Thinking about parting out my 86 VFR 700F

I bought it as a project bike for my birthday and have it torn down to the frame. This bike was complete when I got it and everything seems to be in good shape with it except for the engine. It got flooded when the previous owner had the carbs off and there is some water damage inside. I took it to a shop yesterday and they said it looks good for what happened and with a lot of cleaning and work should be able to run again.

I'm OK with putting in the work on this since that's what I bought it for, however I recently ran across an 86 VFR 750 that looks brand new on CL. I'm feeling out the seller right now to see what I can talk him down to (asking $2500 but I don't know if it's running).

That being said for those of you who have parted out your bikes how did that go? (quick, slow, good/bad experience?) Also if there's anyone interested in certain parts on here let me know. I'd love to be able to fund part of this purchase through parting out the current bike I have and seeing what kind of interest there is on here would help me with that decision.

 

Parting out the bike isn't true to our tradition of keeping the old things whole and running. It's disrespectful to future riders who might be delighted to own and ride that bike. Not good to aid in the destruction of of an example of a rare and endangered species.

 

You could also look at this as an opportunity to have a 750 verion to ride while you take your time bringing the 700. From what I understand many parts are interchangeable between these bikes so you may find it to be advantageous having the 700 around. Regardless of how you decide to do things please don't let any of it get beyond the point of use due to neglect. Way too many of us out here hunting parts to allow these to go to waste.

 

Parting out a bike is a good thing. It let's the bike die with dignity and it will help to get another on the road or to keep one running. Kind of like organ donor's. Sometimes ya just got to do it. It's stupid to throw money at a bike and it will never become what you want with in a reasonable price. What inside the engine means you gotta take it a part. If your internals need replacing well good luck. I'm sure some one has bearings, rings and little dodads. Or you buy them from someone parting out a bike. Oooops

Check ebay etc to see what's out there and who's selling what first might be a good idea. Competition you know...

 

I gotta go with Gray on this one. The reasons to dump lots of time into a bike are: 1) It's a real classic, rare or desirable. 2) You love it and it has sentimental value to you. In this case you don't have either one. I am in the process of saving a 1983 Honda Ascot. I am dumping way too much money and time into a bike that should be allowed to die. Do as I say and not as I do!

 

I changed out the engine on my VFR700, installing a vfr750. My 750 is faster but the 700 engine still runs fine and could be had quite reasonably.
Any interest? PM me.

 

If you wind up parting out, there are a couple little things I need for my '86. Right hand side fairing mount bolt and the the right hand side brake line bracket that attaches to the front fender along with the bolt to hold it.

 

Parting it out would, of course, take a lot of wrenching time and effort. Just listing and shipping the bike in bits and pieces can be a lengthy job in and of itself imo.

If it were me, I'd seriously consider benching that engine and doing a rebuild as time permits. But this is from a guy who has near countless unfinished home, yard, audio, and vehicle projects... Or you could inquire with Camo for a "quick and sorta easy" eng swap.

 

Every time I've attempted to part a bike out, I end up with most of it still lying around collecting dust. I don't mind breaking them down, it's everything else. Like listing, answering stupid questions, and shipping. I'd rather just sell the whole thing "as is" than go through all the hassle.

 

Is it worth the trouble to swap the engines? How much of a difference did you feel....seat of the pants dyno?

Thanks