85 Vf1000R "bike In A Box"

Okay, starting on a proper restore of my bike in a box, bought it off eBay in May, it was about 50% apart so I had no clue what I paid for. My friend talked me into putting her together before throwing money into something that might not even run.

Amazingly every bolt and bulb was there (minus the few body pieces I knew were missing) and after spaying me with oil, peeing all of the fluid out of the rear shock on my garage floor and three times off with carbs ( never try to be cheat on carbs!! ) I rode her for about 600 miles and fell in love!

So here we go.....

:worthlesswithoutpics:

sounds sweet.

sorry...I was on my ipad earlier and couldnt upload

On the way home

[image: post-25093-0-58432600-1357872807.jpg]

[image: post-25093-0-87817300-1357872781.jpg]

[image: post-25093-0-13315300-1357872845.jpg]

Something missing.....

[image: post-25093-0-43762400-1357872876.jpg]

My other baby...

[image: post-25093-0-09646300-1357872759.jpg]

Not one but TWO badd-ass looking machnes!!!!

First shot at a build list, would love to be able to get her done in time for Bike Week! we leave in less than 2 months!!

Build List

Clean Every Thing!!

Repaint Frame

Powder Coat Swing Arm

Powder Coat All Brackets

Powder Coat Triple Tree

Powder Coat Handle Bars

Recondition Plastic -?? Best Methods

Recondition Bolts

Rebuild Front Forks - ?? Leaning towards Sonic Springs – Suggestions?

Replace Rear Shock - Hagon

Replace all Brake Lines

Clean and Rebuild Brake System

Replace Bearings As needed

Check / Adjust Valves

Fix Hyd Clutch Leak

Fix Valve Cover Leak

Repaint Engine Covers

Rebuild Water Pump

Replace Thermostat

Check Oil Pump Tolerances

Rebuild Carbs

Replace Fuel Lines -?? Suggestions...

Flush Water System

Update Turn Signals

LED Tail Lights

Check Wiring Harness

Recover Seat

Oil Mod -?? Is it needed...

Exhaust -?? HELP!

Shouldn't take you more than a few hours. :wink:

If I could get past sitting on my stool and scratching my head on where to start! I'm down to the Motor and Frame but blocked it up wrong...

Okay...That's done. Much easier to take the frame off the engine!

[image: post-25093-0-22666300-1358305426.jpg]

[image: post-25093-0-09683000-1358305443.jpg]

Instead of painting the frame, powdercoat it as well.

Just insert some cheap hardware store metric bolts into any threaded holes first.

If I can find someone with an oven big enough...It will not fit in my guys oven.

I do plan on having it painted with automotive paint though, not rattle can.

There should be places a plenty that could do a frame. Painting will be cheaper. I'd even consider keeping the frame bare metal. What color are you thinking of powder coating everything?

I'm going Satin Black with everything including the frame. When I get around to the Fairings they will be stock RWB, Love that too much to change it.

And after a grueling 30 second search on the internet I found someone local who can do the frame....

YoshiHNSThere should be places a plenty that could do a frame. Painting will be cheaper. I'd even consider keeping the frame bare metal. What color are you thinking of powder coating everything?

Is that just an assumption or have you checked prices in your area? Because normally when it comes to a pro paint job VS a pro powdercoat job, the powder comes out cheaper.

I was thinking along the lines of doing it yourself instead of having someone paint it for you. Also depends on what kind of paint you get and how much of a project you make it. I wouldn't know anything about making it a project to design and build a 700F oven to cure high temp paint for eight parts to save a few bucks in the short run.

I think PC bike frames are $100 +/- $20, so there's some room for painting to be cheaper.

New stuff starting to come in!

[image: post-25093-0-74483500-1359669807.jpg]

[image: post-25093-0-73529500-1359669594.jpg]

Of course I haven't gotten anything cleaned, nothing to the Powder Coaters and I'm going to be in Austin for a week!

Those truck bed pics prove you're a trooper when it comes to commitment. At least it looks like brand new rubber on the rims! If I ever went to the dark side with a cruiser, the Warrior would be first on my list. Those things look mean. Yama-Star did that one up perfectly.

Charlies

I'm going Satin Black with everything including the frame. When I get around to the Fairings they will be stock RWB, Love that too much to change it.

And after a grueling 30 second search on the internet I found someone local who can do the frame....

Original colors makes it worth more........

To me, the fact that I have to reprint it at all takes away from the value. I agree that original is more valuable, but if its painted once, 28 years from now it can be painted again.

Unpainted plastic that is sun faded can be brought back to life for less than $1. Buy a tub of petroleum jelly from the dollar store and wipe it all over the plastic heavily. Let it sit overnight or even for a few days, then just wipe it off. It will look new. Results are better than Mother's Back-to-Black with cost 10x as much, and worlds above Armor All.

I go to my local NAPA for all my fuel line, they have a neat little rig where you can cut your own lengths. Very cheap. If you want ot get fancy and spend money you can go buy a roll of Tygon.

Good luck with your rebuild!

Rattle can-ing the frame can work out as well and way cheaper than PC. Details are in this thread: http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/37075-vf1000r-rebuild/?p=444305#entry444305

Looks like it was purged. Here's a pic.

[image: IMG_6507Medium.jpg]

My frame has held up well without a scratch for years. I'd PC the swingarm if I had to do it over.

SEBSPEED

Unpainted plastic that is sun faded can be brought back to life for less than $1. Buy a tub of petroleum jelly from the dollar store and wipe it all over the plastic heavily. Let it sit overnight or even for a few days, then just wipe it off. It will look new. Results are better than Mother's Back-to-Black with cost 10x as much, and worlds above Armor All.

I go to my local NAPA for all my fuel line, they have a neat little rig where you can cut your own lengths. Very cheap. If you want ot get fancy and spend money you can go buy a roll of Tygon.

Good luck with your rebuild!

I just smacked myself in the forehead!!! Why didn't I think of that? Logical and cheap. Thanks Seb. Off to get a supply of Jelly and wipe down my...

vfrcapn

Rattle can-ing the frame can work out as well and way cheaper than PC. Details are in this thread: http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/37075-vf1000r-rebuild/?p=444305#entry444305

Looks like it was purged. Here's a pic.

[image: IMG_6507Medium.jpg]

My frame has held up well without a scratch for years. I'd PC the swingarm if I had to do it over.

I've read that post many times! One of the reasons I want a black frame, awesome work there.

Frame, Swing Arm and 38 some odd other parts off to the Powder Coater. Its going to be a long two weeks waiting!

[image: post-25093-0-62837800-1361546054.jpg]

This wins. A lot. :cheerleader:

Progress...slow, slow progress. I'm not going to even come close to being done by bike week!

[image: post-25093-0-39459900-1362335314.jpg]

Getting ahead of myself here, but the pretty parts are more fun sometimes.

[image: post-25093-0-00739300-1366239874.jpg]

Tank looks good! It's going to be very nice when all together, enjoy the journey.

And here is the rest to go with the tank!

[image: post-25093-0-20033800-1366655858.jpg]

[image: post-25093-0-73316600-1366655876.jpg]

[image: post-25093-0-96864100-1366655886.jpg]

Making other progress too, but slower than I wanted. Everything is back from the powder coater and looks brand new! I cant stop drooling over it. New bearings are ready to be pressed into the frame and swing arm, I will probably take them to my local Honda shop this weekend.

Working on the motor now, I want to adjust the valves before I put the frame on the motor, it HAS to be easier that way.

Kick Ash!

Love the Rothmans inspired color scheme!

Man thats NICE !!!!!

Looking good!

Great work!

BTW, That stuff is not Rothmans inspired, but Actual Rothmans Edition Pieces. Not sure what they are worth, but couldn't pass them up! Now I am confused on a whole new level, keep the original RWB or go Rothmans.

Looking for second bike to put the extras on, I've found one on CL is Louisville, but it's not pretty, I've been to look and I have most all of the bits and pieces to fix her, IF the engine is good. BIG IF!

http://louisville.craigslist.org/mcy/3693032978.html

I can tell from the pictures you had "another busy day in the office"................. :goofy:

Looking very sexy indeed!!!

Wow those plastics look REALLY nice!

And yes, sometimes it is much more enjoyable to put pretty things together for motivation. :fing02:

Charlies

BTW, That stuff is not Rothmans inspired, but Actual Rothmans Edition Pieces.

Amazing find! Kudos!

Charlies

BTW, That stuff is not Rothmans inspired, but Actual Rothmans Edition Pieces.

I think what he meant was, Honda was inspired by the Rothman scheme but not looking to do a true replica. It needs to say Rothmans everywhere along with their distintive logo to be a replica...like this...

[image: 11264.jpg]

Cool find and in good shape to boot. Good score!

Drool...rothmaaaans (insert Homer voice)

DannoVF

Drool...rothmaaaans (insert Homer voice)

+1 ......

I've finally made some progress, the bearings have been reset in the swing arm and steering stem. Valves adjusted and motor back in the frame! Hopefully this will boost my motivation, easier to bolt on a little at a time.

[image: post-25093-0-11790900-1367800221.jpg]

And then time for a little bling!

[image: post-25093-0-60222900-1367800258.jpg]

You're channeling Wayne Gardner.......

[image: 3g.jpg]

Ran into a problem this weekend, started on the fork rebuild while waiting on my new rear shock. I had only slight problems with the left (air pressure) fork tube cap, nothing an 18" ratchet could handle BUT THE RIGHT... :mad: I completely destroyed it getting it off. And yes, the upper pinch bolts were loose ( I stuck them back in as I don't have a nice soft vice..

Any way, that bolt assembly is ruined, to say the least, does any one have a spare bolt assembly or spare right fork tube.

I'm also on the look out for the two brackets that hold the dual headlight in place.

Thanks!

Other progress,

I reassembled the rear license plate bracket with lights and reflectors, looks brand new after I got the scratches out of the light housing

Chain guard ALOMST cleaned up and polished

Washed all the other plastics (while the wife was away, used the dishwasher :491: )

Question for the masses-- I received my sonic springs and never really paid attention to the SCH 80 PVC pipe, is that what they want you to use as a spacer??? Has anyone done that before?

a little fork bling, hope to get them assembled tonight!

[image: post-25093-0-23813000-1370366897.jpg]

Almost bought another one....it sold for $1525 on eBay out in Cali, that exhaust would of been worth grabbing the bike. :wink:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-Honda-VF1000R-Interceptor-Yoshimura-exhaust-VFR-V4-/130918479007?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&nma=true&si=Nw0FbE2Diha0ZcN2FnuLiFTpZTo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

I wonder if that bike on Ebay had a reserve price. $1525 seems like a pretty good deal for one with that low mileage.

Rollin

It had no reserve, but I know there are "Ghost" bidders out there to make sure it sells for what the owner wanted. Just wait and see if it pops up again. I saw one on 3 times in a row, it "sold" all three times.

Great project. Re: the ebay bike in Cali...$1525 is worth it to me for the 86 dual headlights and period exhaust alone. Of course you would have to remove the "Mikuni" decals as the actual carbs are Keihin...no false advertising. :wink:

I have made some real progress this week! I finally received my shock from Hagon and was able to get her up on both feet again. With any luck I will finish assembly tonight and have her running by the weekend (at Deal's Gap!)

Talk about a shake down cruise...

New Shock

[image: post-25093-0-06675200-1370956088.jpg]

About 10 Minutes Later...

[image: post-25093-0-02111000-1370956137.jpg]

It Looks real nice in there :woohoo:

Fawesome. Lookin good. Too bad you couldn't have had it finished a month earlier for Tmac.

Very cool looking new part there!

How did you fare with the PVC pipe. It IS to be used as a spacer and remember it wont be the same length as the old one.

I came to terms with PVC in my forks, after all that was a very thin walled piece of metal as the spacer before...

Cutting was easy and the instructions were good for setting the pre-load, I cant wait to get the Sonic Springs on the road to see how they ride!

Getting the dual head-light set.

There is a lot more to this conversion than I had ever seen. Luckily when I bought the headlight I also got the wiring harness and throttle grip off the bike too.

What I didn't get was the front cowl bracket and the two small brackets for the headlight, after a failed search I had to make my own.

[image: post-25093-0-04896700-1371041456.jpg]

[image: post-25093-0-07630200-1371041505.jpg]

Obviously I am not a metal worker...I don't have the tools to make it pretty. I do have a friend that works for Link Belt here in Lexington, next winter I might get him to draw me up a proper bracket and have it made. He has done that for some of the Warrior riders around here for other bits and pieces.

The cool part is that the right hand control that I bought has the Headlight "On-Park-Off" Switch on it, its cool to have but I doubt I will ever use it.

Almost there! Exhaust, fluids and a rear brake lever and I'm off to the Gap!

For this trip I was not able to get the Two Brothers Exhaust installed, ran out of time to get the mid pipes made.

I'm going to have to stick with my beat up stock exhaust for now...

I had sweet dreams last night of the Cherohala though! Cant wait!

[image: post-25093-0-35151600-1371041880.jpg]

I approve of this post!

Wow, lots of work and looks great! I haven't been on here much lately but welcome from Lexington

Great job there. I'm sure once its on the road any build hassles will be a distant memory :cool:

mrmatt

Wow, lots of work and looks great! I haven't been on here much lately but welcome from Lexington

Thanks! Do you ever ride down to the River on Thursdays? We go whenever possible.

Man that looks good.

Don't you hate it when you think your almost done and more parts show up!!

I swear they said they were cancelled...

[image: post-25093-0-66623300-1371071106.jpg]

Those O-rings are for the water pipes under the carbs, I'm not going back in for that! I hope they don't leak.. :unsure:

[image: post-25093-0-69810300-1371223971.jpg][image: post-25093-0-21802400-1371223951.jpg]

12 miles on the road. Leaks fixed. One oil, one fuel, two brake and two water!

VERY Nice!

154 miles today. Through the tail of the dragon, over the cherohala and back to the Tuskegee inn!

I'd call that a good day...

[image: post-25093-0-12709400-1371262891.jpg]

I need to find one of these, nice job. :beer:

Nice indeed! :cool:

My favorite "view" of the bike right now.

I like the way the colors worked out. I was unsure on the engine covers at first but I am really digging it now! The black frame with the gold banjos and silver lines is cool too, IMO of course. Very happy overall.

Ignore the loose bolt. I fixed that and checked the rest...

[image: post-25093-0-47478200-1371520208.jpg]

I think me and Kimball seen you guys leaving Deals Gap, I wave at you, we had made a couple passes and were parking.

Cool, were you on a red VFR, black leathers at Deals Gap Resort? I think I saw you as we were leaving... I saw a couple of VFR's out there but we never seemed to be at the same place at the same time...

(I see from your pic now that your bike is not red...)

Charlies

Cool, were you on a red VFR, black leathers at Deals Gap Resort? I think I saw you as we were leaving... I saw a couple of VFR's out there but we never seemed to be at the same place at the same time...

(I see from your pic now that your bike is not red...)

I had on red leathers and Kimball rides RWB VFR , you had just headed up the hill south and you looked right at me as i was parking and I waved at you. I thought you coming back to Deals Gap but you never did.

Switchblade

Charlies

Cool, were you on a red VFR, black leathers at Deals Gap Resort? I think I saw you as we were leaving... I saw a couple of VFR's out there but we never seemed to be at the same place at the same time...

(I see from your pic now that your bike is not red...)

I had on red leathers and Kimball rides RWB VFR , you had just headed up the hill south and you looked right at me as i was parking and I waved at you. I thought you coming back to Deals Gap but you never did.

Still on the Bike? That was Friday then, we went over and took the Cherohala around (after getting pulled over...), we were staying down at the Tuskegee Inn. Hopefully I'll catch you next time, we try and go down twice a year, love those roads.

10-4 I would be honored to ride with ya.

Switchblade

10-4 I would be honored to ride with ya.

Ditto!

Did you manage to avoid all the bicycles on Saturday? Can't believe they would ride those roads, we stayed way west and south until the afternoon. Did a 250 plus mile loop to Franklin -> Helen -> Telico -> over the Cherohala -> Deals gap resort -> Motel (sore a$$!) for :beer:

Not bad for a 28 year old bike with a bad thermostat!

Charlies

Switchblade

10-4 I would be honored to ride with ya.

Ditto!

Did you manage to avoid all the bicycles on Saturday? Can't believe they would ride those roads, we stayed way west and south until the afternoon. Did a 250 plus mile loop to Franklin -> Helen -> Telico -> over the Cherohala -> Deals gap resort -> Motel (sore a$$!) for :beer:

Not bad for a 28 year old bike with a bad thermostat!

Yeah i am use to them but you still have to watch out.

I was up there Sunday and seen a red truck leaving with VFR1000R and another bike in a trailer. Was that you ?

Yes, that was us. My friend has a TL1000R. It's half a V4 anyway....

Charlies

Yes, that was us. My friend has a TL1000R. It's half a V4 anyway....

Yeah i looked right at you and waved at you,I had seen the photo of you at the Calderwood Dam over look on VFRD, we were parking and fixing to eat.

Sorry I didn't see you, I must of been lost in space!

Catcha next time ..

Well, I replaced my thermostat last night, couldn't wait for the $40 OEM I ordered so I bought one for an '83 Honda Accord (180deg), found posts about it on a V65 forum. It looks identical to the $40 OEM but was only $7! Works like a charm so far...I will still swap out the OEM thermo when it comes in, but I WANT TO RIDE!!! :happy:

Seat Cowl finally showed up!

[image: post-25093-0-65122100-1373299137.jpg]

Man..Beautiful job on that thing!

Well, my Radiator cap came in yesterday, I think the old one when kaput with the thermostat. Anyways, rode her in to work this morning and it was perfect, low humidity, nice temperature around 62 and you could tell the bike liked the air, and No problems overheating at all! Finally.

Then I get off the bike and reach for the key and its not there....and the bike is still running.... :unsure:

Uh oh

Ask Baileyrock how that feels....

Charlies

Then I get off the bike and reach for the key and its not there....and the bike is still running.... :unsure:

:ohmy:

Okay, Thanks to Honda of Richmond (KY) new key is ready to go and only cost $10 (plus $10 for a spare) :happy:

Great work- looks beautiful! did you end up painting or pc'ing the frame?

wow...great work, don't know why the key didn't stick around for the ride into work...

BIKE IS FOR SALE?!

Unfortunately it is, I need to sell one of my bikes, get back to one for a bit. I tried to sell the Warrior first but as I still owe on it (and part of the Vulcan I put into the front of a van!) I cant move it for what I need...

IF it sells, I will have another one day!

Whew, almost glad I didn't get close to what I wanted. A bit disappointed too, but she still needs some cosmetic surgery...

But in the mean time, I need to sort those damn forks out! Harsh as all hell on the highway, I'm thinking Gold Valve emulators, I was looking at more drastic measures like a front end swap but not sure if that's the way to go.

I need tires too, so I'm thinking of going the F2 front wheel swap route, is there any other way to get a speedo if I do F3 or newer?

Winter is coming...time to start some new projects!

Seb has some countershaft covers that will let you run the speedo drive as on all Hondas post front wheel speedo drive...

beautiful bike!!!

86VF1000R

Great work- looks beautiful! did you end up painting or pc'ing the frame?

Thanks, I powder coated the frame and something like 40 other parts, glad I did because the powder coater I used stripped everything off the old parts, acid bath or wash of some sort. They came out like new! I'm going to have the engine covers I painted PC'd this winter.

Charlies

I need tires too, so I'm thinking of going the F2 front wheel swap route, is there any other way to get a speedo if I do F3 or newer?

F3 wheel route: http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/71835-vf1000r-f-replica-winning-run-speedo-brackets/page-7?hl=+sprocket%20+cover%20+japan

I guess we have 5 committed buyers and Seb would like 6 committed. I'm still in, the F3 wheel is sitting in the garage for the 1KR. If you want let Seb know and maybe we can get this going.

vfrcapn

Charlies

I need tires too, so I'm thinking of going the F2 front wheel swap route, is there any other way to get a speedo if I do F3 or newer?

F3 wheel route: http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/71835-vf1000r-f-replica-winning-run-speedo-brackets/page-7?hl=+sprocket%20+cover%20+japan

I guess we have 5 committed buyers and Seb would like 6 committed. I'm still in, the F3 wheel is sitting in the garage for the 1KR. If you want let Seb know and maybe we can get this going.

Thanks, Sounds good, I'll let him know!

Check out the Fat Bob's taillight! I'm sure its LED, possible mod in the works....

[image: post-25093-0-32438400-1378917898.jpg]

[image: post-25093-0-32409800-1378918140.jpg]

Scored a Yoshi Exhaust for her last week! Now the only problem is winter's coming....

[image: post-25093-0-11501000-1384105424.jpg]

[image: post-25093-0-45250200-1384105437.jpg]

SEX

Charlies

Scored a Yoshi Exhaust for her last week! Now the only problem is winter's coming....

FREAKIN' SWEET! :beer:

Black frame looks great

D@mn those look nice.

Wow, super nice. make mine look really, really old. :(