Old owner with old vf500f2

Hi all...
finally managed to get on here (thanks Mr Admin)...
Just picked up a 1985 VF500F2 - it's seen better days but I'm hopeful I can make something of it.
I'm in Warrington in the UK... but I'll accept help from anywhere
Cheers
Dave

 

Welcome!! You got some work...

Does it run?

 

Welcome......normally I would not recommend such things but I do like that version of the 500. Good luck!

 

compression test first thing !

 

Cheers... yes - it runs - but only as well as it looks
Only just got it this week so making a list of things to do - get a decent manual is probably no.1 priority!

 

As a fellow Brit welcome aboard. Looking at the photo it appears it just needs a good clean and service. Good luck fixing it up and please post when you've got it back to it's former glory.

 

Hey up feller - how's tricks?
I'm hoping it's mainly cosmetic, but the frame will definitely need a repaint - but not before I find out what else is lurking under the grime...

 

if it's running, lightly touch each header pipe to discover which cylinders are firing..............or not.

 

I didn't think the F2 was affected by the lack of drain holes in the right frame lower per a Technical Bulletin. I see yours has swollen from water freezing in it. Or your drain holes got plugged up.

 

^^ BTW, doc, the captain may be the best-informed member here on VF500s and carbed VFRs.

 

Thanks a lot guys... any advice is much appreciated.
I'll plough my way through the threads using the search... don't want to mither everyone too much - at least not in my first week!

 

Hadn't spotted that! Another point to investigate... beginning to realise this might take a while...

 

It doesn't compromise the frame (also mentioned in the Service Bulletin), just looks irregular. I'll post up a scan so you can save it for the drill locations.

 

That's great - cheers Captain!

How about a brain scan as well so I get all your knowledge?

 

Hi Captain - further to what you spotted in the photo.
I've had a closer look at the rusty frame and can't see/feel any existing drain holes.
There is quite a bit of paint/rust which flakes off which looks quite bad - metal sounds solid if I tap it though.
I guess as the engine is bolted fore and aft of this section it might be ok if I just clean it up and treat it then repaint?
cheers
Dave

 

Yes. They don't usually "rot out", but there is another member that did some needed patch work on his. The section gets expanded from freezing trapped water and then the paint flakes off and the surface rusts. Grind it down real good to verify the integrity. In my opinion it is a lower stress area, but definitely investigate.

I will post up that bulletin soon regarding drill locations+, I've been busy as shit at home.

 

Hey Cap'n ... there's no rush at all ... appreciate your advice!
I've got my NS in bits at the mo so the VF will have to wait a while.... I'm just trying to amass as much info as poss before I dive in.