87 VFR...now onto my suspension.

When I was restoring my VFR last year I failed to address the suspension. I plan to take address that now. A few questions...
1st, the front forks. I know that I need dust seals and oil seals. What are the chances I'd need to replace the fork tube and slider bushings? I don't want to take it apart, only to find that I need to replace them and wait a week for parts to arrive.

2nd. I assume that the 86-87 VFR 750/700 uses the same rear shock? I'm thinking about picking up a used rear shock and rebuilding it on my own. Or, send it off somewhere to have it rebuilt. My plan is to buy a used one, then do what I need to do it, slide the new on in to minimize down time.

Recommendations on a place where I could have it sent to have it rebuilt? Would a rebuilder be able to charge it with nitrogen as part of the rebuild process?

Thanks!

 

After I posted this...I found some information to indicate that my 87 F2's shock has some internal components that made it a better unit than the 86's? Anyone care to refute this bit of information?

"It sported reworked fork internals and a better rear shock than the '86 VFR750 or the "standard" '87 VFR700."

Found this bit of information here (at the bottom of the page):
1987 VFR700F2 Specs

 

Niether are real good the forks are like chopsticks and the best mods on these are to go with a CBR f2-'90-94front end and rear wheel then install an adjustable fox shock if you can find one. Otherwise check with Toecutter on doing the best you can with stock.

 

87 is longer than 86 rear so they are not interchangeable. Depends on how many miles the bike has on it to see if the bushings are shot or not, the only way to know is to take them apart. I can pretty much guarantee you should change out your fork springs if your seals are not leaking. You will want to upgrade the rear shock to something else aftermarket- Fox or Ohlins are rebuildable.

 

Good idea to disassemble and grease the needle bearings and linkages on rear shock periodically.

 

I've been pondering the suspension on my 86' VFR.
When I rode it last season I noticed the ride was much too harsh.

I'll see how it rides this season

 

A couple of thoughts:

- The 86 and 87 shocks are similar but not identical. The 87's have a different linkage and the shock is longer.
- You probably need new fork bushings. I've yet to work on a set of first or second gen forks that don't! The age and mileage on those bikes just means they are worn out.
- If you decide on a different front end, make sure to use a 94 F2 (not 91-93) or F3 parts. The 91-93 F2's are still damping rod style forks and do not offer any significant improvements over your stock forks (read: it's not worth it). You'll want to use cartridge forks.

Keep us up to date on your progress!