My VF500 project bike is done and now I am considering next steps. I love the VF500 now as I did when I had my first one over two decades ago. However, I would like something with more guts. I have been looking at a lot of options: 2009 GSXR750 new on sale now for $4000 off Aprillia Shiver (v-twin naked bike) Triumph Street Triple New VFR800 on sale now also around $4000 off ...and relevant to this forum: Keep my 500 and keep upgrading it 84/85 VF1000 - there are several available, one with only 12,000 miles. What are your thoughts on the 1000? Were the cam revisions of 84 completed by the time the 85 came out, or was this an ongoing problem? Is OEM parts availability a problem with the 1000 as it is with the 500? I am not going to be hitting a lot of twisty roads, so I could probably handle the heaviness. I would still like to hear from people about the 1000 handling though.
The new GSXR's are fun but wicked hand pain and leg cramps after just a hundred miles or so. Just waited two months to get a pick up coil for a Triumph, not fond of waiting for parts. I like the gen 6 but my opinion on that should be taken as biased, I own one. As far as the 1000's ,I have owned every year and like them but a land yacht at best and parts again.
Yes, I got turned off my idea of a 1000 when I did some searching and found that parts availability is no better then my 500. The parts issue is pretty depressing as I am sure most here agree. These are unique bikes and the idea of never getting closer to new parts then the least worn used parts you can find is not comforting. I am corresponding with someone parting out an 84 who has an engine in rebuild stage that has just been rebored, new Wiseko piston installed, main bearing and connecting rod bearings. I don't know where his heads are at, but if I can get my hands on that motor as a backup, I may be tempted to keep the 500. I keep coming back to the 6th gen VFR as the most reasonable choice for what I need and appropriate comfort. I find myself looking at sportbikes and then realize that I am not 20 anymore and comfort should be a more important consideration. If my wrist is a little achy on the VF500, how can I even consider the new sport bikes. The only 1999+ sportbike that I have sat on that was remotely comfortable are the 1999-2000 ZX9's.
