sportfour

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That's a real cutie. Didn't Honda offer that in some form of teal, I like yours much better. Here's my 86 VFR 750. Lucky to stumble across it. Needed attention in some areas but all squared away now. A delightful ride

I hear you on that. Sort of an easy does it approach for me. I was looking for a project bike that had a level of distinction......and have become partial to the Honda V4's. I have several other nice VF and VFR's and this one is only intended to be a runner anyway. I am partial to small displacement machines as I grew up with several RD's and also currently run a race prepped R3 as a track bike. The 500 is a good ergo match for me and though not a stroker I do like the package.

Advice taken, thanks guys. Will be rolling into job in a few weeks. There has been plenty to do so far. Valve train is first on list of checks.

Have a new to me 86 VF500F. Per the PO it has an 85 engine in it as the 86 engine failed, rather dramatically I am told. Given what I have experienced going through the bike I am not surprised. It is amazing what people can do to machines. I am at the beginning of the sorting out process. The 85 engine seems to run fine but I am somewhat confused to find that it looks to be fitted with post 85 carbs, VD31's. I have quite a bit to learn at this point as I sort through the parts maze but didn't think VD 31s would mate up to 85 heads as the insulators are different part numbers. I do have a spare set of VD56A's that came with bike. I have also noted that carb gasket/o-ring kits are only available for the pre 86 carbs from Honda. The plan is to make it into a runner. My first plan is to secure an engine gasket kit. I've seen names like Vesrah, Centauro, and a few others; which is the best of the bunch and where should I go? Thanks. Steve

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Thanks for the input. More fun occurred while removing front wheel. I dived into brakes as I was hearing pad wear indicator noise.........well not exactly. Discovered the PO failed to fit the left side axle spacer which allowed the rotors to drag on the caliper adapter brackets which did limit the side to side play. After bead basting rotors they look fine. Ordered up the right parts...........just too much fun. Will look into a fork upgrade this winter. Found at my local dealer, label tells all.

Ok guys here's another question relating to Honda branded fork oil. This bike has 18 K on the odometer and figured I would do a fork oil change while the front end was apart for brake service. I'm working from a Honda manual and they call for Honda Pro Suspension Fluid SS 8. Should I use this spec fluid or is there an equivalent offered by others. I have on hand some PJ 1 Pro Cartridge Oil for another bike but I have not serviced cartridge forks before. Another thing I'm not sure of and it is not spelled out clearly in the manual, is whether or not I need to do a complete disassembly to change the fluid, yes or no. Needless to say it would be wise to change the fork seals if a full teardown of the fork is required for a fluid change but I will also have the front end apart this winter for steering head bearing service and could do a full service at that time

Well, that's me.

MooseMoose; thanks for taking the time to express your thoughts. First, let me say I am a small bike rider growing up with a pair of RD 350's, a Kaw 400 triple, and various 2 stroke dirt bikes. About 16 yrs ago I did my first trackday at Grattan on a stock 01 Kaw 250 Ninja. Had fun but soon crossed paths with a new RS250 and closed the deal. When asked about the differences I always said twice the power and 4 times the brakes. Ran with a couple of buddies (top tier novice) one had an SV the other a 600 Gixxer. We all had a blast and each had strengths and weaknesses relative to each other. The instructors turned us loose because we ran each other clean and respected others on the track.. Parked the trackdays and did dualsport riding/touring for a number of years. Drifted back into sportbikes with the purchase of an 84 VF750F. This was a bit of a resto project taking several on and off years to work out all the issues. Loving the V4's and reading about the Gen 5, I soon found a pretty good deal on one a few years back. It needed some TLC and was completed last year. Then looking for a first Gen gear drive I picked up the RWB 86 this year. Of the 3 the 86 is probably the most potent track bike but needs some TLC and sorting out to assess it's mechanical condition. It has a CBR 900RR front end,a Fox shock, and a full Hindle exhaust. This venture is about increasing my competency bigger and heavier sportbikes that I have only modest experience with. And since, like most here, the VFR is a favorite why not start there. Pics of the clan.

Thanks for the replies. I am reading and rereading them. Grattan has a long straight, various radius configurations , off camber, significant elevation changes, and simply has it all. Stray; you pretty much nailed my approach. It's about stretching myself and the VFR. I will admit that I am in my mid 60's still fit (decades of cycling) and have other bikes here in the stable (+2 other VFR's) that I could use instead of the Gen 5. But for some reason I want to give this one the nod and take on the challenge. Tires will be an important consideration as will be the fact that the VFR is +200lbs over the Aprilia. In everyday mode the VFR is purely recreational. I run dualsport machines for touring.

Just for fun I'm thinking of doing a trackday later this year on my Gen 5. The intent is learn more about handling this VFR which just can't be done on the street. It's been awhile since I did trackdays but did so on an Aprilia RS 250. Will be at either Gingerman or Grattan, both of which are in Michigan and I have ridden before. They are very different tracks. Grattan is my favorite. Will be running in the novice group. Other than the obvious like lighting, mirrors, coolant, and up to spec mechanical condition I am looking for any suggestions from those that have done trackdays on their VFR's. My VFR is currently wearing Conti Road Attack's (from PO) but will fit new tires prior to weekend....suggestions? And yes, I have searched YouTube for related uploads. It is certainly much heavier than my past Aprilia so it should be an educational experience. Thanks Steve

Thanks guys. Yes, the EBC's are available just about everywhere. I'll give them a try

Did a look through but did not see anything, yet New front pad time. Should I use the Honda OEM or............ Pretty much general usage