New rider with old school bike

Hey guys,

I recently purchased a 1984 VF500F Interceptor for 500 bucks. The owner hasn't rode it for about 8 months. So I bought her and towed her home.

She had an electrical problem which I fixed in about an hour, then now I am on to the mechanical stuff. The owner said she ran fine last time her rode it, but since it's been a while, I think the carbs need to be cleaned and synced. She starts up, but won't idle, and if I give it too much gas, she bogs out, and I have to disconnect the fuel pump to get her running again.

/rant

Anyways, I am super excited that I will finally get to ride! I have never driven a motorcycle before and am looking forward to my new bike!

Well, as soon as I figure out what is wrong with it of course

 

Welcome, and congrats on the purchase of your 500 Interceptor. The problem you are describing is classic "bike has been sitting too long and the carbs are gummed up from old fuel". These things are meant to be ridden and when they sit too long....well, you know the rest of the story. I'm sure you put the choke on full and started it and soon after gas started pouring out of the overflow on the carbs.

The 500 Interceptor is an excellent beginner bike so you should enjoy it. However, if you have never ridden a motorcycle before (as you said), be very careful and take the time to get very familiar with the bike on how it handles, brakes, etc. I would even strongly recommend taking a motorcycle riding class. I have lost count of the number of stories I have heard about new riders that have accidents b/c of inexperience. Don't mean to sound like your father, but it's nice to keep VFRWorld riders around. RocknVFR

 

i have to agree with rocknvfr defentlybe carefull and wear safety clothing and helmet and gloves that kind of stuff and like rocknvfr said a motorcycle ridding course would be good

 

and welcome to the site and nice find on the vfr500 also

 

Thanks a lot guys.

I am already signed up for the MSF course next month. I have all the gear, and am ready for my first drop!

It's a sigh of relief I can get a pretty straight answer about why my bike is flooding. I have the repair manual for the bike, and was wondering, I am a pretty big newb to carburators, should I clean them myself? I have some carb cleaner lying around and was wondering if I should give it a shot. I am pretty scared I might twist the wrong screw or not be able to put her back together.

I also need new tires for her. Should I just tow the bike to a dealership and get the carbs cleaned, synced and new tires put on? Sounds expensive.

Again, I appreciate all your guy's help and concern! I can tell this is a great community!

Josh

Here is the bike.

 

Welcome!! bike looks to be in good cosmetic shape! by the way, great choice for a new rider. Get the carbs tuned in, some new kicks(tires) check to make sure the brakes are operating correctly(important)and let her rip for a year or two. Dont be tempted into the sport bike scene, you will be dissapointed by the loss of comfort although there is something to be said about the performance aspect. Take it slow and enjoy touring, Thats where the fun really is! Good luck! (and yes the class is a great idea)

 

I myself also own a VF500. I bought it as a junker and have been repairing it for about a month. I have the same problem with the carbs being gummed up. I suggest taking it to a dealership. It will cost more than a standard carb rebuild/clean because of it being a V-4. But they will be able to sync it perfectly and ensure there are no problems what so ever.

 

Welcome to the site and the world of motorcycles! Sounds like you got a good deal on your bike, those 500's can be hard to come by (at least in my neck of the woods they are!)

Where are you from? Chances are you got some VFRW neighbors within a couple of hours or closer!

 

Well, did you ever get her runnin?
Good lookin bike by the way.
And a belated welcome to you as well.

 

Wellcome Ikoniak! 500 bucks!!! thats a bargain i think, and for the price i think the bike is in really nice shape...its a classic!

congrats for the good deal! And may the force V4 be with you!