going to look at an 84 vf700f (rwb) locally and would love some common problem tips. i would like to know what the most common issues are and how to notice them. i'm pretty well into bikes and know a good deal about them but the vfr is a new idea to me... i love my italian twin, but a v4....just don't know. well any hints would be great. thanx
I couldn't help you with problems on an 84 700F,however I know some other people on here could. Welcome!
As with most used bikes, look for the obvious stuff -frame paint flaking off -rust anywhere -maintenance records The mid 80-'s V-4's had problems with the cams being too soft/lack of top end oiling and causing scoring/pitting the cams. I've found that if the bike lasts to 25K, without any major scoring/pitting, the cams should be OK. There is an aftermarket oiling kit to fix this (has an oil filter adapter). The V-4 engine tends to have more mechanical noise than most (16 valves and 2 camchains) I've heard. If you don't here any valve noise from a cold start-up, the valves are too tight. A good valve job will have a slight clatter when cold that will go away when warm. Because these bike's are so powerful, many riders would drag race them and cause rounding of the gears (specifically 2nd) due to sloppy shifting. If the bike pops out of 2nd gear on acceleration, pass - it's a split the cases fix and the gears are not produced anymore. As always, ask to have the bike cold when you arrive so you can see/hear the bike from a cold start-up.
