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View Full Version : '86 VF500f Front Fork Question and my Junkyard Visit


coaz4x4
Tue Mar 29th, 2011, 04:01 PM
Ok, so I picked up a used F4i shock from a local junkyard today, and shipped off to JD for rebuilding etc. for my '86VF500F... so for the time being, I'm on hold with the rear suspension.

As for the front, my local Honda dealer says they can't get factory or aftermarket springs, so I'm buying seals and stock-equivalent oil to 're-do' the front fork. QUESTION: I'm a big guy (190lbs nekkid) and like to take my GF on rides and normally take saddlebags and or a tank bag. How can I 'help' the fork compensate for the weight? The tech at the dealer recommends 'pre-loading' the springs with a PVC spacer of 1"ish in the fork...

Also, the JY had a bike just like mine... about 80% of it was there, and tank was in pretty good shape, couple of minor dings on the front, no cap. Also had a couple of carb assemblies in the back, some front fairings, fork arms, couple of gauge clusters... debating going back for the parts and selling them myself...
coaz4x4
Tue Mar 29th, 2011, 04:27 PM
Ok... never mind on the springs. I got a pair thru Performance Cycle that are .9 as compared to the stock .61 for $118... That should put me in a good weight range for me and some luggage and/or a rider.
Wrider
Tue Mar 29th, 2011, 05:45 PM
Lol you ain't a big guy, so they should have no trouble springing it for you plus one/luggage.
coaz4x4
Tue Mar 29th, 2011, 05:49 PM
Well, on a 400lb bike, 20lbs extra isnt as much the consideration as the extra 20-40 in gear and 130ish in a passenger... Then you're packing the bike's weight on the bike...
OUTLAWD
Tue Mar 29th, 2011, 06:01 PM
I was really confused for a second that you couldn't get springs for it...I really prefer the feel of straight rate springs compared to the progressives that are in alot of bikes from the factory...
coaz4x4
Tue Mar 29th, 2011, 06:21 PM
Well it changed AGAIN. Silly me didn't check with Daugherty and he stocks the right spring rate for what I need at $30 less... Lesson learned.
200sr20
Wed Mar 30th, 2011, 07:54 AM
[QUOTE=coaz4x4;552036]Ok, so I picked up a used F4i shock from a local junkyard today, and shipped off to JD for rebuilding etc. for my '86VF500F... so for the time being, I'm on hold with the rear suspension.
QUOTE]

Which junkyard was this?
MetaLord 9
Wed Mar 30th, 2011, 08:19 AM
^^This.

Also, you're not that large. When you said large, I was picturing bear on a tricycle.
TinkerinWstuff
Wed Mar 30th, 2011, 08:34 AM
Also, the Honda guy who told you to adjust preload with PVC is a douche.

Adjusting preload doesn't fix the fact that the OEM springs aren't the right "rate" for your weight you fat ass.
coaz4x4
Sat Apr 2nd, 2011, 09:45 AM
The JY I went to was Steele's. They had a lot of older VF stuff.

Daugherty had the springs with the correct rate, so I won't be doing any dumb@ss stuff like preloading springs with a low rate.

I had just been on a few friends bikes that were bigger (since almost every bike is bigger than a mini-ceptor) and it was nice for the suspension to now dop down 2/3 when I just got on the damn thing.