All the way from the north shore of massachusetts... Picked up an 85 VF500F this Sunday. Technically, not my first bike, but it is my first RUNNING bike (the first bike was/ is a 1989 VTR250 that is still sitting in the shed). I've taken a few short rides, and I must say, this bike is a BEAUT. My only other bike experience is the Nighthawk 250s at the MSF course I took; that being said, the bugger still feels amazing. (I think I'm in love...) The bike came with Yoshi slip-ons, and the PO didn't install them, so he didn't know if the bike had been jetted... other than that, it is stock, other than the reupholstered seat. Just a couple quick questions before I start forum-trawling for threads: Seems to run hot (middle of the temp gauge to 2/3rds of the temp gauge), but the coolant and oil levels are fine. This seems to point to the bike not being jetted. However! The bike is stubborn to idle with the choke off, even after warming up. To be honest, I haven't taken the carbs off to clean them, I simply haven't had time. When I looked at the bike a week or so ago, I added some seafoam to the tank (a tablespoon or so) to clean out the jets. Obviously, this does not constitute "cleaning the carbs". From what I know, this points to clogged pilot jets. Could the two be related? If anyone has a thread in mind that already covers this, please point me towards it, if you would be so kind, so I don't clutter up the New Riders section. Keep the shiny side up!
Hey! Another Taxachusetts resident! I'm in North Central MA. These carbs are so temperamental, it's hard to say what could be the problem. I'm a bit tired, so I can't think straight, but I'll try to think of some potential problems. For now, Welcome! (Oh, and how is the wonderful Mass RMV treating you? :wink: )
Solid, good to see some more brave North East riders! I hope to see you on the road until the first salting (I'll try and do the same). No worries, mate, whenever/ if you can think of something, it's always appreciated. Actually, the only problem I had with the Mass RMV was getting my license issued. A cop on a mission to rid Rockport of serious crime (me, driving home at 2 in the morning), issued me a Marked Lanes violation (I "nicked the white line a couple times") that I hadn't had a chance to pay, so I had to go in to the RMV, pay the dang ticket and finally get my license, about half an hour after the branch "closed". Everything else was taken care of by my wonderful insurance agent. Took the bike to work this morning, still ran a little hot, but not much more than a bit under 2/3rds. On the way home I was in a touch of traffic, which not only had me flipping between on and off choke, but had the engine running a bit over 3/4ths on the temp gauge. Ran fine though, other than being hot. Gotta find a set of more challenging twisties!
Yeah, I was def thinking that. Actually, I was thinking of flushing all the coolant and replacing it all with SuperCool (with Water Wetter). One thing that I forgot to mention, but is worrying me a bit is a ticking/ mechanical sound coming from the engine... it's loud enough that I can hear it while riding, and over the sound of the yoshi slip-ons. Finally, it got really hot this evening. I took it on an hour long ride around Cape Ann, and (obviously) as long as I was cookin' above 35, she was fine for the most part. She got hotter in slower areas (some fool drove the whole back shore at 20mph, 5 under the limit ). When I finally pulled in at home and was going through the wonderful process of turning it back around, I noticed the temp gauge was sitting just a bit under the temp limit. I killed the engine and the fan turned on, bringing the temp down a bit. And it still won't idle with the choke off! Then again, I still need to clean the carbs thoroughly...
Check all your exhaust bolts, I had similiar sound and found a couple of the bolts were loose making the ticking noise, tightened everything and the sound is gone. If that does not resolve your sound then check valve clearances, good luck with carbs...
