[cafe-racer66]

Honda VF400F (1984) Café-Racer build

Hello guys,

my name is Jan, living in southern France, in Céret to be precise

But this thread is not about me but my bike.

Make : Honda
Model : VF400FD (Interceptor)
Type : NC13

Some cool details :

V-Engine, 16V, 4 Stroke, 55HP at 12.500 RPM
The cooling systems runs through the frame
Inboard brake system (ventilated discs front and rear)
Airpressured and regulated suspension
Honda's TRAC (torque reactive anti dive control) system

I bought that bike last year thinking about restoring itn but ones I stripped it, well I just saw the Café-Racer in it.

It's not gonna be a propper build thread, but I will do my best to keep you updated.

Here some pictures :

 

[cafe-racer66]

What I have done so far :

Tank, frame, suspension arm stripped, preparing for painting
Frame shorted and prepared to fit the cafe seat
Cleaned and reorgenised the wire harness
Preparing the cafe seat out of foam

 

[Dean]

View attachment 3795

That is a very comfortable looking seat

 

[Geeto67]

This was already a cafe racer, but it was a 1980's one. If you wanted a 50's cafe racer maybe it would have been easier to start with a 50's bike.

maybe you should look at a GB500 to see how honda built a british style bike in the 1980s. It is certainly more pretty than what you have going on right now.

 

[bmartin]

Welcom

I'm agreeing with Geeto on this one. You already have a decent looking motorcycle. I have to ask why does everyone immediately think they have to modify the seat to something like an ancient ball-grinder (no padding) with a bubble back to it??? That really doesn't make you a cafe racer. Personally; I would have added improvements to the bike in the order of Handling, braking and engine performance. This is a well beat'en subject on this form. Adding cosmetics would have been last on my list.

I really like the inboard braking setup on this bike. That's my 2 cents - I wish you well on your build, I'm sure you will do a decent job.

 

[cafe-racer66]

The engine is in the shop for a total rebuild, new carbs.
I will rebuild the breaks and change the break master cylinders as the original ones suck (typical Honda desease)
The original fairings on this bike were totally wrecked.

Maybe You are wright, shouldn't have started a cafe racer on the VF base or should have bought an CB instead.
But CB cafe racers are all over and the easiest to get and build, why build an other one ?
Well, I am looking forward to finish that project. It's my first home alone build.

 

[Geeto67]

who said a "CB" honda was the answer?

Build a BSA B50 or victor 441 special - you won't see your self coming and that is more authentic. Of course it would require you to spend real money for a bike instead of honda money.

 

[cafe-racer66]

Sure, but then the french motorcycle market isn't the same as the UK or US one, parts hard to get.
Ok I am a Honda fan , I admit ;-)

 

[Geeto67]

it's ok to be a honda fan. I used to be one.

I think this is awesome:

 

[ILoveThumpers]

Talk about brake upgrades! Yikes!

-Deek