Motorcycle Repair: oil light, low oil pressure, pressure relief valve

Question
bill thanks for your help,  I have a 85 honda vf700f interceptor on my last ride my oil light flickered and comes on only at idle give it any throttle it goes off i rode home 20 miles no problems my oil level is good and i replaced the oil sensor and reset my idle to 1500 when bike is up to temp same thing happened what should i do next I have 45000 miles on it and bought it new in 85 its been well maintained

Answer
Anthony, you need to get a pressure gauge on the motor to see what your readings are. If they verify as below specifications, then your first option is to pull the oil pump and see if you can find anything blocking the pressure relief valve or other passages in/out of the motor.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-vf700f-interceptor-1985-usa_model7601/partslist/E++11

Be sure to use OEM Honda filters, as sometimes aftermarket brands can fail internally.

Drop the pan and see what you can see in there. The V-4s already have problems with camshaft oiling, so low oil pressure in the lower end is going to mean even less lubrication to the top end.

Don't ride it any more until you find out what is happening inside.

Bill Silver