Topic: VF 500F

[Dave K]

With winter here, the winter bike projects keep my head very busy. I always liked the looks of the mid '80's VF 500F. The problem is, I remember the rap they got when they were new about the oiling system and the cam problems. Is this a real concern? Or is it a bad rap that really is not justified. Or, if it is justified, is there a cure? This bike fever has been going on for over 45yrs. ! Like the problems that some bikes have, is there a cure?

[kirkn]

1st gen VF500's (84 ~ 85) had a cam issue (bad from the supplier) and had motors replaced under warranty.  If you find a runner after all these years, you can rest assured it doesn't have that issue.

The 750s got a rep for having oiling issues to the cam but it was primarily a problem if you didnt let 'em adequately warm up.  That is, if you hit the button and were down the road 30 seconds later...   And there's a well-documented fix anyway.

My son has an '86 500 and loves it.  They really are a lot of fun.  Quite a few differences from the 84/85's.  The 84/85s had a fuel pump system and bigger carbs.  The 86 went to a straight gravity feed system and smaller carbs.  So, some of the 86 parts can be a bit tricky to find, since they're one-year-only type deals.  But, even at that, find a nice one and you won't likely go wrong.

Good luck!

Kirk

[Dave K]

Thanks Kirk. I really appreciate the education on them. You just opened up so more toys to add to my list of wants. Thanks again. Dave

[grcamna2]

I loved my 86' model VF500 & really miss that bike, it had lots of midrange power & a very decent & progressive top end rush...but nothing like the KICK that my 85' had when it hit 8000 rpm. I did enjoy putting the 85' mufflers on the 86' w/ a Factory jetting kit;the 86' engine was bulletproof.

[ron.cieri.313]

Hi guys...please check out my recent post on my '86 VF500F...oil compression issue...but other than that I luv her...guess you have to you if you are willing to split the cases a couple of times!

[grcamna2]

That is a great little bike ron.cieri.313; the CBR600 Hurricane over shadowed it a bit in 87', but I love the seating/control arrangement for all-around comfort/performance MUCH better on the 86' VF500F2.I hope you can find a good solid low mileage motor to install in your bike...might be cheaper than a rebuild,considering how the economy is now & this time of year...you can pick up a GREAT deal from someone who needs the $ and then you can rebuild yours when you have the $...unless you just want to do the rebuild;either way I'm subscribed and I'll be following your project.

[Gonzowerke]

The cam problem on early VF's was due to mis-machined cam journals. instead of align boring them like every other bike, Honda wanted the VF's to look different without the rubber half moons on the valve cover gasket. Instead, they used a "plunge mill" that had individual cutting heads. the problem was, it would get out of adjustment and cut each journal on a different plane, tweaking the cam when it was installed. The oiling problems were easily fixed with the addition of some external lines. An old girlfriend of mine bought an '85, and that thing screamed! The only thing I hated about it was valve adjustments. Your arm needs to be broken in about 4 strategic locations to do it even with resorting to removing the carbs and such. I wouldn't mind finding one for myself, a 750 or 1000, but those have mostly all been binned by squids.

[BLUE71TURBO]

 I my self back in 1990 had a 1984 VF1000F INTERCEPTOR.  I Bought a top oiler kit through a friend of mine.
  It worked great.  Way more oil flow and pressure to the top end.  These engines are very expensive to work on and have a $hit load of moving parts in them. I found some info on a topend oiler kit someone is still making for them......... http://www.honda-v4.com/sabmag/v4honda/oilmod-dd.html

  Here's my old  1984 VF1000F.  I had just put on the exhaust canisters and was going to install the front fender and then new cams and the oiler kit. It was a very comfortable bike and was very fast.   

           

[grcamna2]

Blue,
   Have you ever ridden the 86' or 87' VFR's ?? How would the VF1000F handle in comparison to one of them ? I had an 86' VFR750 Interceptor which had a 59" wheelbase.