Couple Questions (VF500F)

Greetings,

I bought a 84' VF500F a couple weeks ago. The weather in Chicago hasn't been the greatest so I have only taken it out once. The bike has 44,000 on it and runs very well. The only problems I see is that when the bike first starts it blows a little smoke just at the beginning and it idles a little rough until it warms up. I am the second owner and the first owner was from Cali and took care of the bike. It is due for an oil change but the tech said it might be a bad thing to change the oil since it might take the clutch with it. What does that mean? He also suggested I get the carbs cleaned (boiled) and synced.

For the carbs, oil change, fluid top off and a once over of the whole bike, they want $600. Does this seem far?

Thanks in advance!

 

I think that is a lot; I do not agree about the oil change comment and I do not agree that carbs need cleaning unless there are running issues. BTW I was a Honda mechanic in a former life and I work on bikes exstensively now as I own six Hondas. Where are you in Chicago? I live in the area also. JIM

 

Vf500

If it runs well when it has warmed up, what's the problem? The smoke upon start-up is either because the valve clearances need adjustment (they're too tight), or cuz the valve guides are worn out and the oil in the head is dribbling down while it sits, hence the smoke upon start-up. Just put in some oil now and then to replace what you're losing.

Rough idle when cold?...pull the airbox and filter and lightly spray some carb cleaner into the intake while its running. If that doesn't help, try this:

Fully warm engine, remove airbox and filter. Have a friend rev it to about 5K. Clamp a record album cover or other suitable flat item over the air intakes, all at once and abruptly. The immediate increase in intake vacuum willl pull whatever crud, water and small animals residing in the carbs and pull it into the engine.

I wouldn't spent $600 tuning a 44K VF500 just to smooth out the cold idle. And your $600 ain't gonna help those valve guides. My 2 cents.

 

RECORD ALBUM COVER?? Well, I guess it is an '84...

 

That's a pretty good price, I'd go for it!

Once again, so called 'motorcycle techs' showing there incompetence...