New Member! First Bike Build - '84 VF500F Interceptor - 7000 miles!

Hi, as my username suggests, my name's Miguel! I'm over here in South Florida, and my Father and I (I'm 17) recently purchased a true rare find! an '84 VF500F Interceptor with a mere 7000-some miles!

Here's some history: The bike's last owner was the First owner's Brother. His brother passed away, and since he didn't ride, he kept the bike in storage for 10 years! My father and I found it on eBay (it was local!) and went over there to look at it, an lo-and-behold, it was true. only 7325 Miles for a 25-26 year old bike! We pretty much stole it for $500!

My Dad couldn't pass down the opportunity, since in Venezuela (where we used to live) he actually had a VF250! it was a perfect father-son bonding tool.

Anyway, we got a new set of carbs, cleaned them up, and BOOM! it started without hesitation! Honda :love: :biggrin:

Here are some pictures, and what We hope the bike will look like when it's finished...




Preview of final product (Hopefully!) obviously, the Red and Blue will be reversed in the final product! this is just something to go-by. Also! i have a quick question to the experts! That rear-seat cowl is from the VF1000 right? and if so, how hard is it to fit it to the VF500?


Thanks for viewing! :rapture:

 

You definitely got a good deal there. The mileage is low and the price is more than right. The bike appears to be in nice shape too. On the 500, just make sure that your valves are propertly adjusted as dropping them is probably the only concern with this bike. Congratulations and welcome to the forum.

 

Valves? Engine Valves?

 

Also, I have a set of Lockhart full fairings on my 500 as well. Yours look very similar except for the hole at the top of them. Get them painted and put them on. I think it greatly enhances the look of the bike. Post up some pictures when you've got the bike done.

 

Yes. Get them adjusted and keep them adjusted - make sure they are within spec. The 500 was known for dropping valves.

 

:welcome: to the forum. Santa was very good to you Miguel, congrats on the excellent find!

 

Thanks for the tip! although, i honestly don't know how to adjust them, i have the Clymer Manual, should that information be in there?

 

The Clymer manual is OK, the factory manual is much better. Adjusting the valves is not particularly difficult but can be tedious, an experienced helper would be a good thing. I would suggest that you look around and find someone in your area that can help you with this. Maybe someone here on the forum is nearby.

 

Welcome!

We've chatted a bit (via PM) about the FSM. As noted, the First Edition (the green binder) or Second Edition (bound paperback) will keep you in good stead. The First Ed. is slightly more desirable as the printing is a bit better ( the photos are clearer).

As a new owner, there are three parts to the 500 mantra: set the valve lash at the Factory recommended intervals, let the bike properly warm up before riding and keep the revs in check. Follow this and you'll be in high cotton.

One thing I noticed in the photos, you may have a rust issue with the lower rear corners on your tank.



This is a somewhat common malady caused by water collecting in this area when the bike is not stored properly (fuel drained, tank coated with motor oil).

I would add inspecting this onto the shop clipboard.

Good luck and keep us posted on the progress.

 

thanks for all the help guys!

And as for the tank, it's okay, we got that covered, in fact, we found this very tidy tank online and it didn't cost much, a steal once again! It's great since none of the main "lines" of the top of the tank are damaged as those are a pain to fix, which the tank shown above on the bike, has damaged.



The bike will be disassembled by my dad and I later around January, cleaned, frame sanded, sent to be painted, and we should have it done around march! i'll keep posted!

BTW, anyone think this is a good alternative to the "original" Factory Service Manual?

http://www.amazon.com/Honda-Factory-Service-1984-1986-Interceptor/dp/B002DKYQU0

Since i can't find the ones Invicible Cities mentioned online :/

 

The reissue manual is fine. You'll be A-okay with this.

Regarding the tank, FYI, the '84/'85 has a different petcock design compared to the '86. The '86 fuel petcock mounts differently and has a larger fuel outlet compared to the '84/'85. I am mentioning this as I am not sure what year your replacement tank is from. A photo of the underside will tell the story.

 

Yeah, it's an '86 tank since my dad noticed the larger fuel opening as well. Which would be best to use? thanks for reassuring me on the reissue manual btw! Also, I was wondering, where would i go about finding the Rubber Tank Grommets (the rubber pieces that go where the tank is bolted down to the frame) for this bike?

Should i just go to a local Honda Dealer and ask, or are there any reproduction ones online? Thanks!

 

Very excellent looking bike! Keep the cables adjusted liked already been said keep the rpm's under 10k and she'll be fine I would recommend a suspension update it will transform the bike. Other than that good luck and enjoy that sexy machine!

 

i have a second edition service manual, just PM me if interested, also have a set of rims/tires with less than 400 miles on them :thumbsup:
But welcome to the forums! i got my 500 when i was 17 as well, that being said i know how tempting it is to let the revs get out of control, but by keeping them under 9-10k you will be doing yourself a huge favor and saving a ton of time, money, and frustration. Unfortunately i found that out the hard way and ended up parting out mine =\

But good luck!

 

Sure, local is always good.

If you have trouble finding these, Service Honda here in the US or David Silver Spares in the UK are both great sources (DSS even more so for hard to find parts). You'll need to look up the part number on the parts fiche first.

 

Hey guys! i have a quick question!

The Fuel Petcock has a long-ish filter that goes in the tank connected to it.
I need a replacement one! is there a wire-mesh one i could order? Does anyone have the Honda Part # or any vendor online i could buy it from?

thanks! The only thing left to get this puppy on the road will be the Tank Grommets and a Brake Master Cylinder which i'll be ordering this Saturday coming up

 

If I could suggest, try your local Honda dealer first.

If a no go, David Silver Spares (located in the UK, they ship to US) is my go to source for hard to find parts. DSS is run by a super helpful team of people who are true fans on vintage Hondas. Shipping is fast and very reasonably priced to the US.

Link to the DSS website:

David Silver Spares - HOME

For reference (source: '84 FSM)



Copy of the fiche for the '86 tank (source: Service Honda)



Link to the Service Honda website:

http://www.servicehonda.com/

 

Thank you for the help as always!

But i have bad news: That part is discontinued!

Is there any other filter that will fit? perhaps another VF-Series Tank?

Surprisingly enough, this little filter is holding me back from finally riding it! Grrr.

 

If I could ask, is your bike's fuel system gravity fed or do you still have the stock fuel filter and fuel pump? If you are running the stock setup I think you'll be fine forgoing the redundancy of the petcock filter. If you are running a gravity fed system you could add an inline sintered bronze fuel filter for added insurance.

 

Oh! yes, the filter coming after the fuel-pump looks like this:



so you're saying not to worry?