Now I've done it...VF500f

Yeah, I've stepped in it now. Neighbor gave an '86 VF500f just to get it out of his yard. The good news. Put in plugs, new oil, lubed the chain, Seafoamed the carbs and this bike now runs like a raped ape! Did all the paperwork and have had it on the road now for a week. The bicycle-sized tire in the front concerned me for a moment. but now I'm sold. I'll fix up the cosmetics and she'll be a sweet ride.

First prob. Turned it on this evening and after a minute, the headlight/left running light conked out. Fuzes are good. Will look at it tomorrow morning. Question, I plan to order a manual for it tomorrow. (I know, I know, shoulda had one two weeks ago) Does anyone have a wiring diagram for this beast? Would be great to get a repair manual that will go on my laptop.

This forum looks like a winner.

Thank you for your time.

Kenwood
mcculloch.david@hotmail.com

1995 CB750 Nighthawk
1986 VF500f Interceptor

 

Welcome! You can find the manual for download here:

TheSparesNetwork.co.uk - :: View topic - VF500C, VF500F

It is for 84-85 but I would think it should be helpful.

 

Thank you for answering. Are the 84/85's exactly the same as the '86? I've had real bad problems in the past with using "similar" wiring diagrams. (Smoke being just one of them!)

I guess I'll wait and scan the manual I ordered. It'll drive me crazy to see the 500 sitting out there for a week.

Thanks again, gotta say I've learned a lot just going thru this forum, you guys really know this bike!

kenwood
mcculloch.david@hotmail.com

1995 CB750 Nighthawk
1986 VF500f Interceptor

 

yes they are the same the only thing that changed over the years was colors

welcome to the forum post some pictures

 

Where are the pics of this "alleged" bike? Without pics we are unable to verify your story and properly welcome you to the boards :biggrin:

One more thing....Please post your location in your profile so other members can harass you into going on group rides.

Regards,
Rollin

 

The Honda manual is for the 84-86 VF500F, and it has a single wiring diagram. I would assume then that there was no changes in the wiring over those years.

 

Thanks guys...will get a shot of it today & get it up tonite.

I'm from San Diego, California. Gnarley dude...

Kenwood

 

Why is everyone in San Diego? :tongue:


I thought the manual should work, thanks for the confirmation guys.

 

Well, I finally figured it out. The starter switch shuts off the lights when you start the engine. I chased down the wiring with the diagrams I got from this forum (thank you Jeff Smith!) and it led me to a partial short in the starter switch. The return spring on the switch was tired and not strong enough to return the switch completely to the full OFF position. The starter motor was disengaging, but the headlight and one of the running lights were still deactivated. If I push the starter switch up manually...voila! The lights came back on.

Now to figure out how to replace that damned spring...

Thanks again everybody

 

You can use a ball point pen spring if need be. You'll have to cut it to fit.

 

I have the same problem with mine...i just pull the switch up and it's ok.

...and FYI the 86 has a few differences from the 84-85.
-Gas Tanks
-Carbs
-Spark Plug heat ranges
-Oil pans/Sumps

 

I'm disappointed in you Matt, you should know by now to put "basically the same" in there! The differences are subtle so a manual for the 84-85 models would still be worth having around.

 

:welcome: