New vf500f owner

Hello, I'm a newbie here and just invested in a 1986 vf500f. Always wanted a v-4 and finally got it! Anyways I would like to get some info or feedback on these bikes, I heard about the oiling problems of 84-85's and the petcock problems... I'd like to know what's the basic to-do list or what are the issues I need to address before I put it on the road.
Thanks

 

>>>>>>>>:behindsofa::behindsofa::behindsofa:<<<<<<<<<<

You test rode it before buying, right ??:cheer2:

 

Technically, the 500 has the same oiling problems as the bigger bikes, but it seems to be less affected. I put a top-end oiling kit on my current 500, but honestly feel that it was not necessary. Over the years, I 've owned 4 of these bikes and have never had a problem with the top end. So what kind of shape is your bike in? How many miles? Pictures?

 

the bike is affected by the oiling problem but like stewart said not like the big bikes the reall problem is the valve springs they become weak over time then the retainers will break causing the valve to drop into the cylinder the only fix for this problem is new springs, i've owned my 500 for 3 years its seen rpm's as high as 11K with no problems yet..

 

All right thanks for the info. No test drives, the engine was removed by previous owner who suspected a bent rod or a spun bearing on the crank. I almost bought that same bike last year but didn't because I tought it was too much. Good thing I waited... It has around 45000k's on it, is in OK shape but has been dropped and there's a nice ding in the tank. Anyways I will be taking the engine apart soon, anything in particular I should look for or do while in there? I checked for valve springs at the dealer and they are discontinued, where did you get yours matt? I don't think I'm gonna bother with the topend oiling kit, but I'd like to know if I should cancel the vaccum petcock and go with with gravity feed or not?

 

sorry i haven't replaced my valve spring as they can not be found anymore, i have looked into other source's but that would be when i add aftermarket cams but thats a total different story. i've done the vacum delete on the petcock i like it, it's very easy and its simple theres only a on and off now here the site that shows you how Daugherty Motorsports - Tank Valve Petcock Modification your better off buying a good used motor to start with.. lets see some pictures of that old girl.heres mine

 

.......taking the engine apart ??????????


you bought a VF 500 that you can't ride, and that's no "investment."

There are very reliable V-4s, but the VF 500 was never one of them.

Buying a bike you can't test ride is asking for trouble.

 

I need a summer project... We'll see how she looks inside and go from there. Personnally I find the vf a lot more appealing than an shadow or a ninja 500 or any inline twins. Judging from what I read here so far there's not many disappointed owners of the vf's. Now I've got to find the camera for some pics.

 

Canadians are an optimistic race, yes, but when you find that many parts you need are discontinued or unavailable the bike will be going to the rubbish heap where it belongs.......

A high mileage, busted down VF 500 is a cheap buy, but who really wants a "project" rather than a ridable motorcycle ?
Why didn't you check around our fine site for info on the 500 BEFORE buying it, eh??
.

 

All right squirrelman since you seem so wise why don't you tell me where I can find all that great info that I missed out on?? Obviously you seem like you know a lot about these bikes so why don't you help me out instead of trying to discourage people, EH?

 

i'd love to help you out skidoo, if i could ......but i pretty much consider the VF series as ticking time bombs.

A much improved V-4 series started in 1986 with the 700 gen 2, and i consider money invested in anything earlier a waste.

A grumpy old man i guess cuz i only like dependable Hondas, not the ones flawed in design from the factory. Feel free to ridicule my pessimism.........AFTER you get the bike running.

:chairshot:

 

Skidoo, if you need any parts I have a bunch of good engine parts and a whole bike I'm parting out. I'm located in Hazel Park, which is kinda by Detroit, Michigan.

Let me know.

 

QED : another one that won't run.

 

Where in Ontario you from Skidooman

 

Honestly, as a 500 owner, you are better off just adding Squirrel to your ignore list. What little positive contributions he does have to offer come few and far between.

 

Welcome the the Forum!

I think you will find that there are many helpful owners and enthusiasts here that will be able to offer good insight into the mechanics of VF500F. There are also a few (maybe one in particular) that seem to have a very negative opinion of this model and tend to jump at the chance to post their dark and gloomy opinion.

Back in the day the VF500F was considered ground breaking and was praised for its neutral handling. Even today it is still a head turner and great fun to ride. I personally think that they are also enjoyable to work on, but this said it is very important to go into a restoration knowing that you will need some decent mechanical skills, a fair budget and some patience on locating parts.

Again, welcome and I look forward to reading about your project.

 

I think the bottom line to reliability is maintenance. This is common sense. If you've got a good running 500 that you keep up with the maintenance (including the valve adjustments), then you should not have any problems. It's when you ignore the maintenance that gets you in to trouble with this bike.

 

ah i see you've meet are rodent man, if you stay on this site for long you will soon find out that he's comes in to your thread talks about bunch of shit about these bikes being junk then bails..