wheel conversion question?????

If you convert a vf500 to 17" wheels, are there set up issues? Meaning, do you need change ride height, fork position, etc? Does it improve or degrade handling, etc? I realize it greatly improves tire options, but, does it change the bike handling significantly as well? Thank you and ride safe.

Mark

 

First off, just the change to the F2 wheels makes a huge improvement in the handling. The stock wheels and tires suck, there is a reason nobody uses those sizes anymore!

That said, the geometery in the rear is affected by the change. Effectively the rear ride height is decreased by 12-15mm (depending on the tire). This is becaue the VF500 has a crazy large OD stock rear tire. Normally a lower ride height is not desired for performance, and the VF's can already use a lot more out back anyway. Even so, the F2 rear wheel and tire still handle a lot better than stock. Raising the rear ride height back up, or beyond, just makes it that much better.

You don't need to change a thing up front as there isn't much of a difference between the stock front wheel/tire and a 120/60-17.

 

Dude, I was looking at your website when you replied. What would you do with the rear shock, fork, and brakes if you wanted to race this thing in WERA or AHRMA a few times a season? I'm not too worried about engine, it is what it is, but suspension and brakes can make several seconds a lap vs. a bad setup. Thanks.

Mark

PS. I don't own the bike yet, but likely will soon and I'm doing my research.

 

I'd say a different rear shock for sure, the stock one is garbage. Gold Valves in the forks at minimum as well. The brakes are ok as-is, remember those are the only parts on your bikes that are meant to increase your lap times. Wheels for sure also, so that you can get decent rubber.

If you are going to have the bike on the track something that is a must do is replacement of all of the valve springs. Dropped valves is a huge problem with the VF500's. The trouble is that valve springs are no longer available. I've been working on options but so far have nothing to show for it.

 

put a F2 wheel on your 500 it cant be done thats wheel impossible

 

Oh Matt, you just don't want anyone else to have a trick rear wheel like yours!!!!

 

Dang! That valve thing sucks! The bike has 25,000 miles too. Thanks for the effort on the valve springs. I like the idea of an F4/F4i shock that you mod for my bike. The gold valves/new springs/rebuild up front seem like a great idea too. I want the bike as a second bike, old track toy, cool bike in the garage, etc. However, it has to be able to run on the track or I don't want it. Thanks for the input.

Never Give Up!

Oh, Matt, paint that front!

 

damn right its MINE!!! no one else can have it

 

I just need a kick in the butt to get some of my projects completed. The problem is that for every one I complete I add two or three to the list...