'86 VF500 in Orlando - $3,700 on FB MP - nice!

Did earlier models have an actual fuel pump attached to the bottom and in '86 they did away with it? I need to read up on this model.

 

Not really, no. The real early ones had a different internal reflector design tho.

Not sure what your inventory looks like, but I might have a real nice pair that I could be talked out of.

I haven't downloaded any pics yet, but it appears the fronts might be a matte finish (not stock) ? Like I said, when it arrives take a look and see what you want to do.

 

86 switched to gravity feed. 84 / 85 had a pump down by the battery. The tank, petcock and carbs are unique to that year (86) for the US.

 

OK thanks, Capt....really appreciate the support and info. Can't wait to bring her home!

 

I liked the 500 that I rebuilt. Kinda wished I had kept it, but at the same time I need to reduce my bike habit. lol

 

Good afternoon everyone......

Well......everything went as well as it could have today on bringing the 500 home. The seller was a GREAT guy and IMHO the bike is even better than it looks in the photos. It runs and rides absolutely perfect! Hell....almost makes me wonder if this is the best one I've ever acquired I like it so much!

He gave me a baggie with the reflectors in it and few other small items. Bike has it's tool kit. It also has an internal aluminum tank...which sounds kinda crazy but it was really done well and when you think of it maybe isn't such a bad thing.

Took a bit of driving but my trusty 240K Silverado and small aluminum trailer didn't let me down...thank the Lord!

The seller who did the restoration work said he obtained the correct factory paint. He paints for a living along with other things and went to school for it so it does have a decent paint job. And clear coat over everything - even the engine paint. Said the wheels had flat/matte black from the factory but he went gloss so they be easier to keep clean. The bike is a bit dusty in the photos because I haven't washed it yet.

Tires are new and mufflers perfect. Parts bike wasn't worth dragging home.

A few pics....

 

More pics......

 

Check out the carb insulators and clamps.......

 

Please elaborate on what that means exactly.

Oh, and NICE LOOKING BIKE!!!

 

According to the seller......the previous owner coated the factory tank. When he (the seller) got around to fixing the tank - the last item on the restoration - the coating inside had shrunken up. He opened up the tank and inserted a smaller aluminum (looks like diamond plate) inside and then closed the tank back up. Outwardly - you cannot tell. I haven't looked at the underside of the tank but he said it looks just like the original. This guys does fab work so guess that was how he resolved things. I think he also said he couldn't find another tank at the time that wasn't all rusted.

 

Said it holds about 3 gallons.....

 

Hmmmm.... weird. Not sure how I would feel about that.

Anyway, enjoy your new 500. It does look sweet.

 

Looks really nice! Interesting way to restore a fuel tank. I've never heard of that method.

 

Thanks - appreciate it, Capt!

Agree the fuel tank thing is strange but in my mind certainly wasn't egregious enough to not go ahead with the purchase. I mean......I know I can find an OEM fuel tank for it eventually. Plus he dropped the price quite a bit so that didn't hurt.

Remember that '84 RC15 I got with all the fairings removed and repainted? That bike didn't even come with a fuel tank!

 

Yeah me neither but I remember a conversation I had with my mechanic about treating these tanks and HE said something about opening it up and re-closing, so sometimes there are alternative methods that we never consider.

You have to hand it to the guy though for staying true to the bike's originality. Whatever he did differently is because he said he couldn't get the right parts. I didn't argue with him about that - hell - I'm as happy as a clam it's in such good nick!

 

I picked up a Bamboo too. Bamboo nursery right around the corner from the seller and I needed one to replace one that had died, so that was handy......

Bambus textilis 'Garcillis'.....aka Graceful Bamboo.......

 

Here's the parts bike.......that I left........

 

OH MAN !!!

issat weed ? disguised as bamboo ?

 

Even I would not take that for FREE

 

The engine may have had salvage value and the brake calipers but it was hot out and that rear tire didn't hold air and we would have had to ramp it into the truck and I would have had to ramp it back off. No thanks...lol.....

Seller mentioned the valuable Corbin seat and I said "I hate those things." after which he said "Yeah me too."...lol.....