Where to start with 86' VFR700F that hasnt been touched in over 5 years?

I dont really know much..but I met a neighbor while he was outside a few weeks ago trying to start up a Honda crf450 dirtbike. He got it running a couple of times but not for long, and there was fuel leaking out of the carb overflow as well. I pulled the carb for him, everything seemed to be ok...Checked the spark - seemed weak - so we changed the plug. Still no dice. Then I randomly pulled the air filter and it cranked right up and wasnt leaking fuel anymore. he got a new air filter and its been fine ever since. Like I said i dont know much, and it may be a stupid suggestion...but maybe the air filter is not looking great? im sure you already checked/cleaned/replaced it?

 

Not yet. I will though soon. From a simple google search, it looks like this isn't really an uncommon issue for this bike.

 

Tinkerin, you are exactly right. Started it up this morning and it ran for 5 mins without leaking.

Now im off to bleeding the clutch fluid because I tried to take her for a test spin and low and behold, no clutch function After this, bike should be good to go. Then afterwards, i'll be catching up on this maintenance.

Also, by the way, putting the seat back on is a total bitch.

 

okay, so i've spent all day on the clutch. I even took apart the master cylinder. Bleh. Nothing looked bad in there so I guess im going to move on to the secondary, or slave or whatever its called. The clutch handle is just so floppy but the piston is being pushed. Is it possible that air in the line would cause that. There just isn't any resistance when I depress the clutch lever at all...

 

I have one that I just recently got running on the bike lift in my garage as well. Do you have the shop manual for the bike? It is a necessity as you are learning as you go. It can be purchased in print from Helm Inc In the mean time the bleeder for the clutch is on the left side of the bike near the shifter (at the slave cylinder). I recommend two people or using a mighty-vac bleeder if doing it on your own. Takes some time but should cure your "no pressure" issue if air in the system is the cause. Good luck!

 

Yea, I have the manual. I've air bled already and I took apart the master cylinder and everything looks okay, but I do have some mild doubt in my ability so might be seeking a professional soon. I'm going to see how far I get with the slave and will see how I feel.

 

I've been dealing with this floppy clutch lever problem myself. After dissasembly of the MC i discovered that the spring and "secondary cup" seal were previously installed backwards. Make sure these are correctly positioned and then bleed it again (bleeding correctly of course) and you should be able to build pressure on the lever, even while air is in the line.

A good test (that as has been said multiple times on these boards) is to pinch the hydraulic line on the MC and then squeeze the lever. If the lever is rock solid the seals are good, if the lever is not solid they should be replaced.

If the master cylinder dosnt build pressure then the slave certainly wont operate. Worry about the slave once the MC has been corrected.

 

Like the cap end was nearest to the line, and the spring end was towards the piston?

I will totally test the line by pinching it. I never thought of that!

By the way, have you tried cleaning the parts? I'm thinking about buying brake cleaner since the parts use dot4...

 

Put it together the way the diagram in this thread shows: http://vfrworld.com/forums/6th-generation-2002-2009/39968-clutch-master-cylinder-puzzle.html
Thats for a newer model but it fits together the same as ours. The rubber cap (secondary cup) goes on the tapered end of the spring and faces AWAY from the line, contacting the metal piston.
Its sort of like a bushing between the piston and the spring, but what it actually does is it blocks air from going back up through the MC.

Clean the whole MC body and everything dince you have it apart. I dont think that is where your problem lies but you might as well clean it now regardless.

 

I've done that and refilled the line and reservoir. Put locking plies near the start of the line and it doesnt feel any different. Going back to thinking its just a master cylinder issue for now. Going to buy a rebuild kit of ebay.

 

I had all 4 carbs cleaned, floaters replaced, and the two filters. I replaced the plugs as well. The bike would start up when it was cold. After it warmed up and I parked, the bike wouldn't start until it cooled. When I stopped there was a small puddle of fuel at my feet. The bike was basically flooding. It runs awesome now. Unfortunately I recently lost the keys so the bike is on vacation until I either pay a locksmith $250 or pay to have the ignition replaced. I managed to get the key code very easily for the gas and helmet lock. I'm curious, do you have two keys to operate your bike or one. Many think that this 87 VFR700F2 had only one key.

Good luck, DeeDee

 

I only have one.

 

Ordered this: K&L Supply Master Cylinder Rebuild Kit - Clutch 32-1081 : Amazon.com : Automotive

I'm thinking its the primary cap thats not keeping the cylinder sealed. Part arrives tomorrow and I will update thread with progress. I hope this is it so then I can actually ride the fricken' bike!

 

Lol for your sake I hope so too. You might need slave seals too so dont get too excited. Mine are supposed to come today...keeping fingers crossed

 

About 3 months after I got my '86 running back in 2006 or so, I lost the slave cylinder, brake fluid was leaking out of the bottom.

One thing that's a royal pain on these is that the high-point of the hydraulics are the banjos at the MCs (both clutch and brakes). Bleeding out air trapped in the banjo is a long slow process. I ended up piling up paper towels under the fitting, and then bleeding the banjo like it was a brake bleeder (pull level, crack open fitting, close fitting, release level verrrrry slooooowwwwly, repeat ad nauseum).

btw, I'm pretty local (live up in Boulder Creek, work in Redwood City)

 

oh nice, i'll have to hit you up once i get some experience. You hit up hw 84 much? 4 corners is like norcal biking mecca if im not mistaken.

God damn store didnt get my parts today. I gotta call em in the am.

 

Fixed the clutch and took it for a spin! It was the rubber cups in the cylinder that were worn down. With a close look, you could see a difference but it was still pretty slight. I'm really surprised that was the issue.

Bike runs great but now I need to take care of the fluids, clean carbs and all that jazz.

This was my first time riding the bike - and my first night riding session - just got my license yesterday and I barely have 10 hours of riding motorcycles under my belt - but I was surprised by how heavy it was. You really have to lean on the thing to make it turn. I'm comparing this to the dual sport 250cc bike i rode in my msf class, so that's my point of reference. But it felt solid and was enjoyable. It felt pretty smooth too. Now I can really be a VFR fan since I've actually ridden one