1987 Honda VF700C Magna Shop Manual

The 1987 Honda VF700C Magna is a V4-powered cruiser motorcycle featuring liquid cooling, shaft drive, and a 700cc engine. This comprehensive shop manual covers all aspects of maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting for the VF700C Magna, including engine service, transmission, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, and routine maintenance procedures.

1. General Information 2. Specifications 3. Periodic Maintenance 4. Engine 5. Cooling System 6. Fuel System 7. Electrical System 8. Transmission 9. Brakes 10. Suspension 11. Troubleshooting

General Information

This manual provides detailed instructions for proper maintenance and repair of the 1987 Honda VF700C Magna. Always follow safety precautions and use proper tools.

Component	Description
Engine Type	Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 90° V4
Displacement	700cc
Bore x Stroke	70.0 x 45.4mm
Compression Ratio	10.5:1
Fuel System	Four 34mm constant velocity carburetors
Ignition System	Transistorized electronic ignition
Transmission	6-speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Shaft drive
Front Suspension	Air-assisted telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	Dual shocks with adjustable preload

Specifications

Overall Length: 2,270mm (89.4 inches)
Overall Width: 800mm (31.5 inches)
Overall Height: 1,140mm (44.9 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,580mm (62.2 inches)
Seat Height: 760mm (29.9 inches)
Ground Clearance: 140mm (5.5 inches)
Curb Weight: 238kg (525 lbs)
Fuel Capacity: 13.5 liters (3.6 US gallons)
Oil Capacity: 3.2 liters (3.4 US quarts)
Front Tire: 100/90-19
Rear Tire: 130/90-16

Periodic Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Oil Change: Every 4,000 miles or 6 months
Oil Filter: Replace with every oil change
Air Filter: Clean every 8,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark Plugs: Replace every 8,000 miles
Valve Clearance: Check every 16,000 miles
Coolant: Replace every 2 years
Brake Fluid: Replace every 2 years
Drive Shaft Oil: Change every 16,000 miles

WARNING! Always use Honda Genuine parts and fluids for optimal performance.

Engine

The V4 engine requires careful attention to timing and valve adjustments.

Cylinder Head Removal: Drain coolant, remove exhaust, disconnect cables
Valve Adjustment: Set clearance to 0.12mm (0.005 in) intake, 0.17mm (0.007 in) exhaust
Camshaft Service: Check for wear on lobes and journals
Piston Service: Measure ring end gap and piston clearance
Crankshaft: Check runout and bearing clearance
Clutch: Adjust free play at lever to 10-20mm

CAUTION! Engine must be cold before disassembly to prevent warping.

Cooling System

Liquid cooling system maintenance prevents overheating.

Drain coolant by opening drain bolt on water pump
Flush system with clean water until clear
Refill with Honda Pro Coolant or equivalent
Bleed air from system by running engine with radiator cap off
Check thermostat operation: opens at 80-84°C (176-183°F)
Inspect water pump for leaks and bearing play

Tip: Always use distilled water when mixing coolant.

Fuel System

Four-carburetor setup requires synchronized adjustment.

Remove carburetors as an assembly
Clean jets and passages with carburetor cleaner
Set float height to 12.5mm (0.49 in)
Synchronize carburetors using vacuum gauges
Adjust idle speed to 1,000 ± 100 rpm
Check fuel lines and replace if cracked

WARNING! Gasoline is highly flammable - work in well-ventilated area.

Electrical System

Complete electrical system diagnostics and repair procedures.

Component	Specification
Battery	12V 14Ah
Charging System	Three-phase alternator
Output	280W at 5,000 rpm
Starter	DC electric motor
Spark Plug	NGK DPR8EA-9 or equivalent
Gap	0.8-0.9mm (0.031-0.035 in)
Fuses	Main 30A, Headlight 15A, Signal 10A

Transmission

6-speed transmission and shaft drive maintenance.

Check transmission oil level regularly
Drain and refill every 8,000 miles
Inspect shift forks for wear
Check drive shaft universal joint for play
Lubricate drive splines with molybdenum grease
Adjust shift linkage if shifting is stiff

CAUTION! Never run transmission with low oil level.

Brakes

Dual disc front and single disc rear brake systems.

Front Brakes: Dual piston calipers, 276mm discs
Rear Brake: Single piston caliper, 296mm disc
Check pad thickness - replace if less than 1mm
Bleed brakes using fresh DOT 4 fluid
Inspect brake lines for cracks or swelling
Adjust rear brake pedal height and free play

WARNING! Test brakes at low speed after service.

Suspension

Front fork and rear shock adjustment procedures.

Front Fork: Air pressure 0-28 psi, oil capacity 486ml per leg
Rear Shocks: Five-position spring preload adjustment
Check fork seals for leaks
Inspect bushings and bearings for wear
Replace fork oil every 16,000 miles
Check swingarm pivot bearings for play

Tip: Use suspension oil weight recommended for riding style.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard starting	Weak battery, dirty carbs	Charge battery, clean carburetors, check choke operation
Overheating	Low coolant, stuck thermostat	Check coolant level, test thermostat, flush system
Poor idle	Carb sync, vacuum leaks	Synchronize carburetors, check intake boots
Electrical issues	Bad connections, failed components	Check grounds, test stator output, inspect wiring
Transmission noise	Low oil, worn gears	Check oil level, inspect transmission components
Brake fade	Contaminated pads, old fluid	Replace pads, flush brake fluid, clean discs

Technical Support: Contact Honda Customer Service for genuine parts and technical assistance.