Bikesales Build: Honda VTR250

Part One: All that glitters…
Sourcing the right bike for a project such as this is largely a matter of taste. For us, the bike was to be a Honda VTR250. The VTR250 is a reliable little bike with classic proportions, and one that’s simple to work on. Plus, we reckon it’ll look good modified.

The VTR250, which has a 90-degree V-twin engine, was imported into Australia from 1997 until 2012, the last three years with fuel injection. For our most recent review, click here.

To start things off we looked for a straight bike at a good price. It didn’t have to be pretty, and we don’t mind the mechanical work. But a good frame is a must-have. As luck would have it we found a good example on-line (of course!) and, after travelling out to inspect the bike, discovered it had very little damage.

Deal done, we took the bike to a get a roadworthy inspection and get it registered. The bike was sold without plates, but the seller seemed honest about its history. We should have known better…

It wasn’t that there was any hidden damage or any surprises; in fact, it passed the exam first try. The issue was that as we went to register the bike, it was found to have been written off.

It seems the minor damage sustained during its relatively minor ‘drop’ was deemed by the insurer as too expensive to bother with. The bike was a financial write-off, and the owner had bought the bike back with a view to fixing it. He subsequently lost interest and decided to flip it – without telling the next guy all the ins and outs.

Lesson learnt: never trust a seller at their word, and always check the VIN against the state’s database – or visit Bike Facts
.

The VIV (Vehicle Identity Validation) was arranged and, with the nearest appointment a few weeks out, it was time to attack the sketch book. The design was to be largely dictated by the VTR’s trellis frame. It stands out like a nun at a pool party and as such was either to be made a feature, or toned down entirely.

We chose the latter, allowing the bold tank to catch the eye, leaving the engine and forks their natural colour, and trimming the subframe to add something of a brat look to the bike’s proportions. The swingarms and wheels will also be toned down, the bars lowered and the instrument panel minimalised.

By now, you may have guessed that the bike doesn’t really follow the rules. There’s no theme to the build. It’s not specifically a brat bike, nor is it a cafe racer, a bobber. It’s kind of like Jake Bugg’s music: it doesn’t fit a specific genre, and it’s probably not going to top the charts, but you like it all the same. That’s the idea we’re going for.

Next time we see if the VTR passes its VIV inspection, and order some parts.

In the meantime, like to buy your own VTR250? Then click here to see what’s available on the Bikesales Network.