'86 VF500 -- Get it Running Again!

Thanks to those of you who welcomed me the past few days:
http://vfrworld.com/forums/introductions/26971-new-vfrw-member.html

Short list of things to do to get the bike ride-able again:
Replace the battery
Plugs (wires?)
Drain, replace, bleed, etc. all the fluids
Check the brakes (replace?)
air and fuel filters
clean out fuel system and tank
check wheel bearings
clean chain
inspect everything I can with the repair manual I bought

Any suggestions?

 

that about covered it....when was the last time the bike ran?

 

When it was garaged... I guess early 90's...

 

Get it running, ride it, and love it. That's my suggestions!

 

I've only test-ridden 3 VF 500s over the years, but i'll state that a good one has the SMOOOOOOOOOTHEST motor you'll ever find!! Like a sewing machine motor, quiet, minimal vibration, but there are few good ones.

 

I've began to delve in to the bike. Any input appreciated
http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/31323-86-vf500-need-empty-tank-100-a.html

 

What is the downward turned tube next to the left carb for?

 

if i recall correctly, that would be the vent tube for the float bowls.

 

Well, I went thru most the whole damn thing, it's cranking just fine, fuel flows OK, just won't catch... arrgh

 

Glad to see you are here in the 1st gen section. I didn't see any of your previous posts....sorry.

The tanks can be very very difficult to empty fluids and debris from. I wouldn't recommend dumping in there you can't easily take out.

There is no fuel filter on the 86 VF500. There's the sock on the Petcock and that's it. I recommend adding a filter in-line:
http://vfrworld.com/forums/1st-2nd-generation-1983-1989/31018-fuel-filter-86-vf500.html

How new is the Battery?

 

Battery is BRAND new... sitting on a trickle charger after I attempt any starting...

I cleaned out the tank as best I could. The fuel coming out is 'reasonably clean'.

I'm at the bottom of that thread with the fuel filter. I built a setup with in-lines after the 'y' and spent hours working on the fitment and being sure there's good fuel flow.

 

Good to see another member working a 1st gen No advice at this point, as I have a nightmare of my own, but wish you the best of luck in getting your bike back on the road!

 

UPDATE: Got so ticked off at trying to get this in-line filter crap set up, as well as my inability to get the carbs working (my first attempt with them) that I just dropped them all off at a shop to have professionally handled. The tank is going to get cleaned, sealed and coated, and the carbs are getting cleaned and rebuilt. I'm going to have a beer. Happy weekend all!

 

I hope everything works out for you.

 

Please keep us posted on how the tech goes about sealing the tank - the VF500F's design has some tricky spaces inside - i.e. the lower rear corners that can be very difficult to reach.

Perhaps one day I'll find a used tank that is too far gone to repair - I'm curious to make a sagittal cut to this and to actually see how they were designed/fabricated inside...

 

Agreed. I had no luck when I quoted my old VF500 tank.

You want to know what the inside of the tank looks like?

I looked in one with a little mirror. I can give you the gist?

 

Thanks, I do remember seeing a sketch you did awhile back which was helpful. I am hoping to find a fuel tank that is a bit too far gone - to cut this tank in half and photograph as a reference,,,this way the rad shops know what they are in for when trying to seal them.

 

Ahhh...that's a very good idea.

It'd be nice to get one made out of aluminum or plastic or something.

 

Not so much a fan of plastic, for fuel tanks, but aluminum or stainless could be interesting...