1984 Honda Interceptor vf500f

That doesn't sound too bad to me.

 

A lean condition doesn't sound bad? I just want to figure out why they look lean all of a sudden. I don't recall the old ones looking anything like this when I changed them. Really the only thing I've done is change the plug wires, and I just used what we had here at home, so I don't know if that has anything to do with it running like crap or not.

 

Did you pull the carburetors and inspect all the circuits, jets, jet needles, float heights, vacuum diaphragms, slides, Et cetera?

 

Based on your description the plugs didn't seem to show that much of a lean condition. Maybe some photos would make things more clear. A milky brown color on the plugs is normal.

 

Recently I haven't pulled the carbs. I did when I got it about two months ago. I pulled them out, cleaned bowls, jets, passages. I know I didn't do a perfect job, but I thought I did ok. One thing: I don't know what I was thinking, but I realized I didn't take the pilots screws out when I cleaned the carbs. I just pulled them, blew some carb cleaner in and put them back. I also found that I had a spark jumping from a spark plug wire to the valve cover, so that may have been part of my firing problem. I started it up, and it sounded better that it did yesterday by far. Hopefully I can take a ride in the next couple days and check the plugs again. Thanks again for everyone's help.

 

Rode it a little today. Seemed to run better than it has been. But a previous problem started again- when I come to a stop, it idles around 3000 (that's what the tach says, although my dad doesn't think it's very accurate). It drops when I start to let the clutch out, but climbs back up when I squeeze it. What's the deal?
Also, is it worth rebuilding the carbs? (If kits are available.)

 

Still looking for advice on the high idle problem after riding for a while.

Recently noticed a vibration. Can't seem to pinpoint the location. Also noticed the rear tire has cracks inside the tread. I was wondering if that could be the vibration problem. Got a new Kenda Challenger to put on. Put old tire/wheel on sawhorses and spun it; heard a quiet, but noticeable grinding sound and a little clicking. Wondering if bad wheel bearings could also cause the vibration. I can get the bearings and seals for about $24 on ebay. Would it be cheaper to get them from an auto parts store if someone has the numbers? Are they simple to replace?

 

Rode with the new tire today. Didn't notice the vibration, but I was on a rough road.
Still battling the high idle when coming to a stop. When I had it on the center stand I started it and put it into first with the clutch lever pulled in, and the wheel started turning. I could squeeze and release the lever with no change. Maybe this is part of my problem?

 

Hey there, I had a similar issue a long time ago. The root cause was the carbs were out of synch. Once the bike really warmed up the idle was way, way too high. The VF500F should ride and idle extremely smoothly; much more so than any bike I've ever ridden. You've posted saying you feel some vibrations in the bike, which leads me to believe out of synch carbs may be the source of your issue. I love the VF500F, it was my first bike and it made me the weekend tech I am today. For a determined owner it's the best first bike you could have chosen. Ignore the haters, I did.

If you have time, take a read. My old thread might be useful: http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/29455-1984-Interceptor-in-Vermont?highlight=

 

I sure hope he fixed that vibration problem after all it was 3 years ago

 

Haha I think I've forgotten how to use the forums.

 

This is one of the top 5 threads on VFRW....for many reasons!


Should be a sticky.

 

^ too funny, this popped up in my e-mail inbox today

 

I didn't expect this thread to get revived.

Even three years later, the vibration is still present. It is not bad, but noticeable. The bike doesn't see too many miles. I threw together a carb sync tool a year or two ago and did what I could, but I'm sure they could still be much better.

And yes, I am glad that I got this bike. It takes work to keep it up and running properly, but I enjoy it.

I'm currently working on the clutch rod oil leak (http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/46564-Another-VF500F-Interceptor-Oil-Leak), but I haven't received much help yet. I may also try to set the valve lash and replace the valve cover gaskets later this year. Some would say at over 40k it isn't worth it. Maybe they're right, but if I can keep the cost reasonable I'll continue to work on it.