Running lean? 86 700

just pay $65 bucks to put it on a dyno and do a HP pull. Make sure they are doing the exhaust gas analysis. They'll tell you exactly how it's running at idle, cruising RPM, and at WOT. As much fun as it is to pull V4 carbs, it's worth the money not to mention the peace of mind knowing exactly where you are at.

I have a thread in the 3rd gen forum, should be on the first page right now, called "more power from a neutered 3rd gen" for example of the process and copies of dyno sheets with exhaust gas analysis.

 

sparkplugs are a pain in the ass. Just put it on a damn dyno.

looks like tntperformancedyno.com is near you.

If I'm tuning on my DR650 single cylinder thumper or some other bike where plug and carb access is easy then I'm all for trial and error. Testing over beer on a nice Saturday is all good. In the case of the VFR where plugs are difficult to access (front cylinders) and carbs are a complete pain in the ass, then it's worth twice the money to have scientific data on a calibrated device give you the real deal on how she's running.

 

Dyno run certainly won't tell you anything of value until she is running even and balanced.

Relook at your carb cleaning.

When I picked up my project bike, it had one plug that was powder white. When I tore into the carbs, that same cylinder had a vacuum diaphram that wasn't properly seated all the way around the top. Manifold vacuum lines, PAIR valve diaphrams.... Then vacuum balance and the thing should idle like a sewing machine.