RVF400 Refresh | 4K | Tom's Workshop

Every summer I have a fair few things to get done on this bike, as it's at least a year away from a full restoration, I gave it some time on the ramp to get it back on the road in time for the last few weeks of sun.
Chapters:
00:00-01:15 Intro
01:15-04:33 Exhaust Clamp Repair
04:33-05:04 Cooling Fan
05:04-05:55 Front Brake Pads
05:55-07:01 Bottom Radiator
07:01-07:38 Clutch Cover Gasket
07:38-08:09 Tests & Checks
08:09-09:32 Outro
Exhaust clamps: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1213922073...
Radiator fixing plank: www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-White...
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[@jackrice1094]

I discovered this channel a few months ago and just cannot get enough of it. Makes me want to go out and find a project of my own.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

That’s amazing! Thank you, I hope you do, though I must say it’s addictive 😂

[@mikecartlidge5355]

Many years ago I used to work for a shop that imported RVF's and NC30's, great bikes, we used to get the ones with gummed up carbs sorted out and set up, very critical on carbs being set right. One tip for you is if you came across a bolt or nut that won't undo then use a small blow torch to heat it up, taking great care you don't set fire to the bike, if one of those exhaust studs has sheared off in the cylinder head you would then have been into a drill out and re tap job which can some times be very tricky, if not impossible on some bikes with the engine in the frame.

[@RT22-pb2pp]

When bikes looked their best. late 80s early 90s bikes had real style

[@dickie8918]

…those exhaust clamps bro 🧠🔥😵‍💫😭Jc

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha yeah they came in the kit with the clamp. They’re not pretty 😂 but they’re out of sight and they do the job for the time being. Down the line I’ll weld them in place and use the OEM clamp

[@glenben92]

"you can always tell the pins fully in when it barks" hahahhaa yes mate

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Love it when someone appreciates my 7 year old sense of humour 😂

[@raceandretro]

Love the video Tom, we used to race an RVF, superb bikes! Great quality work 🤙

[@chronicmachines6717]

Nice video pal 👍

[@DMoots]

That wee bike sounds mint. Thanks for the video

[@honored9535]

Loved the video Tom, it's incredible to see how much you improved in the videos from the beginning. Can't wait to see more of this. Also loved the bike and it was cool to see that even my VFR 750 had the same problems as your RVF, cheers mate.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers, I enjoyed getting out to film some of this one, not something I’ve had the pleasure of on the FZR project yet 😂

[@TheOriginalCoda]

NC35, the best sports bike I have ever owned. Well maybe not, but it certainly was more smiles per mile than anything else I've ridden.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

100% It was my first motorbike, and I honestly feel like I've never had more fun on a bike than I have on this. It'll stay with me for as long as I can keep it (and me) going!

[@TheOriginalCoda]

@@tomsworkshopprojects Nice one. Wish I'd never sold mine. Perfect road-rocket.

[@alexinanalogue2645]

I really enjoyed that, great stuff.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Thanks!

[@wescooley34]

I need to crack on with my nc after watching this great video m8 😎

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha cheers! You got a lot to do to it?

[@roadkill2104]

Best outro ever.

[@roadkill2104]

Oh and the video was good too.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha cheers, gotta include the reality of filming one’s self 😂

[@tomevans4078]

Great work fella. That little bike looks like a lot of fun!

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers Tom!

[@ILikeMotorbikes]

Hi Tom, Awesome production value on this one. Really enjoyed it - the audio was on point and made it really enjoyable and easy to watch. Those new exhaust clamps look hideous though! I'd be looking for some of the band type to at least make it look a bit tidier...but I guess that's another job for the list eh? Great episode and look forward to more P.s. - the final shot (outtake) cracked me up! I know the feeling well of trying to film and being disturbed haha!

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha cheers, yeah it’s always when your running out of time 😂 I know the clamps are a bit OTT but I’d had the band type before which rotted out, I think some decent stainless ones would be good but long term, I think I’d get something properly welded. As they’re hidden away under the plastics I’m happy enough for now 👍🏻

[@ILikeMotorbikes]

@@tomsworkshopprojects Always haha! Totally understand, the proper band type (typically come with aftermarket exhausts) are more than up to the job, I've had them on plenty of bikes and never had an issue. Agree though I'd weld it ideally but if you don't have a welder or a handy fabrication place close by then its tough. Keep up the good work though

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Yea I’ll definitely go for a permanent weld solution when it gets a full restoration 👍🏻 thanks mate, gonna check out your R1 vids as they look right up my street!

[@HighMaintenancePS]

My first bike was a gsxr-400r, a 1992 I think it was. Boy did I thrash that thing. Rode daily, rode it around NZ. Used to run 600cc rubber on it and burn them off to the edges. At my best I could peg it on both sides on previously unseen twisty roads. At this point it lived between 10,000 and 14,000rpm. I ran it very low on oil (I am not a home mechanic) and it never complained once, ever. I had good mechanics that would service her and patch her up every time I threw it down a road. Now I ride big slow stuff.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

This all sounds very familiar 😂 this bike taught me more about how to ride quickly than any of the big bikes I’ve ridden. I love that I have those memories and still have the bike. Though I definitely take it easier now 😆

[@bowches]

Awesome. I subscribed 😊

[@neemvanderreest]

Quality content as usual 👍🏻 Looking forward to the ZX7 videos and finishing the Exup 😎

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers! Yeah taking them apart is the easy, quick and cheaper part 😂

[@ChrisSofos]

I love the RVF400!!!! Tried in the past a couple of times to buy one...couldn't make it. They want way too much for them here in Australia! Very good work you did with it! I guess it was exhaust-ing?? 😅🤣😂 Don't worry about the planes. I completely ignore them. They fly all the time over my place the bastards!!!😂

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

My kind of humour 😂 I’m glad I got mine when I did, £2500 in 2010, going rate now is around twice that for a tidy one.

[@samboddy3182]

Its exactly the same with my rvf, last time i went out i had a small crash and broke most of my OEM fairings. Ive managed to find an oem front fairing a oem screen and a oem undertray uncut, still off the road unfortunately 🥺

[@silviosirianni9260]

I need to get one one of those pieces of wood 😂👍

[@matthewharmer1656]

Jeez, car exhaust clamps???? Try mikalore ones, very neat!!

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Yeah they’re still somewhat temporary, the collar was the main bit for that job. I’ll have to look into Mikalore ones 👍🏻

[@roguenut9]

Great video on getting a classic sport bike ready for action. Aesthetically I find the petal rotors look a bit odd on mid-90s machinery, but otherwise this trick pocket rocket is just about as cool as it gets! Keep up the good work and watch out for those pesky circling planes :)

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha cheers Stuart! Yeah the Galfer discs were on it when I got it, probably won’t survive the full rebuild as I prefer round too 👍🏻

[@dawnsabin-simpson8938]

Nice one Tom...thanks dude...I was advised by Rick Oliver to smear a little vaseline on the clutch cover gasket when I changed my clutch friction plates and its never leaked.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

That sounds like a good shout! And in this corner of the world, what Rick O says, goes!

[@sj6019]

Liked and subscribed just for the RVF! Great vid though

[@gixxerfixxer8282]

That's nothing bro I've done 40k in 3 years! 05 gixxer 750! I think you have a awesome little bike! They were not as popular in the states? Cool video buddy

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha, that’s kinda my point, I’ve barely used it in that time 😂 40k in 3 years is getting proper use! Cheers!

[@etiennelauvergnier6541]

Wooow, really nice job. Could you please give us a link to the special piece of wood seller ? Many thanks !

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

😂 Cheers, any wood will work. It’s all in the waving of it 😉

[@philthompson3038]

Hi Tom, Great video! I have the same issue with my RFV exhaust.... could you please confirm the sizes of the joiner you used? (I've had my RVF for 7 x years and, although I do minimal miles on it these days, I will keep it forever) Thanks, Phil.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers Phil, I’ve popped the link in the description to the ones I picked up off eBay, I can’t see if it lists the sizes though. Hopefully they still sell them 👍🏻

[@djollyb]

Any links for the plank of wood, preferably full motorcycle sized.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

😂 that would be handy

[@alfiemoore2313]

How tall are you and how do you find the riding position of this?

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

I’m around 5’10” (177cm). It’s not too bad, I think it feels narrow rather than shorter. But it is a low seat height, so my feet are closer to my hips than my bigger bikes. It’s no tourer 😂 but an hour or two at a time has never been an issue.

[@alfiemoore2313]

Thanks! Do you get much wind buffeting when gettin to higher speeds or is the protection ok?

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

@@alfiemoore2313 I haven't had an issue as it's got the double bubble screen, especially if you're tucked in. I've heard they make a world of difference over the standard screen, though I've never ridden with one to compare.

[@jdm-motospares5398]

Where did you get that centre stand?? Was it a straight fit? I’d love one for my RVF400. Cheers

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

It’s the Skylift from Abba Stands. I got it from Demon Tweaks in the UK. They do different adapters for different bikes which you switch out depending on your bike.

[@jdm-motospares5398]

@@tomsworkshopprojects thanks mate! I’m in Australia but I’ll have to look into it. Nice video by the way! Good to see the RVF getting some love

[@hlpang1075]

Will you be doing a full restoration on this bike?

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

I will! As soon as I’ve finished the ZX7R which will probably be in the new year most likely.

[@hlpang1075]

@@tomsworkshopprojects looking forward!