Hey everyone, new guy here.. I'm looking into getting a vf500.

Hey everyone,
My name is Jim, I'm in upstate ny and over the last two months have acquired a taste for the honda VF500F. It started out as a general intrest because the bike matched my helmet, but after doing a lot of reading i have decided that im going to make the move and buy one. I have been kicking my self in the behind after i missed a great 85 vf500 on ebay a month ago and have been looking ever since. It looks like every thign happens for a reason b/c i found a guy willing to trade my 90 Suzuki dr350 for one + $300 for me. It is the 86 version, with 13,000 miles, she has been sitting for a wile. He says he bought it from the original owner who is just too old to use it anymore. The guy is selling it b/c he is not very mechanically incline and has been a bit intimidated after reading that "its a complex machine" online. So I'm as excited as he is fotr the trade to go done, but, i need to remember what my dad always says and "not go after it with a hard on". So I'm here to ask all of you who own them or have owned them what i should be looking for when i give it the final approval.
I plan on taking my compression tester and using it to check all the cylinders out, but cant think of much else. I have done my fair share of reading regarding the reliability of these machines and it seems that they really do struggle bc of the 750's cam issuses.. What do these 500's fail because of? Should i open up the valve covers and check out the cams or is that really all taken care of in the 500's and not an issue. Thanks for the help in advance. O, can someone direct me to a thread on the differences between the 84-85 and the 86's ? thanks again. Jim

 

The main problem with the 500 is that they like to drop valves. However, if you keep them in check, then you should be OK. Some will say that the cam oiling problem affects the 500, but I have had no problems with that. I know it was a real problem for the 700 / 750 though. I also think you are getting a great deal.

I have owned 4 of these bikes over the last 23 years and this one looks to me like it could be one that I sold back in 1991. I see that you're in Upstate NY. The guy I sold the bike to lived in Ithaca at the time. If you buy it, I'd love to know the last 4 numbers of the VIN. I might still have the paperwork for that bike. Let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks for the response Stewart. Yea, the dropping valves is what i was thinking.. So, with that in mind, is it the valve or clip that fails? b/c if it is the clip that would save a lot of money in replacing all the little valves. I'm close to Ithaca, but this bike is up in Onieonta and i do believe that this is from the original owner, I should look up a carfax on it to find out the "true" story. Yea, i think its a great deal too, but, it has sat, there is surface rust, the inside of the tank has rust, and who knows what else. It has been dropped (po fell over when pulling into his driveway on the last ride) on its right side and cracked the cowling, which u can see if u zoom in on the pics. But I'm fully capable of any work that needs to be done to get it running and keep it in great shape. Anyone have a spare service manual they want to sell?

 

Whether that bike is the one for you or not only you can decide but I really wouldn't let the VF500 engine issues cloud your judgement. It's an old great bike with a delicate engine that just needs TLC. You sound like you will be sensible owner so as long as the valve clearances are checked regularly and you change the oil when it needs it, you will be fine. Some suggest limting the rpm to 9K to prevent the valves dropping. There's no evidence that works but I follow the advice too.

It's the valve that falis btw, not the collets. And new valves are as rare as hen's teeth.

 

Unless you can hear it run b4 purchase, you're taking a big gamble.


Another 500 problem is that, to avoid dropped valves, the factory recommended in a service bulletin that the valve springs be replaced by 40,000 miles.........but NOW, no new springs are available. Most parts are unavailable new, another consideration. Lots of headgasket issues with 500s, but with a compression test (best done at operating temp) you'll know what you're working with. Check the fullness of the cooling system, and be frightened if it's rusty or low on coolant. Make sure the transmission is good too and won't jump out of gear or be hard to shift.

VF500 owners really need another newer, more reliable bike in the garage to ride while they wrench or wait for parts, ya know ? Like Jeremy.

 

I think that's an urban myth. I've never seen any VF500 related service bulletin with that statement included. I'll be (un)happy to be proved wrong.

 

Upstate PSSSSHHH, you are beneath me..... anyway, if you take care of the bike and do the proper maint. the bike will keep you happy for years.... there are those that will tell you this bike is the devil, but the one 500 that i owned way back I drove the dog piss out of and never tightened a valve on it once... of course I only had it for about six months then I sold it, but the guy that bought it rode it around for the next 1 1/2 years and as far as I knew never had a problem with it. bottom line is take care of it and it will last you....

Crusty ( up here by Canada)

 

Tinkerbelle sayeth thus: "check camshaft lobe height and condition before throwing any money at this project. Could be a diamond in the rough or it could quickly become a money pit."

 

A good rule of thumb is to take advice from those with a 500 listed in their sig. All others are likely repeating what they've heard with no real world experience. Works for me in any forum, owners know best.

 

Thanks for all of the responses you guys, even the guy in Canada. I plan on trying to start the bike as soon as i'm done with my last final on Tuesday, and give it a better look over than i did the first time. Should be a nice upgrade and project for me, now i just need to find a parts bike so im not waiting and in a rush when and if something breaks.