Hello Everybody! I just found this site while looking for VF1000R parts... I just picked a 1985 VF-R yesterday and it needs a whole restoration... It's for the most part complete but it looks to have led a hard life. I hope to be able to restore it back to it's former glory and give it the "good" home it deserves! If any of you can offer info on where to look for parts I would really appreciate it! Do any of you know if you can still get "any" parts from Honda? I know it's a stretch, just asking tho... Thanks for the help! Inspiration is appreciated as well!:biggrin
It's always good to see someone doing a restoration on a classic. I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to finding parts. I typically try going through Honda first and eBay as a second option. Many parts for this bike are discontinued so you need to be diligent with checking the eBay listings. For parts, I usually go through DiscountHondaParts.com. They have an online fiche and will let you know by the next day if something is discontinued. Good luck with the restoration and try to post photos of your progress.
I am riding mine (85 rwb vf700f )while giving it some TLC so if I can avoid ordering I will. My first stop is the bike wreckers a few miles from here, I am surprised at how many parts from my bike are the same as parts from other bikes. I replaced a complete turn signal for 7$ it was off of a later model CBR but bolted right on. A brake lever for 12.99 it didnt match the "style" of my other one, so buying a 2nd to match - bolted right on. I also needed some cooling parts so I followed this guide FrontPage - SabMagFAQ and I was able to get 2 of the three things I needed from my local autoparts store ( for 1/4 the price of the honda dealer, and I dint have to special order ) thermostat temp sending unit fan switch ( didnt work I guess I will have to get the relay ! ) dont know if that guide applies to your bike but it did to mine. Welcome to the forum.
Many parts are discontinued, but it's best to try anyway. This spring I bought both vent doors for the lower fairing but the springs and misc hardware are not available. In general, the bodywork is going to be the most difficult to find new. Other parts that are discontinued are some of the gearbox parts and valvetrain components, all which are common failure points.
