New Guy, plenty of questions in future

Hi, I always liked interceptors as a kid, but never pursued one, as life intervened.
I saw one behind a fence while at a Xmas party, and mentioned to my brother in law that I wanted one. The second floor screen goes up, guy leans out, tells me I own it now. He said to bring him a 6 pack and the keys and title will be there. Done. It's an 86 VF-500-F. He parked it 3-4 years ago, no cover or anything. It's weathered a bit, but will clean up ok, tires now have air.
I brought some tools, pushed rear pads in, removed a stuck front caliper, and loaded it up.
Everything was frozen (seized). Gas cap, ign cyl, cables, etc.
I freed up the ignition, jumper pack to battery, played around for 30 seconds, and it fired up.
Gas is way junk, just ran about 20 seconds to ensure that it sounded healthy enough to play with.
I freed up lock cylinders, and throttle cables.
I need a throttle tube though (sleeve under grip that grabs cables.)
Tonight, I'll take calipers apart and clean them.
I gotta find a manual, for basic specs and tolerances and capacities, and find out what kind of problems to watch out for. Also need to replace windshield, a mirror head, battery, and tune it up.
I need to learn what fairings/plastics and seat combos are interchangeable.
I'd like to change the bodywork. Well, that's my story.
Thanks, Mike. (1986 VF-500F; Want to swap bodywork styles. O.E. Interchange info needed)

 

Hi Mike

Welcome to the MadHouse:welcome:!

That sounds like a great project you have embarked on - but folks on here won't believe it exists without at least the odd photo, so if you don't want people ragging on you - click "quick reply" then click on the icon two to the right of the envelope and follow the prompts.



One word of advice - before you really get stuck in to the project - stop cleaning things and take loads of pictures right now, as people will never believe you when you say how bad it was when you first got it, and you will look back and kick yourself for not having any decent "as it was" pictures to compare before and after.

I must say I think a VFR for a 6 pack of beer sounds a pretty good deal. If you need help you should find plenty of kindred spirits on here.

Take care




SkiMad

 

This is getting to sound like an ad for some camera store rather than a bike forum. Let's just go to some old Chinese dude who said "One picture is worth a thousand words" or however that comes out in Cantonese, Mandarin or one of several hundred dialects across China, where one ideogram may well be worth 2-3 words or a whole fucking book.

 

:welcome: to the madness Bud :wave:
Sound like a great score and a great project. Good luck bringing back the Ole girl to life.
There are many members here can help you :thumb:FONT]

 

Ebay is your friend..... when I picked up my 84 500 in sept I went through Ebay and found a bunch of stuff cheap that was either new or used in good shape. Plastic throttle tube was $9.00 New, Throttle cables were $13.00 for both used, etc. Check with Honda for small parts I have found they are cheaper then Ebay for some stuff, Ex. rear brake spring used on Ebay was $10.00 brand new from Honda was $5.99, Front Foot pads- Ebay= $15, New From Honda = $12.99. (Same ones used on the 2010 CB 250). Mirrors I payed $12.99 new from Honda but they are the Emgo replacement not the OEM. Turn Signal lights (missing) I ordered 4 for a $4.17 from China off Ebay yes that's all 4 for $4.17 with free shipping. Got a R/R From China for $30 and its an updated part.

Hope this helps you and your up coming project. Like the boys said post a pic or 2.

 

Thanks for the warm welcome. I refuse to use ebay due to a personal dispute. They basically stole 250 bucks from me. Can't get in contact with anyone who can fix the issue. Its a weird deal, details are too long to explain.
What year/models do tank and fairings, cowls, seats, etc are direct bolt on swaps? There are other years and styles I prefer the looks of.
Is there a thread somewhere that deals with this issue? I read somewhere that tires are an odd size, & wheel swap is common for good choice of rubber. That true?
Lastly where can I find a factory manual to download or refer to online?
Ill try to post pics later.
Thanks, Mike.

 

Welcome aboard. Good luck in your search. I hate ebay too. And Paypal, for that matter.

Try reading these threads. See if they help.

http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/31510-1st-2nd-Gen-Service-manual-Download-links


http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/5166-1986-Honda-VFR750F-Body-Parts-Sources

 

That's weird I had a guy screw me over on Ebay for $150.00, reported it to them and Paypal and Ebay reimbursed me the full amount. Then shut down the guys account.

 

With valve problems common on high-mileage 500's, it would be a good idea to do a compression test (even cold) b4 you start investing time and money.

 

Well as you can see Ruo there are plenty of fellas ready to assist...welcome to VFR World :kiwi-fruit:

 

This is a hilarious story!