Bought my first Motorcycle, have a couple questions.

So I bought my first motorcycle back in October and have been working to get it running. A little background on the bike, its an 86 VF500F Interceptor that was not running when I bought it. I got it for $400 including a box of miscellaneous spare parts, and an extra fuel tank, the tank on it had been completely smashed in. So far I have replaced the starter and starter solenoid so it cranks now.

My current issue is that I attempted to rebuild my fuel valve as that was leaking, but in the process my brother broke off a tap in the housing, and I can't find a used one on Ebay. In any case it didn't matter because the spare tank I got with it is from an 84 or 85 which uses the different fuel valve. I ordered a used fuel valve on Ebay for an 85 and received it today, but it has a smaller opening, which leads me to believe it won't flow enough for the gravity fed system of the 86. I know the 84 and 85 had a fuel pump, so I'm assuming that I will need to either add a pump to my bike or find a tank and valve for an 86.

Other things the bike needs include tires, a choke cable, handle bar grips, clutch/brake levers, minor repairs on some body pieces, and paint.

So my questions:

Will the 85 valve work on a gravity fed setup, or do I need to add a pump? (Pretty sure I need the pump)

Will running an 85 pump and valve on an 86 work, or do I need the 86 Valve?

Does anyone make choke cables for these bikes? I haven't found any online and dealer said they don't have it.

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it. I know I probably sound like a complete noob, but I have plenty of experience turning wrenches, just not on motorcycles.

-IJ500

 

I got the Choke cable from Emgo, I can look up the part number for you later. Grips right from Honda $12.99a set (cheaper then E-bay) Brake ($9.97)and Choke ($12.97) leavers from Honda as well (again cheaper then E-bay) Tires I ended up getting the Battleaxe BT45's as they were the best value for the sizes we need for the 500's. I did go to a 120/80/18 on back but other then being wider by 10 mm it's almost the same diameter as the 110/90/18 that came stock.

You should have no problems gravity feeding the bike with the 84/85 tank.Try it first and if you need a pump get get a low volume one from your local auto parts store. Carter still makes them.

 

Thanks man, I'll report back if that works in a day or so once I get it running.

-IJ500

 

Hey Its Just a 500,

I’m in the same boat as you are. I just acquired a 84’ VF500F Interceptor, mine was free as it was given to me by a business associate of my wife. (Actually he was the SVP of the company and my wife was VP of HR Global for the company) it was he is sons who recently got married and no longer has an interest in the bike. They both are no longer with the company but we are all good friends.

Anyway the first piece I got was the Pink Slip signed off and released. The last time it was registered was in 2010. This one has Yoshimura mufflers (?) on it. The carbs and airbox are off but present. Tank, side covers and seat are also present. Everything else on the bike is still together. The only thing I see is missing is a (1) rubber bumper with ridges that the tank sits on and an oval rubber grommet donut that holds the side cover. A few misc screws
I am more of a car/hotrod person than a motorcycle guy. The first thing I bought off eBay was a factory service manual and owner’s manual. That’s all I have.

I’m looking for someone or shop here in the east bay (San Francisco bay area, CA) that knows this bike and or will work on it. At least help me get it running. I spoke with a specialty sport bike / race type private shop they told me no but only gave me a couple referrals. One was real hesitant the other had issues speaking English (definitely not). So here I am on this forum.

I haven’t quite figured out how to post photos yet, but I will soon.

Cheers,
~Earl J

 

Just an update, after getting properly sized lines and an O-ring, I was able to get the bike back together and...IT RUNS! It seems to run really well. I'll be ordering the the other parts I need this week and hopefully have it on the road soon. Thanks for your help and I'll try to post pics later this week as well.
-IJ500