First Bike - Need Some Parts Direction

Just picked up a 1986 Vf500, after being on the lookout for one (locally). Taking the test on the 18th, and will attend the class on the 19th - so Ive got some time to look for cosmetic upgrades in the meantime.

My question is - I know next to nothing (like as close to nothing as one can possibly get w/o being nothing) about parts and what "should" and "should not" fit on the 1986. I know that I want to replace the seat on the machine, and the Corbin seats look good; but doesn't say if its able to fit an 86. There are other places that say one can simply take the seat to a local upholstery to get it fitted with the proper color, but Id like to get it comfort fitted as well for some long-range riding. So far (and this could be due to my not really knowing what to look for) I havent been able to find much more than the stock type of seat.

I also need to replace the tires (they are 17" and 18") - what are some good lowcost options for tires. The guy I bought the bike from said theyd last for awhile, but definitely not the year, so I have some time on this.

Also, wheres a good resource to find out about bike parts and what they do, and what to look for. Im talking about if someone wanted to know what "pipes" are or "cluth" (as a for example - I know what the clutch is at least), where could they go to get general parts info.

Thanks for the help in advance.

Salud.

 

First off welcome to the group! always glad to see another 500 out there. Where are you from?

There aren't alot of aftermarket options for the 500 mostly because they only built them from 84-86 most of the parts are interchangable between years but there are a few differences. you may want to check your tire size on the front. stock rim is a 16. if you have a 17 chances are someone has swapped a f1 wheel or something on there. I am by no means an expert on these bikes. I know a little because I have owned mine for a little over 2 years now but I am still learning. First thing that I would do is go buy a service manual if you are going to be working on it yourself. so far from what I have seen E-bay is your best bet on finding parts. there are a few websites out there that have stuff for the 500 but not many.
In my opinion the guy that knows the most about the 500 is Jamie Daugherty(very helpfull and will probably post up soon). He also has a website with some mods and parts. http://www.daughertymotorsports.com/
If you get a chance post some pics up so we can see your ride and tell us a little about yourself. for the most part the people hear are very nice and the ones that aren't don't hang around long.
good luck with the ride. Also way to go with taking the saftey class I think every rider should.

 

The guy I bought the bike from hooked me up on all the mechanical manuals - owners and service, but again. . .as Im not technically minded and have never driven (car or otherwise) - all of this is nonsense-talk to me. . .Ive no idea what Im looking at. Obviously after awhile Ill start to get some knowledge, but it is VERY tough to want to put some money into this bike - and not be able to find out what it is I need.

I live in Sacramento, CA. I see these bikes being sold all the time, but this was the firsnt one closest to me.

 

Don't go cheap on tires. I am sure Jaymz will agree.

BZ

 

deffinetly I treat tires like riding gear they are what keeps you stuck to the road. I always buy the best that I can afford wheather I buy toilet paper or bike parts.