New Rider, New Bike, New learning curve - '85 500

[Fizz]

Hey all, this is my first post on the forums and I'd just like to say hello! The name's West, I'm completely new to the sport and am looking forward to jumping on and riding to my heart's content. I just got a hold of an '85 500 with 14k miles on the OD in tip top mechanical/cosmetic shape (that is until I got to it) for 900 dollars. I was rather wary of buying the bike as it was an impounded bike that was being sold by the impound owner because the bike's owner didn't want to pay the substantial amount of fees that had been racked up on it (so no maintenance schedule data, direct questions for owner, etc.) but when I saw it I fell in love and decided it was worth the risk of it being a lemon.

First off, I haven't even been able to ride it yet (got it today, needs to be re-registered in my name out of PNO, insurance, cycle gear etc.) It starts up great, sounds great, no weird noises (to my untrained ears).

Cosmetically, no significant dings or dents; except for when the seller dropped it off and left and I wrapped my legs around the seat and I didn't appreciate just how heavy the thing is and I prop it off the kick stand with my left foot. The bike swings over with quite a bit of momentum... my right foot slides on the wet cement and I tip it over laying it down on its side, a garden fixture punching a hole in the side (it wasn't even on, luckily the only damage). Just thought I'd share that bit of info to express my humility in just how little I know of these machines; I know I've got a LOT to learn.

When I was inspecting the bike before purchase, I followed what I remembered of every "how to buy a used motorcycle" guides I've been reading for the past few months. Brakes aren't seized, no lip/rim on the rotors, no sign of racing/burnouts, no rust in gas tank, Coolant color/levels normal, brake fluid reservoir shows honey color at proper level, starts cold after a few seconds, oil levels normal/good color, rocking suspension causes no oil leaks at the fork, multimeter read 14.65 volts at the battery terminals when the bike was on, chain had very little play, sprockets had flat/non-hooked teeth, controls are smooth/snappy where they should be, no signs of dropped/wrecked.

Essentially, I couldn't find anything wrong with the bike (other than the gas smelled kinda stale, siphoned that out and replaced with 91/stabilizer mix from a gas can). Obviously I couldn't really test ride it myself, having never operated a motorcycle before, so I pretty much took the seller's word for its in action behavior.

My question is, what else should I do to ensure long/reliable operation? How can I tell if the bike is performing how it should (since the gas in it went bad, is a carb rebuild called for)? I know parts for these vintage beasts are hard to come by, but just how impossible is it (at some point, after I'm done doing my learning damage I want to replace that piece I cracked)? Common issues i need to look/watch out for (due to manufacturing defects, etc.)?

Thanks for any input you can offer; if someone in San Diego can give me a crash course in the bike's operation, I'll buy lunch.

Some Pictures:

[squirrelman]

THAT bi**h be clean, yo!

Best thing you can do for long term is use quality oil and regular oil and filter changes.
POP that plastic piece back together and, on the back, use JB Weld over wire window-screen material to repair after light sanding.
JB is your friend.

[chomper]

congrats on the new ride! i think you got yourself a great first bike @ a good price too. you might wanna invest in some new rubber . if the bikes been sitting a while you may have to rebuild the carbs but try some carb cleaner first.

[Fizz]

Originally Posted by chomper

congrats on the new ride! i think you got yourself a great first bike @ a good price too. you might wanna invest in some new rubber . if the bikes been sitting a while you may have to rebuild the carbs but try some carb cleaner first.

Thanks for the advice! The layer of dirt on the rear wheel might be a little deceiving, the tread isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but the amount of tread in the center portion of the rear tire is only a few millimeters off the amount towards the sides; unless you have another reason the tire should be replaced?

[chomper]

Originally Posted by VeryFunRide

Thanks for the advice! The layer of dirt on the rear wheel might be a little deceiving, the tread isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but the amount of tread in the center portion of the rear tire is only a few millimeters off the amount towards the sides; unless you have another reason the tire should be replaced?

thats typical wear unless you spend most of your time corner carving. older rubber also tends to loose its ability after a while, for safety reasons you should consider new tires. dont worry about dropping your bike cant count how many time i dropped my first couple of bikes, its all part of the learning curve

[Fizz]

Originally Posted by chomper

thats typical wear unless you spend most of your time corner carving. older rubber also tends to loose its ability after a while, for safety reasons you should consider new tires. dont worry about dropping your bike cant count how many time i dropped my first couple of bikes, its all part of the learning curve

thanks for the encouragement. But yeah, i see your point, I'll add a new set of rubbers on the before operation checklist.

EDIT: As for dropping the bike, I knew it was going to happen at some time or another. I just feel kind of guilty because I feel as if I'm willfully destroying a piece of history; I like my cheap-o used VFR more than the newer models (no specific reason, just my 'vibe' I get from the bike).

[azpnshr]

Congradulations on your new bike and welcome to the site.

[PorscheBob]

If you don't get yourself into a California Motorcyclist Safety Progam as
soon as possible you will be earning yourself a Phd. in a "crash course."

Good luck on your new ride.

[Fizz]

Originally Posted by azpnshr

Congradulations on your new bike and welcome to the site.

Thanks! I'm hankering to ride it, but safety/legality is holding me back ATM. + I think it'd be better if someone knowledgeable (and patient) be there with me before I tried.

I'm used to driving a manual car, so I know how to deal with clutch/gas play. I got a little bit of feeling for the friction point putting it in 1st letting go of the clutch at idle slightly, giving a bit of gas, moving forward a couple inches, pull in clutch, stop, repeat.

[Fizz]

Originally Posted by PorscheBob

If you don't get yourself into a California Motorcyclist Safety Progam as
soon as possible you will be earning yourself a Phd. in a "crash course."

Good luck on your new ride.

I need to call up a training course I drive by from time to time thats less than 2 miles away to see their scheduling/pricing. Trust me, I'm not trying to die/injure/wreck my bike for the sake of irresponsibility.

[Bubba Zanetti]

Originally Posted by VeryFunRide

I need to call up a training course I drive by from time to time thats less than 2 miles away to see their scheduling/pricing. Trust me, I'm not trying to die/injure/wreck my bike for the sake of irresponsibility.

I second PorsheBob's reply.

Training is the single most important thing you can do. Sign up ASAP, then when you have completed the MSF class, let us know and we'll provide more info on training.

Training makes me happy

Welcome!

BZ

[KENJI]

Welcome aboard. Kenji

[mello dude]

Originally Posted by VeryFunRide

I need to call up a training course I drive by from time to time thats less than 2 miles away to see their scheduling/pricing. Trust me, I'm not trying to die/injure/wreck my bike for the sake of irresponsibility.

Please do a search on this site for "new riders". There is lots of advice on this site and you have a ton to learn. The most important piece of equipment for this is the grey matter between your ears. Also if you can find a buddy with a dirt bike see if you can bum some time on it.

BTW - Nice bike!

Good luck,
MD

[drewl]

Ah, the feeling of your first bike...I remember it like it was yesterday. Or, actually last August. You will love it. But, like any serious relationship, you need to put time and effort into it. Don't take her for granted, or she'll ruin you.

[Fizz]

DMV trip done, fully registered in my name. New plates/stickers issued.

Just need to go sign up for safety course, can't wait!

[pjvtec]

welcome aboard, you found a great buy and web site. Love the air scoop on the bottom w/ the v - four decal. I've been a member for a month and I'm totally addicted to this site. Watch out for derstucka, that guy is a riot. It doesn't matter what generation or size you own, only that you own one. Have fun w/ your ride. Go Chargers - see you in the Super Bowl

[Nungboy]

Welcome to the site, welcome to the VFR and welcome to the world of motorcycles! I cannot echo enough all of the experienced guys above (because I am relatively new as well)...take it slow and take a course because otherwise, you are taking your life and risking it! You seem to know just how much you don't know. That is good. And don't get too confident at ANY point in your learning curve. Enjoy the ride!