Hello everyone, i m searching for a new bike and i fell in love with the vf1000. I did some research but everyone i asked told me not to get an old bike because it doesn’t handle well and will be a money pit. I m 25 and i want it as my main motorcycle and i wanted to know if it will be reliable and if it is good as a daily commuter. I have found a few f2 models for under 2000 euros the only thing that really put me off is the weight and the handling because of the 16 inch front wheel.
Welcome aboard…
The 1985 VF1000F2, (FF), doesn’t have a 16" front wheel, it has an 18" front wheel. Only the first 1984 VF1000FE, and the VF1000R’s have a 16" front wheel.
They’re very heavy by today’s standards, (handling was good-ish in their day), and non-consumable parts can be very difficult to find…you must remember, these bikes are 40 years old now. How reliable they are will depend on how well it has been maintained and how good you are with “old school” menchanicals, carburettors and manual valve adjustments etc…
They do indeed make a good daily commuter, I’ve had several FE’s over the years and always found them comfortable and reliable if maintained well. They are a labour of love and like most women, they’re high maintenance.
Smithy.
I only hesitate because I dont think I have the time or knowledge to maintain it properly but I don’t think I ll get another chance of owning such a unique bike. Should I just get it or go should I go for something more sensible like the vfr800 or the Kawasaki zzr600
Don’t be put off by me…knowledge can be gained over time and there’s guys on here willing to help…and some of them have forgotten more about these machines than most people know about them. I’ve been fiddling with VF’s for most of my 63 years since the early-mid 80’s…and there’s chaps on here who know much more than myself. However, the first VFR800…the Gen-5 VFR 800, (98-2001), is a good machine, engine is bullet proof, fuel injected…and is the last of the gear driven cam machines. I’m personally not a fan of the later chain driven VFR800’s. I know nothing about ZZR600’s I’m afraid.