The "I always said I'd never buy a honda" thread

So about a week ago I picked up a 1986 Honda VF500F

Night i got it


Next day i started checking the body work. Literally all the plastics except for the headlight shroud were held on with zipties and velcro.



Everything back on and straightened out. First day riding.



Really started to get sick of the flat black paint.


Test fit to see how the paint looked and if it would hold up.


Started sanding the rest of the plastic, began to remember why i never do body work


Picked up this little thing to help the process and save my fingers. Worked really well getting into the curves and what not.


(its foam)

Thats all for now. Hopefully gonna continue painting tomorrow.

 

Nice bike, I kinda like the flat black, looks sorta "Mad Max" edition.

 

Who cares how it looks, how does it ride?

Rollin

 

Runs like a brand new bike

 

I really hope that your opinion of Honda doesn't become tainted because you have picked up a well used older model! Not offense to the VF500 intended, but yours wouldn't qualify as a pristine example, at least not yet.

I'm glad to see that you are "saving" it and working to bring it back to its former glory.

I'm also curious as to why you said that you would never buy a Honda?

I could say the same about Harley Davidson but who knows as that may change in the future and I do have a soft spot for he Buell line of hooligan bikes. There are a number of bikes / brands / models that I haven't experience but would like a chance to get some seat time like Guzzis and some of the BMW sporty models......ok now I'm rambling, sorry about that!

 

For someone that would say "I would never buy a Honda" I hate to say it but that is one of the worst bikes to possibly buy, that or a 1st gen 750.
No offense meant to people that own these bikes but it has to be said. Unless you think dropping valves and chocolate cams are cool.

 

Sub'd....Now get to work!!!

 

this thread has been squirreled....... if the bike is running good on ya for riding it. keep an eye on the valves and you should be okay... watch for wear.. your not going to all of a sudden drop valves just keep an eye on them at a good interval. and if you notice wear, start looking for replacement cams.... and yeah if you like the vf500... you would LOVE the rest of the interceptor line.....
good luck with the bike and have fun with it...

 

Welcome, I look forward to seeing the progress. Keep the pics coming. There are 1000's of rider's who will never buy anything BUT a Honda that started their love affair on one of these 500's/750's/1000's.

You'll learn quickly who to put on IGNORE.

 

Its pretty nice looking but i dont like how hard it is to see. Already almost got hit by the schwans guy.

Thanks i hope i can get it back into better shape. I was referring more to honda cars, i'm more of a euro guy.

I'm definitely loving this bike so far. What do you mean by keep an eye on them? Like pull the valves out and check for wear? Wouldnt that involve pulling the whole head? This is my first bike so i'm still pretty green, excuse my ignorance.

I used to have a '77 trail 90 so i know honda bikes are great. I could see buying another honda bike. Never a car though lol

 

Crustyrider means, you should make sure to have the Valve clearances checked, & when doing so, inspect the the cam lobes, cam followers, & the tips of the valves.

 

The painting saga continues. Contemplating leaving the tank black. We'll see what happens.

 

Took a run through the app gap today

 

Teaser

 

Did some work today

Old clip-ons


Throttle removed


New vs old


New on right old on left


Rerouting wires for fusebox


Fusebox relocation


New hotness. Need to pick up some new grips

 

VF500 test drive - YouTube

 

Yup

 

Comparison shot.

Came in the mail today, figured i'd throw them on before i call it a night.

 

Exhaust all cleaned up