85 vf500f Questions.

Hey Guys....I'm new here. Just bought myself an interceptor, and love it. been riding since I was 12, but this is my first sports style bike. I have a few questions about the bike and would love some input. My previous bike was a ratty 86 Rebel 450 and I was unable to run heated gear off of it due to its small power output, but I was curious how well this vf500f will handle gear. I want to know how much free wattage I'd have to play off of before I get my heated gear so I know what to look for.
The only google result I found looks to be a specs page from a service manual saying 280w...but not at what RPM that kicks in, and I don't know how much of that is used by the bike.
Any input?

 

Welcome!

I don't have an answer for you on adding extra load onto the bike’s electrical system (hopefully someone here will) but kudos on having a copy of the FSM. This will keep you in good stead.

If I could ask, what is the mileage on your 500?

Engine maintenance is key to a long term relationship. This, and letting the bike properly warm up along with keeping the revs in check.

Good luck with your project and please keep us posted on the progress.

 

Mileage? Just rolled over 23,000 on sunday. I have a video i'll post a link to.
As far as her condition, she's pretty good. Only issue is that the previous owner never really rode her in the past year, he would start her up, and take her around the block and park her for another week or two....carbs need a little attention...but I'll be getting that done soon. Paint job is brand new. Kerker 4-2 exhuast. Other than that I believe she is stock.
Only had her for two week, but have only been able to do about 800 miles cause of work. Hoping to get out some more this coming weekend.

Interceptor video

 

Congrats on the new ride. Not sure on the 500, but my '86 750 VFR FSM states 350w at 5000 rpm.

 

Welcome to the forum.. I don't have any exact numbers for you just hear say but from what I've heard the bike doesn't have much juice to spare weather this is true no idea...let's see some pictures of that beast.

 

With 23k on the clock it's best to inspect the valve train and set the valve lash, unless you know the maintenance history of the bike.

Also, frequent oil changes are a big plus with First Gen V4s. I would go so far as to say you should change the oil every 1,000 miles on your 500.

Good luck and have fun!

 

I say goddamn! Every 1k that is a waste.

 

Respectfully, yes and no.

Parts are extremely hard to come by for these engines. A new valve train (if you can find the parts) will set you back much more than the cost of changing the oil at this interval.

Of course I am not saying you have to do this, it is only a suggestion.

 

Where I do respect everyones opinion on this forum the 500 valve train isn't as weak as you guys make it out to be. Case in point we'll take a look at mine ridden very hard I adjusted the valve only once and not one time have I've had any kind of valve problems just saying.

 

Thanks for the welcome. I'll just have to do some exploring I guess and find out for myself. As for maintenance, I'm rather competent and I keep up with it on my own, money just always tends to be my issue. Luckily, I have a ratty rebel 450 on the side that won't blow up no matter what I do to it...so I generally ride that when money is tight.

 

Good luck my friend post some pictures of the old girl when you get chance.

 

Heres a short video of her.