Replacing 1988 VFR750F-J rear pipes

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by Len Scannell, Nov 15, 2022.

  1. Len Scannell

    Len Scannell New Member

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    I need to replace the two rear cylinder exhaust pipes. My Haynes manual says I need to remove the engine from the frame yet the Clymer manual says I need to remove rear wheel and rear suspension to get to these exhaust pipes. That's quite a lot of work anyway but better than engine removal. Has anyone experienced this and which manual is right?
     
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  2. 50th VFR

    50th VFR New Member

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    No it can be done with engine in place.
    Did it many years ago so apologies if not 100% accurate
    With bike on centre stand you need to remove rear wheel and shock.

    There are four header bolts to come off cylinder head.

    Looking from rear of bike right hand and two centre ones can be removed with socket and " wobble joint" 3/8th drive is best.

    One at left (gearshift side) is accessed by ring spanner through gap between engine and frame. A ratchet spanner may work but didn't have one back then.

    Pipes need to be removed and refitted in correct order. I think right hand looking from rear (footbrake side)came out last and went in first ( but it was over 20 years ago). Anyway it is easy to see if you have got order wrong .

    Bolts will be well attached to studs. Apply lots of penetrating oil and leave for days.
    Jerk bolts to release DO NOT apply continuous pressure.

    Hope it all goes well.
     
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  3. 50th VFR

    50th VFR New Member

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    Rule 1 - NEVER trust Mr Haynes.
     
  4. Len Scannell

    Len Scannell New Member

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    Thanks very much for that. Your memory is accurate to the Clymer manual description of the process so I shall get cracking on it
     
  5. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    that seems unusual, why ? :confused: stainless steel, right ?
     
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2022
  6. Len Scannell

    Len Scannell New Member

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    I don't know what material Honda used but the stubs have definitely broken where they enter into the collector box. I have had it for 6 years and only used it for classic rallies. It's done 40,000 miles but it is almost 35 years old and goodness only knows what previous owners did to it. The collector box had been welded previously so they obviously did something there.

    Anyhow, the stubs that enter the collector box have broken off into it's inlets. It happened on 2021 Colombres rally and made the bike noisy. It wasn't a problem other than noise. The other connections held them together but the 2 pipes were completely broken and the stubs are rust welded in a bowl of old engine oil to help separate them. Collection boxes and new rear pipes for the 88 & 89 models are now unobtanium.

    I then discovered no-one makes a 4 into 1 system after the best known went bust a few years ago. After a year of constant searching I managed to find a decent pair of rear pipes in Wales and they are good. Also a collector box in Australia which also looks good in photos but still waiting for it but now, I'm ready to do start the work.
     
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  7. 50th VFR

    50th VFR New Member

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    Stainless exhausts did not come to VFRs till halfway through the production of the VFR800Fi in 2000.

    Motad did make a set of after market stainless downpipes for FJ/FK .

    Unfortunately cheaper, but poor quality, imports from China forced them out of business.
     
  8. Len Scannell

    Len Scannell New Member

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    I don't think Chinese cheap imports took VFR FJ/FK business but probably did on more recent popular models.

    It's making me think what to do once I've got it fixed because no-one is going to start making for these old model VFR's. I need something to ride to and from Colombres in northern Spain for their week long up to 1988 bikes rally. That's 1800kms return trip and about another 1500kms of the rally itself so I prefer an electric starter, reliable, comfortable and fairly quick bike. Not much from before 1988 fits those criteria.
     
  9. Thumbs

    Thumbs Member

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  10. Len Scannell

    Len Scannell New Member

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    Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately the seller doesn't give a telephone number and will not post to Spain where I now live! I would have bought it as back up but I do now have a complete standard system to fit so think it's going to benefit someone else.
     
  11. Thumbs

    Thumbs Member

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  12. Len Scannell

    Len Scannell New Member

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    Thanks but they are broken on the stub where the front and rear meet clamp together.

    I now have a complete set in my garage or winging it's way to me from various parts of the world. Anything else would be for spares
     
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