Help!!! 1986 VFR700 Noisy....

I just bought an '86 VFR700 and it seems to be a little noisy to me. It sounds like rocker noise but the guy I bought it from said he checked the valve lash and it is within specs. He works on bikes so I am assuming he knows what he is doing. So my question is, are these bikes naturally noisy or should the engine be quiet?

Maverick

 

Does it sound like a saucepan being hit with a spoon? If so then its the backlash gears. The 86 VFR's suffered a problem with the springs failing in the backlash gears, in the UK tha cams were changed by dealers but it was done very hush hush. I have the 213th VFR built and they failed although cams were never changed on mine. Had the motor apart and the split gears have seized, not much you can do about it and FJ/FK cams are no good due to missing cam sensor on later models.

 

Don't assume anything, you will need to check the valve clearances yourself. I have heard too many stories about when people assumed too much about the previous owner and what they said they did to the bike. Much different than what they actually did.

 

Define "Noisy"

These bikes arent FI bikes. They are going to sound different than the VFR your buddy bought new last year.

 

I have also had the tappet locknut undo and fall off, ended up with 1/8" clearance, that was noisy LOL

 

It almost sounds like it could be a leaky exhaust as well. It is not a hard "metallic" sound. I listened to some VFR's on YouTube and they kind of sound similar. This is the first VFR I have had so it is all new to me!

 

The noise is not that pronounced. Its a more subdued tone. Was the spring problem fixed on later ('86) bikes or is it ALL '86's?

 

Chances are small that the problem dickypalm mentioned happened on your bike since only one or two was ever reported on this site as far as i remember.

Since you're unfamilar with normal VFR sounds, consider trying to find a similar bike in your area to compare with. Maybe visit a Honda dealer's shop for further advice.

 

+1 on going back over the adjustment for a known base line.

 

Yeah, Im with squirrel on this one too. Ive pulled youtube videos of what "my" bike should sound like... youtube sucks. Not even close, and I *KNOW* my engines finely tuned.

 

I have had an 86 before and now own a 98. I would have to say the 86 had a noisy engine compared to my 98. The gear driven cams on my 86 were much more noticeable and the valve adjusters tapped a little louder even after checking and adjusting them compared to the newer shim and bucket style. I liked the noises of the 86 it sort of gave it more character. How many miles are on your 86? I would definitely make sure the noises you are hearing are normal though. Like others said check a honda mechanic that has experience with the 86 or listen to some other bikes just like yours. I'm sure someone else with an 86 or 87 wouldn't mind you listening to their motor. Heck I would start mine just t hear it run.

 

My bike has 25,000 miles on it. It almost looks brand new. Hate the black seat though!! Looks like I will be heading to the local Honda dealer to see if they can tell me anything. Are there any 2nd gen owners in the Sacramento area?? It would be great just to listen to someone elses bike.

 

You never saw Toe Cutter on here ?? He's a certified-by-consensus expert as much as any VFR expert is anywhere, alot more than most, and he's just across town. And that's not even counting his awsome industrial -mechanical experience background !! Not only the uncrowned king of California VFRs, he's also the queen of Sacramento. Probably not too busy editing his weekend Moto GP photos and trying to remember who stole his underwear to help out. I think Corona would be OK to bring, right ? In quantity, right, and limes 2 ?



Ask him to test-tide your bike, and you'll lean exactly what it needs.

 

Just my 2 cents: I adjusted the valves on mine myself last winter to try and shut up a ticking noise from the valve train. Only had to make minor adjustments, and the noise continues with . Might not be the same problem though.

 

Like Squirrel said PM toecutter and bring over some Sols and he'll get you flying right if there is something wrong.

 

Hi

I was told by a guy from Craig's Motorcycles here in Cape Town, SA that all 86 VFR's have alot of rattling/noise when the bike is on the side stand, he alsso suggested I get the carbs balanced but I had a prang before could get that done. Just my 1 cents worth.

Wayne

 

Certainly in the UK all the 86 bikes had their cams replaced except mine as I never took it in for a service.

 

Hi

My bike was imported from Japan in the early 2000's it was damaged in a prang there and arrived here in a sort of street fighter trim. Wonder if the Japs bothered with cam replacement or just scrapped it??? As I have no idea how long it was off the road in Japan. A brilliat job was done on removing all restrictors so I can only hope. Mine rattles a bit at idle but roars when given even a little stick.

Wayne

 

Thanks for the help all!!! I got ahold of Toe Cutter and took my bike to the expert. He says it needs the carbs cleaned and a little valve adjustment but otherwise sounds great! And lucky me, he lives less than 5 miles away!!!

Maverick

 

There ya go, seek and ye shall find.