Could use some maintainence tips for '86VFR700 (newbie)

I just got a '86 VFR700F, first bike, and I have a bunch of questions...

1. I want to know what I need to do a pre-ride walk around. Mainly, I want to know what fluids there are and where I check them. I got the engine oil, I am assuming there is transmission fluid? How do I check engine coolant? Also, the little windows on the clutch and brake reservoirs are totally clouded, do I unscrew the square tops to check and fill them?

2. On the left side of the bike there is an extra coolant reservoir, is this for the transmission or the engine? It was empty today so I put some coolant in.

3. There is a spring pre-tensioner also on the left side, is that for the clutch?

4. The bike never really heats up that warm on the temperature gauge. I know on most cars it's always about in the middle, but I never get past 1/3 of the way from cold to hot.

5. Whenever I stop, the bike smells hot, kind of like warm rubber. Am I neurotic? Could there be something overheating that wouldn't make itself obvious?

6. I'm missing body fasteners. The kind that connect the ABS plastic to the to the body, and push and and turn ninety degrees to lock. Where can I find some of these?

I know this is a long list, I still have more but I forgot. Any help is appreciated.

 

Ok, just downloaded a manual for the 86 750, that helps a ton. got a real one coming in the mail...

 

smell

the smell could be as simple as dust and other stuff burning off an engine that has sat for awhile. Every bike I have resurrected had a kinda funny burnt smell to it whe they were warming up, and went away after time or a good cleaning.




Will R Seattle, WA.

 

????#3: that knob has nothing to do with clutch; it sets rear spring preload up or down to adjust for extra weight like a passenger or heavy rider.

Derstuka has it slightly wrong on the thermostat replacement; it's a VERY easy task on an '86, just 4 or 5 screws to remove.........not like later models!!

WELCOME !!
how many miles on the new bike??

you should plan on changing fluids as basic maintenance: coolant, brake fluid and clutch fluid.

learn the correct way to check engine oil level : bike held up vertical, dipstick touching base of hole but NOT screwed in.

the most important daily check before riding is to be certain that your tires are inflated properly, since low pressure can cause a crash......

visit your nearest Honda dealer and pick up a copy of the free book "You and Your Motorcycle: Riding tips and practice excercises", and plan to take formal riding instruction courses like MSF.

 

hi Bradley
welcome also from European Division !
I agree with our friends that gave you some good suggestion about '86 VFR. If I can, I only suggest to be careful when you try to screw/descrew bolts...matter of age !
As regards Thermostat, it easy to replace it. If you want you can try to eliminate it (for awhile) if you are in a warm area,this helps cooling because coolant reaches the radiator as soon as you start your engine without waiting for high temp.
So, have good times with your wonderful bike. you'll appreciate its loyal behavior.
Lamps to you !
Carmine

 

Unless you know it was immaculately maintained, I'd replace all the fluids:

- oil
- coolant
- flush/bleed clutch
- flush/bleed brakes (front and rear systems both)

And check the chain for kinks or stretched spots.

Going over the fluids will let you find where they are, and if the reservoir sight-glasses are clouded, that makes me worry about the fluids in the reservoirs (either the fluid is bad, or the sights are damaged from exposure).

I went through all of this on my '86 when I bought it about 2 years ago.