Looking for vf500f ideas and tips. Also looking for an aftermarket tank.

So a few years ago I managed to acquire a 1986 honda interceptor vf500f with around 300,000kms on the odometer. Off and on I've been trying to do research and work on it but haven't gotten far due to work, lack of motivation and such.

I think I want to make a cafe racer out of it. So I'm looking for tips and ideas on what i could do with it. I've noticed from observing videos on youtube that i can somewhat frankenstein other parts onto the bike so I'll be looking more into that.

Does anybody know if there are aftermarket tanks available for the bike?

 

alot of miles [kms], have u done a compression test ? low compression will probably change your plans.

 

300k or 30k ?

Like Squirrel says, before you go too far, best to check compression and pop the cam cover off and inspect the cam's etc.

If the engine is healthy, proceed, if you have issues (worn cams or low compression), best to not spend alot of $ on it and find another project (JMHO)

you can sink boat loads of $ into it and its not gonna be worth it, especially as a cafe' mod

 

I'll get a photo of the odometer and post it here

 

No i haven't done a compression test. I don't really have the proper tools and haven't thought of it. I'll look into it though.

 

without good compression the engine is junk, and ur project is over.

 

No need to - I just did the conversion:

300,000 Kilometers is about 186,400 miles.

I'm assuming you don't have it running yet. Just my 2 cents but I'd get her running first before doing anything else.

Use a fuel bottle if your tank is unusable.

Make sure you have a good battery too. I usually buy a brand new one (Motobatt) on my restorations.

If it hasn't run in several years there are other steps you should take before trying to start her.

We like photos here - can you post some so we can see what you're working with? Thanks!

 

even with regular maintenance a vf500 engine would not last for 186,000 miles still running well.

 

Here are some photos of my bike as it sits right now.

 

Here's some more. I can easily take more too. Its supposed to rain and i need to install a light in my shed.

 

The good news is that's 40,000, not 400,000. Actually I wanted it to be 400,000.

I just don't see the Interceptor platform being great for anything "cafe". I know there have been a few notable exceptions in the past, but they were definitely done by people with a ton of fabrication skills and prior experience.

 

Unless you throw a considerable amount of money and talent at it, the 500 looks like ass as a "cafe racer", in my opinion.

No, there are not aftermarket tanks that will just fit. See money and talent above.