Cliff's new VF500

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by maduncle, Aug 27, 2019.

  1. maduncle

    maduncle New Member

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    So I ended up getting a YSS from a local supplier, should be here in a couple of weeks.

    Fitment does not look too hard, I am guessing the rear wheel needs to come off to gain good access?

    Anything else I should know about replacing a mono-shock?
     
  2. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Pretty straight forward. Might be a good time to service your linkage. Measure stock length to YSS and verify/adjust your ride height if desired before install.
     
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  3. maduncle

    maduncle New Member

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    Got that YSS rear shock fitted easy.

    Did not have to remove too much from the bike to get to it.

    Just the battery, battery box, coolant container and loosen off the rear guard/under seat assembly so the shock could slide out from the top.

    [​IMG]

    Old one out ...

    [​IMG]

    New one in.
     
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2019
  4. maduncle

    maduncle New Member

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    I have also replaced the cheap and nasty small indicators with a set of better quality rubber framed LED units.

    [​IMG]
    Problem is - the LED flasher can I bought is a dud, so now that means another trip to the shops to get another flasher can.

    And - anyone know what this little thing does???
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2019
  5. GreginDenver

    GreginDenver New Member

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    That's a Diode symbol on the top of that item, so at that point in the bike's wiring harness Honda needed to insure electricity could only flow in one direction.
     
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  6. jeremyr62

    jeremyr62 New Member

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    If you disconnect the diode you will see the effect. It stops the neutral light coming on when you pull the clutch in when you are in gear.
     
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  7. Nicad

    Nicad New Member

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    I'm a couple of weeks into getting an 84' VF500f back on the road. It ran acceptably well when I purchased it despite years of neglect. frame and gas tank are pretty rusty. Bike has 16,000 KM. I'm going to strip it down partially (Leaving the engine in place) rebuild the fuel system, brakes, cooling system and de rust and clean what I can. What are your plans for the forks?
     
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  8. maduncle

    maduncle New Member

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    I plan to install upgraded progressive springs and maybe emulators.

    And replace brake lines with braid lines too.
     
  9. maduncle

    maduncle New Member

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    [​IMG]

    That new rear shock feels fine, took the bike for a spin up to Toolangi from Healesville (Google it).

    So lucky to live in a country town at the foothills of some great windy mountain roads.
     
  10. maduncle

    maduncle New Member

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    Evening all.

    Got my aftermarket solo seat cowl in the mail today from the UK (good old Christmas post always comes faster).

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I am thinking it needs a red/white/black paint job to suit the rest of the body work.

    Black top panel, white stripe that follows the panel lines from one side to the other and red below.

    Fits up well and feels good behind my behind.
     
  11. jeremyr62

    jeremyr62 New Member

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    Is that new? If so can you tell us who makes it or where you ordered it from please.
     
  12. sixdog

    sixdog Member

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    I Like!
     
  13. maduncle

    maduncle New Member

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    Sorry mate but I bought this one second hand.

    Check out my other thread on “earth shatteringly important VF400” questions for where to buy cowls that fit...
     
  14. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Do you have any info on the used one you bought? It has a different shape than the OEM cowl.
     
  15. maduncle

    maduncle New Member

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    The little sticker in the top says “solo” other than that there is no branding. The cowl has a metal tab that holds it under the rear of the seat and it bolts up at the stock cowl bolt points (although you do have to pierce your seat cover to get to the bolt holes). The grab rail needs to be removed too. I like it because it is lower than the OEM version.
     
  16. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    It was made by Solo Sport. Out of England I think. Couldn't find much on it. Looks to be a pretty rare piece. Cool.[​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Dec 11, 2019
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  17. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    [​IMG]

    From a long expired eBay Japan hit.
     
  18. maduncle

    maduncle New Member

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    That is the one I bought off eBay in the UK recently.
     
  19. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Hah! So there is only two in the world then. One got painted red. :)
     
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  20. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Nice progress! Like that solo seat.
     
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