Another charity case VF500

But not so rough! Got it after my old man had already done the heavy lifting to get it fit for my brother to learn how to ride. Now I'm shepherding it through rehab while he is off to school. Also I needed a slow bike to ride around with the lady

34k and the cams look great still. Rebuilding the forks/calipers (man I really hope the brakes aren't that bad) and some other stuff. Quite a nice ride actually, and even though its rough around the edges it still cuts a dashing figure.

I've been prowling through the 1st gen section too -you guys are a funny bunch!

Steve

 

Looks really nice. I'd love to fall into something like that. Lot's of knowledgeable 500 guys here, you're in good hands. Welcome.

 

Still looks nice, cool little bikes.

 

Welcome!

Good luck.

 

Welcome!

The 500s are great bikes. There are a few caveats to owning one but it looks like you are doing your research, which is a very good thing.

Good news on the cams. While you were there did you check the valve lash?

Also, if I could recommend, remove the sprocket cover and check both the clutch pushrod seal and the countershaft bearing seal. Along with this, if you are feeling ambitious, remove the oil pan and check the filter screen on the oil pump. These are all good double checks on a VF500F with 30+ on the clock.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

+1 to the countershaft bearing. Getting ready to replace mine now.

 

Man, I would love to have a VF500. Warts and all they are just cool little bikes!

 

Yep, pretty good. Front two were a little out but good otherwise. Might go back in to check the condition of the rocker arms since I forgot to give them a close look. Q?: Is the rear valve cover at the left side really that tight a fit or is it me? Maybe this bike bounced along the pavement at some point.

Will add to the 2do list. I assume removal of the oil pan requires removal of the exhaust collector? The exhaust components look weathered enough to put up a severe argument and I don't want to dig in there until I have replacement parts standing by.

 

yes the collector must come off
when i took mine off a few days ago i just undid the front headers from the cyl head, removed the mufflers, and detached it from the rear headers and it dropped right down.
one thing that might help though, is to soak where the rear headers connect to the collector with WD-40 and PB blaster, made it much easier to loosen the bolts.

 

+1 on the above post. It should be a fairly straightforward job but you will need to remove the collector box as noted.

Checking the screen on the oil pump is good insurance.

 

I'm hoping a 500 ends up in your shop too, Hopit!

This would be (some more) Must See TV based on the creativity/mechanical skill you displayed during your kR build. One of my favorite threads here.

 

Just checked out Hopits photo gallery. Cool stuff!

I'll plan on exhaust removal then. Probably have to replace the bushing things I assume.

Anyone else have clearance issues with rear valve cover?

 

I just took a look at my '85 and also an '86 that I am salvaging, the cover at the closest point to the frame is 3/8", that is at the juncture of the frame tube welds. The cover comes right off after removing the coils, etc.

 

Thank you sir...

...and you as well.

 

When i removed the Exhaust on my Old VF500 it was a long and painful process.

Everything was rusted and seized on....cans and cans of penetrating fluid had no effect.

Eventually I had to get 2 other guys from my street to help. It was the biggest PITA ever.

 

Very sweet ride! Id start with suspension move to wheels and then rejet it galpher still sell braided brake lines for these bikes still some HH pads might give you that bite you might be looking for. The 500'scarb are sweet bikes ive had mine for nearly five years and rode her like a two dollar whore and not once did it scream uncle, but you've come to the right place for information.

 

^ I do remember that 500 of yours had its share of gremlins SB ;-)

Removing the stock exhaust should be straightforward but agreed you may need to soak things a bit with penetrating lubricant.

Sili Kroil works really well, if making a hardware store run for this.

 

haha yeah, once I get the front rebuilt I'll make a judgement call on the suspension. I'm not looking to make a real carver out of it -I'm rather enough entertained by making everything function period correct. Like, that 16F/18R look is just cool in profile, you know? If I really feel the need to push the limits I have the proper bike for that and a track nearby, but as it is I'm pretty satisfied with how the 500 feels honestly!

I do think it needs a re-jet. Feels a little flat in spots and really crackles on closed throttle decel. Also, as an oddity, it's an '85 but my old man says it never had a fuel pump and that it was a pain getting the floats set right. Was their a half-year switch-over to no fuel pump?

I'll have to hunt down some sili kroil -never heard of it!

 

Best thing to do is soak the joints with pb blaster and a little heat and it will slide right apart.