VF1000r project

Greetings all, my name is Nate, owner and operator of 2Topia Cycles in Charlotte, NC....We recently acquired a 1986 VF1000R and instead of parting it out or cutting it up into oblivion, we have decided to make it our next project bike. After reading numerous posts of other beautiful VF1000R projects it was obvious there were some very talented people in these circles. When a colleague sent me a picture of what I believe is referred to as the mutant, I was blown away! You guys and gals really know your bikes and have a great eye for modification. On that note, it has been decided that we do not want to do so much cutting that the faithful will revolt and ascend upon my shop with torches and pitchforks, or copy and idea that has already been masterfully done. So I have decided to build what in my mind the bike would have looked like if it was on a WSBK circuit today, but utilizing the factory locations and most of the components (sorry yall but that rear shock is gotta go). We will be trying to source a few parts and may ask some questions, but I also would like your input, good or bad, and if you would like to see it built on this thread. We are very excited about the build and hope to do you all proud! Happy riding!

 

:welcome:
Hope you enjoy your Tyme here!

So post up acouple pics of what your starting with.
We enjoy build threads, as I am sure you either know or will shortly find out!

 

ask and you receive....strippin it on down....

 

Looks like a lot of fun to me. I have never owned one of the 1000s but sure have admired them. Just curious where will you plan to get your parts? E-bay or?

 

op2: Plenty of people will want to follow this build. I'll certainly enjoy it.

 

Many parts we will fabricate, such as exhaust, cooling system, wiring harness...for example. All the other parts we pretty useable on the bike. We will be selling many of the oe parts to help finance the build. Not many engine mods are planned other than a top end rebuild, oil flow modification, oil cooler, and tuning for the higher flow exhaust as this thing was a beast from the factory. Most of the time will be spent lightening, upgrading the factory forks, and brakes.

 

I vote for 1987/1988 Rothmans NSR-500 color scheme!

 

I admittedly had to look that paint scheme up (sorry all, we mostly do European, Im learning VF as I go!)..looks cool though. I already had the paint and body guy locate the correct codes for the factory colors...but hey...what does everyone think? More pics of todays progress..

 

Note: The Euro only VF1000FF used an oil cooler. It had a special oil pump with pressure connections out to the cooler that would be helpful. Otherwise you'll need a plate for the cooler conections.

Larry

 

Good info! Thanks!

 

:welcome: to the nuts house, we do have a lot of talent peeps here .

I am in for the built.............op2:
Keep the pictures and story coming.

 

Yea, what he said. Only with better grammar and spelling. :biggrin:

 

Alrighty, I now have the engine down to the case. Found a small amount of metal whilst sifting the drained oil. Decided to take it on down. The intake cam journals on the cam caps have some deep scoring most notably where the oil feed line enters. I can only assume that the common dirty inadequate oil problem I have read of has struck again. Luckily it appears to be isolated to the softer cam caps rather than the cylinder head side. I will still move on and split the case to take measurements of the rotating assembly to verify that the cam caps were the only issue. Otherwise the top end looks quite nice. I have not measured cam lobe height yet, but they appear normal and not too discolored or galled. While the case is split I will strip and re powder coat (if it is usable of coarse) and might even change some colors on some of the covers to spice it up. Nothing outlandish. I have never been in a VF before (spend most of my time in Triumphs and Ducs) but I am quite impressed with its cooky engineering. I love the gear drive! The unit looks like something from one of Dr Seuss' machines! Plus four valve pent roof heads, waay ahead of its time! I think I am going to lightly massage the heads for just a bit more flow..nothing funky to make it un-streetable, just clean up some slag. I am also going to have our electronic ignition manufacturer see if he can make us a more advanced, lighter, adjustable unit to dail in timing a bit better. The TEC unit looks very heavy to spin. Would you guys be interested if we could get something made? Anyway thanks again for all the kind words of support and guidance! Later this week, case splitting and measuring...fun fun!

 

I would definantly be interested in the ignition. And an exhaust as well. Was goin to build 2. 2 into 1s. 1 for each side and toss a really nice deep throaty set of slip ons on there from my tl1000r if u can build a descent exhaust setup i would def pay for that x 2 as i have 2 of these beasts

 

Very good! My plan is an under tail exhaust that exits with 2 carbon cans out the holes where the dual tail light was (ifn anyone needs a nice vf1000r tail light let me know) . We are currently developing some exhausts for 2v Ducs, but we might be able to work these in as well. I am sending the TEC ignition unit and trigger wheel/starter clutch out to ol Deutschland for our ignition guy to see what he can come up with...I will keep you all informed..it will most likely be like the other units available on our website and ebay store (shameless plug). 9 different select-able ignition curves, 2 rev limiters, and more accurate and light hall sensors.

 

You mean like this...something I did back in '89, years before the 916 and eventually many others.

 

"U didnt build that" Oboma

 

IIRC, Honda started using Pentroof combustion chamber in their printed marketing campaigns in the mid-70s after their XL enduro line started sporting 4 valve heads.

How about 1 tail exhaust can and 1 side can, like the NS-500 triple race bikes...

Looks like she was a backyard lawn ornament for a while, glad to see you willing to tackle this project, should be a great showroom piece and Sunday back road burner when you're done!

 

How about some current pics too!

I'd be interested in an exhaust also, have a mostly stock '85 that needs a new header. Undertail would be ok but I'd prefer a 4-1, maybe left exit.

Looking forward to the build, keep the updates coming. :thumb:

 

Sorry about the lack of updates, working on a mini wave of customer work...it comes first!