I just bought an 86 VFR 700.

[kingsnake1650]

after a long debate with my self I finally broke down and bought it. Its an 86 VFR 700. Its the pearl white with gold decals and had just over 20k on it. Right now the bike is in so so condition... it has been down on the right side but is very repariable so I am debating whether or not to just replace the panel or repair it?? any suggestions? The rectifier is also bad. I have read that this is a common issue with these VFRs. I am looking at buying a nsw stator and rectifier from a company called electortrexusa. It will cost about $250. Is this my best option?? My plan for this bike is to put it back as close to showroom as I can but also be able to do a little bit of touring on it as well.
The other thing it is going to need right away is tires. are the 16''/ 19'' tire availible? or will I be better of doing a 17'' conversion right away?
I bought this bike for $300 and a set of nsr125 wheels so i should be able to put some money back in it and not be upside down on the bike.
thanks

[James Popp]

I wouldn't change the wheels on the bike right away (they're 16" and 18" by the way). I've considered it for my bike also and will probably try it someday, but the bike seems to handle pretty well on the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 tires I have on it. The swap would be relatively costly and time-consuming.

For myself, the best upgrade I've ever done is a new rear shock. These bikes are known for destroying the rear shock before 20k. I have a HyperPro shock I'm very satisfied with, $500. The bottom clevis is threaded in with some range for length adjustment if you want to swap tires in the future. However, most people recommend the Fox Twin-Clicker for this, your call.

Since the wheel swap requires the shock upgrade anyway, I would start here and give the stock wheels a try for at least one set of rubber. Enjoy the bike.

[tbones86]

Tire are definatly still available, Bridgestone BT45's(Been through 2 sets no complaints other than wear), Pirelli Sport Demons, AVON AM26's( just bought a set haven't tried yet need to install wheel bearing, I will write up a reveiw after I put a couple hundred miles on them) & there are a handful of other companies that make tires in the sizes you need, The rear can be upgraded to a 140/70-18 from the 130/80-18.

[kingsnake1650]

Thanks for the help with the tires....out of all of those choices which would be the best as far as sport riding goes? I probably wont be putting a ton of miles on this bike but when I do ride it I want to to stick well. I am coming off a Ducati 996 on to this Vfr.
and does anyone have any thoughts on the charging system fix?

[XRayHound]

I keep hearing the Fox Twin Clicker come up in regards to these wheels swaps and I think it worth pointing out that Fox doesn't make shocks for street bikes anymore, as far as I could tell from their website. I will be glad to be proven wrong, but as far I can tell you're pounding eBay if you're dead set on a Twin Clicker.

[tbones86]

Yes Ebay or similar would have to your source for Twin Clicker; main reason for this is you need to make up a 1/2" in the rear for loss of 1" on the rear rim. Twin Clickers are rebuildable, that is what makes them nice, Jamie Daugherty is the guru on such things check out daughertymotosports.com (think the spelling is right?)
The bridgestone BT 45's stick like glue, performance has never been an issue w/ them. I'm giving the AVON's a shot this time around to see if performance is similar & wear somewhat better. Money wise they are a horse apiece; haven't heard any bad comments about the Pirelli Sport Demons never tried first hand though. Don't quote me on this but I beleive I read that the BT45 was created specifically for the VFR.