This is the sort of thread that happens after getting things like this for Christmas....


A few days ago I purchased a nice VFR400R NC30 import off the bay, I had been looking for a while and this one seemed like the ideal starting point for a replica race bike.
I know exactly what bike I want to replicate, but i'm not going to spill the beans just yet obviously its an RC30 but the colour scheme, team and sponsor decals e.t.c are going to remain top secret :-)

The bike came with:
17" Rick Oliver rear wheel conversion
Brand new maxxis tires
CBR600RR3 rear shock
Samco coolant hoses
custom loom
fancy ECU thinggybob.
Micron stubby end can.
Rear Paddock stand.
When I went to pick up the bike, it was obvious that the 17" conversion was no use to me, as I am building a replica and need the 'nut' style wheel fixing rather than the 4 bolts. So this is now for sale on ebay along with the custom Rick Oliver spindle.

So I got the bike home and started to remove the components, firstly the tank that has been painted black with metallic green bits in, and two green 'go fast' stripes, then the rear subframe, exhaust, forks, engine and loom and started polishing!





The forks had been painted black and looked horrible, the exhaust was stained and had started to go rusty where the front headers join under the engine so I got the wire wheel on the drill.

after a good hours work they look 100% better


then I re-assembled the forks to the frame, and trial fitted the clocks and unmolested loom.




I removed the rear wheel and spindle ready for the lucky winning bidder.

So far I have ordered:
CNC clip ons
FZR400 Micron exhaust (cheap and a more fitting shape although the decal is on the wrong side)
front braided hoses
Renthal race grips
Silicone hoses that are black not green
engine to carb rubbers
The next job is to fit the new bars and grips, fit the hoses and lift the engine back in, find a nc30 rear wheel and spindle and carry on cleaning!
I have been talking to a bloke over the phone about race fairings and replica decals / paint e.t.c and has been very helpful.
More coming soon,
Tom.