Vf 1000 F

Hi everyone, this is my first post on this board. From everything I have read so far, you are all very helpful with these bikes, I'm glad I found this place.

I have been riding a Suzuki GS 700 E (my first street bike) for several months now, but I came across a $750 VF 1000F. It has a salvage title, but I couldn't pass it up and there are only a couple things wrong with it. I feel it is time to upgrade, and if I like this bike better than the GS, I'll keep it and sell the 'zook.

The left upper fairing is scraped up, some light damage to the front left part of the tank, a broken front brake lever, and two bad turn signals. This morning, however, I discovered the biggest problem. It has bent forks. They are bent just below the lower triple clamp. I was taking them off in order to have the seals replaced.

My big questions are: 1.) Where would be the best place to find a set of used forks (I am prepared to have them rebuilt, that's not a problem) and 2.) What can I do about the rear shock? It has no damping left aside from extremely slow rebound. I filled it with the maximum allowable air load, and it still feels blown out and slow to rebound. I am not opposed to doing a swap if a simple one is available. 3.) Where can I find inexpensive replacement turn signals? I always thought EMGO had them, but I can't seem to find any decent signals from a reputable seller.

The good news is, this machine seems to run perfectly. I can't wait to get the suspension rebuilt so I can decide if it is worth it to keep it over my Suzuki.

Sorry about the novel, but I wanted to explain the situation.

Thanks!
Ben

 

Welcome to the forum!

eBay is going to be your friend. It's nice to toss out WTB requests but often it's easier to watch eBay until a set shows up. That said, I've got a nice set that has the damping rods drilled for RaceTech Gold Valve Emulators that I'd be willing to sell. PM me if you are interested.

Check out my site for details:

Daugherty Motorsports - Motorcycle Suspension Performance and Modification

Check out Parts Unlimited, you should be able to find these without too much trouble as they are common parts across many Honda models.

I'm sure that you'll find the big VF an enjoyable bike to ride!

 

sweet score!!!! post some pictures up lets see your ole girl:thumbsup:

 

Thank you both for the welcome. I will get pics up soon, it really doesn't look all that bad!

@Jamie- From what I understand, your forks are set up to eliminate the cross-over air setup, correct? I am new to the emulator/ damping rod discussion. I have however seen the sweet restoration thread on here for a vf 750, and I remember the thread author spoke of the emulators and welded over the holes for the crossover apparatus.
What parts aside from the emulators are required for them? If you'd rather answer in a PM, that's fine.

Thank you for the link to your site, once I sort out the front end I'll be looking to work with the rear end. Also, I shouldn't have opened my mouth on the turn signals, PU, duh. Should have checked there first. :frusty:

 

1984 VF 1000 F - VFRworld Photo Gallery

This should take you to the picture, there is one of each side. I'll have to figure out how to get pics to show up in the thread.

 

Welcome Bunyan! Here are your pics!

 

Sweet! Thank you very much. :thumbsup:

 

No, it really doesn't have anything to do with the air crossover. Check on RaceTech's website (Race Tech Suspension) and you should find a lot of good info about the emulators. Basically they convert the forks from the the crappy damping rod technology into cartridge style forks. It's a heart-and-soul transformation that really makes a big difference.

The air crossover thing is because it's best to not run any air pressure in the forks. I know, there is a valve on them to pump them up, but don't use it. I weld the holes shut in the fork tubes and get rid of the crossover. It's just another piece of the big picture on the forks.

 

good find! i cant believe you found some poor sucker to sell you a vf1000r for only $750... you are one lucky sob lol. ive heard that these bikes are pretty hard to come by, and one that runs good at that! dont worry about the forks and rear shock, even if they were operational i would have still trashed them as they were coming off a 20 plus year bike. im sure you'll find some great upgrades for her. good luck, i cant wait to see how this comes out!:thumbsup:

 

There were a set of 1000R forks on ebay a few days ago and I just won a swingarm with a stock shock that I won't be needing. I'll see what shape it's in when it arrives.

 

Cool, it's nice to know I have options.

Do the 1000 R parts interchange with the 1000 F parts? I assume only certain ones do, is there a list of which ones are the double-dippers?

 

Forks (but I don't think the triples), swingarm, wheels, brakes (rear rotor and caliper are model specific, but can be swapped as sets) possibly the exhaust, that's about it. Some other parts can be made to fit, just depends on how far you want to go with it.

 

Exhaust won't swap. The 1000R front end will swap right in to the F triples, I did it with the R brake calipers and R wheel along with the R forks. You'll find R parts on eBay long before you find decent F parts.

You can search on eBay also for Works shocks, they make a replacement that mounts right up.

Standard, run of the mill Honda turn signals (or aftermarkets) like from a cbr600rr will bolt right up and look very similar to the originals.

Good looking bike there. :thumbsup:

 

Most of the parts interchange between the two. They are 90%+ the exact same bike. While the parts are exactly the same, they still interchange.

 

Thanks for all of the info, it will be valuable to me as I work on this bike, and especially if I choose to keep it over my little 'zook.


-While we're on the parts topic, what kind of exhaust could I look for? I know finding a new system would probably be a fat chance, but who made exhausts for this bike, and were they any good? Eventually a nice sounding aftermarket exhaust may be on my list...but I do like how quiet this thing is compared to the Suzuki with it's V&H 4 into 1.

 

I just saw a set of 1000F forks on the SFBay Craigslist, $100. 1984 VF1000F Interceptor forks with triples HTH

 

Thanks for the heads up , capn. I think Jamie and I are working on a deal... :thumb:

 

Just checking to see if you got your shock issues taken care of. I just got my R swingarm and shock and the shock looks pretty good. It even has some air pressure in it after sitting for who knows how long! If you need it, you can have it for the cost of shipping.

 

Well, I'm actually in the barn right now working on the forks Jamie sent me. I hope to have them installed tonight.

The rear shock on my bike only holds air for a couple days, I'll keep you in mind if I decide to go with another rear shock. I was originally thinking about doing a conversion shock, but I'm not sure what route I'll take just yet.

Thanks for the offer, i really appreciate it and I'll definitely think about it.

BTW, what do you think of those clip-ons you have? I was thinking it would make for a better riding position. I have long arms and I think they would be just right for me, but then again I've never ridden a bike with such an "attack" position.

Ben

 

Rear Shock

Hi Jamie, since I happen to find this post I hope you see it. The question I have is do you have a shock in stock for my 1984 /vf1000 f if so please e- me and we can discuss costs. Thanks Mike R..:thumbsup