Another 500 destined to get back out there

So, I just picked up a vf500f tonight. She's an 85 with 60k km (somewhere around 35k mi) and seems very clean. Cosmetically, she looks just about brand new. I don't know when the paint was done, but it's a quality job, and not a scratch to be seen. The guy who sold it to me makes a hobby out of picking up old bikes and giving them a new lease of life. He got most of the way through this one and decided to get rid of it to free up some space in his sign shop (about half of which is filled with various cool old bikes).

I haven't had a chance to fire her up yet, but the guy said he just did the valves and cleaned the carbs and that assured me it's a strong runner, and the valve train is in really nice shape. Hopefully I'll be able to find out before too long, but I have no reason to suspect a nightmare.

My to-do list is pretty short so far:
chain/sprockets
patch a hole in one of the mufflers (might just keep my eye out for a set of slip-ons, but I feel like they'd cost me half what I paid for the bike...)
starter button assembly is non-functional and ripped apart
2 rotors, pads
the PPO ran a totally dead chain and broke a guide in the chain guard or some such. Not a priority, but would be nice to get it taken care of
the mirrors, signals, and chin fairing came in a box

Assuming everything checks out and I don't have enough wrenching to keep me entertained until the snow goes away, I might start thinking about suspension. I also want to fab some sort of luggage rack. And, of course, there's always more to be done.

I have to say, I fell in love with this bike immediately, looked at a number of others, and eventually decided this was the one. The bike fits me like a glove, is tiny, feels like a feather. As a bonus, it was painted pretty much exactly how I would have done it. I really can't wait until the snow goes away and I can get out on the road.

Unfortunately, it was dark and snowy outside when I got it home and my garage has essentially low light, so I haven't really had a chance to go through it yet. That will be a task for tomorrow, along with a proper photo shoot.

For now, I leave you with the first glimpse of this beauty.

 

Looking great! Always nice to see another 500.

 

Looks good. welcome to the club. Lots of good info here.

 

Welcome friend. You will find tons of information to help you get that old girl running.