Which would you prefer..a 86 VFR or a 87 VFR??

Hello everyone,

My question is which bike would you prefer and why..a 86 VFR or a 87 VFR? I know there are differences in the bikes besides the colors..

 

not really much is different...color gauge cluster... I prefer the 86' why you ask? well...I have one, and it is the first year of the VFR..... that's why....oh and to my knowledge they didn't make the RWB paint in 87

 

found this about the 87 VFR...In 1987, the VFR700F2 was the only model sold in the US. The blue/silver model was introduced featuring black engine covers, a midnight blue finish and silver wheels, seat and decals. Functionally, the ’87 included many improvements. The ignition became fully digital and no longer required the Cam Pulse Generator. The tachometer no longer fed into the spark unit. The gear shift-arm was shortened for more positive shifting. The front forks were given more damping (though this still left much to be desired). The rear suspension linkage was improved. A new Pro Link shock was intrroduced. Many engine components were strengthened and lightened. The valve rocker arms were redesigned to cause less friction.

 

...when you put it like that. I guess the '87 would easily be prime choice. :wink:

 

IDK about it being the prime choice..i posted that in response to "not really much being different". A lot has to be said about the 86 being the first VFR which was leaps and bounds better than the VF..it came in with a wow factor and has proven to be a reliable classic.

 

I had/rode one for 10 years (1996-2006), and yes it was way ahead of its time. People who didn't know any better would ask, "what year is that" and when I told them it was an '86 they'd be like damn, I thought it was a '96...

 

I'd ride either year, but if it were an '87 I'd paint it RWB with the round '86 gauges...

 

The '86 does have more of the cool factor going for it because of the RWB and the first year for the gear-driven cams.

 

The round gauges , 750cc engine, and the RWB paint would tip the scale to the 86 for me.

 

Seems that the '86 model went through a change mid-way in production run for some improvement in rocker arm rigidity, with a stout reinforcing plate added. See page 10-16 in FSM. I've seen both setups on '86 rwb models.

 

FSM? What is that?

 

Hands down the '86 with the RWB paint scheme Dutchwurx.

Why? Because besides being drop-dead gorgeous it was absolutely THE MOST dead-nuts reliable machine I've ever owned.
Started every single time,never had a single problem with it,never leaked a drop of oil,and it never once let me down,ever.

That bike is the benchmark by which I judge all other machines that I've owned since,and none,not one (and that includes my current '03 VFR800) can touch it's impeccable reliability and service record.

Had mine for 13 years. It had just over 62,000 miles on it when I sold it. Damn I miss that bike! out:

 

Factory Service Manual

 

I wanted a 87, since I was painting RWB that wasn't a issue, I liked the 87 gauges everything fits better and the other improvements don't hurt, but if I had found a 86 with 5k miles unmolested and stored 22 years like mine I would've bought it.

 

The 87's have a more desirable linkage - FYI. That's why the shocks are 10mm different in length. Other than that I think it comes down to color preference, as mentioned.

 

That's what i figured you meant, I looked from pages 10-16 and didn't find any info pertaining to production changes.
What chapter?