Whatever Happened To...

[chickenstrip]

Honda's VF500F?

Always thought this was a cracking-looking bike, but haven't seen one around for at least ten years. Anyone here had/got one? How have they stood the test of time as regards riding experience/longevity of engine/finish etc? Just curious.

https://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/VF500F_zps499208fb.jpg~original

[panrider_uk]

600cc bikes have pretty much killed the 500 market haven't they?
____________________
Current bikes: Honda ST1100 Pan European. Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel

[chickenstrip]

[CG Sam]

That is a nice bike. I want one.
____________________
CG125, SV650S, CBR600F, GSXR600 SRAD

[chickenstrip]

Honda seem really good at producing very pretty bikes now and again; CB1100R, VF1000R, SP1. This looks like a mini version of one of those big uns.

[Old Git Racing]

Great bike in its day, quick as an LC350 but with better fuel consumption, handling and reliability and build quality. Its rep suffered because of top end failures on the 750 version but the 500 didn't suffer these. The other disadvantage it had was it cost nearly twice as much as an LC, just not worth the difference in the day.
If you can find a decent one they are a good useable classic, the F2 or last version is a gem, not like a modern 600 but not too far out of the park despite its age.

OGR
____________________
2022 Tiger Sport 660 2019 Street Twin 2003 K3 gixxer 1000 1998 Srad 600 track hack

[Kickstart]

Hi

Almost bought one many years ago. Decided not to, and shortly afterwards the crank went on it (they had a bit of a habit of crank problems). Great bike for their time

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[chickenstrip]

[Old Git Racing]

They fixed early crank problems. This and the reputation of the 750, the cost etc means they didn't sell many here hence you don't see many.

OGR
____________________
2022 Tiger Sport 660 2019 Street Twin 2003 K3 gixxer 1000 1998 Srad 600 track hack

[Kickstart]

Hi

Possibly. They were far more reliable than the bigger V4's, but not bullet proof. And possibly far more likely to be thrashed to keep up with an RD.

Think the VT250 suffered much the same. They were quite popular in NI (which kept the 250 learner law for about another 15 years), and tended to go bang when thrashed to keep up with a 250 LC.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[CG Sam]

So today I've decided I want a VF500F, Bimota YB7 and a Moto Morini Dart.

I definitely need a better paying job.
____________________
CG125, SV650S, CBR600F, GSXR600 SRAD

[bypass2]

vf 500f dohc v4 made in 84-86 73hp. 135mph.45mpg.410lb.
as little as 20k miles caused clutch. camchain.valve and camshaft problems.

[Kickstart]

[chickenstrip]

[CG Sam]

Those are only the ones from today
I need a euromillions win!

Seen the Dart on ebay, bit more than I can afford, and need to get my licence first. It's the same frame as the Freccia isn't it?
____________________
CG125, SV650S, CBR600F, GSXR600 SRAD

[Kickstart]

[CG Sam]

I've got to say Keith, your model knowledge of different bikes absolutely amazes me. I wish I had the same kind of knowledge mate, I see you're into small two strokes and aren't far from me, if I ever find one I want would you be willing to look it over with me so I don't buy a complete hound?
____________________
CG125, SV650S, CBR600F, GSXR600 SRAD

[Polarbear]

Keith can be a pain in the ass

I loved my Ducati 750 Paso but when I posted it on here he listed alll the things that weren't quite standard.

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/835/paso1d.jpg
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[CG Sam]

I love that bike, it's gorgeous! Wasn't the styling of one of Cagivas early 90's bikes based on that?
____________________
CG125, SV650S, CBR600F, GSXR600 SRAD

[Quornholio]

Here you are. Bargain.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-VF500F11-/221374668723?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item338af55fb3
____________________
https://i.imgur.com/fMrhZnH.jpg?1
Everyone give this dood green karma pls --> https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=4045389#4045389
XxXxX

[CG Sam]

[Quornholio]

Saw a VF500 in a bike shop near the A6, Manchester end, about 8 years ago. It was in good nick, and they only wanted £800 for it back then.
____________________
https://i.imgur.com/fMrhZnH.jpg?1
Everyone give this dood green karma pls --> https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=4045389#4045389
XxXxX

[deadwolf]

Fell in love with this bike upon seeing one on eBay a while ago. Something, well, everything just seemed right about it. The proportions are spot on. Fairing is streamlined yet blunt, with vents perfectly placed to stop it looking too boring. Looks equally at home going for a relaxed cruise or an all-balls-out hoon. It's painted black in all the right places, no overcompensating exhaust or rear wheel, and that white/red/blue colour scheme is simply classic. It's even got a goddamn centrestand.

I keep looking at the bike and trying to think what I could change or improve, and I just can't come up with anything. Maybe upgrade the brakes but besides that, it's like Honda hit the ideal balance between old and new, between standard commuter and overspecialised sportbike.
____________________
Motorsapien Art

[Kickstart]