Hi everyone! Should I buy a VF750?

Found this bike on craiglist... $500 for a running Honda seems like a good deal.

1985 HONDA INTERCEPTOR

I have an older Shadow 600 that I commute on... this bike would most likely replace that. Any input? I have always liked the older gen V4's and while I'm not really in need of another bike this deal like one to look into.

Anything in particular I should look out for on this bike? I haven't done much research, but think it would be fun to tinker with and clean up... I'll go through it of course, carbs, electronics, etc...

How would this work as a daily commuter (90% highway)?
What oil do I put in it? Tires? Sprockets/gearing?

If I get the bike, I'll of course have more pics, input, etc... if not... well, there's a good deal on an 85 VF750 near Sedona that I know about...

 

Hey Moore. There are plenty of people on here with knowledge about those older bikes.

Does $500 seem reasonable for a running bike? Sure it does. But when you take a bike that's 25+ years old, you can almost "expect" problems. Are you in a position where you'll be able to put some $ into it if needed?

Asking what kind of oil to put in it is calling in the lynch mob. To play it safe, put in genuine Honda oil.

Others will be along soon, I'm sure, to comment.

Good luck.

 

The oil/tires/gearing questions were a joke... I just run my bikes on vegetable oil to be safe cause it's organic!

I'm not expecting to put $500 to pay for the bike and be done with it... I'm definitely considering the cost of general maintenance for a 25 year old bike (new lines, hoses,fluids, drivetrain, etc)... Just ballpark I expected with the new bits, and some buffer I was expecting to put in another $500...

What is usually the problem with the valve train? Is it something that can be looked at- I mean, am I able to check clearances and visually inspect to see if it's a problem or is it something that's more like just a gamble? My Shadow is ridiculously reliable, mostly cause there's like 8 parts on it and they all use a 10mm socket or Phillips head.

 

...85 VF 750 ?? Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I have an 83, and an 84 750 early production before the tariff bulls#$%. I don't believe that there was ever an 85 VF750F. You may want to find out what you're looking at. Either way, it's a first gen and you'll find plenty of info here because they have plenty of problems. Only buy it if you're gonna love it, for better and for worse. good luck

 

The quick bit of research that I've done shows that you are probably correct... tarrifs caused the '85 and '86 models to have a 700cc motor... BUT from what I can tell 750's were still sold at a higher price upon request, so there's a slight chance that it's 750? Will have to check with the owner here later today...

 

I block is stamped..I believe the "700" is stamped 698cc and the 750 is stamped 748cc,, something like that. The VIN will tell you the actual year. Make sure the title VIN matches the bike too.

 

The 1986 Model was available in both 700 and 750cc. I know the price is tempting but my advice would be to find something a little newer since it would be more reliable and parts much easier to find. I guarantee you will end up dumping hundreds of extra dollars into a bike that old and it will be very frustrating especially if you are not capable of doing most of the work yourself.


Rollin

 

I can do quite a bit of the work aside from machining (although it sounds like we're already talking cams and valves, so this may be an issue). But, that being said, while I am not necessarily looking for fast or comfortable or new, I am looking for reliable and this seems to be just a touch too old for that. The replies led me to do some digging, and it appears that the VFR versus the VF motor is a much higher mileage bike...

I guess basically I want a fixer upper that is worth fixing up... one that I can ride the snot out of once I'm done...

 

Sure you should buy it !! You'll make the guy so very, very happy to see it leave his driveway.

 

Very nice, thanks for the replies. You may have just saved me a lot of headache! Not to mention 4 hours travel time...

Ok, I'll keep an eye out... tinker... very nice build

 

2nd gen or newer for less headaches.

 

+1 in 86 the 700/750 V4 had a complete redesign and set many endurance and speed records.