1986 VF1000R Restoration Completed

Yes, like I said, this was the easiest one of the three to restore. However, it was definitely more than just a clean up. To me, restoration simply means that you are bringing something back to "like new" condition - regardless of what you started with. That is no easy task for a 25 year old bike. My 500 was a mess when I started and it took twice as much effort. That's why for the 1000R, I was very choosy in the condition it had to be in before I bought it. It took me 6 years and I came close to buying 2 or 3 but eventually passed on them because they weren't in the shape I wanted or were missing hard to find things like the stock exhaust. I definitely raised the bare minimum requirements as I went along and that means that you have to be patient. In this case, it paid off.

While working on this bike, I kept thinking that I can't wait to take it out again, but now I thinking too much about what if ........ I'll have to see if I can get over it.

 

I don't think you are batty at all.

I am sure you have had many a good day working on and thinking about the restoration. It is part of the fun of owning a vintage bike.

I do think a warm summer evening ride on your 'new' kR is going to be joy on two wheels.

My compliments again. Well done Stewart!

 

I loved the plate! I've heard rumors that Indiana is going to start offering vanity plates to m/c's, but it hasn't happened yet.

 

hoosher's with vanity plates? you better grab yee ha first before another redneck does....:joker:

 

WATCHOUT!!!! You have two bikes parked right next to the hot water heater.
There are gasoline fumes coming form vents on the charcoal filters.

 

if it was a smaller enclosed space I think he would have to worry about an explosion... I would hazard a guess that the garage door is just a few feet away, and like most garage doors doesn't seal up to an "airtight" seal.....therefore allowing the air to exchange and keep the gas vapor buildup to a minimum...

 

And to top it off, the owner lives in New York, which means it's pretty unlikely that it's a CA model. That means - no charcoal canisters. Gas fumes can originate from other sources on the bike too but I've never heard of those causing any problems. Probably a time for a "better safe than sorry" reminder though!

 

I agree
The float bowls vent to atmosphere.
I would move it away from that central heater/water tank area.

 

plus the sealed burners of the furnace and water heater.

Nice collection.

 

I didn't realize that other states did not have the custom plates. I've got one for each bike. They charge you a little extra, but I think it is a nice touch - especially on the older bikes.

 

Actually, these bikes are bone dry. The tanks and carbs have been completely drained. I always do that before bringing them indoors. This is my basement which is a walk-out and comes in real handy as the temperature is between 65 and 70 degrees year round. Jamie is correct as all are non-CA models.

 

I now have something to aspire to when my KR arrives in a week.

After a ride - or three - of course.

Beautiful job on the VF1000R, and a really nice collection lad.

 

It's always great to see a new R owner. What are the details? Year, miles, condition, plans, etc.

 

It's an '86 with ~28K showing; but it had essentially a mechanical restoration less than a thousand miles ago. New gaskets, seals, valve job, hoses, tires, brakes, chain & sprockets. Cosmetically it needs a bit of tlc; but everything is there and (according to the seller) it runs very well. From pics it's about what I would expect from a 25 year old bike - a little rough around the edges.

Plans are to ride it - do a little cosmetic work (perhaps panel replacement; but I won't know until I have it in about a week) - then ride it some more. I had V-4's for more than fifteen years, then had to downsize last year and sold two V65's (Magna and Sabre) and a V45 Interceptor (2nd owner, with a DRP stage 2 I installed).

My whole body was gettin' itchy without a Honda V-4 in the stable. :crazy:

 

Fantastic job! I plan to do something similar for my newly-acquired 500. Mine's going to need a lot of paint, though.

You can definitely get vanity tags for motorcycles here in Kentucky, since my 500 is Mustang Yellow at the moment my good-natured husband has double-dog dared me and paid for the extra cost of a vanity plate: BNANA. I always figured Kentucky was behind the times all the time, didn't realize Indiana *wouldn't* have custom tags.

 

Your R and the rest of the stable is just gorgeous. I spent 2 years on mine and it wasn't half as nice. Great work. :thumb:

 

I've got custom plates on all 4 of my bikes. I think it is a great way to personalize your bike, but it sucks when you get the yearly registration and plate fee!

 

Thanks capn. I've been working on these bikes for a while. I started the 750 in 2002, the 500 in 2004 and the 1000 in 2008. I finally finished this past December after 8 years and thought that I'd be glad to be done. Now, I'm getting a little itchy and looking for something else. I would love to pick up a 1993 CBR900RR. I'm thinking that would be the next bike I'd like to have. I'm running out of room though ...................

 

I like the idea of a custom plate, but ultimately I'm perfectly happy with a regular one. This BNANA one is less of a statement than it is a Cone of Shame:



(I'm already getting quotes for OEM repaint and decal work for this winter.... maybe 'VF500' will be my next plate renewal. )

 

Man, you did a great job. I have a CBR954 with more money in it than it's worth. I ride the thing. Took it on my honeymoon last year.

Anyways, if you are interested in a CBR 900, head on over to Fireblades.org It is the place to go for CBR knowledge in my book. The members over there really helped me out with my 954 issues.