what year VF1000 motor do i have?

Hi I'm new to this forum but have a few questions. I bought a bunch of sand rail parts to build a mini rail to ride in the dunes out here in SoCal/Arizona. I'm in Yuma, AZ. I got a complete VF1000 engine, exhaust, wiring, air box, basically everything needed to make the thing run and install in a mini rail. The guy I got all of the parts from bought the bike complete and got it running before ripping it apart. Anyways, I don't know much about these motors and have yet to even fire up the motor mainly because I have no keys, but I do know its a VF1000. How can I tell what year the motor is based on looking at it? How much HP and TQ do they make? The cluster says roughly 26K miles on the engine. How can I bypass the key switch in order to bench test the motor?

I'm sure Ill think of more questions but that's a start. Thanks for your help.
Jordan.

 

Are you sure it's a 1KF engine and not a 1KR? The 1KF was '84 only in the US, about 113bhp new, 64ft-lbs torque.

Assuming they haven't been painted, the F had silver head covers, the R had black. The F has chain driven cams, the R has gear driven cams.

 

Well I don't know what the cams are but it does have black head valve covers. So that must mean I have the KR1. What's the difference, is mine less in HP or what? Just trying to get an understanding of what I have. Does that also automatically make mine an '84?

 

Got some pics?

 

I'll take some tomorrow morning and try and post them from my phone. My laptop broke so I'll see what I can do.

 

The R has an extra motor mount on the front heads, down slightly from the spark plug. Also, the plumbing for the thermostat is on the right side while the F's is on the left. If you have an R, you're better off, more power, better reliability. Both are heavy mills. A Busa motor would be lighter and sooo much more fun.:wink:

 

I have no doubt a busa would better all around. I have this complete motor vs. buying a 2K dollar busa. If everything works out I'll convert to a busa or R1 in a few years. I'm going to try and upload some pics from my phone so hopefully this works.

 

I don't have the ignition keys to start the motor, but everytime I find a replacement ignition online they are for a 1984 and have a 5 pin plug whereas mine is a 6 pin plug. Will a 5 pin still work if I was to buy a new ignition with keys? Or should I bypass the key switch altogether, and how? I don't really need a key switch, at this point I just want to hear the motor run and know its good to go. Any help???

 

I don't have the ignition keys to start the motor, but everytime I find a replacement ignition online they are for a 1984 and have a 5 pin plug whereas mine is a 6 pin plug. Will a 5 pin still work if I was to buy a new ignition with keys? Or should I bypass the key switch altogether, and how? I don't really need a key switch, at this point I just want to hear the motor run and know its good to go. Any help???

 

You have the "good " engine.

Personally I believe that engine for your purposes is going to be a nightmare for you because of the carbs. Think about it....4 carbs and lots of sand.
End of a very fine engine. An engine made for pavement racing.

BAD MATCH BRO.

Of coarse many will hate you for ruining that fine road racing engine ( rare too), out in the sand dunes. A real shame.

I am trying to be honest with you.

BTW you can get a new ignition aftermarket switch for that on Ebay for about $20 plug and play. Do your homework. I did.

 

Well there are many ways to seal the carbs from sand and the majority of sand toys are running carbs so I'm not worried about that. I'd run a completely different motor but I still have to build the sandrail so why not use this motor that I already have. I appreciate your concern though. I have looked on eBay for key ignitions but all of the connectors are 5pin that I can tell. Im fine with buying one if they will work but I thought I'd ask first before I made the purchase.

The motor I have also only has one CDI so your saying its an 85-86 year motor?

 

It is an '85 or '86 R motor. They run a little hot so I'd consider the cooling system carefully in a sand rail. Good luck with it!

 

Here's an R motor in a sand rail. Nice job making it look professional.

 

Yes only ONE black box for the 1985-1986 R engines.

 

Got the motor fired up today and besides a leaky Carb it runs great and idles good too. Rev'd to about 7200rpm no problem. I have started mocking up the motor and rear carrier today. Thanks for all the help. Ill keep everyone updated with my progress.