1986 VF500 Concerns

I recently acquired a vf500 with nearly 40,000 miles. It seems in good shape, the fairings are chipped in places but it runs very well. I'm concerned though because of the high mileage though... I would like to tear it down and check the valves etc but I'm worried about working on the bike because of the limited availability of new parts (even just gaskets). Does anyone have experience rebuilding vf500s that could share some insight about difficulties with rebuilds? Am I worried about nothing?

I've got a shop manual in the mail.

Thanks!

 

:welcome:
Nice lookin Ole-Girl
If she is running well, Swing a leg over the saddle & enjoy her.
My uncle has over 100,000 on his goldwing & has probably Not done proper servicing on her, out side of Oil changes, tyres, exctra. So keep the maintianance up on your bike, & you will be fine.

 

Very nice looking 500! The '86 engine has a number of improvements over the previous models, particularly in the top end....also the 500s did not suffer the top end oiling problems associated with the other VFs of that era. Probably would be a good idea to check the valve lash, otherwise, give it a good service and enjoy riding it.

 

The only real concern with the 500 is that your valves are properly adjusted. They are known for dropping them. I would have that done, then you're good to go. 40K miles is not a problem. Just keep up with the maintenance and you shouldn't have any worries.

 

Looks good for 40k. Pertinent advice has already been given regarding valves. Treat it like the antique it is and it should go just fine. Looks like your turn signals are hitting your forks at full compression -check the brackets and consider doing a fork rebuild.

 

I think Honda noted in service bulletins that the valve springs on 500s should be replaced at around 40,000 miles. Trouble now is that those springs are NLA.

 

The sages on this forum recommend keeping the RPMs under 11K or so just as a precaution.

 

My 86 has 33k on it and the biggest issue i've come across thus far was that the exhaust is rusting out really bad. In the process of cleaning it up now but thats all i have for input. Love mine so far i'm sure you'll love yours