VF1000R cam interchangability between years?

Hey, gang. I'm currently working on a 1986 VF1000R which needs some cam work done and I'm curious about either repair or replacement of this cam with one in better shape. My preference is repair, but if it comes to replacement of the cam can they be interchanged with different years of the same engine? I'm currently seeing a few cams listed on ebaymotors from a 1985 model, so if they prove to be in decent shape could they be a drop fit for my bike?

 

Do a shout out for Jamie D He can answer this He is an Expert!!

 

Both 1985 and 1986 parts are identical.

Battle Creek huh? I was just through there on Monday!

 

Are both intakes and both exhausts identical as well? I assume they are. But could I stick a front cylinder intake cam in a rear cylinder intake cam's place?

 

I am not a kR expert by any means but you can always check the part numbers online - Service Honda as a good website:

Parts Lookup with Accessory Lookup, ATVs, Motorcycles and More - ServiceHonda.com



02 CAMSHAFT, FR. IN.
14110-MJ4-701 (replaces 14110-MJ4-700) 001 DISCONTINUED
02 CAMSHAFT, FR. IN.
14110-MJ4-701 001 DISCONTINUED
03 CAMSHAFT, RR. IN.
14120-MJ4-701 (replaces 14120-MJ4-700) 001 DISCONTINUED
03 CAMSHAFT, RR. IN.
14120-MJ4-701 001 DISCONTINUED
04 CAMSHAFT, FR. EX.
14130-MJ4-701 (replaces 14130-MJ4-700) 001 DISCONTINUED
04 CAMSHAFT, FR. EX.
14130-MJ4-701 001 DISCONTINUED
05 CAMSHAFT, RR. EX.
14140-MJ4-701 (replaces 14140-MJ4-700) 001 DISCONTINUED
05 CAMSHAFT, RR. EX.
14140-MJ4-701 001 DISCONTINUED

 

Well, that looks like a "no".

 

Front and rears are different. It is cast into the cam if they are front or rear.

 

No, they are not the same. I think it's possible to swap fron-rear, but in the least the timing marks would not line up. It's probably best to find the correct parts.

 

I'm apt to agree, Jamie. Does anyone know of a shop that will repair my cam and regrind the lobe to the original spec? Megacycle was recommended to me but they only list their own contours as available.

 

Colt Cams or Shadbolt Cams are both great choices for that kind of work. They each have several grinds to choose from and do excellent work.

 

Thanks, Jamie. I've got emails out to both of them now. At this point I'd just like to have everything put back to stock, but would there be much performance increase by getting a mildly hotter cam profile? Would it have any effect on setting valve clearances?