'84 VF500 - clutch problems?

Went and checked it out. The motor runs fine aside from running hot and high idle from the carb tune. There was some gas dripping its way out of the carbs (probably just need to tighten some fasteners), but the thing that worries me is what's coming out the exhaust: blue smoke. What would be changed by sitting for 4 months that would cause the motor to burn oil? The only thing I could think of was valve seals. I'm not super interested in pulling the heads.

 

It's burning oil?

Walk away.

 

Hmmmm.....running hot....carbs leaking....oil smoke from the exhaust....sounds like a parts bike to me. Unless the guy is willing to lower the price VERY significantly, I think I would pass on this one.

 

+1

$1,000 is too high an asking price for this one. Too many gremlins have taken up residence.

On this note, well done on the due diligence!

 

He told me 600 cuz he really needs to move it. I'm not quite convinced. I think I'm going to keep my eyes open for a ninja. :/

 

Thats what mine was doing. Before my 2 float valves got stuck open and flooded the entire bike with gas, it had a blueish smoke, and once the carbs were rebuilt that was knocked down considerably.

 

Knocked down considerably, or removed entirely? If it's likely just carbs in need of cleaning I might be interested in it yet. How hard can rebuilding the carbs really be? My main concern would be acquiring the tool to synchronize them. Is it expensive our hard to find? Possibly even available to rent? It looks to me that it's just four vacuum gauges next to each other. I also have a friend with some experience cleaning carbs who would be willing to help me. I wouldn't mind getting this one running nicely and selling it in 6 months.

 

Well, I didnt have long after my carb rebuild before I had engine problems. But it used to smoke alot while warming up, and I always smelled like strong, rich exhaust after a ride. After the carb rebuild, it barely smoked at all when warming up. I will let you know the real outcome soon. Haha

As Tinkerin said, the carbs are a bitch in everything. A bitch to get to, a bitch to get off, and a bitch to work on. But once you know the tricks and work those rubber boots in a bit, the task gets a little easier. I did not want to deal with them, so I took mine to a dealer that knew how to work on v4 carbs. He put it on a carb cleaning machine, and put in some new bits for cheap. Maybe an hours worth of work.

 

Amen to that.

 

For me removal of V-four carbs was easy/ as was re-install/cables along with choke were a breeze to take off. I may have had the Carburetor Gawds smiling on my arse/ Dont get me started about synchronizing them!!! You better be a dentist and used to working with a mirror up-side down and having everything backwards/ Fucking shitty design! But if its your bike you dont care if it takes a little longer to work on :smile: Better have some nice tools too

 

If the seller is motivated, you may be able to purchase the bike for a very good price.

If you are thinking to rebuild the carburetors check out Mike Nixon's great tech guide: Cleaning the V4 Carburetor: http://www.motorcycleproject.com/motorcycle/text/booknook.html#12

As noted, you'll need a manometer when synchronizing. I'm a fan of the Morgan Carbtune: http://www.carbtune.com/

Also, I would recommend purchasing the OEM synch tool, part number 07908-KE70000:



or, if on a budget check out Michael E's Canadian ingenuity in this thread: http://vfrworld.com/forums/1st-2nd-generation-1983-1989/30292-homemade-carb-sync-tool.html

Removing and installing the carburetors isn't hard but it also requires following a specific strategy.

For removal, carefully heat the boots with a heat gun and use a small pry bar ONLY on the carb pry points:



To reinstall, purchase a new set of OEM carburetor boots, heat them in very hot water, add lubricant inside the boot (Vaseline), carefully place on the manifold tilted as shown:



place the carburetors onto the boots and push straight down. Hands only here, do not use a mallet as you may damage the carbs.

This 500 has relatively low mileage, at 16.5k, so you may have a keeper but you really won't know until you dive into it.

Hope this is of some help and good luck!

 

Funny, I started with a med- Snap-On screwdriver, then to a larger one, then a medium pry-bar with a kick up at the end, then finally to one of my larger Mac straight edge pry bars. That did the trick and like magic they litterally fell into my hands.

Knowing where to pry, comes with experience. You have to be super super careful. Not a big fan, but you gota do what you gota do. I laid a piece of towel on my valve cover and pried where Invisible Cities advised. Good Luck, have FUN for gawds sake!! and if a bike aint running you should get a deal on it. $500.00 sounds good or less

 

From watching recent eBay auctions low mileage (under 10k) examples in nice shape go for between $2,500 - $3,000.

Non-running examples go for $500 if there are usable spare parts (i.e. a clean, rust free tank).

 

Fair enough and I don't disagree accept for your take that 500 fans are daft.

 

That's better! ;-)