Water, water everywhere. I checked on the VFR yesterday and it is drying out nicely. I used a heatgun on the heads and cylinders to try and dry them out a bit more. I removed the exhaust silencer to allow the packaging to drain and get access to the downpipes. Just over 1 litre of was sucked out of the collector. The biggest job was the carbs, all the slides and diaphragms were removed and cleaned, the belmouths and airbox  plate likewise. the whole lot was blown out with compressed air and then given a once over with carb cleaner and blown out again. They are now dry as a bone and reassemble ready for refitting.

Wet dirty slide and diaphragm

This was replicated in each carb.

Before and after

Shiny

Big improvement

I don't think this is normal

Exhaust juice

Day One - Taking the water out...

Today the VFR was brought to the UCC Motorcycle Club workshop where the fuel tank and fairings were taken from the bike in order to allow access to the carbs and the engine in general. The essence of the work was just to get a feel for the amount of water that had lodged itself into the bike. An oil change in Lee Motorcycles had found 2 litres of water come out from various areas of the bike. Using an air compressor we were able to drive out more water. The carbs were water logged of course and were taken off for a clean and drying. This allowed access to the inlets and more water was found by blowing compressed air through here. Electrics were all fairly water logged too but after a few hours of work two dehumidifers were located close to the bike and are now running constantly in an effort to help dry it in full and ready it for the remedial work. Updates will follow as work progresses. Pictures are below.

What is this all about?

In late August Nick and his partner were touring in Ireland after riding from Greece on their VFR 750. Unfortunately the bike was stolen from their hostel in Cork city and later found in the River Lee nearby. This was the third-generation VFR 750 and was equipped with a Wilbers shock, VTR brake calipers, and a Givi monorack for back box and panniers. Thankfully it is not believed that the bike had been running when it was dumped in the river by those who stole it so, all going well, it is hoped to return it to the road. Nick and his partner have since flown back to Greece but with much assistance from members of Biker.ie their journey home was made much easier and the VFR was put into safe hands. We in the University College Cork Motorcycle Club have pitched in to help as well by taking the VFR to our workshop where we are endeavouring to refurbish it as best as we can to make sure that Nick can have his pride-and-joy returned to him. This blog will track the progress of the project.