$200 VF500F find and restoration.

I posted this on VFRD, and figured I'd show you guys too. I'll try to bring this log up to speed quickly.


A 1986 VF500F Interceptor. Needs some TLC and a new lock set.
I bought it from an auction company who bought it from a storage company it was abandoned with. The owner parked it in a storage cell, and left it. Hasn't paid rent in over a year, and can't be contacted (phone # no longer in service, mail undeliverable, ect.). That's why I need a new lock set.
It's all there and in decent condition. I was a small engine mechanic for 3 years, and gave it the going over, and it is in pretty good condition mechanically.
Price paid: $200

It'll be my winter project. It needs some work, but I have the time. :biggrin:

I snapped some pics after the Bill of Sale was signed, I'll take more when I get it home.





Looks like it was down on the left side, but no major damage found as of yet. Obviously I'll need a new clutch handle.
The duct tape is over a hole in the tank, which I patched up with JB Weld tonight. I don't know how long it'll last, so I'm in the market for a new tank. :frown:
The rear wheel is on a dolly because it WAS out of clutch fluid. (and the guys who moved it don't know anything about bikes, so they didn't think to put it in neutral).

I've been working on it for about a week now. The new ignition and key is in the mail, as soon as it gets here I'll install it. For right now I removed the key-part of the ignition and am just turning the switch.

I've had it running a couple of times on carb clean, and it sounds sweet. :biggrin:

The Bad:
- The clutch seems to need some work, I think I might have to replace the hydralic piston (anyone know where to get one?).
- The starter solenoid also needs replacing, though I'm going to try to rebuild it (can't hurt). I got it started by shorting the battery to the starter terminal on the solenoid.
- the hole in the tank/rusted tank. JB Weld won't last forever.
- I had to destroy the tank lock to get it open. I'll see if a locksmith can re-key it, if not I'll have to buy another cap.


Some pictures from the other night:





I'm having some problems with the "Start" switch returning to the normal position (meaning the headlight will remain off unless I pull the switch out). Any ideas on a fix?

I cleaned out my garage, and it is now my workshop for the winter. Complete with lights and a space heater.


More news later!
Matt

 

cool what are your plans for it?

 

nice find

Looks like you got more than your money's worth on it.

 

Haha, another "Matt" with an '86 VF500F.
For now I just want to restore it to "ride-able" condition. From there I'll work on restoring it to original condition.

I'll look around for a motorcycle scrap yard today.

I tried pulling the carbs (loosened the collers that hold them to the engine), and they just refuse to budge. Am I missing something?

Thanks!
Matt

 

Haha, another "Matt" with an '86 VF500F.
For now I just want to restore it to "ride-able" condition. From there I'll work on restoring it to original condition.

I'll look around for a motorcycle scrap yard today.

I tried pulling the carbs (loosened the collers that hold them to the engine), and they just refuse to budge. Am I missing something?

Thanks!
Matt

 

^ the first picture doesn't work.

My switch looks ok inside, it just doesn't return to the normal position without some help.

 

Yup, it works now, thanks!

 

with just alittle help on the suspension side of things they make a great mountain carver bike!

 

yea i needed alittle help to get mine this low

http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af127/matt1986vf500f/Photo2.jpg

 

iduno just my style,never have been much of a knee dragger to me it seems when i try to stick my knee out i feel like im going slower through the corner then i would if i would just lean with the bike i dont know im just weird like that i guess :crazy:

 

Nice find, but b4 you sink all kinds of money into it, I would make sure you can get it registered. The bikes are (fun) money pits. But make sure you can get to have fun on it.

 

I've gotten titles for things in the past.
I live in Massachusetts, which, unfortunatly, requires a title in order to register something.
Buuuut, I have a friend in New Hampshire (sp?), and in NH you DO NOT need a title. So I sell the bike to my friend in NHY, he registers it, and sells it back. I take the bill of sale to the MA RMV, along with the proof of prior registration (the papers from NH), pay a titling fee, and get a new title.
It takes time and money, but it can be done.
If there's something the MA RMV can do to help me, I'll go that route. If not, I have a back up plan.



I got the carbs off, and the boots do look pretty bad. Not ruined (I don't think), but I may replace them anyway.

I'll take some pics in a couple minutes, I'm eating dinner.