Wanted WTB VF500 F Interceptor

Looking for a well maintained VF500 F Interceptor. Prefer blue over red color scheme with red seat. Not interested in a project bike or one requiring major refurbishment.

 

I am always looking for that bike, among others. I am not buying at the moment, but will let you know if anything turns up in the NE. Good luck with your search.

 

Good luck! They turn up occasionally here in Texas in good shape. You are right to try and get a known good one. These are a tough project handle!

 

There's a really nice 86 for sale in Orlando, a beautiful 84 in central Florida, and another 86 in St. Petersburg (but that one is a bit overpriced for the condition). All in the $3k - $4k range. Where are you shopping? Have you tried Facebook? It seems that Craigslist isn't used nearly as much as it used to be. Good luck.

 

Where did you find these bikes advertized?
I am in NW FL so their location is good for me.

 

what ? really ?? with all the known potential problems and lousy parts availability ?

 

Well after browsing the VF500 Facebook page maybe not! Quite a terrifying experience. Some nice photos of guys happily out riding their VF500s though.

 

try to find a decent VFR 700, either an '86 or'87, alot better engineered than any VF.

 

I know you are right, but there is something about the VF500 F that calls out to me. Perhaps its the memory of test riding one in 1986 and talking myself out of buying it. One of my graduate students at the time had a VFR700, and her (large) boyfriend a VFR1000 and they tormented me by parking them in sight of my office window, and making sure I heard them blasting off at the end of the day. I thought then that a 700 was more than I could handle or needed, hence my interest in the 500. To me its one of the better looking of the V4s (other than say an RC or NC 30). I love the look of the half fairing and partially exposed engine.
My last attempt to restart that story was an Anniversary Edition '07 800 Intereceptor. It was a nice bike in many ways but there were things about it I did not like. Mainly its weight and throttle response. What I loved was the sound. I ended up selling it and getting a couple of triples: a Triumph Daytona 675 track bike (370 lbs wet) and an ST 1050 which I hoped I'd like more than the VFR800. I just don't think the VFR700 would do it for me, although I agree its a very good bike. I would prefer something lighter and a little sportier. Hence the appeal of the VF500F. I am clearly ignorant of the problems of this model, are they the same as for the early 750s? Any bike of that age will require a lot of attention to keep it running and in good condition of course, but major failures are not fun. Your warnings are well taken-as the wording of my original post suggests, I don't have the time or motivation to undertake a restoration project, nor do I want to spend more time working on a bike than riding it. I have three bikes right now, all in an excellent state of maintenance. A VFR would have to replace one of them. Ideally all of them to free my time up, but I can't see that happening. Unless an unmitigated gem of a VF500 came up, that was well sorted, and in a moment of weakness I succumb to the siren call and cast caution to the wind.

 

Go to the Facebook marketplace and search for "honda interceptor". There are three nice ones here in Florida (Leesburg, St. Petersburg, Orlando).
Good luck

 

No doubt that the VF700/750 had the top end oiling problems with the cams which is what strikes fear in people, but the VF500 was not affected by those issues. I have spent a lot of time researching that over the years and there is nothing that I have seen that links the 500 as to having the same problem. From my experience with the VF500, I have owned 3 of them since 1990 and I have only had 2 nominal issues - thermostat and starter, which are no big deal. Also, eBay is a great source for finding just about anything you need. The bodywork is by far the hardest to find, but they do come up. I also have a 2014 VFR800 which I spend a lot of time on as well, but as you mentioned, the 500 is addictive. It is a great looking design, weighs next to nothing and has decent power. For me, I like it way more than the 800 and it is way more fun to ride as well. IMO, the key is to find one that is already in nice shape. It is true that ones that have been ridden hard and not properly maintained over the years, would likely be a money pit, but finding one that has been cared for will likely provide the reliability that you are looking for. It might take some time to find a bike like that, but it would be worth the wait.

 

You know what they say about opinions.....well here's mine.

Recently acquired an 86 VF500F. If any bike had the right to cry rape this one did. I'll spare you all the details other than it ran. Have it basically sound now so no damage will occur in running it. There is still plenty to do. I also have an immaculate 86VFR750, a nicely restored 84 VF750F, and a work in progress 87 VFR700. Recently sold a very nice 2000 VFR800.

At 5'7" and 150lbs the 500 is a near perfect match for me in all respects. Somewhat similar in feel to a Suzi GS 450 with more silky smooth power. Also feels more compact than the 1st and 2nd gen 750 V4's. Has less reach to the bars than the VF750. Could not meld with the 800. Too big, bulky, and complicated for me. Sold it because I preferred the configuration of the 1st and 2nd generation V4's, the std style swing arm, and carbureted engines. A major point for me is that I find these early gen V4's very easy to work on compared to that gen 5.

For me the 500 is a keeper. Just about to order a Hagon shock for it as I did for my VF750F. Not looking to make the 500 a museum piece, just a runner.

Pics of the herd.........86 VFR750........84 VF750F..........86 VF500F



So in a nutshell; if you want a 500 go for it.

 

Steve GS, regarding your comment "Have it basically sound now so no damage will occur in running it", how did you fully address the valve stem issues? Just curious since I am a VF500F owner as well... thanks, Tim

 

Aware of what you say.

Being pro active I have no intention of pushing the revs of a 34 yr old engine with an unknown history and condition. I have other bikes for high performance applications. Have only 2-3 weeks left in riding season; so easy does it for now. Come the off season I'll get in there and take a look.

This bike had a ton of issues; some were fuel related, others electrical, and several mechanical and fitment. The engine ran fine and idled well but is not issue free.

 

I've got the 85 VF500F version to match my 07 anniversary edition. The 500 is not the PITA bike many here have made it out to be.

 

Received the Hagon shock within a week of placing the order. Really like the 500 and it has been running great. I am going to make the assumption that those that suffer valve train issues are the ones that are now asked to spin at redline after 30+ years of age.

Speaking of the anniversary edition; over the weekend I was at Carolina Motorsports Park and followed one around for awhile on the track to watch the bike. He was taking it easy and just enjoying his time on the track. We talked for a bit and he had a couple of others. Always great to talk with another VFR owner about our favorite bikes.

 

Nice and I like the full fairing on the 500. You don't usually see that.

 

I personally think that on the 500, the issues come down to how well the bike was maintained and cared for. I mentioned earlier in this thread that I have owned a VF500 (actually 4 total) for the last 30 years and they have been nothing but rock solid. The longest tenured bike, which I pretty much gave to my brother, has been with us for 29 years and is still going strong.

 

as a beginner bike with younger riders when new, most were not well or properly maintained, and now left sitting for years, they suffer more.

most efforts to get a decent VF500 up and running often gets real expensive in time and frustration.

 

Correct, which is where I think most of the horror stories come from. I absolutely hate buying anything used, but when I do, I thoroughly go through it and it's history. The bar is pretty high for me to pull the trigger.