looking like i might getting an '84 vf500 soon

looking like i might getting an '84 vf500 soon UPDATE 04/07/10

a couple of months ago, i picked up an '85 magna that was practically in pieces. was not running and needed some tlc. as it stands now, the bike runs pretty darn good considering i still need to get the carbs synched. there are minor cosmetic issues to deal with, but, it's definitely been a learning experience for me as i am not a wrench, albeit i can turn a wrench with no issues.

so, this magna will be my cruiser, which is the first cruiser for me.

my previous bikes were:

1990 kawasaki zypher z550 in 1992 and was stolen in '94 and,

1986 vfr700 in 1996 that i sold later in '97 which i still regret.....

so, here in the last couple of months, since getting the magna, i've been wanting an interceptor. unfortunately, a decent shape vfr are far and few where i am. i've been watching cl for a couple of years and have yet to see one worth what was being asked, but were not many of those anyway.

last night, i placed a wtb ad and sure enough, got an email this morning from a local that has this '84 vf500 he wants gone. i talk to him on the phone for a bit and head over to check it out.

positives:

fairings in good shape,
engine idles very very nicely.
was not able to test ride and will need some time to get road worthy.
18k on clock

negatives:

needs paint.
needs glass for master cylinders and possibly rebuild of these.
needs various things for the body, i.e. mirror, throttle assembly, kick stand, small stuff like that.
needs new rubber

all in all, i think a good project bike.

fellow wants 350, but i think i can get this bike for 250 cash.

(i have a void in my heart that i think this interceptor will fill)

what say you?

here is a pic:

 

DO IT!

Don't let Squirrelman tell you any different.

-Jake

 

The VF500F you are considering looks to be a very good deal at $250.

I think you have the right philosophy here. Owning a project bike like this would be a learning experience but turning wrenches is part of the enjoyment of having a vintage motorcycle in the stable.

 

You are probably a sadist.

 

Wow! Nice find! If I had the opportunity (and the cash) I'd jump on that one!

 

Respectfully, 'time bomb' is too laden a description for the VF500F. Maintenance is a key to this engine's longevity (along with using a high grade of motor oil, letting the engine warm up and keeping the rev's in check). This said, parts are scarce and these bikes require a solid set of mechanical skills to keep running. Still if you can find one in decent shape these are great bikes to have in the stable.

 

the 500s are a more stable engine then the 700, 750, or the 1000 of this gen. that being said routine maintenance is a must with any machine over 25 years old

 

well, more news to report. have not yet gotten that 84, but hopefully in the next day or too. also, i have located a non running 85 that has better plastics. it sounds like a broken throttle cable with carbs needing to be cleaned for about 400. would love to have a parts bike, which the 84 might turn into if i get the 85.

 

UPDATE:

picked up the 85 last night. below is a picture of it. clean title. got into it a little bit this morning and got the carb rack off. looks like water has been sitting in the intakes for a while, but i expected that. outside that, everything else is workable. as far as engine goes, i may be getting the 84 pictured above. the engine on that bike idles and sounds like a finely tuned sewing machine, which will be going into the 85 since the 84 has no title, but clean vin.

that's about it for the moment.