86 VF1000R - time to start the update

I've got the 86 running and feel good about it, so now the real works starts.

I hope a few patient and helpful folks here can help me out a bit and I can learn from their experience!

My goal is right along the lines of what has been done by others here - The Mutant and of course Hopit88's bike.. both are just stunning IMO.
I've got basic fab and machining skills, not enough to do it all on my own (at least not today), but fortunately I know plenty of people that do have them and I have access to a machine / fab shop.

First things will be rear suspension. Single sided for sure.

I gather that the best starting point is the Gen 3/4 VFR750 swingarms due to the swingarm width and wheel size. What is the best starting point for the shock? Reworked VFR shock, or should I be looking elsewhere?

Front suspension will be next. RC51 would be preferred, but I know they are getting tougher to find. Has anyone ever adapted a Gixxer or big ninja front end?

Thanks in advance!

 

You gotta cough up a pic big fella.

 

Well, its not much to look at so far

But here it is:



I found it locally through a Facebook classified ad and I picked it up for $850. Its complete, but rough. It last ran about 3 years ago.

It spent the last year or so outside.. grrr.



So its dirty and nasty, but with a little work I have it running well.

 

That is in much better shape than I was thinking. keep us posted.

 

Wow great project, good luck. Keep us in the loop

 

I would love to start with that. Looking forward to following progress.

Mike.

 

As the others have said keep us posted! I would do whatever is necessary to keep/ restore those Yoshi' cans. They are hard to come by these days.