Hello, from Kentucky.

Hi guys and gals.

I registered on the forum a week or two ago. I've made a few posts, but no formal introduction.

I just recently bought my first VF, an 86' VF1000R. Some of you are familiar with my bike. I bought it from Kaplan in Rockville, Conn. I paid $6,950. I don't think that I over paid, but you guys and gals are better informed than I am about these bikes and you may have other thoughts.

Before I bought it I knew the bike wasn't what they were saying it was. They represented it as a one owner, well it isn't, but that's ok and not a deal breaker. They have been great to deal with so far, no complaints, yet.

I do think it is mechanically sound and runs great with tons of power. I cannot find any deficiencies with the bike other than the paint isn't correct; I knew the paint wasn't correct before I bought it. I can live with that and plan on repainting it this winter. Even the rear shock still holds air without a leak.

I've flushed the rear brakes. I plan to change all of the fluids and filters. And speaking of fluids, is 50/50 distilled water and white vinegar best to flush the coolant system?

I've managed to put 199 miles on it during these cold KY fall days.

Thanks for taking time out of your day to read my post. Be safe.

Gil

 

Welcome to the VFRWORLD membership Gil.

I think that I speak for a majority of the group here when I say "you need to post up at least one photo of your recent purchase".



Wel, maybe not compleatly worthless, but you get the idea.

 

Thanks for the welcome RllwJoe. This was taken the night it was delivered. Not a posed photo, just a snapshot.

 

Welcome, good looking bike

 

A few of us are familiar with that particular bike. While it has some non-original errors as you noted, it is a solid, good looking example and seems mechanically sorted.

Nice puchase. Congratulations and welcome.

Btw, I own three plus a 1000F, so Im definitely a fan.

 

Is that one extra horse power in the background?

 

My wife got a good laugh from that one. She says, "Good eye my man, good eye."

Yeah, it's a landscape horse.


We just built this house and though we moved in during March 2025, we still don't have everything sorted and put away and such. That's why that wall in the garage is in a little bit of disarray. But it's coming along as time allows. But what better way to fill it than with a VF?

 

Three? Oh man. That must be heaven. I'm 60yrs old and these bikes were in showrooms right after I graduated high school. I couldn't afford one then. I've wanted one since then. I remember being in the local dealer here in Richmond and slobbering all over the new VF1000R, V65 Magna, Shadows, etc. I was like a kid in a candy store with no money. During middle school my fantasy was a Suzuki DR125, at the same dealer, now defunct Earl's Suzuki.

I wasn't actively looking for this bike when I found it, but when I saw it that desire resurfaced and I thought I may not find another anytime soon, so I bought it.

We are now actively looking for an RC30 for the wife. I know, it's a long shot, but sometimes long shots come in.

Gil

 

I can confidently say that is the first time I have read that sentence.

Iconic Motorbikes have a few listed I believe.

 

I know. She loves the look of it, but I'm guessing that she won't like riding it, but I could be wrong.

 

They are cool as shit and amazing. They are not great street bikes.

 

I just reread my post, and I stated "We are looking for an RC30." I meant to say NC30, VFR400R. Yeah, there's a significant difference there. Sorry for the typo.

Gil

 

Some great riding out in Eastern KY abouts Daniel Boone forest and Red River Gorge area. Somewhat baffling I never really hear it mentioned when people discuss East Coast rides. It's usually NC, the Smokies, TN and the dragon etc.

Earlier in the year I got to do a ride starting out of Big Stone Gap, VA. Entered KY heading over 160 past Black Mountain. From there made my way to the "Hillbilly Triangle" loop and then through Red River Gorge. The random GPS route from the stateline to get to Beattyville to start the loop was great on its own.

 

160 past black mountain (highest point in KY) was cool. Someone was trying to do a "Dragon" type tourist thing. I remember a sunbleached sign on approach depicting sports cars and motorcycles with "The Dragonslayer". Yes it's a curvy mountain pass but nothing really crazy, views are nice though. US Route 421, Deals Gap, VA16, heck even US 33 over stateline into WV is probably more of a sportbike thing. It's probably a good 100 mile trek from the Triangle thing, so I'm not sure I could say it's worth it unless you plan on keep going south. Folks heading up north to the triangle should definitely check it out though.



While you're in "Triangle" area, definitely hit up Red River gorge. You won't be ripping through there, probably the most tourist heavy spot in the state. But check out the Nada Tunnel and the walk from parking to Sky Bridge Arch isn't far.

 

I don't live far from the"Hillbilly Triangle" loop, and have never heard of it. I've lived here nearly my entire life. I have driven from Irvine to Beattyville, it's a nice drive, but never on a bike. I will definitely revisit those roads and areas this spring. Thanks for the education.

 

This sounds like the beginnings of a Mideast group ride.

Iv'e never been on any of those routes, and my intrest is piqued!

 

My little maps don't even begin to scratch the amount of riding in that area of the country. Draw a box using I-81, I-75, I-64, and I-77 as the sides. Zoom in and look at all highways, states routes, county roads. See how everything is squiggly? You can make an endless amount of routes.

 

This is true. I'm 60yrs old and have lived here since I was 4yrs old, except for time in the Army. I've never heard of the Hillbilly Triangle, though I have driven those roads many time over the years, though not on a motorcycle. When I was right out of high school a friend and I had motorcycles and rode all over central KY, lots of winding roads for sure.