whats the difference?

[reddevilmedic]

so what are the differences between the 83, which i have, and an 85vr? i found a bike locally, running, but always could use some parts. besides, my 2nd gear just went. will it work?

[Venturous Randy]

so what are the differences between the 83, which i have, and an 85vr? i found a bike locally, running, but always could use some parts. besides, my 2nd gear just went. will it work?

 

There are some differences, such as the TCI and where the vacuum line comes off the carbs. The trunk is larger like the 86 up and if the serial number is above 1417 or somewhere in that range, the second gear problem is upgraded and fixed. I am sure there also may be some wiring differences too.

RandyA

[mbrood]

There is also the infamous cracked frame problem that showed up on some 83 and 84s.

 

Another tidbit, the gear selector shows gear selected, not just neutral.

[Yammer Dan]

Almost all the parts will interchange. Trunk is bigger on 85. As said hookup for boost sensor is different I think. It is the last of the 1200 engines.

[friesman]

the 85 has cruise and the choke lever ran horizontally , I think the 83s were with out cruise and the choke lever ran vertically. Also the helmet locks are under the trunk on my 85, but I dont like that it uses the same lock to lock the trunk in place as what you lock your helmet to, I am always afraid i will forget to double check that the trunk is locked down when I get the helmets off.

 

Brian

[greg_in_london]

some differences depended on model and market.

 

My '83 has cruise control. It doesn't work, but it's there...

[Condor]

The '85 is a work in progress. It's sorta the beta model for the MKII's and falls about half way between the '83-'84's and the '86-'93's.

[Lil Venturous]

Did the 85 have the later headlight?

[bongobobny]

No.