The engine of the VF1000R was the same cast block as in the VF1000F, displacing the same 998cc as the standard model, but modifications were required to mount the gear train in each head, used for driving the cams. The crankshaft was also altered, in order to accept a straight-cut gear which would drive the gear train instead of the chain system, used in the "F" model. Each head had two gears held by a carrier, which was then bolted into the respective head, driving each of the two camshafts arranged in a dual overhead camshaft arrangement for each head. In total, there were nine gears required to transmit power from the crankshaft to all four camshafts. The camshafts were altered in relation to the ones found on the "F" model in order to provide more power. This arrangement added to the weight of the engine when compared to the chain driven arrangement present in the "F" model.