I have some confusion about radiators and oil coolers

In the Shed
1

Guys and gals,

I have seen some posts and sites that specifically say that 1986 VF1000R’s had upper and lower radiators, and some posts and sites say they also have oil coolers. My 1986 VF1000R has only one radiator and no oil cooler. This looks like the normal stock configuration. Have I been reading some misinformation or are there sub-models?

This week I flushed the cooling system and replaced the coolant. About three quarts topped it off.

I going to change the oil and filter tonight. I have the filter and four quarts of oil. I’ve seen some say these engines take 3.8 quarts of oil and some say 4 quarts. I know that’s only 3.2 ounces. Does it matter?

There seems to be a lot of conflicting information on the web about these bikes. Are some people are mixing models without realizing it? Or am I?

Gil

2

With regards to the “R’s”…..All VF1000R’s have two radiators….there’s the one just in front of the front cyls and one behind the headlamps. Only the 1985 & 1986 VF1000RFs & RG’s also have an oil cooler…it lives just below the upper radiator behind the fairing. Do you have a pic of yours..??

With the oil, after draining the oil and replacing the oil filter, just fill till the oil is at the top of the full mark on the dipstick, do not screw the dipstick in, start the engine for a minute or two….then top off as necessary, oil filter will take ~250ml or so, oil level must be taken with the bike upright, not on the sidestand. We also need to remember, the first of the “R’s”…the 1984 RE’s never had a twin element oil pump or an oil cooler so they will take slightly less oil than the other two.

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Smithy.

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Oilcooler can be a difference between US / EU Version? They also differ from pump.

My 86 GER VF1000R has an oil cooler.

2nd radiator is hidden behind the upper fairing.

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Strangely the US models didn’t have an oil cooler fitted

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I’ll take a picture of mine.

Well, I’ll be dogged!

It does have two radiators. The upper one is so small, it’s hard to see. Thanks for the help guys.

My wife is eating pizza for supper tonight, I’m eating crow. :woozy_face:

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The VF1000RE (only sold in Europe) has no oil cooler. The VF1000RF&G in Europe and the VF1000RG in US have an oil cooler. The VF1000RF US/CAN has no oil cooler. All modells with an oil cooler have an oil pump with two circuits.
Nobody knows why Honda have build diiferent versions of VF1000RF for the european and the US/CAN market.

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I believe only the “Californian” RF & RG models were sans oil cooler, possibly to make room for the emissions gear..?? It lives where the oil cooler would normally be…Although I stand corrected as usual.

Smithy.

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You guys have been very helpful. Thanks a lot.

Here is a pic clearly showing both radiators. You guys are awesome.

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I own a candadian VF1000RF and there is no oil cooler. And also not this canister shown on the drawings.
There are also other little differences between the europian and the american RF.
The color of the fork bridge (EU = gold, AM = black)
Color of the handle bar (EU = silver, AM = black)
The color of the levers for brake and clutch (EU = silver, AM = black)
All this details are equal on the RG models. The RG differs only in the colors of the fairing (EU = Rothmans, AM = HRC)

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The “canister” was only for the US Californian models I believe, with their silly emissions laws.

Smithy.