Buying a 1985 VF500 Tomorrow Morning!

Hello,
This is my first post and as the title says, I will be buying my first bike tomorrow :thumbsup:. I test rode the bike a few hours ago and thought it was legit. Looked it over and its overall in good shape. The only issue would be that the seat doesnt clip on but Im sure I can fix that somehow.

Like I said, this is my first bike should I be worried about anything else? And any general advice?

Thanks!

 

ask the seller when the last time the carbs have been cleaned ask about valve adjustments, oil changes, coolant etc...just regular maintance

 

Im not sure about valve adjustments but all the others carbs, coolant, brake fluid etc.. were changed a month ago

 

Here are the pics

 

any records of it? clean title no wrecks, not high milage


are there any mods done to the bike jet kit, exhaust, aftermarket rear shock??

 

"Buy the newest bike you can afford."

the VF 500 was not one of Mr. Honda's finest moments

look around this site to see what kind of problems people have with their 500s

unless you are capable of doing all the maintenance and repair work yourself, steer clear of old bikes like this and find something newer with better parts availability.

 

It has a clean title. 24k miles and im getting it for $850. Its all stock except for the license plate placement which is zip tied to the bottom

 

If you do get the bike make sure to name it. Based on the conversations I've heard Matt having with his VF500 I'm pretty sure his bikes name is "You Stupid Piece of Shit, what's wrong with you Now" :biggrin: j/k Matt!

Squirrel has warned you and Matt can attest that you should be prepared to spend lots of money and time on a bike that old. There will also be plenty of frustration if you do not have experience working on your own bikes.

Regards,
Rollin

 

Congratulations. The bike looks like it is in pretty nice shape. The 500 is definitely a great first bike. Parts are definitely getting scarce, but if the bike was taken care of and you keep up with the maintenance, then you should be OK. I've owned four of these bikes over the last 20 years and have never had a problem with any of them.

 

where i cant disagree with both of them the older bikes do have there pain in the ass moments and can be quite the bitch! i've had mine going on three years and she sure has be good to me (knock on wood)but for a beginner that has no knownledge with bikes i would tell you to atleast get a more modernish bike...ebay and craigslist will become your friend.. but on the other hand i have had a blast owning my 500 :thumbsup:

 

The only reason Im getting it is because I desperately need transportation and it is a steal. It runs great.

Thanks for all the input everyone

 

you have come to the right place for info, treat her right and she will treat you right..good luck with the buy and be safe bro :thumbsup:

 

Thats one of the best bikes this side of the vf1100 in my book man gj man. Dont let those v45's in sportbike clothing give you no lip the vf500 in any trim is superb when maintained.

 

Agreed, the VF500F is a great and as dependable as anything else. Since it's got some years under it's belt you'll need to pay particular attention the maintenence, but it should give you years of trouble free service!

 

and the headache begins..

It was all working well and I test rode it yesterday for about 20 miles. Everything was working fine but today I purchased it and while riding it home it stalled, and after that it wont hold an idle.

I would normally only have to turn the choke on 1/4 of the way for it to idle at 4k rpm but i have to turn it all the way up for it to idle at 2.5k. The bike wont even start without me having to give it gas. Its dying at every stop.

Any ideas?

 

are you ready to pull the carbs?

 

never done anything of the sort. This is my first bike. No experience at all =/

 

Nah, don't do that just yet. I'd make sure you don't have a fouled plug. Rev that sucker up a few times and take it out for a ol' fashion hillbilly tune up. See what that does for you. I'd say you probably loaded up a plug, the worst case would be that you need to replace them. $10 fix.

 

is it bogging on you loss of power etc..

 

No, it just wont idle and the choke really does nothing for me anymore.

What is a hillbilly ride? haha