Jim's $400.00 1986 VF500F

Thanks for the advice. I changed out adjustment screws in the front two cylinders last year, it it "kind of" made a slight difference, Probably not worth the effort. Anyway I am in there now so I think I will inspect / replace them anyway, I think they were about $3 from Honda I recall. Probably stick with 0.006" at least for the exhaust valves.

I know Honda made numerous changes the heads on the 86 model, but I can't figure out why the valve clearance setting changed from the 84-85 models????
I checked the P/N's for the intake and exhaust valves for the 85 vs 86 and they are the same P/N. I did notice that the valve spring P/N's did change however.

Yeah about the dropped adjustment screw....when I tore down this engine for the first time I found one of the screws in the oil pan! It not seem to harm anything but still freaked me out to see it!

 

Get one of these, cut it open and fix it. I know, cost prohibitive.

 

Wow how helpful…


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I know. Completely fucking unhelpful to suggest fixing it the right way.

 

Yea , anyway …


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I know. Keep helping and speaking the truth, Bro. They start at only about $20,000, I don't know what they are whining about. Just think about all of the $1500 - $2500 bikes in his garage he can fix the right way.

And then put up some flyers on the telephone poles in the neighborhood. There's probably a bunch of people that like old, antiquated, antique bikes with bad tanks around.

Step 3: Profit

 

So I unscrewed all of the rear cylinder adjustment screws, inspected them, and replaced several unworthy ones, I honestly have no idea what I was inspecting they just looked "worn". I set the valves 006/006", put 'er back together and it sounded like shit when I ran it. F that. I took it down again and readjusted to 004/005" and it actually sounded and RAN great. I have no idea what I did but it worked. Drove it and it ran great and sounded better. Wow.

 

Scored a NOS Galfer rear brake hose to the replace the OEM one dated 11/1985! Brake is instantly better.



Used all the OEM rubber mounts, rubber was hard as a rock but what are you going to do?

 

seems like alot more rear brake than is usable

 

Yeah, I rode it up the road a bit and hit the brake and managed to skid the rear tire. Was not able to do that before changing the hose.
I guess that is not a stock OEM disk on there either.

 

Galfer rear brake hose gang rise up.

I've bought a bunch of different brake lines over the past couple years, but the fit and finish of the galfers is my favorite. Speigler had really good customer service though.

 

It is better to have and not need, than need and not have.

 

is that Yoda?

 

Well, kind of a sad day....I moved the VF500F to it's next caretaker. It was a really awesome adventure.

I hope this thread helps others in the future, and hope the new caretaker joins us with his adventures!

On to a new project!

 

ohh dang. well, it was a good ride..er read.

 

Hi Jim......

6 years later.....she's on to her next adventure. As are you!

Congrats and condolences together......situations like this are tailor made for the word "bittersweet".

These bikes, as you know, show up all the time for sale. Some are in tip-top condition, even! As was both of my VF500F's. So maybe one day when the time is right you will see fit to own one again. Maybe one of those that someone else has already done to work on, so you can just swing your leg over, switch her on, and ride.

I haven't read this entire thread but will try to because I know there's some useful info in it. So thanks for that and please don't be a stranger!

 

You had a good journey with that bike. What you documented will surely help somebody. I will say I was sad to hear you sold it though.

Keep us in the loop on your next adventure!

 

Thanks Cap'n! I appreciate your help on this project!

I have a good bit of parts left over and will be keeping an eye out for anyone who needs them.

Probably looking for a VFR800 2002+ on the next project.

 

I hope your next journey proves as rewarding and as entertaining for us to follow.

 

Entertaining......thanks, I had not heard that yet! For my next trick I will bang a nail into my finger LOL!

It was fun, I hope to do another one but I will definitely look at the fuel tank first. That is a tough one to get around as they are getting very rare to find in good condition.