Bikesales Build part two: Honda VTR250

In part one
the Bikesales Network was in the process of getting its winter project underway. The bike was submitted for a Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) inspection ahead of registration, and the design phase of the project was in full swing. Let’s see how it’s coming along.

Part two: bits and pieces
A few parts sourced and replaced, with the correct receipts, and an invoice for the workmanship saw the VTR250 pass its VIV test with flying colours. An unregistered vehicle permit allowed me to ride the bike to the mechanic, and then to VicRoads where a shiny new numberplate was fitted - after handing over a hefty sum to the state’s coffers, of course.

That pain aside it was time to move onto more exciting steps: getting the design in order.

As I mentioned in the first column, the custom job on the VTR250 was not going to adhere to a specific trend: a Cafe Racer the VTR250 does not make. Nor does it fit the mould of a brat bike or a bobber. It’s a custom job. Something a little different; and something I can enjoy knowing it has been entirely of my own creation.

I’d had a few ideas in mind and, after attacking the sketch book several times over, decided on a look that will use lighter colours to highlight the VTR’s prominent sculpted surfaces, with darker colours to reduce the bike’s patent structural components, like the trellis frame. The design meant stripping the bike to its basic components with the frame, triple clamps, sub-frame and wheels to be powder-coated in satin black.

The tank, the front guard (to break-up all the black) and the cowl behind the seat will all be painted in Petrol Grey Matte. It's a Hyundai colour found on the Veloster SR Turbo and being matte will soften the contrast between the painted surfaces and the satin black of the other components. The engine, as a secondary feature, will be left in its alloy finish, albeit with a damn good clean up.

So as you'd probably have assumed, this little exercise also meant removing the VTR’s engine. With 20,000 hard-ridden kays on the clock it had sounded a little rattly (most likely the cam chain tensioners), so I decided a full rebuild was in order.

Honda’s engineers endowed the stock 249cc V-twin with a beastly 32hp (24kW) and 23.5Nm, and considering the bike tips the scale at 153kg (dry) that’s not a bad sum. But I reckon we can get more out of it, and I sent it away for a little head work and re-profiling of the cams. When we get it back, we'll run it on the dyno to see how she goes.

But for now, it's a matter of waiting for all the bits and pieces to return from the powder-coaters while we keep tweaking the design. The attached image should give you an idea of where we're heading, but obviously the seat design will play a major part in the overall finish – and that's something we can't really start upon until the bike's back in one piece.

Keen to start your own winter project? Then click here to see what’s available on the Bikesales Network.