Phlebmasters 1985 VF500f Interceptor Evolution- Full of pics and win.. - Page 5

Phlebmaster · 08-08-2012, 04:02 PM

More updates....

I have decided to swap that other motor into my bike soon since it is in good working order. So there will be a swap picture fest to follow.

I also put on these.... Telefix 111A They are a German made fully adjustable handlebar set-up. Very nice!!

Note the difference from the stockies...

I like this even better because I feel more into the bike during turns....and more stable all around so I raised the forks back up a bit to give me more suspension AND since my fat butt is leaning more forward I don't want to bottom out my forks.

MeRock · 08-08-2012, 04:51 PM

Wow, you're doing some good work to that old girl!

There's a good story to why there is a new valve stem on the top of the left fork. When I bought the bike, I didn't notice that the original valve had broken off. The only reason I noticed is because when I got back to my dorm on the day I bought the bike, my jacket and helmet were splattered with oil. Every time I went over a bump, it'd spray fork oil out of the top!

Having spent all of my beer money on the bike, I had next to nothing left over for spare parts. I did, however, have access to a hand drill and tap and die set. I set out to NAPA and found a generic brass valve stem for less than $5 and set to work. I drilled out the broken stem, tapped the hole, wrapped the new valve in some Teflon tape and torqued it down in there. I then pumped up both forks to the recommended pressure in the Clymer manual. Good as new!

However, while my spewing fork issue had been fixed, I never checked the fork oil level or topped them up. You may want to do a fork oil change, as the levels are more than likely outta whack. That will probably make your handling a little better. Sorry about the hack job, but I like to make things work while spending as little money possible!

Cheers,
MeRock

Phlebmaster · 08-08-2012, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by MeRock

Wow, you're doing some good work to that old girl!

There's a good story to why there is a new valve stem on the top of the left fork. When I bought the bike, I didn't notice that the original valve had broken off. The only reason I noticed is because when I got back to my dorm on the day I bought the bike, my jacket and helmet were splattered with oil. Every time I went over a bump, it'd spray fork oil out of the top!

Having spent all of my beer money on the bike, I had next to nothing left over for spare parts. I did, however, have access to a hand drill and tap and die set. I set out to NAPA and found a generic brass valve stem for less than $5 and set to work. I drilled out the broken stem, tapped the hole, wrapped the new valve in some Teflon tape and torqued it down in there. I then pumped up both forks to the recommended pressure in the Clymer manual. Good as new!

However, while my spewing fork issue had been fixed, I never checked the fork oil level or topped them up. You may want to do a fork oil change, as the levels are more than likely outta whack. That will probably make your handling a little better. Sorry about the hack job, but I like to make things work while spending as little money possible!

Cheers,
MeRock

I like the valve stem idea. Makes adjusting much easier...why didn't Honda think of that? lol

Thanks for the heads up on the oil, that will be part of my check. You did a great job on this ol girl!

How is your Tiger coming along?

MeRock · 08-08-2012, 05:11 PM

The Tiger is great! I just got back from a 600 mile overnight round trip to visit some buddies. At first she needed a lot of little things fixed to get on the road, but what should have been a weekend project turned in to an engine swap and a whole lot more! She's mostly sorted out now - I've put 4000 miles on her already! I have a 100 mile round trip commute to work every day.

I have learned that Triumphs are definitely quirky machines, but this one seems fairly sturdy and reliable now. My first two bikes were Hondas, so I got a bit spoiled by their excellent quality, reliability, and the amount of thought put in to their designs. Honda's VF500 engine seems to be about as reliable and long lasting as a crowbar (Not quite as simple, however). I'm no engineer, but I certainly could have given the jolly old Englishmen at Triumph some pointers when they were designing the air box and sprocket cover, to name a couple of things!

Anyway, if you're up to it, I'd be interested in a group ride before the summer's over. I want to see what you've done to the old girl in person!

Phlebmaster · 08-08-2012, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by MeRock

The Tiger is great! I just got back from a 600 mile overnight round trip to visit some buddies. At first she needed a lot of little things fixed to get on the road, but what should have been a weekend project turned in to an engine swap and a whole lot more! She's mostly sorted out now - I've put 4000 miles on her already! I have a 100 mile round trip commute to work every day.

I have learned that Triumphs are definitely quirky machines, but this one seems fairly sturdy and reliable now. My first two bikes were Hondas, so I got a bit spoiled by their excellent quality, reliability, and the amount of thought put in to their designs. Honda's VF500 engine seems to be about as reliable and long lasting as a crowbar (Not quite as simple, however). I'm no engineer, but I certainly could have given the jolly old Englishmen at Triumph some pointers when they were designing the air box and sprocket cover, to name a couple of things!

Anyway, if you're up to it, I'd be interested in a group ride before the summer's over. I want to see what you've done to the old girl in person!

I agree!! It would be great to do a group ride before summer is over.

It is not unheard of (from what I have read) for the Honda V4 to hit 100,000 miles. I happen to have an already rebuilt engine sitting in my parts bike so why not switch it? :-) If you can wrap your head around the quad cam set up the VF500 engine is pretty basic. The old engine will be rebuilt or should I say...built! I want to do cams, carbs, etc... to mod the engine for more HP, and still have a good spare if I screw it all up. lol

Anything British is going to be different. But You have the cool factor going on of having something different. I can't wait to see your bike! Maybe we can get Ron and Dave in on the ride...wouldn't that be a hoot!!?? Full circle ownership for my bike. lol

Flyboymedic · 08-08-2012, 06:01 PM

Those handlebars look interesting. I take it you have them adjusted so that you don't hit the tank under full turn?

Andy Capp · 08-08-2012, 06:16 PM

Keep up the good work Phelbmeister (minus the balloon

)

Phlebmaster · 08-08-2012, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by Flyboymedic

Those handlebars look interesting. I take it you have them adjusted so that you don't hit the tank under full turn?

Yes...after trial and error as you can see from the scrapes on the front fairing. It took some work and many readjustments to get it right.

Originally Posted by Andy Capp

Keep up the good work Phelbmeister (minus the balloon

)

LOL I have more "special effects" I can use for my next vid.

JK

NoMornings · 08-09-2012, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by Phlebmaster

If you can wrap your head around the quad cam set up the VF500 engine is pretty basic. The old engine will be rebuilt or should i say...built! I want to do cams, carbs, etc... to mod the engine for more HP, and still have a good spare if I screw it all up. lol

You DO realize that the engine isn't exactly in a LOW state of tune at 66hp from 498cc? And, at 25+ years old, there simply isn't a lot of aftermarket hopup stuff available?

I would suggest that getting the carburation properly sorted (cleaning, jetting, balance) and making sure the valves are properly adjusted is probably the most realistic goal - and is going to be necessary in any case, so why not do it first? Make it the best VF500F it can be, instead of a 1/3 scale Hayabusa!

Phlebmaster · 08-09-2012, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by NoMornings

You DO realize that the engine isn't exactly in a LOW state of tune at 66hp from 498cc? And, at 25+ years old, there simply isn't a lot of aftermarket hopup stuff available?

I would suggest that getting the carburation properly sorted (cleaning, jetting, balance) and making sure the valves are properly adjusted is probably the most realistic goal - and is going to be necessary in any case, so why not do it first? Make it the best VF500F it can be, instead of a 1/3 scale Hayabusa!

Yes...you are correct. Just talkin crazy ideas. With the rebuilt engine going in I was thinking it would be fun to play a bit. Maybe I should just fix her up and enjoy the heck out of her.

Then get a bike that is made for what I am trying to get out of the VF. I like that idea better..

As far as the Hayabusa....I can't wait to ride that thing agasm!!!

Andy Capp · 08-09-2012, 07:22 PM

Pffft don't listen to 'em we expect nothing less than a turbo and R1 pipes!

Phlebmaster · 08-09-2012, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by Andy Capp

Pffft don't listen to 'em we expect nothing less than a turbo and R1 pipes!

hmmm, I could just .....nah

Check this out.... Love the sound of these things!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGsNSIYDfn8

NoMornings · 08-09-2012, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by Andy Capp

Pffft don't listen to 'em we expect nothing less than a turbo and R1 pipes!

Naah - plenty of room in the fairing for a nitrous bottle or three. Why be obvious?

Andy Capp · 08-09-2012, 07:46 PM

Nice! Check out Nicholls's duct tape fog guard lol

Flyboymedic · 08-10-2012, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by nomornings

i would suggest that getting the carburation properly sorted (cleaning, jetting, balance) and making sure the valves are properly adjusted is probably the most realistic goal - and is going to be necessary in any case, so why not do it first? Make it the best vf500f it can be, instead of a 1/3 scale hayabusa!

Phlebmaster · 08-17-2012, 08:03 PM

UPDATES!

Started pulling the parts bike...well, apart tonight. lol

I am hoping to do the engine swap this weekend. Tomorrow I check the compression on the rebuilt motor to verify things are in order Thanks to millejim!!

Keeping my old motor on stand bye just in case. However I don't see any issues with this rebuilt one yet.

Pulled the exhaust and carbs. The guy put new boots on the carbs so I am set! The valve guides are new, the intakes look great.

The heads and cams look perfect! All bolts on the top end are torqued correctly and the cam chains are new. It also has a new front sprocket (15 tooth).

Hey...look what snuck back into my shed. Dang R1 exhaust cans....LOL

Phlebmaster · 08-18-2012, 01:03 PM

Compression check done!

150, 150, 160, 145

I will wait for another week before doing the engine swap. I want time to gather some paint and other items since I will have the bike apart. The front and rear shocks are also going to be replaced since the ones on the parts bike are better.

Totally dismantled the parts bike today....I figured out a way to drop that engine by myself!! Check it out...

Pulled all wires, and accessories away from the frame.

Here is what I came up with to get this done by myself safely! Two tie down straps...

Jack with a wide block....

Pulled all bolts and removed side frame piece...

My daughter just held the frame to make sure it was stable...

Loosen up the straps a little at a time while dropping the jack....easy as pie!!

There aint much to a bike is there??

I also figured out how to fit that entire bike in my tiny shed....lol

NoMornings · 08-18-2012, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by Phlebmaster

I also figured out how to fit that entire bike in my tiny shed....lol

And now, if you close the shed door GENTLY, and keep it closed for a few months, you can be like this guy come spring!

Desvio · 08-18-2012, 07:13 PM

WHAT DID YOU DO.........?

Do the engine swap later, ride NOW!!! Summers a wastin' buddy!

Phlebmaster · 08-18-2012, 09:24 PM

LOL...no worries I am riding as much as possible. I put in over 550 miles last month just for work. :D


08-08-2012, 04:02 PM	#81
Phlebmaster Chicken Strips Joined: Jan 2012 From: Oregon City I Ride: 1984 Porsche 944- 1987 VFR750 Traded- 1985 VF500f Interceptor traded- 1976 KZ400 traded	More updates.... I have decided to swap that other motor into my bike soon since it is in good working order. So there will be a swap picture fest to follow. I also put on these.... Telefix 111A They are a German made fully adjustable handlebar set-up. Very nice!! Note the difference from the stockies... I like this even better because I feel more into the bike during turns....and more stable all around so I raised the forks back up a bit to give me more suspension AND since my fat butt is leaning more forward I don't want to bottom out my forks. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by Phlebmaster; 08-08-2012 at 04:07 PM..


08-08-2012, 04:51 PM	#82
MeRock Permit Joined: Apr 2011 From: White Salmon, WA I Ride: 1996 Triumph Tiger	Wow, you're doing some good work to that old girl! There's a good story to why there is a new valve stem on the top of the left fork. When I bought the bike, I didn't notice that the original valve had broken off. The only reason I noticed is because when I got back to my dorm on the day I bought the bike, my jacket and helmet were splattered with oil. Every time I went over a bump, it'd spray fork oil out of the top! Having spent all of my beer money on the bike, I had next to nothing left over for spare parts. I did, however, have access to a hand drill and tap and die set. I set out to NAPA and found a generic brass valve stem for less than $5 and set to work. I drilled out the broken stem, tapped the hole, wrapped the new valve in some Teflon tape and torqued it down in there. I then pumped up both forks to the recommended pressure in the Clymer manual. Good as new! However, while my spewing fork issue had been fixed, I never checked the fork oil level or topped them up. You may want to do a fork oil change, as the levels are more than likely outta whack. That will probably make your handling a little better. Sorry about the hack job, but I like to make things work while spending as little money possible! Cheers, MeRock __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-08-2012, 05:11 PM	#84
MeRock Permit Joined: Apr 2011 From: White Salmon, WA I Ride: 1996 Triumph Tiger	The Tiger is great! I just got back from a 600 mile overnight round trip to visit some buddies. At first she needed a lot of little things fixed to get on the road, but what should have been a weekend project turned in to an engine swap and a whole lot more! She's mostly sorted out now - I've put 4000 miles on her already! I have a 100 mile round trip commute to work every day. I have learned that Triumphs are definitely quirky machines, but this one seems fairly sturdy and reliable now. My first two bikes were Hondas, so I got a bit spoiled by their excellent quality, reliability, and the amount of thought put in to their designs. Honda's VF500 engine seems to be about as reliable and long lasting as a crowbar (Not quite as simple, however). I'm no engineer, but I certainly could have given the jolly old Englishmen at Triumph some pointers when they were designing the air box and sprocket cover, to name a couple of things! Anyway, if you're up to it, I'd be interested in a group ride before the summer's over. I want to see what you've done to the old girl in person! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-08-2012, 06:01 PM	#86
Flyboymedic Chicken Strips Joined: Jun 2010 From: Vancouver, Wa I Ride: 2000 Honda VFR800, 2008 Husqvarna TE-610, 2004 Ninjette	Those handlebars look interesting. I take it you have them adjusted so that you don't hit the tank under full turn? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-08-2012, 06:16 PM	#87
Andy Capp Superbiker Joined: Oct 2010 From: Everett, WA I Ride: 05 GSX-R750, 08 675, 72 XL250	Keep up the good work Phelbmeister (minus the balloon ) __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-09-2012, 07:22 PM	#91
Andy Capp Superbiker Joined: Oct 2010 From: Everett, WA I Ride: 05 GSX-R750, 08 675, 72 XL250	Pffft don't listen to 'em we expect nothing less than a turbo and R1 pipes! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-09-2012, 07:46 PM	#94
Andy Capp Superbiker Joined: Oct 2010 From: Everett, WA I Ride: 05 GSX-R750, 08 675, 72 XL250	Nice! Check out Nicholls's duct tape fog guard lol __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-17-2012, 08:03 PM	#96
Phlebmaster Chicken Strips Joined: Jan 2012 From: Oregon City I Ride: 1984 Porsche 944- 1987 VFR750 Traded- 1985 VF500f Interceptor traded- 1976 KZ400 traded	UPDATES! Started pulling the parts bike...well, apart tonight. lol I am hoping to do the engine swap this weekend. Tomorrow I check the compression on the rebuilt motor to verify things are in order Thanks to millejim!! Keeping my old motor on stand bye just in case. However I don't see any issues with this rebuilt one yet. Pulled the exhaust and carbs. The guy put new boots on the carbs so I am set! The valve guides are new, the intakes look great. The heads and cams look perfect! All bolts on the top end are torqued correctly and the cam chains are new. It also has a new front sprocket (15 tooth). Hey...look what snuck back into my shed. Dang R1 exhaust cans....LOL __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-18-2012, 01:03 PM	#97
Phlebmaster Chicken Strips Joined: Jan 2012 From: Oregon City I Ride: 1984 Porsche 944- 1987 VFR750 Traded- 1985 VF500f Interceptor traded- 1976 KZ400 traded	Compression check done! 150, 150, 160, 145 I will wait for another week before doing the engine swap. I want time to gather some paint and other items since I will have the bike apart. The front and rear shocks are also going to be replaced since the ones on the parts bike are better. Totally dismantled the parts bike today....I figured out a way to drop that engine by myself!! Check it out... Pulled all wires, and accessories away from the frame. Here is what I came up with to get this done by myself safely! Two tie down straps... Jack with a wide block.... Pulled all bolts and removed side frame piece... My daughter just held the frame to make sure it was stable... Loosen up the straps a little at a time while dropping the jack....easy as pie!! There aint much to a bike is there?? I also figured out how to fit that entire bike in my tiny shed....lol __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-18-2012, 07:13 PM	#99
Desvio Retired Joined: Mar 2008 From: SE Portland / Bucerias, Nayarit Mx I Ride: 03' CBR1100XX, 84 GL1200A	WHAT DID YOU DO.........? Do the engine swap later, ride NOW!!! Summers a wastin' buddy! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-18-2012, 09:24 PM	#100
Phlebmaster Chicken Strips Joined: Jan 2012 From: Oregon City I Ride: 1984 Porsche 944- 1987 VFR750 Traded- 1985 VF500f Interceptor traded- 1976 KZ400 traded	LOL...no worries I am riding as much as possible. I put in over 550 miles last month just for work. :D __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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