VF500F2 Shocks

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by ferdief, May 29, 2008.

  1. ferdief

    ferdief New Member

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    Hi,

    New to forum and VF/R motor bikes. I just got a VF500F2 86 model. Busy doing major engine rebuild as the previous owner told me the engine started on getting the bike to point where I tried to start it I notice a clank noise and, though I would go and have a look, just to find a piece of the conrod in the sump. :(

    But to get back to my question. How do I test the shocks to see if they are still fine. And if they are not, can I service them or is there aftermarket shocks I can fit?

    Thanks
    Ferdi
     
    ferdief, May 29, 2008


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  2. JamieDaugherty

    JamieDaugherty New Member

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    Are you asking about the shock or the forks? The forks can still be fully serviced but not the shock. There really isn't a way to check the forks other than looking for leaking seals. Once they get to that point the bushing are usually shot as well.

    Check out my site for other rear shock options.
     
    JamieDaugherty, May 29, 2008


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  3. ferdief

    ferdief New Member

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    Hi,

    Thanks for the reply, stupid question on my side what is the deferance between the forks and the shock?
     
    ferdief, May 30, 2008


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  4. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    Welcome to VFRworld Ferdie. We have a few other South Africa members on here. Aotto is one of them.

    To answer your question, "forks" are the long things on the front of the bike that your handlebars are connected to, and a "shock" is located on/suspends the rear of the bike.

    When shock absorbers become worn out, you will usually notice a more springy ride, and if the are really bad, they may bounce over and over after each impact, and not settle back. Sometimes you can notice more play on the shock plunger shaft as well.
     
    derstuka, May 30, 2008


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  5. ferdief

    ferdief New Member

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    Thanks for info, It ill be a while before I can take the bike for a ride to see what the forks will be like. The bike has been standing for quite some time +- 2years. This raises the question if i need to replace the seals and bushes on the forks can I still get these parts, or is there a replacement (conversion) fork I can put on. Example a cbr600 fork?
     
    ferdief, May 30, 2008


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  6. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    I am not sure of the availibility of the VF500 fork rebuild kits, but I imagine that they are still out there. You would need to contact someone on here with a VF500 who has more info than I. Just keep in mind that your bike is over 20 years old, and just about every part is going to be a bitch to find a replacement for. Scroll E-bay, local webpages, the buying and selling column on here, etc.
     
    derstuka, May 30, 2008


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  7. JamieDaugherty

    JamieDaugherty New Member

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    Sure, all of the parts to service the forks are still available from Honda. The rear shock cannot be serviced, these are junk so it would be waste of time anyway. Check out my site for details on an option that I've come up with to solve that problem.

    A CBR600 fork swap is possible but expensive and requires a lot of work. If you are new to bikes I'd start with rebuilding the stock forks and leave major modifications like this for down the road a couple of years.
     
    JamieDaugherty, May 30, 2008


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  8. ferdief

    ferdief New Member

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    Thanks for all the info, I think I wait with the CBR conversion for the forks as I'm in the middle of total engine rebuild. Will check forks as soon as i have engine builed and installed. If need be I'll try the rebuild of forks first.
     
    ferdief, May 30, 2008


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  9. JamieDaugherty

    JamieDaugherty New Member

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    That's a good plan! Keep us up to date on the progress with your bike.
     
    JamieDaugherty, May 31, 2008


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