The 1989 FJ1200 Streetfighter is next up for maintenance..... A suspect fuel pump has kept it down for awhile. Currently, I am converting my 1996 VFR750F RC36-2 into a Japanese Domestic Market 1990 VFR750R RC30 tribute. I am getting near the end of the project. Here is a teaser photo.
Fred
Let's see some picts on your VFR conversion...other than the exhaust, what else was needed?
Quote from: Pat Conlon on December 20, 2025, 07:02:08 PMLet's see some picts on your VFR conversion...other than the exhaust, what else was needed?
I bought an off the shelf conversion kit. All of the fiberglass bodywork, including a plastic fuel tank came pre-painted in the traditional RC30 paint scheme. This kit is based on the JDM version which has smaller diameter headlights and Black mirrors. The OEM steel rear subframe is replaced with a complete new aluminum rear subframe which weighs almost nothing. I had to order the headlights, tail light and turn signals separately. The OEM exhaust has been replaced with a full 4-2-1 left exit system. Brand new clip-on handlebars, switchgear, front brake and clutch master cylinders were included.
The kit came with close to 20 seperate brackets that are used to relocate components and will be used to mount the main bodywork. 1996 CBR900RR instruments will be used.
The coolant overflow tank is removed from the right side of the bike and relocated to the left side. All 4 coils are moved to new locations. The fuse block gets moved from the right side to the left side. The choke cable is moved from the left handlebar to the left side of the fuel tank similar to the FJ1200.
The last photo is what the finished project should look like.the photo is from the Tyga website. Mine will have Black wheels.
Fred
Thanks for the pictures Fred. Your conversion is much more involved than I expected.
With the aluminum subframe and exhaust how many pounds do you think you'll lose?
JDM vs US market, any tuning changes to the US ecu or just put in a JDM ecu?
The ergonomics of your finished project reminds me of a 750 GSXR I rode 30 years ago for a day on the back hwys of San Diego County. What an amazing motorcycle. Effortless.
Before then I had never ridden anything like it. For my abilities I believed that 750 to be the best analog track bike ever made.
This was a time before all the new electronic rider aids became available.
I'm not into Hondas. But that's the only one I ever thought was awesome. Remember being impressed the first time I saw it.
Of course I can never have enough power. Is there anything with more ccs you can stuff into that frame.?
Quote from: Pat Conlon on December 21, 2025, 01:08:42 PMThanks for the pictures Fred. Your conversion is much more involved than I expected.
With the aluminum subframe and exhaust how many pounds do you think you'll lose?
JDM vs US market, any tuning changes to the US ecu or just put in a JDM ecu?
The ergonomics of your finished project reminds me of a 750 GSXR I rode 30 years ago for a day on the back hwys of San Diego County. What an amazing motorcycle. Effortless.
Before then I had never ridden anything like it. For my abilities I believed that 750 to be the best analog track bike ever made.
This was a time before all the new electronic rider aids became available.
The 1996 RC36-2 has a wet weight of 498lbs. I am hoping for a 20-40lb weight reduction. I will ride it up to the landfill and use there scale when the project is completed.
I don't know if the JDM was restricted. My build uses the USA spec RC36-2 ECU, engine, frame. This bike puts out 91.3hp at the back wheel per Honda specs. Here is a photo of my riding the bike in it's original form on the Tail of the Dragon 2 years ago.
Fred
Some more progress. The front fender is mounted. The front wheel is back on with brand new rotors. The CBR900RR SC28 instrument cluster has been mounted. Not quite plug n play. The speedo reads about 50% to high. The fix is genius. Tyga instructs to remove the speedo unit from the CBR and the VFR. remove the small circuit card from the back of both speedo. Install the VFR circuit card onto the CBR speedo. Calibration issue solved. To fine tune the speed and match it to my GPS speedo app, I have a Healtech speedo healer.
Fred
A good friend of mine had an original RC30. He dreaded working on the carbs and , as I remember, it also had some serious issue with the cams. Poor oiling perhaps? Anyways it was a cool bike for sure. On the Honda issue....ever since the old man Honda died the company hasn't been the same. The CB750, the CBX, the 6 cylinder racing screamer from the sixties......
Quote from: Motofun on December 22, 2025, 06:00:00 AMOn the Honda issue....ever since the old man Honda died the company hasn't been the same. The CB750, the CBX, the 6 cylinder racing screamer from the sixties......
Yep, after I left the Army I promptly bought a CB500, what a great little bike that was, so darn easy to work on...
Before I bought my FJ in '84 I looked hard at those Honda VFR's. One test ride on that FJ convinced me...wow.
Quote from: giantkiller on December 21, 2025, 05:47:37 PMOf course I can never have enough power. Is there anything with more ccs you can stuff into that frame.?
Not that I know of.
Fred
Winter has returned to the Southern Plains. A bit of progress on the Tribute build.
The electrics are routed and tucked away, the airbox is installed, the petcock has been installed and connected to the fuel filter. All of the lights work as needed. I have a small hiccup with the mirrors.
The 'FORCE V4' decal was not used on the US spec RC30's. Also, the US spec RC30's had an all Red wing and HONDA on the fuel tank.
Fred
The 1st photo is a US spec RC30 that sold at auction in 2021 from California for a bit over $43,000.00.
Notice the large headlights, larger turn signals, Red Honda Wing, White, square mirrors and 'RC30' on the Tail cowling.
The 2nd photo is a Tyga stock photo of their Tribute kit bike, which mine is following. The JDM model has smaller headlights, smaller and color matched front turn signals, Yellow Honda Wing, Black sleek mirrors, and VFR750R on the Tail cowling.
Fred
For those that are interested. My Honda RC30 Tribute project is pretty much wrapped up. It definitely is a long reach for the clip on. I can't wait to ride this in the twistys.
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on Today at 12:14:11 AMFor those that are interested. My Honda RC30 Tribute project is pretty much wrapped up. It definitely is a long reach for the clip on. I can't wait to ride this in the twistys.
Fred
Good job!
Red color combo looks sharp and solo seat tail making bike look even better, sexy!
Very nice Fred.