85 vf500f

Greetings folks.

I'm hoping someone can help me answer a couple of questions. My understanding is the 85 VF500F takes a 100/90H16 on the front and 110/90H18 on the rear.

Recently I've had a couple people pull up next to me at lights saying the rear tire is wobbling. I did some checking and it looks like the wheel is good, but the tire itself isn't mounted straight on the rim.

First question: what are the chances I can have the tire remounted? I've only owned the bike for three months and the tires are pretty new (I believe it's a Continental Conti Ultra TKV12 based on my remembering the tread pattern). The PO (a friend) believes the tires were new when he got the bike.

Second: If I do have to replace the tire, should I stick to the same brand/model that's already there? Or am I better off swapping both (if I can swing the money)?

Third: I was looking at Motorcycle Superstore (Motorcycle Superstore - Motorcycle Accessories and Motorcycle Gear) and they have a pretty good selection of tires that would fit. Any suggestions or tires to stay away from?

Thanks in advance!

 

If you are looking at a new set of tires here is a good article on the current bias-ply's available.

 

Great info. Thanks!

 

Correct; the matching 5th gen is black. :smile: I work with him (Jeff says hi!). I love the bike btw. :biggrin:

I'll touch base with Interstate Honda and see what they say. I'm hoping to work on the right fork this winter. Still trying to decide if I want to tackle it myself or send it out.

 

I'm telling ya Tink, VF500F's have a strange (good?) pull on you!

 

Thanks kindly! Whenever you have some time I would very much appreciate the help.

 

The rear tire is wobbling? Not the rim..... that doesn't sound very good at all. If that's the case I'm kind of surprised that it's even holding air. If you've been riding it like this very long I would probably replace the tire.

 

The tire pressure seems good currently. However, I'm going to hold off riding it until I can take it in and have the tire looked at.

 

That does seem odd.

Please post back when you fix it and let us know what was the problem.

Sounds like tink is correct and the Tire just needs to be re-sealed to the rim.

 

I'll be sure to. I'm very much hoping that will fix the problem. :tongue:

 

If it's the tire and not the wheel that's wobbling then I assume that if that doesn't fix it you'll need to replace the tire.

 

That's the hope. Even then a new tire would still be much cheaper than having to start messing with the wheel, etc.

 

Well if you need a rear wheel I have one from my VF500.

I'll sell it to you for very cheap.

 

Incorrect tire size...

Here's an interesting wrinkle;

When I got home I checked the tires on the bike. The front is a Continental TKV11 100/90-16 which I understand is the correct size.

However the rear tire is a Continental TKV12 130/80-18. My understanding is the correct rear size is 110/90-18.

Is this a problem?

 

You should be able to check the manufacture's website for the recommended tire size base on the rim width.

They typically list a range. I would follow this guideline to insure you have the correct profile.

 

Greetings folks,
My current plan is to remove the rear wheel from the bike and take it in to the local Honda shop. The service guy there said they can remount it at no cost, provided the tire is still good. As I'm also going to be buying the parts for the fork rebuild from them it's a good deal for all. +1 to tinkerinWstuff for all his help and support!