Camshaft Tensioners probably shot - couple of questions on 1985 vf750f

Hi guys

My 85 Vf750f is making a knocking noise that sounds like the camshaft tensioner issues i've heard on youtube and this forum so far.

Since I can't do the install as I've found no step by step guide and i'm not motorcycle savvy I was going to bring it into a Honda shop.

Now since it's going in I'm wondering if there is other items I should replace to make sure the bike survives awhile longer.

If you had the chance, what other things would you get replaced besides the tensioner, and what brand would you use for the part?

 

i'd advise you to think about replacing the bike with something much newer from your local CL since your bike has other issues besides cam chains and tensioners rather than dumping money into it.

Are new tensioners even available ??

Shop work would likely cost more than that bike is worth.

 

How best should I get rid of this bike? Everything is in pretty damn good condition other than the knocking. Part it out or sell it needing repairs?

Thanks Squirrelman

 

VF engines with their 360 degree crankshaft (AKA 'big bang' engines) are worth restoration.

This said, in practical terms, you really need to have a solid set of mechanical skills, a proper space to work in and lots of patience (both for gathering up spare parts and for wrenching).

Cam chain tensioners are a relatively straightforward fix. Before you scrap the bike I would recommend looking a bit more into this - the caveat being that other parts on the engine may also need replacing and at a certain point it may better to find another engine with lower mileage.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.