Life expectancy on an 85 vf500 interceptor

Following the old "Better to be safe than sorry." ideals

 

5x5 - it only costs a nickel to look into the options available.

 

Well...not a bust but also not a payday. The deeper oil pan & higher volume oil pump is a bolt on affair - but - this also requires using the '86 exhaust headers as the '84/'85 system won't clear the deeper pan. Not a deal breaker but not something I want to tackle right now. Also, on a side note – the Hindle 4-1 exhaust system has two mounting points that connect to the oil pan – not that I am set on a Hindle but this is something to consider when designing a 4-1 system for the '84/'85 versus the '86 – disclaimer - I have not been able to confirm if Hindle released two versions for the mighty VF500F.

 

so far my 86 is at 44,000 miles running amsoil and I've got some scaring on the exhaust cams. we'll see how long she lives, I'm not too easy on her either, I ride her like she's meant to be ridden.

 

I was checking the part numbers for the Springs and Valves and the 86 has the same exhaust valves as the VTR250.



So what is the difference with the 84-85 and the 86 valvetrain.

 

It is the intake valves and apparently the intake cams that changed in '86. The exhaust was unchanged as far as I know.

 

I have read that the '86 was a 'de-tuned' version (no offense to '86 owners) of the VF500F with a milder cam profile, smaller carburetors (i.e. 30mm bore) and a lower redline (i.e. different spark boxes).

It's easy to run up to redline on the VF500F, as any owner will tell you, and - of course without speaking with original team of engineers who designed the engine this is all speculation - perhaps Honda wanted to add some insurance that the engines would last a bit longer.

 

I would say the combination of owners and that bike would make 100K the exception. There are owners out there that could get that mileage out of that bike. It's just that most of these bikes didn't start out with that owner, so you're already behind the ball. But I have seen 'em, and they weren't necessarily ready for the scrap pile.

I have not seen an aftermarket exhaust that goes under the oil pan that works with the '86. Most systems were designed and sold in the 84 - 85 years. I had to put and 85 oil pump and pan on my 86 race bike. The full Vance & Hines that combines the lefts together and the rights together should work with an 86 pan, but I haven't fitted mine up yet to verify.

 

Sooo...based on this, you're saying the best performance bang/buck combo of factory parts is an 84-85 motor and carbs with a 86 oil pump and pan?

I thought the 86 had MORE aggressive cams to make up for the smaller carb...

 

Good to know. Thanks for the post!

 

Well...yes and no. I like the idea of adding the '86 oil pump and deeper pan but the exhaust system (in terms of an aftermarket 4-1) is a bit of a sticking point - though personally I don't think I would install a Hindle. I might get some flak here but I am not a fan of the way they look on the VF500F (besides having to cut the chin cowling). I like the way the 4-2's look - but from what I've read these don't work very well - actually robbing HP. It seems like the Honda team of engineers really dialed in the stock exhaust and without some serious R&D and a friend with a Dyno it is hard to do better.

A bit of a long answer to your question but it does look like the '84/'85 heads give you more options in terms of aftermarket valve kits - based on the current availability of the VTR250 kits. Again it's all more a research project looking into the options that are out there and what the budget is. The important thing is to enjoy your bike whether it's and '84/'85 or an '86.

 

Megacycle indicates the use of "#30-1017 K.P.M. valve springs" replacements with their cam/rocker upgrade...any luck sourcing those?

Some numbers I picked up...if you dont call them I will find some time next week to do so...


R&D SPRING 760-948-4698 or KPM SPRING 650-359-4704

 

I believe from what I've learned about the differences while trying to interchange heads between the 84 and an 86 is that the cams on the 86 are more aggressive, giving it more low end power and sacrificing high end power. The valves extend a little more on the 86 than the earlier models, and the igniter boxes are different than the 84/85 to account for this.

 

Thank you for the post.

5x5, the '86 has a more aggressive cam profile. I didn't realize this.

The 'de-tuning' description that I've read may be more related to the smaller bore on the carburetors (30mm vs 32mm) and the lower redline setting in the spark boxes.

Perhaps the design team was after giving a little more mid range torque and a little less on the top as a means of helping to prevent valve spring failure during high rev's..?

 

Great intel!

I have been talking to R/D Valve Springs (they make a VTR250 kit). R/D requested a used VF500F head for reference, which I am working on locating. I'm not familiar with KPM - if you do have a chance to contact them, this would be most appreciated.

 

On my '85 R, 13k miles in the first 6 months, 35k the next year and tapering down yearly from there. 100k + on her now and still going strong and not particularly well maintained.

 

this thread has my interests.

 

With all do respect didnt the older bikes have "exploding cams"? and exploding gear boxes?

_ a concerned VF1000 owner...