The restoration has begun... Now the questions!

[85vf1000r]

Definitely keep up the good work man! You're an inspiration to me and my desire to bring mine back to her original "glory" Even if you are buying up all the parts I need on eBay LOL.

Love seeing the progress pictures!!

-Paul

[Salvo]

Man, I knew it would happen eventually... runnin' into someone that I beat out of parts on ebay... I don't want to jack anyone here out of stuff, I was, kinda in a way, hopin' that the people that I beat out of auctions were'nt on here... I know there's no way to tell, but still... what were you looking at?

Also, have you been to motogrid.com? They have parts for VF1000R's and their prices beat BikeBandit's by a few $'s.... Maybe this info will make up for some of the losses incurred from ebay!

[85vf1000r]

Hahaha no worries man! I think most of the stuff I didn't actually end up bidding on. I was just thinking about it and then bidding went higher than I could afford at the time anyway. No hard feelings! The one I remember the most was a couple solo seat cowls that I was watching, but from what I can tell there are a few left brand new from Honda for $160 or so and bidding went above that so I didn't get too hung up on it!

What I really need though is a tail fairing and tail light surround! Mine are not in the best of shape!

I'm just glad to know that the parts will be going on a gorgeous bike when you get it done!!!

I haven't been to motogrid, but I will check them out! I've bought a few little things from Babbitts. Decent prices and service, but shipping was crazy expensive!

-Paul

[vfrcapn]

Originally Posted by 85vf1000r

What I really need though is a tail light surround!
-Paul

I need one of those too in case you run across two of them.

[Salvo]

Ya know what? I hate to say this but I ended up buying both of those fairings! The one auction ended 4mins. earlier than the one that I wanted and you know how prices escalate at the last second... Well, I didn't want to lose a chance at getting at least one of them so...... Yes you can still get them from Moto or BikeBandit, but, you can't get the little backrest piece that attaches to it... That is why I bought those... Yea, it was expensive, cost me like $350.00 for the both! I'll keep an eye out for a light surround....

I just went and checked, it was $257 for the one and $86 for the other and whatever the shipping was!.....

[Salvo]

I dug into the forks today, this is what I found... I see in the manual that you are supposed to remove the piston and rebound spring from the tubes... How do you accomplish that? They don't seem like they want to come out to me... Am I supposed to hit them with a mallet? I don't want to muck anything up, this is my first time into forks... What do I need to do guys? Do they have to come out or can I clean the tubes with them still in and not affect something? Thanks for the input!







The piston is the smaller tube inside of the larger tube, for those not in the know... on the left side of the pics...

[vfrcapn]

Originally Posted by Salvo

I dug into the forks today, this is what I found... I see in the manual that you are supposed to remove the piston and rebound spring from the tubes... How do you accomplish that? They don't seem like they want to come out to me... Am I supposed to hit them with a mallet? I don't want to muck anything up, this is my first time into forks... What do I need to do guys? Do they have to come out or can I clean the tubes with them still in and not affect something? Thanks for the input!


The piston is the smaller tube inside of the larger tube, for those not in the know... on the left side of the pics...

In your pic, if you slide the aluminum collar up a little you will see a small circlip on the tube (piston). Remove the circlip, a small flat blade screwdriver works well, and then remove the collar. The tube (piston) then slides right out. As far as I remember. I've got these forks completely disassembled on my workbench if you need some detail pics.

This was a month ago, still waiting on the inspiration to put them back together.

[Salvo]

What nice looking forks you have!... So, I saw the little circlip you mentioned, If I take that off, I then slide the piston up thru the tube to remove it????

[vfrcapn]

Originally Posted by Salvo

What nice looking forks you have!... So, I saw the little circlip you mentioned, If I take that off, I then slide the piston up thru the tube to remove it????

Yep.

I just had those forks powder coated. If I ever get them assembled I'm sure they'll look great.

[Salvo]

Well, I cleaned up the fork pieces in the solvent tank and made my list of stuff to order...
I also took the tires off of the rims, now on to the fun part... cleaning 'em up for paintin'! Which leads me to this question... Can any of you with an interchange manual tell me what other models of bikes use the same or similiar "wave" washers that are under the front brake rotor bolts? Every one of the bolts broke, so I'm assuming that they were breakaways... The manual says to replace them( the washers ) and not reuse them. Well, I can't seem to get them at Motogrid and BikeBandit... If I can't find them it will leave me no choice but to reuse them... Any ideas or a link where to go?

[Salvo]

Hey Guys!
Sorry it's been so long since posting... I've had a lot of little things going on and the wife also had back surgery, so I had to take a break for a bit... Just to update a bit, I have gotten the forks tore down and am ordering parts today... I have also gotten the wheel bearings and seals removed and finished the bead blasting in preparation for refinishing, and am ordering new bearings and seals as well... I built my "Build-Up" table this morning, so I am ready to get the frame set up on it and start going back together with it... I should have some new pics to post soon... I need to get in contact with Dave Dodge again and see if he has finished his move to Az and schedule some machine work for the engine when he is ready to go again... I am thinking about going with Avon RoadRider tires and if you guys want to chime in, Please by all means give your opinions, the service manager at the local Honda dealership seems to think that the Avons have a tendancy to "wander" but I liked the reviews that I read about them... I've never owned a set before so I'd like some input!

[Salvo]

OK guys, First off, I'm sorry for the delayed progress reports... It's really freakin' hot out in the garage these days, 110plus degrees and there isn't much of anything being accomplished, that's Arizona summers for you! I have gotten the wheels beadblasted and prepped for paint, my parts for rebuilding the forks and swingarm have arrived, I got the fork tube scratches filled and primed, ordered my wheel parts and today I got news that might have just put a stop to the whole project! I am so pissed off right this moment! I was told today from Motogrid.com that 2 items that I ordered were now discontinued... a sleeve for the rear wheel, PN 42604-438-710, I can get around that one as I have not removed the sleeve from the wheel hub... The other one I am not so sure about and would really like you guys to chime in! They told me that a "dust seal" was discontinued, I do not know which one at this point, there are 3 that I ordered and each one is critical to it's function in me getting the bike back on the road... The seals are for the wheel bearings... I have removed all the bearings on both the front and rear wheels and the seals cannot be reinstalled! Motogrid said they would ship the parts that they do have so when they arrive I will know which of the seals is the culprit... Can anyone please help out here and maybe come up with an idea for replacement?! As of right now I am planning on getting in touch with a bearing/seal distibutor and seeing what can be done to remedy this dilemma. Surely there has to be some company out there that makes an acceptable replacement??? I would love for you guys to cheer me up!!! :(

[TassieDave]

I have the parts list on fische for my 1984 VF1000R and it is a little different to the one I have since downloaded. Mine (bought years ago from our local Honda dealer) shows (I think) bearing numbers and seal sizes.

Some time in the past, I replaced my wheel bearings and seals and those that I couldn't get from a bearing supplier, I ordered through Honda. One I do remember was that on the left of the front wheel/speedo gear - that was a weird size. Inside and outside diameters were fine but it was something like 5 mm deep. They could get close but not near enough for me as there is not a lot of excess space there. So check what turns up, I may be able to help with some sizes.

[Salvo]

Thanks for the reply Tassie... Motogrid is a "middleman" for getting parts from if I am not mistaken. Meaning that they basically order right from Honda and tack on a profit then send the parts out to the consumers... I believe that when you order from them, or BikeBandit, that they can get the parts to you faster than just ordering them straight from Honda... This is just my "thinking" if you will, however, since I have only placed 2 orders with them and to be frank, even though I paid extra to have them shipped either 2nd day or 3rd day, they have failed both times to make their said shipment date... This is a whole separate issue that I may try to remedy by going to BikeBandit or even Honda themselves. I also have the microfiche for my model year of '85 and both Motogrid and BikeBandit match up just as Honda's part numbers do...

I have the seal sizes listed on the microfiche and will use those when I go to the bearing/seal suppliers... I just hope that they can find an acceptable replacement. I was hoping that someone on here has gone thru the same dilemma and had an existing remedy. I really don't want to use a different model wheel assembly on the bike...

About going to Honda for the parts... If Motogrid or BikeBandit list a part as discontinued then it is discontinued at Honda as well.

I see that they still offer a "complete" wheel assembly for sale but it is $501.24 for the front and $685.13 for the rear...... I don't know if I want to choke that one down.... What to do, What to do....... ugghhh!

[slippers1000]

I have changed my bearings and I went to the bearing company here in Canada . Fag bearing they just needed the complete size of the bearing and race and the diameter inside and out of the seal and they supplied them for me but this was for my magna v65 . I too am slowly tearing down my vf1000 and have not gotten that far. Thanks for posting all the great info about the build as it will come in handy for my rebuild I hope the bearing info works for you good luck and please let us know about any other problems with parts as a heads up is great on a full rebuild .
Slippers 1000

[Salvo]

I want to cry.......... :(

I just got back from the Honda dealer. I went to check out for myself whether or not these seals were available or not. I also asked about the front rotor bolts which I had also ordered from Motogrid this last round.... Come to find out that the front rotor bolts are DISCONTINUED!

WARNING!!!!! Anybody that is getting ready to tear their wheels completely apart to restore them.... THINK TWICE!!!!!!!!

One of the seals IS discontinued but they have another one that cross references over, so I should be able to use that IF I can get my bolt situation handled! I know that I can use F2 wheels but I do not want to go that route...I happen to like the stock rims! We tried to cross reference the bolts and came up with nothing, we checked the aftermarket and found nothing.... I really need some ideas guys!!!!! HELP!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!

[risoto]

I have a couple sets of used rotor bolts hanging around after my f2 wheel swap. Also have the stock rims with new tires on them.

[Salvo]

I think I might have a solution to my issue regarding the front rotor bolts.... I checked out the 1000 "F" models parts listing, they are the same width only longer... and available! I ordered one to try out and if it matches up "bolt head" wise and the "only" difference is the length... then I will order the rest and cut them down to the correct length. The bolt should be in by Tuesday. Other than that the parts are coming in... as soon as the heat dies down some I'll be back in the garage hittin' it! If anybody has an "F" model and can snap a close up pic of their rotor bolt ( Installed is fine by me, I just want to compare head sizes...)I would like to see if it at least looks close to the same.... If you could please post a pic I would be grateful!!!! :) Thanks!

[mrich12000]

Originally Posted by Salvo

OK guys, First off, I'm sorry for the delayed progress reports... It's really freakin' hot out in the garage these days, 110plus degrees and there isn't much of anything being accomplished, that's Arizona summers for you! I have gotten the wheels beadblasted and prepped for paint, my parts for rebuilding the forks and swingarm have arrived, I got the fork tube scratches filled and primed, ordered my wheel parts and today I got news that might have just put a stop to the whole project! I am so pissed off right this moment! I was told today from Motogrid.com that 2 items that I ordered were now discontinued... a sleeve for the rear wheel, PN 42604-438-710, I can get around that one as I have not removed the sleeve from the wheel hub... The other one I am not so sure about and would really like you guys to chime in! They told me that a "dust seal" was discontinued, I do not know which one at this point, there are 3 that I ordered and each one is critical to it's function in me getting the bike back on the road... The seals are for the wheel bearings... I have removed all the bearings on both the front and rear wheels and the seals cannot be reinstalled! Motogrid said they would ship the parts that they do have so when they arrive I will know which of the seals is the culprit... Can anyone please help out here and maybe come up with an idea for replacement?! As of right now I am planning on getting in touch with a bearing/seal distibutor and seeing what can be done to remedy this dilemma. Surely there has to be some company out there that makes an acceptable replacement??? I would love for you guys to cheer me up!!! :(

Try this company in Holland gere is the parts link see if your part is here.

Search HONDA PARTS by partnumber - Consolidated Motor Spares

[Salvo]

mrich,
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I went to that site and they had the seal that I was looking for, plus a couple other items that couldn't be had from Motogrid.... I greatly appreciated that link, I did not even know that, that company even existed! Kudos to you Bro!!!!!!!! :)

[mrich12000]

I am building my VF1000 (I bought broken)
It had 2nd&3rd gears missing, as you can see from my avatar. I was in need of geer parts,CAUTION DON'T DEAL WITH SpeedSupplies.Com, THEY ARE A DROP SCAM,EXPLAIN IF YOU NEED IT.
So I had a trans that needed shift forks and a shift drum(my drum was blown out at both ends. Thanks to a goggle Europe search I found this most extraordinary Dutch company. Till they were the only ones THAT HAD MY PARTS!!! I think they have the manufacturers warehouse as best Friends.Hope my bike can look as nice as your super project. Cheers Michael Richard...

[mrich12000]

Adendum;

Still they ship UPS and I recieved my parts sooooooooooo fast. But some are slow as they source the very scace parts
I bought the last 29mm spacer from them so if anyone needs a lft shift fork I have one along with yhe spacers that break off on the mainshaft. Cheers. Michael..

[Salvo]

Yes, CHEERS!!! Thanks for the tip on SpeedSupplies... I will be sure to steer clear! I hope I don't have any trans issues.... I bought my project non-running and have dove in head first.... I'm getting ready to open up the engine soon. I'm hoping to get the frame back up on it's own wheels and then with the workspace freed up get into the engine and trans.... Good Luck with your project as well! I should be posting fresh pics soon, it's just so damn hot out in the garage right now and I can really only get out in the early am on weekends... Thanks Again, Michael!

Steve

[Salvo]

Well, I was able to get out this morning and get the epoxy primer down on the rims... Hope to be able to shoot the black primer surfacer this early afternoon, gotta wait and see what the temps are... I went ahead and snapped a few misc. pics just to hold you guys over for now... The parts are trickling in, the fork tubes are primed, the triple neck is painted( I don't remember if I posted a pic of it earlier or not?). The weather should start getting a little more reasonable here in a few weeks and I can hit it hard on the project. I have my "missing" seals on their way from the Netherlands thanks to "mrich"! :) Til' next time.... By the way, if any of you reading this thread have seen some of the videos on youtube about VF1000R's, there is a video titled "vf1000r" from "fasbike" that shows an exhaust system from "ART" if any of you might know what the model number for that system would be I would really appreciate it... I don't believe that it is originally for the VF1000R.... More to come soon! :)

PS. Sorry about the fuzzy pics, I had no idea they were fuzzy until I downloaded them.... :(

[supertex]

Don't know about the cammo paint but to each his own. How is the rest of the bike going to be painted?

[Salvo]

Hey Tex, That's epoxy primer! LOL! That's funny..... The bike is going to be painted in the Rothmans Honda scheme, instead of blue and white mine is going to be candy pearl tangerine and pearl white respectively and will have the gold/red striping to separate the main colors.... :)

[safetypro10]

Salvo,

I hate to rain on your parade, but the Rothmans colors are KILLER together. When I had mine painted, I was stunned how good it looked.

Your nickel though.

Larry

[supertex]

LOL That's funny. I thought you were going to do something like the RWB, but when I saw the rims I was like "the hell?" don't they look cammo to you or am I just nuts?

[Sebspeed]

What kind of paint did you use on the triples, Salvo?

[02 VFR Rider]

Originally Posted by Sebspeed

What kind of paint did you use on the triples, Salvo?

+1 please list paint number you used on the triples