Looking at 87 Interceptor, Newb

Hey guys. Last year was the first year I started riding, and I'm still pretty novice at it, which is good to have a little fear I guess. I was looking for a good starter bike and I came across a decent deal on a 1987 Honda Interceptor VFR700 F2. It's in excellent shape, all service records, and has 58K on it.

I have 2 questions.
1. What is your general input about this bike?

2. I'm kinda a short guy, and have always gone for lower bikes to get my feet to the ground. By the looks of it this thing should be low enough, but from those of you that have been on one, is it?

 

How short are you? I'm 5'7" and I ride a 99 VFR800. Its my second bike, I bought it after putting 4,000 miles on an old kz400 in a year. When I first got it the height was a little odd to me at first as I can barely get both heels down in most situations. I go to empty parking lots frequently and practice my low speed maneuvering, including walking the bike backwards. I don't know much about the 700's, but others will chime in shortly.

 

You will be fine, I know a couple of border line midgets that ride them. And a pic please.

 

I'm about 5'7 but my legs are shorter (my buddy of the same height always complains about me moving his seat up when i drive his car lol) so a bigger torso. I'm just worried about keeping my feet on the ground. On the 80something 450 i learned on, I was able to have both feet down no problem.

 

Heres an idea. I have been looking at cycle boots & ran across harley davidson (interstate model) boots that zip up & are fairly plain. Found um online new for $88. About $120 at the dealership. Interesting thing is the 11/2 inch heel. I am not normally a harley product buyer but these look good & being height challenged myself with a 1986 vfr700 rwb I could use the inch & 1/2. Would make it easier to handle this bike which is hard to move around with the short handle bars when the engine is off and also when feet need to be down. These 86- 87 vfr's are a lot of fun to ride.

 

All new-to-you bikes feel much bigger at first than they do after a couple hundred miles in the seat. Too many new riders immediately want their new bike lowered before they've had a chance to get used to it.

I'm short and for sure couldn't put both feet flat, but i feel very comfortable and in control on my '86 700. Having two feet flat is overrated.

 

Welcome. Perhaps you could try a Radian or a VTR250. Both are good bikes if you're unsure of your riding ability.

 

you should be okay as long as your not a midget.....

 

That's what she said! I just rode my buddie's '86 700... What a fun bike!

 

Welcome to the site


my first bike was an 87 700 F2, and I found it to be a suitable first bike. (not too big, or too powerful, but big and powerful enough not to get bored) Please understand it is still a sportbike, and can GO FAST! if you want it to!

I would suggest checking the fork seals, as both of my mid 80's interceptors have had issues there. Outside of that, inspect the wiring and clean the connectors if necessary for the R/R, and you're golden!

MTB

 

Thanks guys! If the sale goes through you'll be seeing more of me. Appreciate the support!

 

heres a link to the album, not bad for 1675 huh

1987 Honda VFR700 Interceptor | Facebook

 

Looks like a good deal, I'd buy it.

 

nice bike enjoy it

 

yeah I get it plated and everything hopefully tomorrow. ill try to keep you guys up to date. I can even upload the previous owner's incredibly detailed maintenance record for the bike...its impeccable. i laugh at the 60K on the odometer.

 

Looks like it was well cared for, enjoy.

 

She's a beauty! Love that color scheme.

On the topic of fear... it can be a good thing or a bad thing. Fear is generally healthy, as it tends to keep us from doing stupid things; but it can be too much as well. Have a healthy fear of all the idiots out there or they will be your demise - but don't let that fear keep you from riding your ride. I personally find the throttle to be my best friend a very large portion of the time, and use it to get me and my bike out of trouble.

Learn the skills, condition your reflexes, practice, and enjoy.

 

Shes a beauty, love that color. I was gonna say do a full fluid change, but if the previous owner took meticulous care then you should be all set. Oil changes every 3k with quality synthetic and your good to go. Brake/clutch fluid, fork oil, and antifreeze every two years and it will give you little troubles. Enjoy it.