Needle in a haystack, looking for a specific '86 VF-500 Interceptor

After 24+ years of street riding and too many bikes to remember, the only one I truly regret selling was my first bike- 1986 VF500 Interceptor, that I bought brand new back in the day...

Anyway, I know it's a real long shot, but somehow I'd like to find that exact bike again and add it back into the stable. I've got the VIN# still [she was a very early build '86], as I've kept the original owners manual all these years.

She was last seen around 1990 in NE IL, bone stock wearing a full Vance & Hines exhaust system and solid black windshield.....

PM me and I can verify the last few digits of the VIN if you've got a possible match.

 

It's nice to read a post like this!

Best of luck with your search and let us know how you make out.

 

That is a long shot but ya never know. Good luck.

 

one way to find her is become friendly with some one at the DMV...have them look up via VIN # .but it couls cost them their job.....good luck...

 

You might take the vin to licensing and say you're considering buying it and want to make sure it isn't stolen. They might even give a response like, "It's not even in the system." You would then know it hasn't been licensed in years. Who knows what info they might let slip.
Just a thought.
Good luck!
Mike.

 

Or a police officer, same deal. Actually, this will sound funny, but I am serious, how about a private invetigator?

 

I do not know if it is the same in the US with CarFax
CARFAX - Vehicle History Reports and VIN number check

... but I ran (bought the report) the VIN of a bike I was interested in thru CarProof (CDN Equivellent to CarFax) and got a a detailed view of the licencing and insurance history including owners ...

Moose

 

CarFax would be a quick and pretty cheap start in locating her?

 

CarFax doesn't do motorcycles. <-Clicky

-Jake

 

Well that sort of bites huh?

So would you have to got to each state, providing they have an online VIN search tool in order to check history?

I wonder why the genius's that started Carfax haven't been able to create the same for Motorcycles/recreation vehicles?

 

No states that I know of have an online VIN search tool. Your best bet is to call your state's DMV with the VIN and plate number if you have it.

-Jake

 

Apparently Carfax will sometimes pull records on bikes IF the information is uploaded by an agency

Carfax and other sites will often allow you to run the vin for free ..they will tell if there was any "hits" or reports on the VIN ...but not what the conttents of the reports are - you pay to get that info


I do not know anything about this site.... but it may be an option

https://www.cyclechex.com/index.php...413.1280537413.1280537413.1-39062591-39062591

 

The Great White Buffalo...... The one that got away

But in all seriousness that's awesome I really hope you have luck finding it

 

I'm not holding my breath, that's for sure! I've come across a couple '86s over the years, but just never could pull the trigger on them as they just didn't seem 'right' to me.

Currently have an '86 GSXR-750 that I'm restoring/rehabbing & a Yamaha enduro I recently picked up for buzzing around on, not sure if I'll keep it or not. But if I ever do come across that magical '86 unicorn- won't let her go again that's for sure.

As the kid that bought it was pulling away, I instantly knew I'd made a mistake, but I wanted a GSXR race bike so bad that I didn't have any choice but to part with the 500....

 

I have sort of the opposite situation popping out to me now. I have the opportunity, but not the means to buy the very bike that got me into Interceptor's way back in the day.

Back in 1986, when I was 13 years old, my cousin had bought a brand new VFR750. The main thing I remember about it was the sound. It had Kerker exhaust, I think a full system. That thing sounded awesome! Well, he owned the bike for a few years, and sold it. A few years later, he had bought it back. Now, it has been sitting for about 7 years, in need of carb work, a battery, and I'm sure that the tires should probably be replaced. I was browsing through craigslist and saw it listed. The timing is all wrong, as I don't have the funds for it, and won't until I either sell a car that needs some work first, or tax time. I think his asking price of $2300 might be a bit high, but cosmetically, this thing is in great condition (at least it was last I saw, probably about 7 years ago.) Just thought I'd share, hope I didn't threadjack your thread too badly!

 

Here are a site to try - I have not used it personally so have no idea of how good it is. YMMV. Just Google "motorcycle vin" or similar - there may be others.

Used Motorcycle History Reports - Vehicle History Reports

https://www.cyclechex.com/index.php...716.1281403716.1281403716.1-39062591-39062591

I have been asked why I won't sell the first new bike I ever bought (a gen 5 in 1999). Your story is exactly why. If I have to explain it, they won't understand. Best of luck on your search (quest?). Be sure to tell us if you're successful.

 

He's your Cousin.....ask him if you can pay him in installments. ??

 

He had something come up and needs cash.

 

Good luck, lsc.

I know how attached you can get to a vehicle. I've gotten extremely attached to my '86. In fact, I turned down an offer to sell her for $3,000 last month! I've put way too much time into her and she's given me much happiness back.

I'll stand with JPorter on this one though. Private Investigators have access to information and databases that the public does not, and they won't be risking their jobs to slip you the information either. If they know they can't get the info for you, they'll tell you up front cause that's how they roll. However, if they can't get it for you there's a very good chance that they'll know someone who can. It's worth looking into.

 

If you bought a bike without a title in NY, you have to track down the last registered owner and get the title. the DMV will give you all the information they have on file for >$25 to help you do this. This is not a long shot. If the bike is still in on the road today it is very likely you will find it. I'm not 100% on a police officer in your state being able to find it, but in NY they can do it from the cruiser. Best of luck.