VF1000R questions

Its finally starting to cool off down here enough to get some work done in the garage. I've been putting off fixing up my 85 1kr for quite awhile. I have a few questions and help from fellow members would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to find a right side cover (black mesh one). Is there anyone making reproductions of this part or do I have to keep hunting ebay? Same question with the tail fairing and solo cowl. The tail and cowl aren't so important since I have a tail (not nice but functional) and the cowl isnt "needed" but it would be nice to have them in better shape. Also, the mouting points on the front subframe for the front blinkers are broken off. Apperently the previous owner laid it down on both sides and broke both off. I have a friend that is going to help me weld but I need a clear picture of what they look like preferably with dimensions and angle of the bracket so we can make something that will work correctly. Lastly, I would like to replace as many coolant hoses as I can. What have people been using to replace the longer formed hoses especially the long one the runs in front of the engine? Would bent piping joined to where they go with short sections of hose with clamps work? Thank you in advance for any help.

 

Yeah, those mesh side covers are VERY difficult to find. eBay yes, but a better source is probably Honda VF1000R News . Those guys are pretty good at having parts. Even though there isn't much activity I think that's your best option.

I do not know of any formed hoses available anymore. Bent aluminum tubing would be an option if you have the tools/time/patience to make them. In fact, that would look pretty trick.

I've got a front fairing stay with the turn signal mounts still in place. PM me if you need some pictures and measurements from it.

 

There is also a VF1000R user's group on Yahoo. That too doesn't have a ton of activity, but it is at least another potential source for acquiring parts and getting some input. Then of course there is eBay. Those side covers do come up, but they are usually cracked or have the mounting tabs broken off. Rarely do you see them in perfect shape. You may want to inquire to see whether it's possible to repair them if you do get a damaged set. I wonder if it is possible.

 

On the seat cowl I >think< they may still be available from Honda. Find a good dealer who's willing to hunt the supply warehouses. IIRC, they're around $200, I paid $100 for mine off eBay but it took almost a year of waiting/bidding to get one. I don't recall anyone making the tail fairing but there was a Europe based company that had some repro front upper & lower fairings. Got some pics to show?

 

I believe this part has been NLA for about..... a couple of decades. Lately there have been some flukes where parts can be purchased through a Honda warehouse. The only way I've been able to see how this is possible is because of the way Honda's parts system works. A dealer can "sell back" parts, albeit at a big percentage restocking fee. Think of a dealer who is hitting hard times (like about all them right now) and you have a $200 item in stock that a guy never picked up 20 years ago for a bike that is now 25 years old. You dump it back to the warehouse. Boom, one in stock. Once that one gets sold it's back to NLA. Bodywork was completely discontinued for the VF1000R by 1993. It was about that time I tired to get some for my first R and was unable to do.

 

The online Honda shops list it as still available, although I'd have my doubts they can actually get it. But I know I read about someone buying it new in the last year or two, it's $177 from Powersportspro.com. Dillon Brothers Motorsports | Honda OEM Parts | Kawasaki OEM Parts | Suzuki OEM Parts | Yamaha OEM Parts

I'm just thinking there may be a supply of this specific part still available, where the bump pad and tail fairing is listed NLA.

 

When I order parts for any of my '86 bikes online, I can almost always order the parts that I want. It is usually a day or two later where I get an email telling me what parts are no longer available. As far as the online ordering systems go, I don't think they are accurate when stating the status for parts availability.

 

They say they have a replica of the original, but how much parts, don't know.

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Larry

 

Thank you for the info. My local dealership has been helpful but the parts I need just aren't out there when I ask.

JamieDaugherty: I ended up bolting my upper fairing to my removed front brace and I have a good idea of how the brackets should look. I made some stencils for when I cut the metal to go there.

I'm not too concerned about the solo cowl at this point. I'll worry about that when it starts coming together. My problem with my tail fairing is that the previous owner apperently lost the end piece (with the brakelight holes) and cut out a piece of aluminum to fit and fiberglassed it in. It works alright but I can't bolt the rear two bolts into the seat and still be able to install the seat/tail assembly. I also really dont want to spend money on having this tail painted if I'm going to replace it. I might just have to eat that and replace the tail later.

This bike was missing tons of random hardware and I've managed to get most of it through my local dealership and online. I am still missing the fuel tank rear metal bushing. I might just end up making one with a washer and a piece of tube welded together unless I can find something that works.

It's currently painted an ugly burgundy and taken apart a good amount but I'll get some pictures up. At least it isnt camo painted.

I'll keep hunting ebay and try the other sites that were recommended for the side covers and a tail.

Again, thank you all for the help.

 

My 86 was Datsun Metallic Brown on purchase, real ugly, but ran good.

Good luck.

Larry

 

RIGHT NOW ON THE BAY. Parts galore.

Larry

 

And I even found rear new shocks on ebay.co.uk.

Larry