Another new guy! Help me!

Hey,

I have a 1988-89 VFR 750, the J/K. Well, actually just the engine :tongue: . I'm doing a project bike, and I chose this because I learnt it's bulletproof, and I got it real cheap.

I was wondering if electricals from the later years can be retrofitted. I need the complete wiring loom, CDI, coils, regulator-rectifier, etc. Will the post 1990 bikes' match up to the 88-89 engine? Or can I mix and match using FJ CDI, and say FN loom and rectifier?

Thanks

 

Hi, V1p3r. Welcome to the list. I would tend to think that they electrics do not cvross between years, tho I could be wrong. However, anything is possible if you throw enough $$ at it. That said, it's a project bike and your limits are your budget on what you are willing to spend on it. Someone else here ay have more or better info than I on this. I have toyed with the idea of converting my 93 to 95 - 97 electronics so I could take advantage of the electronic speedo but unfortunately my funds are severley limited so I choose not to take on that particular project.

 

Ah well, $$$ is always an issue!

I was actually looking at it more because it seems the 1990+ parts are more easily available. Need to get the bike running, atleast until I can find J/K parts that are an exact fit.

Are there any good websites for OE parts?

 

Viper

Can't give you a definite answer - I doubt anyone other than a Honda mech could - but the biggest problem you're likely to face is that of the different electrical connectors. I've come across this with other manufacturers - even when the models don't change significantly throughout the production run, the manufacturers have a nasty habit of changing the connectors they use. Newer/improved features also add to the number of circuits in the loom.

That's not to say that they won't fit, or that Honda changed anything significant, but unless you're planning some very major mods, your best bet would be to hold out until you find an FJ/K loom and the attaching bits. At a push, (earlier) FG/H electricals are more likely to be compatible than later models. But the sheer number of VFRs that were sold in the late 80's means that there are plenty of bits available and lots of breakers have responded to my requests for FJ/K parts (and loads show up on eBay). All you need to make sure of is that the seller can guarantee that the model was FJ/K - I've had FG/H parts sent and had to send 'em back.

As far as rectifiers/coil etc go, sorry - no idea whatsoever. Trial and error is probably the only way to find out - unless you can find the specs for each unit and compare them with later versions.

Good luck!

Neil

 

Hmmm...holding out would be the wise way, but I'd rather try other stuff as well.

Is there any way I can get the OEM spare part numbers? Would make life a lot easier, then I could just shoot off an email with a few alphabets and numbers to a Honda dealer...will the workshop manuals etc have these numbers?

Thanks for the help! Looks like I'm gonna need a lot of it

 

Service Honda is a good place to start. They have an online microfiche system and also are usuallylowere priced than everyone else. Also bike bandit has an online OEM parts sytem, but BB does not seem to stock the OEM parts, but orders them and then sends them to you. They say they ship within 2 - 3 biz days and it would take, depending on shipping method, about 4 days to get once shipped. Shipping times may vary, check local listings in your area. lol

 

You say 88-89 interesting as from what I can tell honda didn't bring in a VFR in those years to the states last was 87 then started with a new design in 90. so maybe you have a 90? but to sorta answer your ? the 87 is a whole nother animal no cross over from 87- 90 so maybe you have a 90? then they'll be lots of parts,

 

Viper

Parts microfiche/information very much depends on where you live. At a guess, I'd say you're in the UK (or at least not in the US). Unfortunately, it seems that only bike US stores have online microfiches - which give parts for US bikes - and as RVFR said, there wasn't a VFR750 in the US between 88/9. I've looked everywhere for the fische for the UK/Euro versions for these years and haven't turned anything up.

The fiche at Mr Cycles is about as good as any, but again, they don't have fiches that relate specifically to the FG/H/J/K bikes.

And no, the workshop manuals don't have the part numbers in them. They do explain how to repair the bike in four different languages though . . .

 

You wouldn't believe it, but I'm in India. Which is why it's kinda hard to find anything at all.

Been through all the fiches, and yes, unfortunately the 88-89s were never sold in the States, so I don't know what to do now. There are a couple of sites in the UK and New Zealand, so I've gone and mailed them.

I guess I'll call Service Honda and ask them if they can source this stuff for me. Or that David Silver guy in the UK, he seems to have some of the things I need.

 

David Silver are almost certainly the folks for the job - they know pretty much everything parts-wise.

That's a bit of kick in the pants for you there fella. That said, you can probably stick the engine into an '86/'87 VFR700 frame without too much trouble. I know the majority of the parts for those bikes work on the '86/'87 750 models 'cos I use that fiche as a reference tool for my bike.

AFAIK the major changes between the 700/750 FG/H and the FJ/K models were either engine internals (valve sizes) or the forks and wheels. I don't think the physical size/shape of the engine changed. The big changes happened in 1990 with the introduction of the single-sided swingarm. As far as the electrics go, a sidestand switch/circuit was added, so that might change the wiring a bit, but not a great deal else changed.

HTH - a bit

Neil

 

But I already have my 88-89 frame! And if it helps, an 80s VF 750 frame too!

Everything else can be fitted, my main worry is the electricals. Anyway, I've mailed the Silver guys, let's see what happens.

It just struck me, I better be sure my bike is an 88-89. I'll post up pics of the frame, and the experts can decide.

Thanks!

 

Dude

Didn't know you had frames - you've only said first post only mentions the engine - hence my comments.

 

My bad, sorry! Just realised... Well anyway, I have two frames.

Just got a quote from Econohonda in New Zealand. The electricals would cost me almost as much as I paid for the mill itself.

 

well whats ya going to do?

 

Well, I'm going to get some pics and put them up today, so that the experts (you guys!) can confirm that it's a FJ/K. Then I'm going to break the bank for a few extra pennies, and order the stuff.

I'm on various tracks with this thing...also been in touch with a few SBK mechanics here, to see if someone can source me the stuff I need.

 

Hey, these are pics of the engine. Kinda dirty, since the rain and oil combined to give them a "wet" look.





Now, I'm wondering, did the VFRs ever come with a 5 speed tranny? Because the gearbox says 1.N.2.3.4.5 and the cylinder says 748 cm^3. This is going to be hilarious if it turns out to be something totally different. Well, it says Honda and 748, and it IS a V4, so...

 

wow! looks like my 87, so now ya might check all over the place here as well.

 

What I meant was to look all over the place here in the US. Keep an eye on Ebay too.

Here's what my 87 looked like. your frame and engine looks just like it

 

Yeah, I've been on ebay US a lot, and seen what they have.

Now, the question is, what are the major differences between 1987 and 1988-89? Does anything other than the electricals change? Because in that case, I can order a whole electrical kit and just plonk it on. Or do cam timings, valve lift etc also change? Because that's going to need different CDI maps.

And, are any model years 5 speed?

HELP!!!

 

Bump!

Guys, I still need help!