86 VF700F needs love, glad to be here!

Hello VFR World, I'll be bringing home a '86 VFR700F this week. It's a bit rough and has been sitting awhile, but it has only 5000 miles. I've been scouring this site looking for information about the bike and I must say I still don't know much about what I've gotten myself into.

The bike needs some work to be streetworthy: tires, fork seals, petcock rebuild, caliper rebuild, carb cleaning/rebuild. Probably neck, wheel and swingarm bearings by now too.

I can't find a petcock rebuild kit, is this available somewhere I haven't looked?

What are the pitfalls with this bike? As I understand it, the '86 doesn't have the same kind of top end oiling problems as some of its predecessors. Anything else I should know?

I've chosen this bike because as much as I love the motor in my Vmax, I really want some better handling with the same classic 80's styling. Once this bike is streetable, it will likely replace the Vmax in my small stable.

Thanks for your information, and thanks for having me!

 

hmmmm...ok....

 

Well, I'm assuming your bike is actually a VFR700 since it's an 86. I think you'll find that it's mainly the same thing as the First Generations (the first gen engine even fits) with similar types of idiosyncrasies. About the only thing Honda improved was the top end oiling, this was actually first fixed on that model, all previous Honda V4's had troubles but luckily not yours. The chassis was a nice upgrade but the suspension is still pretty poor, especially by today's standards.

I think you'll find it to be a great bike that you will really enjoy.

 

Oops, fixed the post.

Thanks for the info, trucking the beastie home today. The spousal unit is NOT pleased....

 

eh...she will actually love the bike when you get it together.....

just remember that parts are scarse for this bike. They can be found but it will take time.. pictures are a good thing. and yeah, is it a VFR700 or a VF700? there is a difference, one has fairings one doesn't... but bboth are pretty close to the same bike. advice for when you pull the carbs ..don't take off the air plenum leave it on this will ensure that you don't screw up the syncro springs AND more importantly break the little plastic fuel lines that run in between the carbs...

good luck and welcome to the world....

 

Thanks, (I am a she, I'm talking about hubby) I'm a bit overwhelmed that there are so few parts for this bike. The petcock is leaking and I can't find anything to rebuild it.
I am re-considering the wisdom of this purchase, the 750s are well-supported but the 86-87 700 is not.
Thanks for the tip on the air plenum.

Are the carbs for this machine similar to any other Honda V-4? Parts numbers search doesn't indicate a cross-fit....

 

You can still get a base petcock here:Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki Sea-Doo Can-Am Ski-Doo Motorcycle Parts ATV parts Scooter Parts personal watercraft parts Accessories

They down graded the suspension on the 2nd gen compared to the 1st gen. Smaller fork tubes plus no brace, Brake swept area smaller, 86 front = 100sq inch vs 83 front = 140sq inch, rear is 86 = 50 sqi vs 83 = 76 sqi. The motor is supposed to be a little more power. But makes power different. I think it went to 180 degree crank from a 360 degree 1st gen. I don't think it's faster overall though. Went to 6sp trans from 5sp. Carbs are 34mm vs 32mm 1st gen. I would think a fork brace and better brakes will help a lot. Hard wire (solder) the RR wires together vs using a connector. the connector will get hot and melt sometime down the road. The only real difference between the 700 vs the 750 is stroke and cam timing I believe. So anything for the 750 should be able to be used on the 700. Otherwise it's a Honda and very reliable. Use only motorcycle oil NOT automotive oil. You'll feel the difference in shifting.

 

Thanks for the good info, esp. on the RR. My '92 Honda 750 just hates automotive oil too, it will barely shift with it.

Pardon my ignorance...you say the 700 is like the 750. Which years of 750 does it match?
I'm trying to source a couple body pieces/footpeg, stuff like that.

Thanks again....

 

In 86-87 the 700's and 750's were identical except for the engine displacement parts.

 

Ooooh, great. So...some 750 exhaust headers would fit? But not the carbs?


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Sorry, this setup is a little different....