clip ons, period tests still criticized the bike for having too committed of a riding position, with a long stretch over the tank. The fuel tank had a 6.2 gallon capacity for the European models, and was redesigned, with a smaller 5.8 gallon capacity tank for the US models. This was used with an eye on endurance racing, utilizing the larger tank for homologation in racing where the larger capacity would result in longer time between pit stops. The front fairing of the VF1000R was split into two pieces. These both attached to a metal bracket which ran around the perimeter of the engine. The lower fairing was held on primarily by the use of 6 quarter-turn, race type fasteners (3 per side) with the aid of 4 traditional bolts (2 per side). The bolts which held the lower fairing on at the connection to the upper fairing also went through holes in the upper fairing in order to ensure proper panel gaps and alignment. On models from 1985 and later, the lower fairing also featured spring-loaded vent doors which could be opened and closed in order to cool the engine and rider during high temperature conditions. The upper fairing of the VF1000R featured a sealed air intake behind the headlight, which directed air towards the upper mounted engine coolant radiator. Because of this, most VF1000R's used in competition had the front number plates mounted on the front of the windscreen instead of in the traditional location, where the headlight would be on the road going version. This area was filled with a mesh screen in order to feed the radiator with the maximum amount of air possible. Wheels were changed from the "F" model to utilize 16 inch front and 17 inch rear NS type bolt together aluminum Comstar wheels. These wheels were constructed of a 5-pointed design which used bolts to connect the aluminum "spokes" to the hub and rim. The 16 inch front wheel was used to aid steering response, and the 17 inch rear saw the first use of radial construction tire for the European models. The American market models were sold with the traditional bias ply construction tire. In order to complete the endurance racer appearance of the bike, a removable solo seat cowl was included, as were dual round endurance racer headlights and taillights. The dual headlight was changed to a single square light