Newbie Needs Help with 11-Digit VIN

[lorsban]

Hello everyone,

This is lorsban from the Philippines. I've just recently purchased a 2nd Gen VFR 750 F. It's a "grey market" import from Japan, so it's got an 11-digit VIN.

I was told that it's an 88 model but I can't tell for sure because every VIN decoder out there is 17 digits. My concern is parts compatibility. Are the parts for 86-88 VFRs interchangeable? If not, how can I date my bike's year model in order to get the right parts?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and regards,

lorsban

[jap]

Bikes prior to 89 or 90? only had 11 digit vin numbers.

[motorhead1977]

Sorry but incorrect, at least in the USA. My 1984 1000F and 1985 VF500C both have a 17 digit VIN. As far as interchange parts I am sure someone else has more knowledge about those. Good luck and please post a picture of picture of your bike.

[lorsban]

Thanks guys! I've been doing some comparisons based on how the bike looks and I think I'm 80% sure now that it's an 87 based on the graphics and the wheel size. I read that 88's had 17in wheel sizes.

Love the bike! Perfect power, comfortable enough, clean lines and that 80's vibe that I love. And it only had 5000 kms! Apparently, the last owner mostly just kept it in the garage, that's why the tank/pipes were a little rusty from neglect. Thankfully, everything else vital is more or less in excellent shape.

This is my first non-vtwin bike so I'm still getting used to the quiet. But, man the power!

Anyway, here are some pics.

[motorhead1977]

SWEET! Love that pearl white!

[derstuka]

Hello and welcome to the nuthouse chief!

[lorsban]

SWEET! Love that pearl white!

Thanks! Love the color too. It's pretty striking in person on a sunny day.

[lorsban]

Hello and welcome to the nuthouse chief!

haha! Thanks, mate!

[jap]

Sorry but incorrect, at least in the USA. My 1984 1000F and 1985 VF500C both have a 17 digit VIN. As far as interchange parts I am sure someone else has more knowledge about those. Good luck and please post a picture of picture of your bike.

Hello Motorhead,
Sorry to correct you, but in Aus we only have 11 digit vin numbers prior to 89, I dare say Lorsban is in the same boat.

Regards
Jap

[jap]

Thanks guys! I've been doing some comparisons based on how the bike looks and I think I'm 80% sure now that it's an 87 based on the graphics and the wheel size. I read that 88's had 17in wheel sizes.

Love the bike! Perfect power, comfortable enough, clean lines and that 80's vibe that I love. And it only had 5000 kms! Apparently, the last owner mostly just kept it in the garage, that's why the tank/pipes were a little rusty from neglect. Thankfully, everything else vital is more or less in excellent shape.

This is my first non-vtwin bike so I'm still getting used to the quiet. But, man the power!

Anyway, here are some pics.

Nice bike lors!

Regards
Jap

[captb]

Nice ride, low miles, great find.

[veefer800canuck]

Yes, if you have the original 16/18 wheels then it's an '86 or '87.

88-89s did indeed have 17" wheels.

[lorsban]

Yes, if you have the original 16/18 wheels then it's an '86 or '87.

88-89s did indeed have 17" wheels.

Yup, that's what I read as well. Other than the wheels, I noticed differences in the fairing, there's a vent there that was moved towards the rear, near the pillion seat area. On 86-87 models, that vent's closer to the rider's thigh area.

[drewl]

Welcome aboard.
Congrats on the Viffer!

[NWA_VFR700F]

Yeah, that's definitely an 86-87 model. Here are a few pics just for reference.

1986 VFR750F in pearl



1987 VFR750F in pearl



1988 VFR750F in pearl



There are several differences, not just the side vent that you mentioned. The chin spoiler is different, and the rear peg sets are different between the 86/87 and the 88 models.

[lorsban]

Thanks NWA! Yeah, it's a Honda VFR 750 FG model, so that makes it an 86. I just noticed the little sticker that's on there if you take out the seat. Yeah, I'm a real detective, alright.