vf500r questions

Hi.

So my vf500r needs lots of love. I just picked it up. Motor turns over fine, but the bike needs a lot of parts. For one, it's painted silver, and was originally red white and blue. How hard would it be to convert it back? Is it worth it (aside from the sheer awesomeness of having a red white and blue bike?)

I need a throttle cable, and I can't find them anywhere. Where's a good place for VF500F parts? A lot of places, when i search, show me v30 magna parts. Are these interchangeable? I'm also scanning ebay. I found a set of 84 carbs. Will those fit on my 85?

Is there a VF500r specific forum? Thanks in advance.

 

E-Bay comes to mind first, but you've already tried that.
I'm not sure it's worth it. Have you looked on E-Bay how much a VF500 goes for? Maybe you could use the parts from this one to fix a better one. The parts you want are becoming harder and harder to find. The parts you get on E-Bay are likely to be as bad or worse than the ones you have (don't ask how I know).

 

There is no such thing as a VF500R, only VF500F (Interceptor) and VF500C (Magna). You might try searching for VF500F, I think you'll get more results.

Yes, the 84 and 85 carbs are the same. Several of the Magna parts interchange but not all, engine stuff is mostly the same.

 

The '84 carbs are not the preferred since they had some issues addressed in a service bulletin venting, springs, diaphragms...etc...I am looking for this same kit since due to the lack of riding.... mine had[1200 miles] and that service had not been done. On the otherhand though perhaps these changes were taken care of in one of its services, but still is kind of a crapshoot

 

I wouldn't say that. Sure, there was a TSB on this, but this only applied to bikes that were displaying the symptoms described. I believe this is a regional thing affected by air density, humidity, etc.

In fact, I view the 84 (and 85) carbs as more desirable as they are the hot setup on the 86 engines.

 

good point
Just the bummer since I lusted after these bikes when they were new and could never afford one. Ive been freaking out since I bought it, had the webs blown out of it, and this problem has reared its ugly head. Now winter is coming fast and ive only ridden it 30 miles. If I have to spend too much more money on it initially I will be getting into new bike price territory.....Ive already caught up to a new rebel :biggrin: ....thanks