Potential New VF Owner

Hi Everyone. I have an opportunity to buy a very nice looking '85 VF500F Interceptor, so I have registered here to gain some info on the bike. It has 14K miles on the clock, a few minor scratches here and there, no indication of having been down, hasn't been ridden for about 3 years, PO passed away, bike being sold by his son. I'm hoping that you Interceptor guys can provide me with some yays and nays on this bike and what to look for. Thanks in advance.

 

They are nice bikes. Issue is they are old and while there are many zealots here for the older bikes you would be bettter off gettung the 5th gen or newer 750/800 version. Then again you may like not finding tires, parts, rebuilding carbs and basically working on your bike all the time.

 

Super fun and safe bike, have been known to have mechanical issues but I say go for it and have some fun. Post a pic when you get a chance.

 

How much $? How much do you like working on things? Do you have a garage with work space? What are your expectations of performance and type of use (joy rides, commute, day trips, etc)?

 

Ask price is $1000. I guess you could call me a born gearhead. I've been riding and working on bikes (and anything else with an IC engine) since I was 15. I have an equipped garage. My expectation of this bike is to have a lot of fun riding it.

 

In that case enjoy it.

 

Sounds like a good find.

VF500F's are great bikes with the caveat that they require careful maintenance to insure the longevity of the engine - i.e. having proper valve lash, using a high grade of oil and oil filter, letting the bike properly warm up before riding and keeping the rev's in check.

Also, as many OEM parts are NLA, rounding up spares for your parts bin is a plus.

If you do decide on this bike - I would also recommend heading on over to eBay to get a copy of the original Factory Service Manual (in the green binder) - this is a must have for the library shelf.

Hope all goes well with the purchase and let us know how you make out.

 

Sounds like you have a realistic outlook about an older bike. Some are quick to point out that you'll have a never ending river of problems and should buy a newer gen, take a few minutes to look through some of the other gens forums. 3rd/4th gen owners with carbs leaking, fuel pump problems, bearings needing replaced. 5th/6th gens with starting issues, electrical gremlis, brakes grabbing, rectifiers frying etc. Hundreds of questions for help with problems, some dire some not. Some 500's do have real engine issues, and some will leave you on the road side, while others are giving their owners k's of miles of fun. If it's running now and not been left behind some barn somewhere for 20 years, I say go for it, no bike is maintenance free.

 

I don't like the word "potential" in the title of this thread. Fix it. Then fix the bike. Welcome to the Clinic for the cyclically enhanced brood.

 

+1. Agreed.

 

Find something newer, even if it's not a Honda.

 

I saw this bike and I have to have it! Logic, reason and common sense have nothing to do with it. :crazy:

 

When you by it be sure to start a new thread and get tips on getting it going, what to check, etc. I would definitely recommend pulling the carbs and cleaning them out properly. DON"T take the carbs off of the plate!!

I started typing this stuff that follows while watching the kids and TV and then remembered near the end that you are experienced working on bikes, so consider this more for other novice readers. I'm sure you checked all this stuff. If any of these indicate money needed then it's a good negotiation point.

A few thoughts before you buy:

Did you inspect the inside of the tank? If the tank wasn't filled right up then there is probably corrosion.

Was the bike raised or were the tires on something or on the concrete? If on concrete you will probably need new tires because the ground sucks the moisture out of the rubber.

How do the tires look? Check tread and rubber condition (weather cracking).

Has the battery been on a tender? If not, you will probably need a new battery.

What is the condition of the chain, sprockets?

Did you check the steering head bearings (turn bars side to side and look or notchiness at center. Elevate front end and do the same but holding a fork leg in each hand. While you are there, also check by pulling and pushing when centered and check for play?

How about the fork seals? Put on the front brake and compress the front end hard repeatedly and check for oil residue line on the slider. Bring a rag and wipe the spider first.

How are the wheel bearings? Check by grabbing the tire with one hand and bracing the bike with the other and push/pull with force to check for play. I find that grabbing the rear tire at the top works best.

How are the brake pads and rotors?

 

Welcome aboard

 

Guys, I really appreciate all the input, keep it coming. Michel E.......I have spent a couple of hours going over the bike, most everything you mention looks OK. except........the tires have good tread, but show some weather checking, need replaced. The battery is shot, will not hold a charge. The tank and carbs have been drained, flushed with fresh gas, but it looks like the carbs/fuel system need cleaning, the engine starts and idles OK, but will not take throttle, sputters & spits. One thing that is kind of a downer for me is that a set of Cobra F1 mufflers have been fitted and the seller does not have the original mufflers. I will be making an offer on Monday, we'll see how it goes.

 

Sounds like a good deal. Please keep us posted on how you make out with the sale.

You should be able to source a set of used OEM mufflers without too much trouble as I see them (in decent shape) on eBay now and again. Selling the Cobra F1's will help offset the cost of the OEM's.

On the tires - there are some good sources out there for bias-ply’s. Here is a link to a recent thread:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/introductions/32597-1986-vf-500-interceptor-tires.html

 

Many thanks for the replies and info. The seller would not budge on the price, so I caved and shelled out the cash, I will be picking the bike up tomorrow. I will post as I make progress with getting it on the road. A quick pic.

[/IMG]

 

The other side.

 

Excellent! Congratulations on the purchase!

 

I was inspecting the bike this morning prior to purchasing, it looks like there is a fuel delivery problem. After idling (it won't take throttle, dies) I opened the bowl drains and only a very small amount of gas trickled out. I will be checking the petcock, fuel filter and lines for restrictions. Any thoughts or tips?