'85 VF700 As beginner bike

I'm looking for my first bike, and ran across an ad for a 1985 VF700 Interceptor. It looks very clean, and he's selling for $1250. So, I have a few questions. First, would this be a good bike for someone just starting out? I'm looking for something I could ride for rather long periods of time and be comfortable.
Secondly, is this a good price? The pictures seem pretty clean, the post says the mileage is high, and I'm contacting him to find out exactly how high that might be. Lastly, are there any common problems with this bike I should look for before buying? This site looks like a great resource for this type of bike, so thanks in advance for any help!

 

86 vfr

If you're confident enough to ride a full sized streetbike as a first bike, it is a perfect bike. For a first bike, torque is nice so you don't stall it. The ergonomics are great for distance work, its fast but not scary fast, decent brakes... I would go for it.

Price is good.

'85 vintage had oil delivery problems to the cam bearing surfaces. Listen to the top of the cylinders for a rattling/knocking sound. Expensive to fix. Not all of 'em had the problem. Either it did or it didn't. Get the serial number.

Don't be concerned if it needs a chain, or tires, or brake pads. All used bikes need these things. You're gonna replace that stuff regularly anyway.

Is it blue? The blue ones were really nice to look at.

 

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely be sure to check out that issue. Also forgot to mention he's including another '85 vf700 for parts. Red and white, not blue though, but still looks pretty nice!

 

Great bike lots of fun. If you do get a top end oil kit get a dave dodge kit it is the only kit I have heard of that does not ruin the bottom end.

 

Do you have any offroad experience or is your very first bike? If you have never ridden before, I can think of better first bikes. Old Interceptors are heavy and the suspension is pretty marginal by modern standards. You already know about the camshaft problem. The cam chain tensioners are weak. Tire choice is limited, front and rear. The fuel tanks are prone to rusting out.

I have a 1984 VF750F, which I really enjoy because it reminds me of my youth. These bikes were a revelation in 1983. I probably wouldn't pick one as a first bike today, although the price could be right depending on the condition of the one you're looking at.

 

i also bought an 84 ceptor as my first bike and let me tell you it is a blast! the heaviness of the beast is something i have gotten used to quite quickly and i actually like it because it isint affected as much by wind and trucks blowing by. it handles really well for me and i think the power and torque are within my abilities. im primping myself for a littre bike in a few years and think my ceptor is an excellent place to start. it is a very deliberate bike! by that i mean if you want to brake, you have to pull the lever somewhat hard. not like todays bikes where if you want to brake all you have to do is think about pulling the beake lever and you are braking! the speed and torque of my ceptor is well within my abilities, but remember, you can drive ANY bike at very slow speeds but also ANY bike can be deadly! if you pick up the bike, try to find an open parking lot so you can get used to the throttle and clutch action before you even think about riding it on the road! a motorcycle safety course is an excellent place to start as well! good luck!
PEACE

 

I paid $1850.00 for this one. It was in preety good shape, just needed a lot of cleaning. As stated above, listen to the top end. A little valve noise is normal, but not too much. Take a volt meter and check the voltage with engine off then again at about 2500rpm. Should be around 12v when off, 13+ when running at 2500. Other than that, if you're ready for the weight of a full size bike, go for it. I love mine!:biggrin:
P.S Does that T-shirt make me a squid? I hope not. It was really hot that day.

 

Looks cool. I have the same saddle bags.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone! Ended up buying the bike, and it was a great decision. I took the MSF course this weekend and I just got back from my first ride on the bike, and it was a blast!

 

Glad you like it we have a gre4at resource here. Also check out www.v4hondabbs.com you have to register but it is free and worth it

 

I see that the OP has already bought the bike, and congratulations.

For future readers, I have to strongly recommend the VF500F Interceptor, or the miniceptor as it's known, for a first bike. A bit smaller than the 700/750, and flickable like crazy. Also, much easier to get used to at low speed, and in parking situations.

My .02

 

An additional 2 cents... the VF1000F makes a great second bike! Less than $2000 for a 1 liter bike, ya, that's a bargain. It's not the fastest bike on the road, but it's certainly no slouch with 116 HP and just has torque everywhere!

Mark

 

Have one of those in my garace. They are good beginner but they are heavy, about 220 kg. Very comfortable you can ride it for hours. Listen for timing gear sounds it´s the week spot.

 

The VF700/750 are great beginner bikes..however..as forgiving as they are they are also powerful enough to spank an overconfident rider as if saying...no..you do not ride like this...Personally if i could locate one for a decent price i would love to have a VF1000R to go with my VF750F. If i recall right the 1000R was one of the first ones with the gear driven cams..

 

Outlaw, my brother is selling a VF1000R. He is a motorcycle mechanic in southern Oregon and always loved these old Hondas. He had it fitted with a custom 4-into-1 exhaust and a Borla silencer. Sounds pretty awesome. The bike is complete and strong mechanically, but someone painted the frame bright yellow and the bodywork bright blue! He is considering painting it stock colors w/OEM decals before he sells it, but he would prefer to let it go without repainting.

 

Eddie's Evil Twin TeddyValleyRailer! what a squid :biggrin:

 

Yeah I forgot to mention, that is a pict of my clone. I'd never ride w/o a jacket and enjoy the rush of a hornet flying up my shirt sleeve. :der:

 

I love my 87 VFR700F2. its my fists street bike. It is a bit heavy but Im 6'4" and weigh 230 lbs. so the weight doesn't bother me at all. I wouldn't recommend it to someone that has never ridden anything before. but if you've ridden dirt before i think it is a good idea.
Matt

 

I currently own a 636 Kawi ninja, this was my first bike. Now a co-worker offered me his 86 VFR 750 for 300$...man am I gonna enjoy tooling away! the bike, if not perfect, is in running condition, just need to replace some parts. I already want to do 17 rims both front and rear. Any advice?