Jim's $400.00 1986 VF500F

Or as Honda got to the end of the production run of 86's maybe they started using up parts left over from the 84-85 model? I've seen this in cars in the 70s and 80s....

 

"Or as Honda got to the end of the production run of 86's maybe they started using up parts left over from the 84-85 model? I've seen this in cars in the 70s and 80s...."
Very unlikely in this scenario. The 86 engine only just fits into the 84/85 frame. I know this cos I had to do it. I had to grind some of the weld from the frame to get the rear cylinder head cover to fit (on the left as you sit on the bike).

 

In this case I have an 85 engine in a 84-5 frame. Not much 86 left on this bike! The engine, tank, frame, not sure what else are 84-5. I guess I should have expected this on a 34 year old bike I bought as a derelict.

 

A bit like this then.

 

I wish my parts would come in! Ready to get this show on the road!

 

I feel your pain, Jim. I have parts, but not close enough to touch the project. Missing two critical items that wouldn't let me finish it anyway.

 

any updates, jim, on what your $400 wonder will cost in total to finally get it on the road ?

 

If you're worried about economics, I'd pick a game other than motocycles.

 

but jim's thread started with an economic benchmark, dinnit ?

 

Come on, man. It's fairly obvious that Jim's quest has taken a detour from it's original intent. You just wanna rub his nose innnit. Not cool.

 

I will say that I have made money restoring motorcycles in the past. This will not be one of them!

I really never bought it to make money, I just wanted one. The challenge has kept my mind off the outside world frankly.

That being said, I have been keeping records of everything and I am all in (including the original VF500F and spare VF500C I bought) for $1,881.49.

I am thinking another $200.00 for additional parts like the front tire, and maybe $500.00 to paint the tank and fairing puts me at $2,500.00.

It's probably not worth $2,500.00, but as Ron said, motorcycles never make any economic sense.

 

Sorry Jim, Really don't agree with you there - but in a good way...

You show me a $2500 bike that will look remotely like yours when finished...

 

It’s also the satisfaction of riding a bike you worked hard on and finished
That sense of pride ....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Thanks, I really appreciate the encouragement! Labor of love for now...

 

Yes sir, that is exactly the story! Thanks!

 

That is correct....I think I will change the title to 'Jim's PRICELESS 1986 VF500F"

 

I have seen examples of people spending far more restoring absolute turds. At least the VF500 is a good bike to restore.

 

I have spent more than that on ti bolts and hardware. It's all about the journey, refining your skills, and showcasing your craftsmanship. Fine tuning your patience doesn't hurt either

 

Yeah, I have been pretty lucky on my projects, I have not lost money on any of them recently. Not that it matters as you said. I did a full make over on a Gen 5 VFR800FI and wish I would have documented it on VFRWORLD. It ended up selling for a lot more than I thought it would. Made about a grand on it. What a great bike, but really heavy for a small guy like me. Honda built it so good it was not a challenge to restore.

But yeah, it's about the journey. The VFR800FI restoration got me through Hurricane Harvey here in Houston, and this VF500F restoration will get me through Covid-19. Money is not an issue here at all.

I have neighbors who have $75,000 300 HP Bass Boats they hardly use, so $2,500.00 for this bike? It is nothing.

Again, thanks for the encouragement!!!!!

 

Finally.....after 6 weeks I have my precious o-rings to finish building the engine. Thanks to @NorcalBoy for the heads up on Musselman Honda In Tuscon. They did a fast turnaround on getting the parts. NO DRAMA.


Headgasket on....time to finish this thing and ride it!!!



Head mounted....