(Almost) New 1986 VFR750 - looking for advice!

Hi all!

I'm new here and I just acquired my first VFR. This is a great site and there's a lot of knowledgeable people around.

A kind co-worker of mine bought this ride years ago and it's pretty much sat idle for 13 years. I just bought it off him!

It's a VFR750F RC24 with a wackload of race modifications:
Signals shaved and holes filled
Re-designed and reinforced swingarm
4-1 pipes and hard to find yoshimura can
lightweight non-radial tires
Lighter 17" Suzuki wheels
A suzuki front fork
Custom-machined clip-on's
Hard to find corbin seat (original seat and cowl included too)

Needless to say it was kitted out to race and then FORGOTTEN. This thing has 2600 KMs on it. That's right: 1625 miles on it. The engine is almost clean enough to eat off. I AM STOKED.

I've rebuilt 3 bikes in my life so mechanically I'm comfortable doing the work, I just don't know this breed of bike well. Any tips for me?

I've already changed all the fluids and removed the carbs and cleaned them (one was jammed shut and two chokes were stuck). They are re-installed and all good now, except that I chipped a small bit of powdercoating pulling them out (the Honda engineer that designed that was simply cruel).

The tank is going to need work, as some goofball used kreem in it and it's totally de-laminated. I've got most of it scraped off and pulled out through the hole for the fuel gauge, but I think I'll have to fill it with Xylene and MEK to melt the rest off. I'll then probably just use a POR15 kit. Does this sound like a good idea?

Other than that, what do I need to watch for before putting the hoses back and install the battery?

If I get her up and running what should I look out for?

What would a bike like this be worth? I'm really more of a cruiser kind of guy but this ride is just too cherry to give away.

Thanks!

 

Congrats on a nice find! I'm not exactly sure what you mean when you say that it is a non-production model. As far as I know the '86 model was produced in both a 700 and 750cc model and both were production versions that were available to the general public. Here in the U.S. the 750 was much more rare since less were imported due to a tariff added by the U.S. government on models greater than 700cc. Unfortunately all the mods you mentioned will ultimately hurt the value of the bike since most vintage bike collectors prefer stock setups. If I had to put a monetary value on it I would say somewhere in the $2500 to $3500 range (US) unless you plan on restoring it back to OEM specs in which case you would likely be able to get closer to $5000 (U.S)

Rollin

 

I'm still trying to find conclusive proof but I think it's a VFR750R, RC30. But the year might not be right for that model. Google has been inconsistent. It's from Canada, and the frame does indeed say 1986. Like I said I'm still learning. =)

If it is indeed a n 86 RC24, would it make this a second-generation? I'm still getting used to the terminology.

Thanks!

 

That is definitely NOT an RC30. It looks like a RC24 with Rothman's paint scheme which would make it a 2nd generation of VFR. Sorry for the news but there is nothing special about it other than that it is yours and nobody elses. The RC30 would have a single sided swingarm and has a left side exhaust btw.

Rollin

 

LOL

Today I learned that this information is actually in the bike's serial or VIN. Mine actually has "RC24" in its' VIN. I'll edit my original post now. Thanks for setting me straight! I appreciate it! =)

 

Since it is not an RC30 I'll give you $500 and two cases of LaBatt's Blue for her LOL!! She's still a fine machine and is sure to give you many hours of pleasure unlike most wives. Welcome to the V4 family!!!

Rollin

 

Looks alot like the 400cc model VFR

 

Can you include some photos of the swing arm setup and the rear exhaust....maybe a shot with all the plastics on? thanks!

 

I totally forgot to reply to this.

Here's some pics. I've recently removed the Shell logos and given her a good buff and wax. I've also re-attached an original license plate holder. I'll send up a pic of THAT later (maybe in a year like last time) =)

 

Bloody nice scored dude!

That front end was plucked straight off a 1990 GSXR 750
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/isercastiK/1990 gsxr 750/90gsxr017.jpg

A pretty decent upgrade for the period.

The swing arm appears to be a custom piece as you have already surmised.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/isercastiK/1990 gsxr 750/90gsxr017.jpg

Here is a VFR400 with a very similar Rothmans paint scheme
http://raresportbikesforsale.com/wp.../03/3n23k13l4zzzzzzzzz939035993fab77911c7.jpg

And to close, here is what the 2014 VFR should have been
http://tyga-performance.com/site/images/t13leftfront-e187be42.jpg

 

Nice bike, but with the amount of stuff that's been done to that thing I would be leery of the the claimed mileage. Good chance the clocks could have been swapped out at some point, who knows. Maybe you could get real lucky and find out that the period HRC engine upgrade kit was installed. I'm not sure how you could tell without cracking the engine open.

I would pull the radiator and inspect inside for scale. Might need to be boiled out after sitting for so long. Might be worth it to swap the thermostat out while you've got the carbs off. Do a valve clearance check and adjustment if needed. A leak down test before you slap everything back together would probably be worthwhile to find out if you have any compression or top end issues.

 

Thermostat! Right! Couldn't hurt, eh?

I'm still in touch with the previous owner. He insists it's "in the ballpark", give or take a few thousand. I trust him, and could realistically put it at about 10,000 Kms (now that I have her registering 4,000).

Thanks!

 

RC24 sounds way better than the RC30 anyway.

 

This bike looks like it was modified for track duty from what I can see.
It could have been ridden very hard and put away very wet.
Looks nice with the Rothmans paint scheme.