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?
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.
