Jim's $400.00 1986 VF500F

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Jim McCulloch, Jun 25, 2019.

  1. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch Member

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    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!
     


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  2. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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

     


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  3. sixdog

    sixdog Member

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    Wow how helpful…


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  4. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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


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  5. sixdog

    sixdog Member

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    Yea , anyway …


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  6. WestwaBoy

    WestwaBoy New Member

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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
     


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  7. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch Member

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    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.
     


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  8. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch Member

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

    IMG_0108.JPG

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

    IMG_0107.JPG
     


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  9. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    seems like alot more rear brake than is usable :rolleyes:
     


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  10. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch Member

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    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.
     


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  11. Colddevil

    Colddevil Member

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    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.
     


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  12. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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


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  13. linkken

    linkken New Member

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    is that Yoda?
     


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  14. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch Member

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    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!
     


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  15. RogueRC24

    RogueRC24 Member

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


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  16. Bazza

    Bazza Member

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    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! :)
     


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