-mail] with more detail?

[@Brandonbraun]

I havent seen a VFR cowl that has holes for the passenger handles. Did you order that or cut the holes yourself? Super cool!

[@MyRestoration1]

Hi I show you how to do this yourself on one of the VFR videos. Not sure which one but scroll through the more recent ones. Hope that helps.

[@Brandonbraun]

@@MyRestoration1 awesome thanks!

[@kevinschagen]

What did you use for spraying your front fork?

[@MyRestoration1]

An aluminium spray which requires a level of baking. I didn’t read the small print on the can so a job I will need to fix. I must say I haven’t checked whether it’s finally gone hard..🤔

[@muelledriver]

I have one 98, the best vfr

[@mark675]

very nice job, i wouldn't call a VFR a superbike though ;)

[@MyRestoration1]

Thank you

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

Superb! Very unfortunate that you dropped it. To be honest I would be terrified to use my bikes, one of them being a 4th gen VFR, if they were pristine. I would never be able to park them, ride in the rain... I'll keep them looking nice, yet far from perfect...

[@MyRestoration1]

Haha. I’m helped by the fact that I have no license 😂

[@dannyb4826]

sooooooo sorry you dropped the bike !!!!! thats just discouraging ..... back at it and make it right !!

[@squirrel6687]

Part Deux! Binge watching. Killed the Italian Red. Beautiful however. Kind of like Winning Red. Why not remove the rubber mounting inserts for the tank before painting?

[@MyRestoration1]

Glad you are enjoying the series. I can’t remember why at the time. Maybe the replacements were bigger so it did not matter

[@URCAcZe]

Holly shit , what's the damage? Paint, bar-end, possibly the clutch lever also looks bent? Such a twist in the end really got me ...laughing? ..but not in funny way, more in desperate agony. I thought such things can only happen to me. As you say, you couldn't make this up. Otherwise very nice series beautiful to watch. Keep it up man.

[@MyRestoration1]

Haha thanks mate. I just wheeled it into the workshop and went home. Smoked a cigar and glass of wine..I’m over it now. Yes all that including the rear pillion fairing cracked. It should be all sorted today!

[@alanstockley391]

Wow you didn't need that to happen after all that great effort in painting 😕

[@MyRestoration1]

Typical..it will be sorted today hopefully

[@team-badseeds]

All the way through, I kept thinking, "what an absolutely stunning paintjob" and then the end.... Utter heartbreak 🙁

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks Lee. Yes it was a bad dream..All is good now. I’ll have the ‘fixed it’ video out soon!

[@salvadordollyparton666]

the end is the best part... sorry dude, i know that's a LOT of work. but i was thinking in the beginning, no way in hell i'd put that much effort into painting a bike. just to drop it in a parking lot or something, or even somebody else knock it over while parked or something the very next day. looks like you didn't even get to the next day.

[@MyRestoration1]

Nope..THAT day..just have to chill to go another day which is what I did. All good 👍

[@bradk8694]

I hate to say it but your Honda tank decal isn't placed correctly. Reeeeeally nice work otherwise!! So bummed you dropped it.

[@MyRestoration1]

Thanks Brad. Just checked the old pics. You are right. Didn’t notice that..I’ll have to live with it now!

[@OlizerVanAntoninus]

Bikes possessed by a demon.

[@mickeymouse4897]

Good move, touching freshly flatted & degreased paintwork with grubby greasy hands ... I bet the painter was pissed off, you can easily spot the guys with no painting knowledge or ability, they just can't keep grubby paws away from clean prepped paintwork.