Got a VF1000R? Feedback needed.

I'd love to get some feedback on the VF1000R. I have a friend (currently has an 04 VFR800) who's looking at buying a used 1984 VF1000R, and had some questions about the handling/braking, etc. We both know not to expect the best, but thought it would be smart to ask guys who own/ride them.

 

Well, first off the VF1000R was only sold in the USA as a '85 or '86. Other countries got it in '84. The easiest difference between the two (visually) was the '86 has dual headlights and a gold colored upper triple. There are other differences also but I'm not 100% sure on those. In regards to handling and braking, well it's a heavy (600+lb) bike that is now about 27 years old so not so good in either respect. My '85 VFKR has a Penske rear shock, rebuilt forks, CBR 900RR rear wheel and F2 front wheel (180 and 120 Pilot Powers) and it is no super sport for sure. If you could imagine a smooth riding RWB tank I think that'll sum up it's handling and braking. Now the sounds the engine makes that's worth the price of admission!

If your thinking about the '84 VFKR on ebay it looks clean but there are a lot of questions (I asked the seller already with no response) in regards to the exhaust, year and some other stuff. Looks nice though

 

Thanks for the info. I'll push it over to my friend. We both kinda guessed it would be heavy and sorta ill-handling.

 

I have an '86 R that is completely stock. It has an awesome motor that has the gear driven cams and sounds absolutely awesome as well. The bike is a piece of history and if you want to ride it at speed, then you need to remember that it is just that - a piece of history. I also have a 6th Gen and I am currently riding them back-to-back. The 6th Gen is at least two times better in handling, suspension and braking. The R has more physical HP, but the 6th Gen will take it because it can get it's power down to the ground much quicker. The older bikes tend to "clunk" through the gears. If your friend is looking to buy an R for what it is, then go for it. If he's looking to get one thinking that he will run with the modern day bikes, then he will be thoroughly disappointed. With that said, I love my R!

 

Vf1000r

I've owned my 1000R for about twenty years,and still love it.It is old and handles like an old bike but still can mix it with most but it is hard work, i have modified my 1000R over the years, 17 inch wheels with modern rubber have made the most difference as with cams, cam timing, porting, fork springs and shock, exhaust etc...It is a beautiful old bike....