Newbie

Hey everyone. i support honda all around. i have a 00 honda civic all tuned up and now have bike fever. i just purchased my first bike and it is a 1985 vf500 interceptor. so far i love it. great bike good sound good balance. i wish i could find an aftermarket exhaust going from 2 to 1 instead of the duals. also i wouldn't mind changing the front fairing if possible. i heard you can put a 96 gsxr front end on it but i dont know much yet. so anyone with advice or help on anything lemme know. thanx everyone.

 

sweet bike. There are 500's popping up all over the place. yours is in great shape by the looks of it. I like the cup holder. in the first pic. How many miles does she have? If you decide to go with a different fairing let me know I wouldn't mind picking up a spare if you decide to sell yours.

welcome to the site your gonna love your bike.

 

Welcome!

Like the 500!

BZ

 

Please don't mess up that bike. It looks just fine like Honda built it. Put an exhaust on it if you like but for the love of all that's sacred, DO NOT put a freaking Suzuki front end on it. Please.

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

I agree yours is to nice to chop up. But if you do keep me in mind.:biggrin:

 

Nice bike, I remember when the 500 first came out. They were stunning. Your bike looks to be in excellent shape.

 

I gotta get me one 'o them cupholders!

 

I a newb here too, but PULEEEEEESE leave it stock. Early 'Ceptors in that kind of shape may not be rare, but they sure as hell aren't common either. These are kind of historically significant bikes and if you mess it up by trying to moderinze the looks I promise you you'll regret it some day. Do that kind of stuff to a baby Bandit of some other kind of super mass produced bike. If it were me and I wanted to improve it, I'd mod it in such a way that it at least LOOKED original.
And what is it about 4 into one exhausts on so many bikes, anyway. I know 2 pipes add a bit of weight, but the asymmetrical look bugs me. If you must change it, at least keep the 2 pipe look and SAVE the originals. Early V4 exhaust stuff is hard to get and 'spensive!

JMHO

Timski

 

that is a good looking bike, the 500 is a great. i have an 83 750 that a friend distroyed for me and it pisses me off every day i look at it.

 

Welcome to the fold, 2000ex. Looks like your new ride is in great shape. There are a few members here who have a 500 and can probably help you out with questions.

 

ok ok ok. i am seeing a pattern here. i will leave the looks the way they are. i understand that part from messing with cars. i hate guys that put body kits on cars. stock is best. so i'll keep her the way she is. also i didn't realize how good of shape it was really in until you all said so.... it has just over 15,000 miles on it. everything is in running condition immaculate from my perspective. got the bike from a friend for 1,000 dollars. so good deal on a first bike. keep looking for new additions or pictures. next week i officially get to ride on the street because i just now got insurance so i'll keep everyone updated!!!

 

Hey 2000ex:

Have you taken the MSF course yet?

Just Curious since you said this is your first bike.

BZ

 

Thats a hell of a deal for a bike in that shape. I got mine for $600 but it had been dumped and needed some parts and paint. I did everything myself and I've got about $800 bucks in it. but about to dump a couple hundred more in before I ride this year. It needs a rectifier and a few other little do dads. Plus I want to get it painted up by a body shop instead of spray cans.

 

no i did not take an msf course. i have my helmet and my permit. thats about it. that is all i really need to ride in indiana. should i take an msf course?

 

I would take the MSF course, it makes your insurance WAY cheaper, and you will learn some little tricks, etc. that you might not already know. It will make you a safer rider for sure. It is worth the couple hundred bones.

 

I had been riding for a while before I took the course and you will be surprized at what you will pick up. Deffinetly worth the time and money.

 

Hell to the YES!

Jaymz and neverlosT have it!

The sad truth is most people get into bikes and have no idea how to properly turn one, stop quickly without locking either tire, or how to swerve. How do I know? I used to be one of those morons.

I am not trying to be preachy or soapbox:director: But once I started to take some training classes I realized how lucky my dumbass had been.

I had no idea how to properly turn, which explained why I almost did not negotiate a few sharp turns at a good clip in my early riding days. When I learned what "Counter Steering" was I thought what the hell?, But I believed it and damn if it was not true. Now I tell people "If you are unwilling to countersteer a motorcycle, then sell it now because you will most likely become a statistic".

When I became an MSF Coach for Delaware that's when my eyes really got opened up to all the dumb myths, lies, advice that is floating around out there in motorcycle land...and how I used to believe some of them myself. The Basic Rider Course won't make you an expert at riding, it will just lay a basic foundation for YOU to build on.

And trust me 2000ex...the more training and exercises you do...the better it gets:biggrin: God willing, I am doing my first cornering school and track day this year. I would not be able to do those if I did not have the training, reading and practice I have done.

Books: Start with "Proficient Motorcycling" David Hough
"Twist of the Wrist" Keith Code

Some of Twist is for track only riding, but some is for the street and I thank Mr. Code everytime I corner!

Also, get some more gear! You don't have to break the bank, but boots, gloves, jacket are essential...just like your helmet.

My 2 cents!

BZ

 

Hey 2000ex, Bubba and others have hit the nail on the head. As a riding newbie you might want to priortize your motorcycle wants and needs by spending your time and money in this order:

1. Purchase the essential riding gear (helmet, gloves, jacket, boots, etc.).
2. Absolutely take the MSF riding course.
3. If needed, spend money on good tires, brakes, etc.
4. After riding approximately 3,000 miles take the MSF Experienced Rider Course on your own bike.

When riding the "walk before you run" philosophy could help to keep you out of the crash statistics, make you a better rider, and your enjoyment will surely increase. If you ride with friends...ride your own comfortable pace.

Welcome to the VFR world. There are lots of experienced riders here so don't hesitate to ask questions. I've taught over 9,000 riders in California and usually gave them the same advice. Retired MSF Chief Instructor.

 

sweet guys you all rock! i got insurance and a plate today. took it out for the first time. i was quite nervous just like i was when i first learned how to drive a stick shift. but wow the feeling of riding a bike is nothing like driving a car. it is absolutely great. yea i am gonna find out when i can take the msf course and learn a little more. i am very hesitant in my turning. not sure why but i noticed it and also coming out of first gear and shifting smoothly. i have a lot to work on and if i have any questions i will be sure to ask PorscheBob. thanx everyone.... btw vf500 is amazing and smooth. great great bike.

 

My 3.1 cents Canadian = 2 cents US worth: you have a classic bike in a vfr500. It's stunning just as it is and does not deserve to be sullied by any kind of GSX-R fairing; that would be blasphemous.