Goodbye 1st Gen...hello 2nd Gen

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by slowbird, Aug 1, 2010.

  1. slowbird

    slowbird Member

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    So I sold my 1986 VF500 to a good friend. He just got his license and I can't think of a better bike to learn to ride on. The bikes in great shape and he loves the look of it so it's gone. I rode it to his apt yesterday.

    I have to admit....I'll miss riding it. But I won't miss it, since I will most likely have to fix whatever issues it may have. :tongue:


    I purchased a 1986 VFR750F that I was looking at and mentioned in another thread: http://vfrworld.com/forums/1st-2nd-generation-1983-1989/31682-may-buy-1986-vfr750f.html

    I got a good deal on it and at one point I was making sure the old bike was good before giving it to my buddy while fixing up the new one.
    [​IMG]

    I took all the fairings off and gave the bike a good scrubbing....man was it dirty. Installed a new battery, the odd screw and fastener, and a clutch lever is on it's way. All brakes check out and the bike runs well but it could use some carb work.
    Bike needed a new rear tire. I was lucky enough that the tire I had on my VF500 (before I did the F2 swap) was new and the same size as the VFR rear tire.

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    Few issues I have (that some on here can help with) I have a crack near the front signal
    [​IMG]

    Would flush mounts cover this?

    I'm not a big fan of flush mounts. I think having a signal sticking out to show everyone your intention to turn is better than a tiny thing that looks neat....but I'm willing to go flush mounts since to cover the crack and due to the rear signals stalks being so saggy and bouncy.

    Also the rear fender/plate mount is faded:
    [​IMG]

    I know something aftermarket could get me into trouble but again...for looks I'm willing to consider something different.

    I have to say that the noise this engine makes is just sooooooooo nice :drool: I'm not even thinking about exhaust....the engine noise is just so heavenly.

    The riding position is very comfortable...and the bike seems easier to flat foot.
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2010
  2. hopit88

    hopit88 New Member

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    Good for you. Looks like a winner for you and your friend.
     
  3. invisible cities

    invisible cities New Member

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    Good deal Slow! I'm glad this has worked out for you. Have fun with the new steed and ride safe!
     
  4. Dukiedook

    Dukiedook New Member

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    These bikes are buttery sweet, have fun!

    I like the avatar, very classy.
     
  5. TOE CUTTER

    TOE CUTTER Mullet Man

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    Gotta love gen 2 ! And that is a nice one to boot.
     
  6. lsc86

    lsc86 New Member

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    Truly an all time great bike, classic lines, gold sandcast effect cases, and a gorgeous paint scheme. Never forget seeing Rainey & Shobert at Elkhart on the factory VFRs and then later seeing an ex-HRC VFR terrorize the WERA ranks at Grattan and IRP, still can hear the growl!

    You owe it to yourself to try to track down a Hindle 4-1 or at least a set of Kerker slip-ons, truly music to the ears!

    For the crack, I've heard great things about Plastifix, some cool videos on Youtube showing repairs with it, if nothing else it will strengthen the back side and keep it from cracking worse. Do not put on flush mounts- worst 'upgrade' ever invented!!!

    http://www.amazon.com/Urethane-Supply-PlastiFix-Kit-Clear/dp/B0007LTXVY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1280763499&sr=8-1
     
  7. slowbird

    slowbird Member

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    Thanks everyone.
     
  8. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    roundtail33.jpg .....................

    GREAT decision to move up and a good looking example of gen 2.

    Good Luck with it !!!!
     

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  9. Michael E

    Michael E New Member

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    Congrats on the new bike! I look forward to your posts about this new ride, especially some commentary on its ride and performance when you get it going. As you know, I just bought a 919 and compared to the 500....well....there is no comparison! Happy riding.
     
  10. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    Happy days!
     
  11. slowbird

    slowbird Member

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  12. Fazer1Sniper

    Fazer1Sniper New Member

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    Nice one slowbird... cant wait to see more of it.
     
  13. woody77

    woody77 New Member

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    Squirrel's other bike is a Hawk GT. Another great honda from the same era. 650cc v-twin, light as hell, all torque, not much power (<50hp stock to the wheels), but they're so much fun.
     
  14. slowbird

    slowbird Member

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    Ooooooh. That does sound like fun.
     
  15. woody77

    woody77 New Member

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    My wife has one, loves the smaller size (the frame/tank are small), the 400-odd pound light weight, and it LOVES corners. It's probably more fun to ride than my VFR. But the VFR is a rocket in comparison. It's like the difference between a GT and a sports car. One is big, heavy, fast, stable, loves sweepers. The other is small, light, nimble, and loves the tight corners.
     
  16. slowbird

    slowbird Member

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    Can anyone tell me where the temp gauge should normally sit?

    Went for a ride today and even in 30 degree Celsius heat the temp gauge didn't even touch halfway.

    .....and at times it roasts my arse
     
  17. Michael E

    Michael E New Member

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    Lol - too conditioned by your / our hot running 500's?

    My 919 rarely gets past the 1/3 mark where the normal operating temperature mark resides.

    How did it ride??
     
  18. slowbird

    slowbird Member

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    LOL...I was thinking the same thing. :tongue: The VF500 would regularly run in the middle of the temp gauge to the 3/4 mark. The VFR750 rarely goes past 1/3....kinda like your 919 Mike.
    I guess that's normal?

    Soooooo nice. :banana: The riding position is much more comfortable, and it supports a full "tuck" position much better than the VF500. The VFR tank is actually tall enough for me to rest my upper body on.

    I got onto the highway and was about 4,000rpm in 4th....I opened her up and was breaking many many laws before I knew what was going on. I quickly put her in 6th and cruised the rest of the way. :redface:

    It definitely needs some carb work though.

    Wearing riding pants seems to be a must in this thing cause it likes to cook my bum/leg.
     
  19. Michael E

    Michael E New Member

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    I know that you don't have easy garage access, but I would be tempted to take a few days and rip into this thing. I would want to pull it all apart and clean, inspect and lube everything, flush and replace all fluids, etc. Who knows what kind of maintenance this guy did and what better way to learn the bike and discover any problems before they become bigger problems.
     
  20. Dukiedook

    Dukiedook New Member

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    Yeah, those side panel vents kick out some heat on you legs and butt.'
     
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