Buying an gen 1 v45 I think- what to look for?

Ok, I might be joining the "what was I thinking club" but I am about to make a long distance buy of an 83 v45 vf. It LOOkS better than clean, and the seller is well regarded- but I know that I am making a leap. I have had some good luck with Internet bike buys in the past and I know it is risky. What things area absolute deal breakrs for these bikes? Is there any way to tell by photos or questions?

I know about the cam problem, but I am assured no problems so far at 11k miles. Open to any coaching other than don't do it.
Thanks

 

1. You haven't mentioned the price, so can I assume that you're looking at paying more than KBB?

2. An '83 with no cam problems "so far" at 11K miles? Is the seller saying that it hasn't had any of the cam recall work done? If so, that's not good news imo. As you know, the chronic cam wear/failure problems with that bike are the deal breakers at any mileage.

3. I myself wouldn't buy any Gen 1 for more than 1/2 low KBB unless I could inspect the cams before hand (I have too many projects as it is).

4. But then again, it all might depend on how you plan to use it. Daily driver, classic weekend sport about, garage show piece, or a bit of all 3? These bikes (in good running condition) are approaching the "collectable" stage imo...

 

The risk is all on you so make sure you get it for a price you can live with if and when you have to start throwing time and money at it.

 

Thankss and all good points.

It looks to be about market value for one in that good shape (cosmetically anyway), and the buyer seems credible. Lets put money aside for moment and assume that I will get it a fair price- that is still a smaller risk than a typical collectible car. So, could I get burned for a 1k or 2k if I needed to sell it if I find problems-- yeah. But having said that, it is in the color that I wanted, the year that I wanted, and in the cosmetic/original condition and low miles that I wanted. The seller has only owned it for about a year- so not much luck getting history. It is ridden regularly. I suppose that my biggest concern is that it shows up and it has a major mechanical problem, such as the cams- or needs parts that are just not available regardless of cost. I have some other older bikes wherein a bike market exists to replace/repair just about anything (1979 Suzuki GS 1000e) and lot of "craftsman" that do carb rebuilds, etc.
Do those vendors exist for something catastrophic like the potential cam problem? How can I tell visually if any cam work was even done? What are the symptoms that signal that the cams are melting--- ie, do they just start making noise and the owner gets bad news when they get it serviced? do they implode and take the motor with them?

Thanks- not a newbie to old bikes, but not a VF expert. Here goes...

 

The previous owner only had it for a year is a little suspect to me. It certainly could be that the PO isn't committed to dealing with a 30 yr old bike. While these bikes are collectable to some people they're typically not something the average rider impulse buys. Since you can't visually inspect the bike ask if owner is willing to make a high quality video. Anything to give you a better idea of what your getting into. Otherwise it's pretty much what Toe & FMB42 said.