AMA Vintage V5 rules on 1986 VF500F

This isn't really an important question, but something I've always been curious about. Is there something about the 1986 VF500F that gave it a racing advantage or potentially made it unsafe compared to the 1984-1985 versions? If I'm not mistaken it actually had a lower outright HP number due to the carburetor/inlet differences.

I'm wondering if this rule was specifically to try to keep all bikes 1985 and older in this class as there are a lot of "pre-1986" statements. It's probably that. And then the EX500 just got an exemption because there were so many of them and the bike was effectively unchanged until like 1992.

I always just found it kind of funny it singles out one year of the VF500F (probably just coincidently) while grouping them with the TZ750.

 

I think they are just ill-informed or just not bothering to clarify. They were just keeping out the 86 VFR 750/700s and lumped the 500 in there by mistake.

The 86 500 has no real racing advantage except for maybe more reliable.

 

Ah, got it--thank you Captain. Funny I managed to forget about the VFR's introduction on the VFR board.

 

The 84 engine in my race bike def felt more powerful and faster, but I set my fastest lap time with the 86 engine.

I think the 84 firing order with my exhaust just felt and sounded more "raw" and by the time I swapped in the 86 I was just more used to the bike and track.

 

I am trying to hook up a $500 locally but the guy won’t return anyone’s messages. I was thinking of making that my track day bike.

 

I have a feeling that is not an 86. And its not just because every thing else about the bike is wrong.

Like being a v -twin vfr.

 

I like the “broken” throttle cable. Never seen one break. Even after wrecking. Anyway it would be an interesting V7 40valve engine to ride.

 

They are rewarding.

You absolutely have to mind valve float when tracking them. Repeated, extended high rpm stints will do one in eventually. On a tight track without a super long straight, they can be a fun weapon.

84 CDIs do not have rev limiters. My friend bent a fair amount of valves racing street rods when cruising.

85 is essentially the same bike, but better carbs with atmospheric venting, not plenum venting, making them easier to tune. And rev limiter CDI boxes,

86 is a better engine with line bored cams and much easier cam timing when checking valve lash. 86 carbs are 2mm smaller.

I started with an 86 engine and 85 carbs. Ripped. Until it didn't. Swapped in a 84 engine. Ripped again.

 

Great photo. And only 300 miles!

 

That's a Craigs List "Showcase Gallery".

 

Oh, that's why I'm so impressed! It looks like someone put a lot of effort into the listing!

 

Could it be an '86 VF500F with an after market full fairing kit installed?

I'm sure the seller meant v-four instead of v-twin.

Or didn't know any better.

 

It is aftermarket Telefix one piece lowers.

86 is doubtful from what I can see. Rear grab handle and wheels say 84/85.

 

Didn't know that about the '84 CDI's. Even more motivation to make sure I'm short shifting as much as possible.

I'm very much trying to remind myself that I am going out there to parade on the VF and try to bring the hardware home on the race bike. I just ordered a new front and rear tire-BT46's. My current ones are from 2019 and blueing quite a bit. I think they'd be fine, but ehh they're probably aging out fairly soon.

 

OK thanks. You have a good eye.

Guess I never paid much attention to the different grab handles before - but the '84 is not as high as the '86.

 

Yep. My buddy had an 84 with the chrome/black two tone wheels. I had an 86 with solid black wheels. I also got a Lockhart Phillips lower, which I decided I hated and went back to the chin cowl. The Telefix looked better, but I don't recall why I went with Lockhart. Seems like there was a Targa lower available too. That was only 40 years ago, so you'd think it would be fresh on my mind. Lol

BTW, I only remember the grab handle on mine being taller, but the same otherwise. Was there something else different with it?

 

Those were the 3 big players for 500 lowers.

Lockhart had 3 vent holes like the upper cowl that looked decent, but I didn't like how they just went straight down.



Targa had a little more shape to them, but kinda looked out of place / unmatched to me. Not bad.



Telefix had the most character to me, but were more expensive and took more attention to detail to get the final mount looking good in regards to gaps and angles.



The 84 and 85 models had Hondaline seat cowls that could be ordered. The grab handle was lower and has a threaded hole on the underside for the lock mechanism.

No 86 cowl was offered, so the handle got taller and lost the hole.

 

Thanks for that explanation and photos, Capt......really helpful!