1995 vfr750 front end on 1986 vfr700?

I apologize if this info can be found elsewhere on the site, haven't found the exact answer yet.

Grafting front end of 1995 vfr750 onto 1986 vfr700. I have access to inexpensive complete front end of the '95 - wheel, rotors, calipers and forks, etc.

I am thinking there should be no issues but trying to see which triple tree would be best to use? Would a triple tree for the '95 fit the neck of the '86? Or would I be better off using a cbr600 triple tree, one that will fit the 41mm forks? (I believe the '95 vfr's and later cbr 600s are both 41), or another bike? Or should I just sack the idea?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

You need the steering stem off the 86 triple clamp and then have it mated to the 95 lower. It has a smaller O.D. on the stem so you will have to have a bushing made and then have the stem, bushing, and lower trued and welded. Sounds bad but is kittens play for a qualified machinist.

 

I dont know if it's been done and is not a problem, but the more gull-wing style lower triple clamp might create interference issues? You could just incorporate a 91 -98 CBR lower clamp into the mix that's been done many times. Just need to have the lower weld machined off the bottom and press the stem out. If you then grind in a chamfer that matches the VFR lower you can use the VFR stem as is and not have to have it welded. Makes doing steering head bearings in the future way easier with a press.

 

Thank you both for the replies. Definitely gives me some valuable info to think about. Will post progress on this project. Need to sort electrical and fuel issues as well (was a very neglected vfr that was missing a ton of parts and those that were there were pieced together with non traditional means (duct tape would have been an upgrade). Thanks again

 

After the suggestions you guys gave re using the stock stem and either using cbr lower triple or the '95 with mods, i started searching for the triples. Came across this info on another forum that i'm on for a different bike. Complete list of steering stem bearing sizes and fork sizes for various bikes , not sure if anyone would find this helpful: http://www.caferacer.net/forum/project-builds/14059-triple-tree-fork-conversion-chart.html

 

Just buy a set of 88/89 rc24 triples from Europe.
Straight swap, with 41mm holes for the forks

 

hmm, thanks for that info- i didn't even think to look that direction. going to see which of the suggested triples i can find easiest then head in that direction, although i really like the idea of a straight swap.

 

I you need a set of 88/9 triples, I would be happy to get them and send them to you if the European seller won't.

Roger

 

My quick search on ebay (US & UK) didn't turn up any for sale.

 

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-vfr750rc24-yokes/123150411714?hash=item1cac5627c2:g:pIYAAOSwaR9aZL-O

 

"Yokes", not "Triples" That was my problem. I'm a stupid American.

 

artee, what is the spread on the 88/89 triples? Same as 86/87 or wider like VF1000/CBR-F2?
Pretty sure it is wider, but want to confirm.

 

why it's not a good idea: you'll be using a radial tire on the front rim but can't find a radial for the narrow rear wheel, and mixing radial and bias ply isn't good for predictable handling.

 

Sorry for delay in reply - project got side lined for a month. Back in full swing now

Artee: Thanks for the offer, still trying to figure out which way I want to go.
Squirrelman: Thanks for the info - I'm actually thing of switching the rear up to a single sided swing arm which would remedy that dilemma.

And before anyone replies - "Just buy a later gen vfr..." , yes I realize it would be cheaper and faster but half the fun of this is doing the project.

Thanks again to everyone for their suggestions. Decided to first get this bike running 100% in mostly stock for first, then change it up. This will give me the time to thoroughly go through these suggestions and source the parts that I decide to go with.

john