vf500 countershaft corrosion/transmission interchangeability/new member

Hi there - newbie here. Nice to meet you all:biggrin:

Anyway I have an 86 vf500 and have not run it for about 8 years or so. Its currently in my lounge.... Have rebuilt bikes over the years and so have no problems getting it running and stuff but it was stored for several years with no front sprocket on it and the countershaft is now thick with rust so bad I cant get a sprocket on it. This leads me to think of the worst case scenario - new countershaft - but for the 86 they appear to be different from the 84/5. Does anyone know whether this rust is an issue and if it is whether the transmissions are interchageable between the years anyway in case I have to go down that route.

Thanks for any help - it will be sooooooo nice to get this bike up and running again :biggrin::biggrin:

 

the shaft should be a pretty snug fit anyway, it won't take much rust to gum it up. try a procut called evap o rust or blue lightning rust remover. the evap o rust is the safest rust remover I've ever used and it's water soluble. wet a cloth with it and wrap the shaft (on the bike), let it set, repeat. Of course put a catch pan under it so it doesn't drip in your floor.

 

Yep, just as Commrad mentions I would just wire-brush off enough to get the sprocket off. It shouldn't hurt anything. My guess is most of that is chain lube grime, I'd try and few blasts of brake cleaner to see if that helps free it up.

About the only thing I would worry about is if that is getting into your seal. That is a PITA to replace!

 

^ ^ commrad had you covered !