So, i pulled the trigger.. I finally have a interceptor 500.

So after my last final today i traded my dr350 dualsport for the 86 vf500 i have had my eye on for the last few weeks. I started it up, but it ran very poorly and only with the choke on. I was planning on cleaning the carbs anyway so that was my first project, they came off easy, much easier than i expected from what i had read, the hardest part was disconnecting the throttle cables. The inside of the carbs were some of the worst i have ever seen, very gummy with green crud, only one main and idle jet were clear. Normally i can just run a torch cleaner thru them, but the idle jets are so tiny i had to strip a wire i had laying around and poke at them with a single strand to clear them up, i was concerned i was going to have to buy new ones. even after this i still feel like i got a great deal, and so did the guy who owned it b4, so i can;t ask for much else. Looking forward to getting the carbs finished up tomorrow and doing some cleaning up of the surface rust that really takes the shine out of the old girl.

question.. Are there any fuel filters on the bike b/c from what i see there aren't. I know most carbs have a filter built in but i can't seem to find anything inline. Also, from what i see the main fuel line branches out to two lines that go into the 4 carbs right? just two lines and not 4? Take care Yall.

 

There was a fuel filter/strainer that used to be inline either just before or just after the pump. Someone may have allready eliminated it tho as I did with mine to gravity feed. :welcome: to the 500 Miniceptor club sir, best of luck with gettin that girl back on her feet. And of course................................

 

Congratulations. You got a great deal. Why don't you post a link to your original thread that shows pictures of the bike?

 

Never mind, here's the link:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/1st-2nd-...w-guy-here-im-looking-into-getting-vf500.html

Again, I think you got a great deal.

 

Stewart, thanks for having my back.. I told you I'm in Binghamton right? Nice bike by the way!

 

No problem and you're only 90 minutes south of me. If you check my Photo Gallery, you'll see a nice VF500 that I owned up until last fall. I also had a VFR750 and VF1000R that I also let go last fall as well. Over the last 23 years, I've owned four of the 500s and they are awesome bikes. Just check the valves periodically, don't run it at redline (sustained) and you'll be fine.

 

There is no inline fuel filter you can see on the 86 VF500. The 86 you have has always been gravity fed.
There is a fuel strainer within the petrol tank. If you think you tank is full of crud it can help to take the petcock off and clean the strainer but be careful, they are delicate fine mesh tubes. Another part that is hard but not impossible to find.

Welcome to the club.

 

Congrats, still trying to track down my original '86 VF-500F....bought her new, shoulda never sold it....

BTW, might want to at least put the state in your profile so peeps know about where you are at...just helpful in case someone is willing to lend a hand or has a spare part or two to offer up.

 

Yea, i think 'm going to really enjoy this bike. The tank was full of rust, so, I used acid in it, worked like a charm left it nice and shiny. Next step is to coat it with red-kote. I should have done it immediately after finishing up with the acid b/c now i have some flash rust in there,so, i'll just do it all over again, not a problem tho bc i have a gallon of acetone. I was planning on using gravel to shine it up, but there would be no way to get it all back out of the tank, glad i didn't b/c the acid was easier than i imagined it would be. I'll get some pics up soon, probably after i pain the rims white. Thanks again for the support you guys, later.