Just bought 84' vf1000f on sunday!

Hello everyone! On Sunday, I scored a VF1000f off of craigslist for $1700, and I've fallen in love. I've got a bunch of questions if anyone would be willing to help out.

#1. The gas tank needs to be lined because of pretty bad rust damage... I'm trying to decide between taking it to a radiator shop vs using Kreem to seal it. I've heard bad things about Kreem, and don't really trust it...But on the other hand the radiator shops wants near $200 for the job, but they also will pressure test it etc etc.

#2. Iridium IX. I've heard the positives everywhere, and did a quick search here which returned alot of praise. But on the flipside I've heard horror stories of the plug unable to foul causing severe engine damage in the long run. Anyone ever had ANY complains about these plugs?

#3. Cam wear. I've heard both sides of the story on this...that the Vf1000s and vf500s weren't victims of the early cam wear. Is this true...or should I save up and try and get an oil mod done?

#4. And last but not least, I have a vf500f with a kerker exhaust and love the sound. Is there any other slip ons for my 1000 that sound anywhere near as good(that aren't god-awfully expensive)?


Thank you all so very much.

 

Congratulations on your new bike steelgunna. I've only got opinions on #2 and #3. For #2, I would stick to the plugs that the service manual calls out. For #3, there is a ton of conflicting information about which engines are affected. From what I understand, it is the general design of the 1st Gen motor that caused the issue, but for some reason, the 700 and 750 bikes were most affected. Knowing this, and for peace of mind, I installed a top end oiling kit on my 500.

 

Welcome to the forum,
& hope you enjoy your new to you, find.
As for your tank, I say let the pro's do what they do, because if you don't keep the the fuel outlet clear, then you will probably spend more then 200.00 to fix it, & re-seal it.
I have personally sealed a couple automotive fuel tanks with POR-15 after an acid wash & rince. Not sure I would want to mess with a Bike tank, as you have to make sure to keep the outside pretty.

Goodluck, & Happy riding!

Paul

 

For the plugs, that's what I was thinking...usually stock is significantly cheaper, but I've never really owned any bikes made toward performance until this one... (Rebel 450, Shadow 500, XS400, XL1200 and Nighthawk 250).
I read a rather detailed article about someones v65 Sabre, and it's cam wear over the years... Without the oil mod, he noticed less cam wear after simple things/tricks...some of those I'm thinking about doing myself. More thorough warm-up, etc etc. In that article he said switching to synthetic oil made a big difference in longevity and reduced engine noise... But I've personally heard that older bikes don't like synthetic... But my knowledge is limited.

 

I agree. Money now vs money in the future is a big issue with me. Fortunately, I work at a Harley dealership and have people much more experienced than myself to help with generic issues like these... Most of them reccomend Kreem, but then again it's not like it's something I can undo if it goes bad...so I think I'll live with the JBweld job and the inline fuel filter until I can afford to get it professionally lined.

Her's a picture of her.

 

Welcome to the zoo lad, and congrats on your new ride. I read somewhere that the VF1000F had some sort of 'corrective action' in its manufacture that alleviated much of the cam problem. I've had multiple 1st gen V-4's, and my experience is definitely mixed. My '85 VF1100S (V65 Sabre) went 156K with no issues at all. I ran Golden Spectro synthetic blend for the last 110K, no oil mod. I had an '83 V45 Interceptor that was on its third set of cams when I bought it (65K on the clock).

If it were me, I'd pull the cam covers and check the valve clearances, and inspect the cams while you're in there. If they show no wear, then just keep those clearances right, run good oil (synth should be fine), and enjoy the ride.

 

I hope to get in there sometime, but I'm slightly intimidated by the v-4. I've worked on small inlines since I started learning 18 months ago, and even still don't have much experience... And after pulling the vf500f carbs and trying to re-attach them... Yeah. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." is kinda where I'm at now.

OH. Another thing. The bike has obviously been down before, and the upper fairing is split on the left side... along with various minor road rash... I'd like to do those some day, but I might be able to get my hands on the whole thing for cheap... Is it worth attempting to repair the split and road rash before I repaint, or should I just try and replace it?

 

Welcome and congrats on your new bike. Others have giving good advice on cams. If you're comfortable with body work then repair the upper yourself. As far as the tank goes, get some of this Caswell sealer. The best sealer by far I've used on a rusted tank. You don't need to use harsh chemicals to strip or etch the surface(that means no harm to the paint if you spill...and you will). Follow the instructions on the site. Once the sealer is in the tank rotate it around while it cures. Attach some air to the solid fuel line and alternate between ON and RESERVE on the petcock to keep the fuel passages clear. This stuff sets up rock hard and doesn't mind if there is surface rust still inside, in fact, it prefers it. Take the fuel level sensor out of the bottom so it doesn't get fouled up and tape the opening. It's really easy and won't fail like Kreeme , never use Kreeme!!!

Caswell Epoxy Gas Tank Sealer (Motorcycle Tanks - Up To 10 Gal) 1 Pint - Caswell Inc

It's also great for sealing pin holes in a gas tank without having to weld.

 

I put the top end oiling it on my 500, but honestly it was more of a "feel good" thing. This particular bike only had 600 miles on it when I did it. I've had other 500s with over 30K miles on them with no signs of wear. I know it has been questioned that maybe only certains bikes from certain production runs were affected.

As far as synthetic oil, I run a full synthetic in all 3 of my 1986 bikes. I have had no issues at all - no oil leaking through the gaskets, etc.

 

Hop! I just spent like 6 hours reading your rebuild thread and looking stuff up. lmao. I absolutely love it. I'm toying around with alot of ideas now after reading that. Really toying with the carbon fibre skinning idea.

And thank you all for the welcomes and everything!

 

I'm thinking about a synth blend. I've heard great things about it.

 

OK. I told you a half truth. Initially, I ran all of the '86 bikes on a semi-synthetic blend because of the same concerns you brought up. After a few years of having NO issues, I switched to a full synthetic. Again, it's now been a few years and still no issues. If you're still not comfortable, then I'd go the semi-synthetic route.

 

That's what I'm thinking. Couple techs seem to love the stuff at our shop... But then again those are different monsters.

 

I have no clue what was used in my bike, & with only 12+ on the clock, it doesn't matter, so I went with full synthetic cycle oil. If I can't afford 3 quarts & a filter, I need to start pedaling my mountain bike.

Sincerely,
Paul

 

Is it bad that I'm already looking for another one? I've got my eyes on a vf1000r in cosmetically mint condition. Starts and runs but needs a little work...but the guy wants 1000 for it.

 

uh.... this is a bad thing?.........most (if not all) the folks here could have 2 or more VFR's they would. congrats on your find you need to post more pictures.. one jsut doesn't cut it.....

 

Agreed. I totally agree. Money is tight, but I don't see much of a loss on a sought after bike that's running for 1k.... I'm terribly excited.

 

NEVER ever ever ever ever ever use Kreem..Kreem = Krap...Congrats on scoring a sweet bike.

 

If the R is truly in cosmetically mint condition, then you could let the seller keep the motor and the bike would still be worth far more than $1K. What are the details? Year, miles, exact symptoms, photos? I'd be all over this one!

 

+1 ... I've currently got 4 VFRs and would be looking for more, but I am truly out of space. Between street and dirt, I've now got 9 bikes. I guess you could call it an addiction.