QuestionHi-I have a 1984 Honda magna VF700. Could you tell me what the top speed is? I rebuilt the carbs. and adjusted them. The bike runs/rides nice, but top end speed is only 80 MPH. My dad had a 1983 Honda shadow 750 that would go well over 100 MPH. It just seems like it should enough power to go faster than this. Am I overlooking something?
AnswerCary, a good 250 Rebel will go about 80 mph, so something is amiss. A VF700C should go about 115-120, maybe more.
Did you use an aftermarket kit to do the carbs? Hopefully, the calibration of the kit is correct for your application.
I believe the rear mains are leaner than the front ones, but that shouldn't affect it that much.
Can we assume that the bike was faster than that before the carb overhaul? Have you checked the compression and adjusted the valves? Cam timing okay? Also be aware that the spark modules can fail and/or coils go south on these bikes.
http://users.rcn.com/kochc/moto/spark/ig_repair.html
Check spark plug cap resistance and be sure all the wires are in tight for the coil leads.
If all the basics are good, I would look into the fuel system.. fuel filter, petcock flow and fuel pump output.
Be sure the air filters are clean and there is no air flow restriction into the intake tract.
BTW... the 700s had 85mph speedometers, part of a government regulation, but they are not restricted or regulated to any speed.
Bill Silver
