1st Gen Roll Call

yeah, i figured that out after i watched the walk around video just then!

do you have a build thread for the bike?

 

It's a LONG read.:biggrin:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/1st-2nd-generation-1983-1989/23087-vf1000r-rebuild.html

 

Thanks Matt. I did that back in 84/85. Since then I've put 56k on it from Key West to Montana all along the east coastal area to New England. So it has it's little dings and scratches. It's Imron paint and the stuff is fantastic. It will even close up on small scratches and make them disappear.

It runs and handles so good still, I just can't get rid of it. Here a shot with trip gear. The bag on top is camping gear. I don't always take that.

 

^ Nice photo Grey!

I've been thinking about what makes a 1st Gen a 1st Gen and at the top of the list I would have to say it is the 360 degree crank.

I guess in a way there are: 1s, 1.25s (i.e. '86 VF500F w/ align bored cams) and 1.5s (kRs w/ gear driven cams).

All share the 360 crank though, with tech advancements along the way.

Hopit's note about steel frames is also a good point. Along with this I believe 16" front rims and the TRAC anti-dive system are shared by all models of the 1st Gen Honda V4.

Oh, and great graphics too ;-)

 

1984 VF750F.

I am conflicted.

When I look at it, it's like, "AHHH! The bike of my youthful dreams!" When I start it up, it's like, "Man! This bike runs like new!" But when I ride it, it's like, "MAN! This bike rides like a machine designed and built in the last millenium!"

But then I think, "AHHH! The bike of my youthful dreams!"

I am conflicted. Like I said.

 

I know exactly what you mean.

I sold my old 1st gen to a buddy of mine and every now and again I ride it....and it just feels old and outdated. But I love looking at it.

 

A thought, 1st Gen owners looking to improve performance can install brake, suspension and wheel upgrades.

It takes time, know-how and funds but it can be done.

 

Very true.

Though I haven't ridden a 100% fully modded VF500. My old one has the F2 Rear Wheel/Shock, fresh rubber, rebuilt forks etc. It's no slouch.
Even still going from that to the 2nd gen was like suddenly being able to see clearly. (Not to mention how it felt getting on my 4th gen)

Not saying the 1st gens are junk. I'm just relating and agreeing with what the Alaskan said.

 

No argument Slowbird, in terms of larger displacement V4s the VFR750FR is one sweet bike. I'm glad you were able to add this to your stable and I am sure you are enjoying the h&** out of it.

Awhile back, Tink mentioned, in his poetic way, that fans of the 500 are 'slightly off center'.

When I read this it kind of stuck.

Working on 1st Gens isn't for everyone but as we are all fans of the V4 engine here, I think it's important not to forget that any bike can be modified and made better.

I think this is part of the joy of owning a bike, daydreaming about mods...it's a good thing.

 

Put me down as a lover of a timeless classic! A pic of one of the two i own...

[/IMG]

 

Still have my 1st ... sadly not running now, carbs or ignition out of whack ...

ACE

 

Yes, I am with you on this. I get on one of my older bikes and after a few days, you get used to the power and handling. You start pushing it and you feel so good on it, you think it can hang with any of the newer bikes. Then I go back to my 6th Gen and realize that I can ride it way faster with MUCH less effort. I still love my old bikes though and appreciate them for what they were. I still believe though that they have more capability than what most riders out there can handle - just a thought.

 

Oh, I am working on mine. The mods to bring it up to snuff aren't too complicated. So many resources on the net (thanks, Jamie D and others!).

One day I was riding my 1984. I parked it at home and a complete stranger pulled up in a pick-up truck. He introduced himself as a fan of the bike - he had seen me riding and followed me. He had owned one back in the day and just wanted a closer look.

That's cool, eh?

 

I understand what you are saying. The only bikes I owned that I could wring out were a Honda S90 and a Hodaka Super Rat!

Incidentally your VF1000R is special. It may have been designed in the dim-dark past, but it is a FANTASTIC motorcycle. My brother has one and I love riding it. It is heavy at rest, but it is a mover.

I like riding his Ducati 748, too . . .

 

That's so cool I've had complete strangers do the same thing it brings a sense of pride about the bike that its interacted with some many peoples life makes me some glad I own one!

 

I miss the random conversations that I'd get on my 1st and 2nd gens.

 

wrong thread, sorry.

 

Yes, the R is an awesome bike. I put a few hundred miles on mine this summer. It goes good, but it is heavy. My main complaint are the brakes. My bike is stock and it gets up to speed very quickly, but the brakes on this bike are inferior to anything else I've ever ridden. You've got to remember to brake early or you'll be in the weeds!

 

I agree.... the OEM VF1000R rotors and calipers just don't seem to be very powerful for this heavy bike. Are there any ways to upgrade the front brakes without doing the CBR wheel swap? I kinda want to keep the bike stock-looking with the Star of David Comstars, but the way those rotors mount is really different than most other modern bikes. Aren't there any aftermarket rotors? Couldn't find any in a Google search.

Maybe 4 piston calipers? Aren't the stockers 2 pistons per caliper? Better brake pads? I rebuilt the front master cyl and it's a little better, but still has a lot of free movement as you pull the lever before anything happens in terms of braking. I have SS lines and I've bled them 3 times to make sure there's no air in 'em.

Any recommendations?
BLIGHT