Which chain for VFR 750 1986? and other questions

So I'm still in the process of restoring/modifying my first bike, that I bought this summer. A VFR 750 FG from 1986. I have a couple of questions, for the restorations/repairs I will be doing over the winter here in Denmark.

1. I switched the handlebars to a superbike style handlebar. That was maybe a stupid mistake (doesn't look very good IMO). Anyway, putting the throttle cable in place was a huuuge pain.. is there any trick for getting the small round end of the throttle cables into the plastic housing?

2. I will need to replace my chain, sprocket and those rubber things (cushion sprockets?). But which chain and sprockets etc. should I get? There is a huge array of options when I search the various vendors.

3. After having assembled eveyrthing the brake light doesn't work anymore on the front brakes. Rear brake and tail light is good. What could that be?

4. Last time I started the bike it took a few tries. I got a huge whine out of the starter relay (I guess) but in the end it started -its around 6c here. I've changed the rectifier to a custom made one that is very high quality, and I also changed the battery, but I continue to have some starting issues now and then. Especially when the bike has been sitting for a two weeks or more.

I would like to post pictures but my tiny space is a huge mess, so it would be difficult to discern anything meaningful from them. I would be thankful for all ideas and comments!

 

1 loosen the cables adjustment nuts down at the carbs

2 use 530 O- or X-ring quality chain from JAPAN and OEM sprockets

3 loose wires or bad switch ( test with multimeter)

4 will start quicker if you use a jumper wire on the fuel pump relay so that sufficient fuel is already in carbs b4 starting. keep a trickle charger on the battery at all times

since you have 75k kms, you will need to replace steering head bearings (if they were not previously replaced) and possibly wheel bearings. in any case you need to get the front wheel up to check. also, you need to download and study the service manual so you don't waste time or screw something up.

good luck, and happy holidaze

 

Thanks squirrelman. Any particular brands from Japan that are recommendable?

I will be looking at changing head bearings and wheel bearings this winter.

I have another question. On ebay some Hindle headpipe systems have started to show up. Does anyone have experience with these? This thread on VRdiscussion is mention that kit : https://www.vfrdiscussion.com/index...usts-to-be-available-for-the-8687-vfr/page/3/

As only the headpipe is for sale on ebay, I was wondering if anyone knows which muffler (not necesarily Hindle) that would go with it, and if I should be aware of anything else before ordering?

 

Do you know if its possible to get a 520 size chain? Would it make a difference or should I just go for a 530?

 

Compare the sprockets from the Crossrunner. JT sprockets has specs online with dimensions (bolt hole size and spacing ect). If you find the correct sprockets the chain is not a big deal.

 

Thanks will have a look.

I think my starting issue (currently the bike won't start at all, but it starts in the summertime when it hasn't sat for long) might be down to the battery not providing enough CCA. It is a cheap battery, I believe it is rated at 140 CCA? Could that be the culprit for intermittent ignition/startup problems?

 

Could be. Pull it out of the bike, charge it, let it sit overnight, take it to an auto parts store, and have them load test it.
If it is the batt it is a simple fix to replace it.

 

So I put in a Lithium battery and now the bike starts! However, whens its a cold start there is a very loud screeching/whining noise coming somewhere from the front right side of the bike and the bike doesn't start. First time I tried to start it with the new battery it took about 7-8 tries. Could this be the starter or what is going on?

 

That sounds like it could be your starter clutch. It is a one way gear that can slip when it is worn. Sometimes the casing can crack and cause issues too. It is under the right crankcase cover near where the starter shaft enters. The outer casing is also the pulsar coil triggers.

 

Thanks Captain 80's, that confirms what my internet research led me to believe. It is quite an unpleasant sound, hard to mistake I think.
Recently bought a Haynes manual but I can't seem to find anything in there about the starter clutch? And how come it works fine when warm or having been recently started, but not when cold (bear in mind it is around 0 degrees C here in Denmark, and bike hasn't been ridden since mid october).

Would this be the part i need for a repair:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Starter-Clutch-Repair-Kit-fits-Honda-VFR-750-F-1986-1989-/141724877423

or this?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Early-19...429307?hash=item1cf958c77b:g:WGQAAOSwqTxfVoGS



Will have a look through the service manual as well, hopefully I can fix it myself. I am also still waiting on a Hindle system I bought from RRR. But the corona situation is seemingly taking its toll on the supply chain.

 

Symptom when cold is very common.

First item, yes, but not a 100% guarantee fix. Sometimes the second item is cracked.

 

Ok so could it be that it's just a common thing when cold and that I don't really need to replace it?

 

No.

"there is a very loud screeching/whining noise"

It sounds like you have a problem that's more than the very occasional slip or whir. You need to get in there and investigate what is going on. If your housing is damaged it could be catastrophic sometime when you really don't want it to be (like anywhere except your driveway).

Or just continue to hope it will be fine when the weather warms up. I'm not the one that has to come get you and your bike from somewhere.

 

OK will open it up and examine it this weekend. I did also find the corrext section in the Haynes manual. thanks! Will update once I know what's going on