Project Honda 1984 VT250FE

I probably could make it fit (I have some big hammers) but would rather go with the original.
It is the rubber with the holes in it that is shagged.

 

There were a few different models that used the same tap but they are rare/expensive too. Have ordered the gold plated bits from NPR in pomland so it can be fixed properly.

 

Had another go at the fuel tap today using my67xr's idea. Fitted it back to tank with new gasket and fresh sealant and will let dry until tomorrow.
Hooked up the vacuum gauges and adjusted the carbs together (were not out that much) and runs sweeter. Used my new electronic temp gauge and after setting the carbs the pipe temps were one degree apart.

 

FINALLY got this blinkin fuel tap fixed.
Put the tank on this morning ready for a test and could not get the fuel to flow. Put the vacuum pump from the brake bleeder on the line to carb and still no fuel flow. Bugger!
Took tank off again, tap off tank and cannot see any holes or tears in the diaphram. Decided that the fuel tap doesn't need to be vacuum operated anyway, so bought two O rings, epoxied the drain hole and made a 3mm plate for the end and screwed it together. Fitted back to tank and on bike, fuel flowing now. This has the added benefit that I can turn fuel off to run carbs dry when I am not going to use bike for a while, and fuel will flow to fill carbs (don't have to crank engine for 3 minutes) when I wish to use again.

 

Now have historic rego, so went for a short ride last Sunday morning. Bike felt good, stable even when pushed around a sweeping corner which surprised me with the silly 16" front wheel. Suspension coped well with the road and generally fun bike to ride. Engine has lost a few of the original 40hp, but runs nicely with a smooth progressive power curve. Not too cramped for me, but an hour was enough for my hip joints.
Bike would run all day at 90Km/h, but when I pushed up to 110 it started to run out of fuel and surged badly, finally stopping when I turned the throttle up more. Rolled to a stop in shade of a gum tree and checked all fuel lines, cap breathing and fuel in tank (had only gone 40Km from full) and all ok. Hit starter and fired right up again. Turned around and went home. Hose off carb and ran ok for bit, then slowed to a trickle. Hose off filter and full stream. Pulled hose from other end of filter and found this.

As I had twisted the fuel hose on, it had twisted the plastic neck of the filter restricting it to less than half the size. Poor little engine could not get fuel faster than it could use it. New fitler next time I am in shop and all should be sweet again.

 

Neither have I, and Baldwin is an American brand. Goes well with the Chinese SKF bearings (in the bin).

 

Took the VT to local motorshow and received many nice comments.

 

I have come to the decision that I just cannot ride the VT any more and will be reluctantly putting it up for sale soon. I took for a ride today and it is just killing my back, which is a real pity as I wanted one for a long time and this one goes really well (blew off a couple of tin tops from the lights today ) and handles beaut. I may look at a more upright VTR later.

 

Just to close this chapter, the bike has gone to a collector (he has several VT's) in Brisbane who told me it was too good to ride so will be putting it in the pool room. Shame really, as the bike was made to be ridden.