I have a VF500FII that I paid 'big bucks' for (£1700/$2250) earlier this year on ebay. It originally belonged to the seller's dad and had been subject to a full strip & re-build. The seller even gave me ~200 digital photos of the entire process. So far so good. I'm now going through the bike and correcting a few of the bodges. The main issue seems to be that the carbs have been lashed up from several other sets. Not good. Thankfully, the tatty Vf500 I was going to fix up is turning out to be a very useful spares bike. The carbs are the exact ones I need for the keeper bike. Phew! So, with Mike Nixon's help, I'm stripping & re-building my first ever set of carbs. What a way to start!?!?! As soon as Mike's shipment of float valves (OEM of course) & other goodies arrives I'll set to work and put the carbs back together. I opted *not* to break the 4 sets of carbs apart. I'm just going in via the float/diaphragm chambers & cleaning/replacing parts as required. Apart from new float valves, the only issues so far seem to be with the missing O-rings & washers on the idle jets. While the tank is off I've lined it as protection against modern fuel. While the carbs are off I'm also going to do the valve clearances. Wish me luck...
If it's any consolation I paid GBP2000 for mine back in 2011. However it was original, low mileage, needed nothing and was in good nick. Spares bike is the way to go, no question.
