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

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Sparksnorthern, Aug 30, 2012.

  1. Sparksnorthern

    Sparksnorthern New Member

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    I'm new to motorcyles and I've just been gifted this bike that has been stored in a shed for the last 5 years. What do I need to do to get this bad boy up and running? I dont want to hurt it.
     
  2. frodus

    frodus New Member

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    drain the fuel
    clean the carbs, or maybe you just need to run new fuel and seafoam
    change the brake fluid
    change the oil
    check brakes
    potentially replace the tires (look at the date code on them)
    replace spark plugs
    change the coolant
     
  3. Sparksnorthern

    Sparksnorthern New Member

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    Okay, great. If the bike doesn't start up from there, where should I begin investigating?
     
  4. michaels214

    michaels214 New Member

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    Check for broken fuses!
     
  5. FoothillRyder

    FoothillRyder New Member

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    I wouldn't worry too much about it lad. If it was running five years ago, it'll be running after you do what's on Frodus' list. The only thing I would add is: while you have seat/plastic off, take apart the connections (especially the ones in the path between the battery, the charging system, and the starter) and clean them up.

    She'll be running before you know it.

    and welcome to the zoo!

    :cool:
     
  6. Sparksnorthern

    Sparksnorthern New Member

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    Haha. Alright. You put me at ease. I'm just so freaking excited to get this thing up and running. Taking my riding classes next week then the DMV test should follow shortly afterward. Might be bringing the bike home to my place tomorrow.

    Thanks for the replies everyone.
     
  7. REEK

    REEK New Member

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    If the motor hasn't been turned over in 5 years, some may recommend manually cycling it after placing a few drops of oil thru the spark plug holes. Not sure how much it would hurt if you didn't. May depend on your level of paranoia.
     
  8. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Look inside the gas tank for rust
     
  9. Sparksnorthern

    Sparksnorthern New Member

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    Will do.

    Here it is, in case you're curious IMG_0718.jpg note the extremely tacky bullet holes from the 90s.
     
  10. TOE CUTTER

    TOE CUTTER Mullet Man

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    Was not mentioned earlier and can not be said enough........do not take the manifold off the carbs to remove them. Remove them as a unit.
     
  11. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    valve stem to cam lobe gap inspection

    Not necessarily before trying to run or even do a little riding. But should be on the short list of maintenance to get taken care of.
     
  12. Sparksnorthern

    Sparksnorthern New Member

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    So far the engine turns over but will not start up. I've tested the spark plugs while connected to the spark plug cables and they are not giving off a spark so I started loooking into electrical issues.

    I was going through the service manual and saw that the clutch diode (btw, ive seen people on the board call it a silicon rectifier, but I think thats erroneus) needs to be in continuity (or however you would say it.) I brought out the voltometer, put it on the ohms setting and checked the diode for resistance and the numbers were all over the place, changing every second or so. Theres a number underneath the clutch diode, that is stamped and says 6.2. Is that what should be coming up perhaps?

    Sorry for my ignorance, just learning as I go along.
     
  13. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    dunno the answer as diodes are a weak point of mine. They aren't a common failure to my knowledge but the pickup coils are (or were in the 1st gen - not sure about the second gen). If you don't figure your answer out you might start looking there in the mean time.

    Good on ya for sticking with it.
     
  14. Sparksnorthern

    Sparksnorthern New Member

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    Do you know if its possible to bypass?
     
  15. lsc86

    lsc86 New Member

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    If you are referring to the clutch safety, yes it can be bypassed, same if it has a side stand safety.
     
  16. Sparksnorthern

    Sparksnorthern New Member

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    How do you do it?
     
  17. Sparksnorthern

    Sparksnorthern New Member

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    IMG_0738[1].jpg

    Hmmm, just a hunch that this maybe has to do with it?

    This is the R/R if im not mistaken. Now im off to look how it unhooks off the motor. Be back shortly...
     
  18. moltigattineri

    moltigattineri New Member

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    I just started riding after 30 years and purchased an 87 VFR700F2 that hadn't been started in 3 years. It started right away when I got it and two days later it was dead. I replaced the battery and it was ok for about 50 miles. I noticed a bit of fuel coming from the vent hose (for lack of proper name) and wouldn't start when it was hot. Then it wouldn't start when it was cold. It would turn over but not start. Using the choke didn't change a thing. It ended up that the floaters were stuck in an on position. Once the floaters were replaced, the carbs cleaned, fuel filters replaced and the plugs replaced, it runs like a new bike. I can't get over the difference. Not sure if this helps but I thought I would reply. Congrats on your purchase. Ya can't beat the price. Good luck.
     
  19. Sparksnorthern

    Sparksnorthern New Member

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    Yup. Former owner's jury rigged masking tape, over foam with melted wires underneath was the issue. Took all the crap off, wound the wires back together temporarily, checked for spark and got it.

    Now to clean that crap up and get this bad boy runnin'.

    Molt, I'll definitely be going through the bike after I get it running. It will be fun.
     
  20. Sparksnorthern

    Sparksnorthern New Member

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    Got the bike to run, and it seems to be running well... but its leaking a lot of fuel from the carburetors. Anyone dealt with this before?
     
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