VFR 750FG 1986 new rider, some questions

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Deckard84, Jul 29, 2020.

  1. Deckard84

    Deckard84 New Member

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    Hello everyone, I recently bought a 1986 VFR Interceptor, that was sat 8 years in sellers garage, and not really ridden. It's bone stock as far as I can tell, it did have a lot of surface rust and grease etc. but I've managed to get most of it polished and cleaned so the bike looks respectable, but not finished at all. It was originally imported from Germany -I'm in Denmark.
    I changed the oil, oil filter (hiflo), filled up coolant (reservoir was empty), changed the spark plugs, tanked premium gas (Shell V-power).

    I have some questions (it's also my first bike) that I hope someone might be able to answer:

    1. I've only ridden it a couple of times (maybe 100km in all) and it rides well. But I was expecting a bit more performance wise, from 0-80 km/h it's pretty decent, but going from there it is a bit sluggish. Should I take out and clean the carburators?
    I put in some Liqui Moly Carb cleaner into the tank which is made for cleaning them, but I know it's not as effective as cleaning the carbs by taking them out, but I would rather avoid that.
    I am also suspecting the exhaust, as it does have two small holes (from rust) in the muffler. I was going to repair that with Gun-Gum.

    2. Sometimes I get a rattle from the right muffler, but I can't locate the source. What could that be? It's mainly heard when idling.

    3. I rode about 50km's yesterday, and when turning off the bike there was a "glugg-glugg" sound that was very noticeable -sounded like it came from under the seat. What could that be?

    4. How important is it to change the wheels to get bigger wheels and tire selection? Being a new rider, would I notice much difference? It seems like a lot of work.

    5. Is it possible to raise the steering, to bring it up a bit in order to increase comfort/rider position? Maybe some spacer or something similar?

    6. Are there any replacement 4-2-1 exhaust/muffler systems? I can't really seem to find anything. Or maybe just a aftermarket 4-2-2 system? Or what do you recommend?


    I've attached some pics as it looks currently :)

    Thanks in advance for any input.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    quick answer 100% I would pull the carbs & send them to someone to clean - properly...
     
  3. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    4. I think its possible but not required unless you can't get the tyres..
     
  4. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    2. Looking at your "expansion" rings on your right muffler, that thing is rotting from the inside out. Source of rattle.

    3. Possible coolant flowing to/from your over flow tank and burbling. Which is located under seat, on the left.

    4. Not important. Is nice when you do it though. Some work, I've done it on 5 VF/VFR now. You need to be, or know, a machinist.

    5. If a stock 86 VFR is too aggressive of a posture, you bought the wrong bike. You might try some VF500F bars, They are also 37mm, but higher.

    6. Bring money. https://www.ripplerockracers.com/pr...le-stainless-steel-exhaust-fits-1986-88-rc24/
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2020
  5. Deckard84

    Deckard84 New Member

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    Thanks for clearing some things up for me, think I will stick with the stock rims, will buy some new tires though. Don't think it's too aggresive, just thinking if it was an option at all. Might look at the VF500F bars in the future if needed.

    2. Which are the expansion rings? Is that seen from the back or form the side? Could that rust also cause performance loss? I found a nice stock muffler/exhaust system for sale, might just buy that then, if I have to replace it?

    6. Not willing to put that much into it, but it looks nice :)
     
  6. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Maybe it's the photo, but VFR mufflers will eventually rot from the inside from trapped moisture and swell in "rings", approx 4-5 inches apart.
     
  7. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    the bike looks GREAT !

    change the brake fluid out and bleed the system, clutch fluid too. also drain and flush the fuel tank looking for signs of rust, as any rust there will continue to foul carbs. coolant too needs draining and flushing on a bike that's been sitting. coolant needs to be checked/refilled under the radiator cap, not just the overflow bottle. you're in a cool climate but you need to be sure the radiator fan comes on when temp reaches between 2/3 and 3/4 of the indicated scales . you might need to get a new radiator cap if there is too much gurgling as it may not be holding pressure, and that will cause overheating.

    chances are that carbs do need a proper cleaning. be sure you download and study the bike's honda service manual. getting carbs off can be difficult but nowhere near as hard as getting them back in place. do you have a good and trustworthy 'cycle repair shop nearby ?

    as a new rider i'd advise that you practice using brakes hard then harder as they are key to avoiding some accidents. 70% pressure on front brakes, 30% on rear (on dry pavement). watch some instructional videos or take a riding class to avoid beginner mistakes, and don't go on any group rides !!

    learn to respect the bike because if doesn't respect you !

    good luck with it it ! ;)
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2020
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  8. stewartj239

    stewartj239 Member

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    I owned the exact same bike for about 10 years. I agree with everyone else that the carbs should be cleaned. These bikes gum up quickly from sitting. As far as tires go, on my '86 750 and even my '86 500, I stuck with the OEM rims but went one over on the rear tire width. I had no problems with that regarding clearances. It is not a huge change, but better than stock.
     
  9. Paul Myers

    Paul Myers New Member

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    I'll second all the other comments above and add:

    1st - the bike looks like it was kept in good condition cosmetically by the previous owner and hopefully reflects the mechanical condition - congratulations on the find.

    Did you open the airbox and check / replace the air filter. If not I'll bet you'll find a mouse nest in there. They are nasty and their pee is corrosive so I hope you find I am wrong but it is one of their favorite places to nest. A mouse nest won't help the performance but at the same time it should not hurt it as much as you have described.

    There could be a mouse nest in the mufflers. Another favorite place. Did you get any mouse nest like material exiting the mufflers when you first started the bike up? The tough part is there is no good way to get it out other than time it will slowly burn up and exit a strand at a time.

    I agree with Captain 80s that the rattle is probably pieces of the internal baffling that has corroded and broken away. It is now rattling around in your muffler.

    Keep an eye on your coolant level in case it being empty was originally a leak somewhere.
     
  10. Deckard84

    Deckard84 New Member

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    Thanks for all the answers.

    Regarding the muffler there was not mouse nest like material when I turned it on. The rattle is not as bad as I might first have let on. It's mainly heard occasionally when idling, I tried to shine a flashlight, and the mufflers actually look pretty decent inside (as from what I can see). But I am definetly looking to replace them somehow, but not that many options for this bike. I can post some more pics if interested.
    The air filter was actually in OK condition, I cleaned it a bit, and cleaned the airbox. Will probably replace soon (is K&N really that good or is a Hiflo good enough?)

    I've downloaded the service manual and am getting acquainted with it.

    Regarding the owner keeping it in good condition, the pictures above are the result of around 15-20 hours of removing surface rust, and polishing, cleaning etc. (not done yet). The previous owner apparently had it standing covered up in blankets in a garage for 8 years without really riding it. Considering the age the bike is in good condition, but had to do a lot of polishing/rust removal. Will probably also do a treatment/rust removal of the tank.

    Plans and problems right now are:

    1.Clutch fluid reservoir -one of the screws is stuck (head damaged). Ordered new ones and will try to remove and replace the rubber diaphragm, the old one was 3 times the size it was supposed to be (on the front brake reservoir).

    2. Am trying to unhinge the bottom of the radiator to replace the #1 and #2 spark plugs as well, but one bolt is totally stuck and damged by now :(

    3. I ordered new Bridgestone BT45 tires, don't trust the old ones, although they look good, with no rot. Will get a shop to replace them.

    4. Cleaning the carbs is definetly a future plan, but will need to do it myselfs. Shops here in Denmark are very expensive (everything is basically). Will probably get a shop to do the synchronizing afterwards.

    5. Brake fluid bleeding and refill.

    6. Coolant refill/cleaning

    7. Adjust idle

    8. The rubber on the center spring (what is it called?) shows a low of damage and tears. Is that a huge issue?

    9. Should front fork oil also be replaced?

    10. Rear brake lever position is very low, and a bit "saggy" feeling. How do I adjust that?

    Sorry for the long rant. Can post some more pictures later :)
     
  11. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    1. just get some stainless screws to replace..

    2. cut it off & replace - its just a bolt..

    3. Great move.

    4. Unless you can put them in to an ultrasonic bath then don't do them yourself. Treat this a present to the bike. You WILL REQUIRE new rubbers to connect them back to the bike - plenty of cheap options there..

    5. easy job

    6. easy job.

    7. before adjusting idle, get the carbs synched - (after cleaning)

    8. ?

    9. LOL - Yes

    10. change the fluid first then take a look a it.
     
  12. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    #2 just unbolt the rod at the back, an 8mm.

    #4 unless you have decent tools and good mechanical skills and are very organized, carbs can easily be damaged by mistreatment. there are ways to get good enough synch that don't need shop help or gauges, so you could do it yourself. carb work for a new rider/tinkerer is difficult, and very few get the cleaning done right the first time.

    surprisingly, you haven't stated the bike's mileage, and that would hint at what other maintenance might need to be done, steering head bearings and fork oil change and valve clearance checks for example.

    note that getting stuck screws removed is an essential skill that will take alot of experimentation to master, and having JIS screwdrivers is a big help.
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2020
  13. Deckard84

    Deckard84 New Member

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    Mileage is 66.900 KM's so 41.569 miles.

    Thanks for the tips on JIS screwdrivers, will definetly get some of those.

    I will probably do the carb cleaning together with a more experienced tinkerer. I found a little shop that does everything apart from taking apart motors. So will be using them for changing and balancing tires, syncing carbs etc. Might do the cleaning myself, but will probably order a carb refurb kit if I do.

    Does anyone know if these mufflers would be fit, or even be advisable on the bike?
     
  14. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    at that mileage steering head bearings would need replacement as well as wheel bearings......if they hadn't already been replaced. also time for new fork oil.
     
  15. Deckard84

    Deckard84 New Member

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    Thanks squirrelman, Will look at having that done. Hope I can get the parts here.
     
  16. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    a couple of resources for you to look at or call:

    CMSNL - excellent place for getting your original parts - not the cheapest but highly recommended. Post world wide
    David Silver Spares - also post world wide
     
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  17. Deckard84

    Deckard84 New Member

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    Thanks Diving Pete
     
  18. Deckard84

    Deckard84 New Member

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    So I've almost finished the various restorations on the bike. New tires, chain tightening, changed all oils, had to fit a new alternator.... bike died on me :/ Now it seems to run good with the new one.
    Does anyone know of any aftermarket mirrors that fit on the bike?
     
  19. Dannoxyz

    Dannoxyz New Member

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    Mirrors screw into brake & clutch reservoirs. One side is reverse threaded, so be careful about that when buying mirrors.

    perhaps something like this?
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/333706392141
     
  20. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Honda does not reverse thread the left mirror. I know Yamaha has. And those masters had the mirror mounts deleted. The VF1000R however still had the mirror mounts with factory caps.
     
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