Serious question...86 or 87 VFR700? Which is best to restore?

Looking for a new project, and I am a crazy person.

Which year is best to get? I have heard there were significant changes from 86 to 87.

 

as you know, our captain 80's is the #1 expert to ask, but imo, there are more used parts available for the '86 with round gauges, although the '87 may be a slightly better ride.

 

87. I have a soft spot in my heart for the 86 but given the age of the beast your better off looking for an 87. I would avoid both myself as parts are difficult at best these days but I understand the urge.

 

step up to the (almost) modern age, jim, and look for a gen 4 with better everything than an '86/'87 . they usually sell cheap.

 

Thanks, As I said I am slightly insane. Not sure what will come up for sale, but H-Town always seem to have stuff hidden away. My goal would be an 86 pure white one but not sure I will ever see one.

 

YES...I would consider one, but I have already had a 5th gen and concerned a 4th gen would be too similar.

And as you have seen I like a challenge.

 

jim is the kinda guy who goes to the animal shelter, picks out the ugliest, meanest, most abused dog, takes him home and with alot of love transforms him into a gentle, sweet lap dog (with a rusty fuel tank).

 

If you find a nice one, either year is fine. If it's gonna be a project (and used parts will be needed), I'd stick to 86.

They are very similar and many hard parts interchange (like bodywork), but the 87 went digital ignition. So anything ignition related is unique to each year. That includes the front head (86 has cam sensor), gauges, starter clutch, ECM, wire harness, etc.

The 87 rear shock is better, but that doesn't mean it's amazing in comparison. You can fit 87 rear suspension to an 86, the shock (10mm longer) and one linkage piece (to compensate) are different. If switching to a 17" rear, you can run just the 87 shock on a 86 to regain ride height on a budget.

86 are more plentiful regarding used parts and parts bikes. I have never turned down an 87 in all the years I've owned and looked at VFRs. But I now have 4 1986 VFRs (two 750 & two 700) and two good extra 86 700 engines from parts bikes.

87s are out there (obviously), so if you get an 87 and need some parts, it's not a deal breaker.

Stock 86 700 vs 87 700, the 87 is a marginally nicer machine. In a blind taste test, I don't know if most people could tell which one they were on.

 

How about an 88/89 from the UK? I hear they are easy to get parts for and service manuals are abundant!!

 

Found this...has been on FB for a little while now. Cracked fairing and the broken pieces are gone. I heard body parts are the hardest to get. Worth $750?

Thinking of looking at it.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...wse_serp:f5fe0457-a79c-436d-b572-218d828fc27b

 

Id give that a go at $750 for sure.

 

^^ looks like a good deal to me..................

those lower fairings and other plastic look pretty good. i know you'll check the tank for rust first thing !

 

Yeah, go look at it.

 

can i buy the rear seat cowl?

 

That is a one I would give a go myself.

 

I think I can hook you up with a seat cowl but it will cost you.

 

Cash only, no funny business. hahahahaaa PM for details.

 

YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!!

 

Just DM'ed the guy. I hope that tank is not completely wasted.

 

I would allow it in my truck … lots of good stuff there


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