Jim's $400.00 1986 VF500F

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Jim McCulloch, Jun 25, 2019.

  1. straycat

    straycat Member

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    Congratulations Jim, a well deserved first ride with no issues. I admire your tenacity and fortitude.
     
  2. Waylander

    Waylander New Member

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    That’s what I would call a result


    VF1000F2F, now rideable,
     
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  3. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    That's great news. Good job man.
     
  4. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Thanks Stray! Those are your stripes on the fuel tank!
     
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  5. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    And thanks for all your help, especially the rear shock!
     
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  6. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    you really earned it, jim, nice job.
     
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  7. mv577

    mv577 New Member

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    Awesome work Jim! I just finished reading this thread start to finish and learned tons!!! I just picked up my first 1986 VF500F and came here looking for information... well I found it in your journey so thank you!
     

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  8. Cherryriver

    Cherryriver New Member

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    Heh. Working on motorcycles is engaging, satisfying, gratifying, and occasionally successful.
    Yeah, but riding them is better still.
     
  9. lsc86

    lsc86 New Member

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    Did a banzai run from Milwaukee to Seabrook, TX a couple weeks ago to pick up a boat with a buddy of mine. You're absolutely correct about the drivers in H-Town. Wow. I've spent my entire life in metro Chicago and Milwaukee, been in LA traffic, and most everywhere in-between, and without a doubt I'm convinced it's not only the speed, but the lack of controlled speed in H-town that takes the cake for me. Would not want to be on a bike on those interstates anywhere near rush hour!

    As has been said so many times, hats off for going above and beyond on this restoration, I'd buy ya multiple shots if I was in the neighborhood!
     
  10. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Thanks for the compliments! I am not done yet but I have to say this bike is not for the faint of heart as far as restorations.

    Best of luck and will be following your progress.
     
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  11. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Thanks for the compliments!

    I am in outside sales so I am driving around all day watching the carnage on the roads in Houston. Been here most of my life and I am kind of getting burned out on all the uncaring/unattentive drivers out there. Rant Over.....
     
  12. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    I did not see that picture you attached...Looks like a really nice score you got there!
     
  13. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    NEW to me PETCOCK! Finally found the elusive *affordable* used petcock and I got a nice one it appears.

    Question: What is the deal with the vacuum fuel shut off diaphragm modification. The diaphragm is still available from Honda so why not just buy a new one and use the petcock the way the Universe and Honda intended? Do these fail a lot and it is a mandatory modification????

    Also, the one on the used petcock looks fine, should it be replaced anyway???

    Opinions???

    IMG_0321.JPG
     
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  14. Cherryriver

    Cherryriver New Member

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    I dunno. I've always had success with vacuum shutoffs over the last forty years or so.
    I rebuilt my 500's petcock with the Honda kit and it's been perfectly fine.
     
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  15. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    This thing is not bad! Took a 60 mile ride (most of it through suck - A$$ Houston traffic). Finally got a chance to open it up and got to 75-80 MPH.

    Ran great, again with no issues whatsoever. Found some twisty bits (not easy in the Houston Area) and it was really tossable though it certainly does show it's age compared to modern bikes. No worries, I still loved it. Still have some work to do on painting but getting pretty complete at this point.

    IMG_20210908_092923070_HDR.jpg
     
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  16. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    The little 500 is pretty damn capable. The fact that it is pretty light helps it to not overwhelm the dated equipment, which it's big brothers quickly did. That's also why they respond so nicely with just modest upgrades.

    Glad you are enjoying it and had a positive 1st real ride. Good job.
     
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  17. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    I had been looking at getting a good front fairing, the current one was a good "driver quality" condition but still had several cracks that I don't really have the skillz to repair just yet.

    I had been looking at this one for a while on EbAy and the pictures looked good. The price was good ($76.00) but the freight was outrageous. I looked further and it was at a salvage house about 70 miles from here. I went to have a look and was kind of disappointed. EbAy and CL pictures in ads ALWAYS look better than than in real life I have found. Anyway I went that far so I bought it anyway.

    It has a few issues and i am going to attempt to paint just the blue part. I actually found the Sonic Blue Pearl Ford paint at the local auto parts store.

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  18. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    I also found a real unicorn at the local auto parts dealer.

    Genuine Duplicolor Ford Sonic Blue Pearl! I could not even find this color on the Duplicolor website in the USA and there is was. Pictures for historical reference......

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  19. Saturn V

    Saturn V New Member

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  20. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    The front brakes are still driving me crazy. Really mushy. On top of vacuum bleeding, I tried to reverse bleed them with syringe and no improvement.

    Outside of replacing the brake hoses I can;t figure out what the problem is. MC was recently rebuilt also. Any thoughts?

    IMG_0394.JPG
     
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