2wheelsnm

Thanks again to all, for the helpful tips. Here's what I found on the water pump question. Happy Bikes on ebay (suggested by Terry) does have the mechanical seal for the VF1000R, so that's definitely a viable option. I went with the guy suggested by Captain 80s though, baxter7092 on ebay. I had emailed both guys and got quick replies. They both seem to have a great deal of experience with the coolant pumps. Baxter7092's reply also indicated he could provide a complete overhaul kit though, versus just the mechanical seal. Happy Bikes may have a complete kit as well. I didn't ask, just because I was impressed by the apparent level of professionalism expressed by Baxter. I'm not particularly a bargain shopper. If someone seems to know and enjoy what they're doing, and seems to appreciate my business, I generally stop looking, and do business there. For the extra $60 baxter was asking to do the job, I decided not to even try to rebuild the pump myself. The rebuild kit was $140, or the complete rebuild of my pump for $200, with a warranty. Sold! Thanks to Squirrelman for the C-clamp suggestion to aid with bleeding the clutch hydraulics. When I removed the slave cylinder to get the water pump out, I had the same idea, and happened to have just the right size C-clamp to get the job done. Another problem solved. Thanks again guys.

Thank you all for the tips, as well as your comments, welcoming me, and so forth. All replies are greatly appreciated. I have had only a little time to spend on the bike since posting this, but I like the speed bleeder. Looks like a great tool. Wish I'd thought of that. :) I did try pushing the fluid up as Woodie mentioned. It "ain't" there yet, but there's a little pressure now at the clutch lever, so I think this will solve that issue, with a little more time (and patience). Any water pump sources or ideas, anyone? Thanks again everyone.

Hello all. I'm new to the site, and don't know much about these bikes yet, so I can't offer much info to anyone regarding VFRs. I have however, owned and/or restored twenty-five or so motorcycles of various makes, and have restored many foreign and domestic automobiles, so I'm not a stranger to mechanical problems and solutions, and will try to help if I read any questions I can answer. Thanks to anyone in advance for help with my problems and questions. I'm working on getting a 1985 VF1000R back on the road after getting it from the original owner several months ago. The bike sat for over 20 years before I got it. I've gotten it running, and the engine sounds beautiful (as they do), but still have a lot to do before it's road-worthy. For one thing, the water pump leaks - not too much for short rides, but I wouldn't take a road trip like it is. I can't find any listings anywhere for replacement pumps or rebuild kits. Can anyone help me out with some sources for this? The other thing is the clutch hydraulics. I've rebuilt lots of clutch and brake hydraulic systems through the years, but have never had one give me so much trouble bleeding. I used to have a pressure-bleeding set-up it disappeared somewhere along the way, so I haven't tried that yet. This system seems so simple though, I wouldn't expect to need that. I just can't get this thing to pump up any pressure though. There must be something stupid I'm missing. Can anyone offer some tips? Thanks again to anyone that may help. Phillip