'84 VF500f in need of engine.

I recently picked up a 1984 vf500f in relatively nice condition except for the hole right through the bottom of the engine. Needless to say I need a new engine and I've been having a hard time either a) finding one to fit my budget, or b) finding one located close enough to me. Mostly I've been checking the forum here, ebay, and all over craigslist. I was curious if anyone knew of any other good places to look, or if anyone might happen to have one available close to me (Atlanta, GA). My budget is roughly $200 max for an engine, or $300 max for a parts bike with salvageable engine. I also have family in Cleveland, OH so I can easily justify a trip virtually anywhere between here or there.

Another thing I'm curious about is if the vf500 magna engines will bolt-up to an interceptor. I'm sure this has been gone over many times in this forum but for the life of me I can't find it.

The bike itself is complete otherwise with just minor maintenance and cosmetic issues (peeling decals, old chains/sprockets, lack of baffles). As I do have a title, I'd much rather restore it to working condition than part it out (though I'm sure I could make my money back and then some by doing so).

And as it is always loved, pics!

 

Magna engine from that same time frame will bolt up with no problems. Found out as I was trying to sell my '86 VF500F that it had an '85 VF500C engine in it.

I wish you luck finding an engine, looks like the bike is cosmetically in pretty respectable condition. The VF500 was my first bike... they really are a blast to tool around on!

 

AS old as they are, as poorly maintained as most were, and with the many design and manufacturing flaws that came as standard equipment? The chances of finding another engine may not be too bad, but getting one that runs proppa is a different story !!~ Seeing that busted motor, didn't anything raise your suspicion regarding the reliability of the engine ??

I'm fairly sure that the USA supply of GOOD salvage yard VF500 engines was used up years ago since so many need replacement so commonly. The VF500 motor is probably the smoothest 'cycle engine i ever felt, but keeping them running is not easy and most don't.

You may need a newer, more reliable bike, one you can ride now, not in two or three years; and yes, you gotta spend for it. Sometimes keeping a cheap old bike running costs more than a newer, better bike.

 

Squirrelman Speaketh! I really dont think there is anything unusual about any brand/model of 27 year old bike having a major motor cluster F..*. Your bike looks very tidy, it would be a crime not to put a healthy motor in her. Good Luck!! Just be warned that some time over the next 27years it may happen again:hss:

 

Hey mate,
I've got 3 VFR500Fs kicking around my Livermore mechanic shop, outside of San Francisco. I don't know where you're located but I've got 2 full bikes, one running still. One isn't running anymore, but was when I went back to Aus a year and a half ago. I'm here until June to sell all my stuff, I've got an engine and a frame from an '85 VFR500F that you could use to build the engine back, or I've got the does-not-proceed bike, which is an '84. I've also got a full running VFR500F, 1985 that's in good condition. I also have the engine and frame of a '97 VFR750 and a 1983 750 Magna, all kicking around my shop, all for sale. Let me know if any of it interests you.

 

@jarp: Thanks for the info! Being able to swap in a vf500c will hopefully broaden my search for engines.

@squirrel: I appreciate the advice and concern. I've heard all over how if not maintained these bikes can fall into ruin rather easily so I fully intend to go through the entire engine I (eventually) get. Also, this is bike is only one of four of mine, so I'm not missing any ride time due to it not running.

@rufio: PM sent.

 

what makes it a one of four deal?

 

I meant I have three other bikes (81 Honda CM200t, 82 Honda CX500c, and an 08 Kaw Versys) in addition to my 84 VF500f project. Granted all three of my Honda's are in "project" status, the Versys is perfectly fine. Therefore I'm not stuck without being able to ride.

 

If you don't mind, I'm from the Tracy area and would love to stop by and check out those bikes you have there.

 

Update: I managed to pick up an '86 vf500f parts bike (engine, frame, wheels, intact) as well as an '85 "mostly" complete bike (no plastics, would need a lot of tlc, etc). Hopefully I can get at least one working and back on the road, though ideally I'd love to have 2 of them going. Currently though I'm working on getting my '81 CM200t back on the road so the vf project(s) will most likely go on through the winter and then some.

Pics of the recent acquisitions as soon as I'm back out at the shop.

 

THat right there is the most important element of VF500 project ownership !

 

Here's another parts bike if anyone is interested...

Parting out a 1985 Honda VF500 Interceptor

 

Kudos on sticking with the rebuild, even on a budget!