New member in Brooklyn

Hey all,

New member here. I've got the end of the restoration of my 1972 CL350K4 in sight, and pinned down the early 80s VFR as the next bike I'm looking for. So correct, I do not have a VFR currently, but I'll be keeping an eye on the classifieds around here =)

A 750 would be ideal, but I could look at 500s as well, probably not a 1000, I've only been riding since the beginning of 2020. Small leap I know, maybe it's mental.

I'm on vintage Honda twins forums under the same username.

Cheers,
-Ed

 

Hey, welcome!

If you are looking at 80's 700/750 V4s, do yourself a favor and focus on 1986 or 1987 VFR 700/750. While the earlier examples (actually "VF", not "VFR") were groundbreaking and started re-writing the rules of what a "modern" sportbike meant, they do have potential issues and are not the easiest to keep on the road.

Perhaps the styling of the earlier Interceptors is more down your alley, then you have to be VERY selective and avoid "project" bikes. Pay the money for a nicer one, and one you can thoroughly check out prior to purchase. Do you actually want to ride a V4, or work on it? I know the answer is both, but you have been warned.

And don't get me wrong, I own, rebuild, restore and maintain all of the earlier models. It has to be something that was sparked long ago to keep it worthwhile. They don't always give back what is put in.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the reply and appreciate the feedback.

The early 80s styling is gorgeous (IMO) but I’m also not looking for a Non-stop project bike.

I have some out there ideas for what I want to do with the bike aesthetically and functionally. I’m not shy to do some top end work - as I understand the cam bearings were eventually the root cause of the cam wear issue for the early 80s models? I haven’t heard of any other endemic issues, but I’d be happy to hear about them.

I’ll be digging around these forums for the next few days to look at common themes for what people need to work on.

Riding is always preferable to working, but I prefer to be hands on with anything I use regularly


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If you start with the right 1st Gen example, it can be rewarding. Unfortunately, the most disheartening problem is the toughest to check before buying. Even on a bike that sounds perfect. The cams and followers.

Everybody's got their opinion on how and why it happens, but it doesn't change the fact that it does happen. And it is not cheap to correct. Far more than what the bike is typically worth.

The best case scenario is a running, good sounding bike from an acquaintance or friend-of-a-friend who will let you spend an afternoon removing both valve covers and turning the motor over by hand. Or somebody that you COMPLETELY trust that had been in there recently doing maintenance and can 100% vouch for the condition.

Other than that, you are gambling. Gambling doesn't automatically mean you lose, but it's why so many 1st Gen owners end up with two (or more) bikes. Parts.

Typically a bike that has seen 15K to 20K or more miles without noises is a good starting point. Problematic bikes usually show themselves before that in my experience..

Oh... and a rust free fuel tank!!!!!

Again... good luck!!!

 

do yourself a favor and forget about any VF500s in your search.

 

Too notorious for damage, too small, or too rare?


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too many mechanical problems with valve train, and replacement parts very hard to get. the #1 problem bike as reported on this site.

 

I think the starting point for most people on 500s is the biggest reason it may seem that way to you. They were more likely to be in the hands of beginners and bad mechanics, because they were cheaper and plentiful.

Not saying they dont have their potential issues, but I think it's a major contributing factor for problem posts.

 

Yeah, the VF500F is a bit of a gamble. Good luck on your decision. I would like to get a 86-7 VF700 also.

 

Welcome, Basically what Cap is saying is that the older the bike, the more problems you will have.

My question is why that model to learn about biking on?

The 'slightly' newer models (4th or 5th gen) provide a better riding experience without the drama's of maintaining a 80's bike - & I have 5 bikes from the 80's.

If I only had one bike (actually it would have to be 3) from the 80's, then in order they would be the RC30 (LOL), ninja 900, & a GPX600r - This was my first bike..

 

I'd like to do a restomod on the Ninja 600 RX with the aluminum frame. But I think its a little late in my career to dive into another brand.

 

My current bike is from the 70s, and I originally “learned” on dirt bikes from the 80s. Much different dirt vs road bike however.

Ive ridden modern bikes. They’re frankly, boring. I enjoy maintaining machinery almost as much as using it, whether it’s a motorcycle, a lathe, or around the house tools.

Why the VF/VFRs? Because a V-4 engine is cool. Duh

I had two leads, both late 80s, one 500 and one 750.

The 500 was sold by the time I asked, and the 750 doesn’t have a title. The search continues!


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don't buy any 500 unless you can see/hear it run or can do a compression test.

 

I learned my lesson from the 350 I have now. Ran a compression test and it came in fine, 150/155.

Rode it around the neighborhood for 5 minutes. Paid cash.

Died on the highway on the way home. Busted bolt that holds the head to the block, no compression when hot, and found plenty of metal chunks in the cases when it was torn down.

Lesson learned - do a real test drive from a cold start, and bring a trailer even if everything checks out!


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Current lead...

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...ghtspeed_banner&referralCode=messenger_banner

"Was stored for 17 years owner died. Was my neighbor. I bought it and went through it. I put 50 miles on it."

ODO reads 17,000 miles. When (if there is a usual) does the cam/follower issue usually present itself?

 

Typically by then. But I have an engine with around 20+K that doesn't make bad noises but has a little pitting in two of the cam lobes but the followers look great (for now). Decided to still use it. Fuck it. I'll just throw in another engine (if I have to).

 

Great.

If it hasn’t sold by next weekend and it rides fine I’ll make it happen next weekend.


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The 85 is a good year. It actually has a bunch of small changes over the previous 2 years that aren't very apparent.

Oh... And it's not a VFR. It's a VF700F.

 

quite plainly the the owner is confused about the model designation.

 

I knew you would like that. I know the grey hairs on the back of your neck folds get tingly when people call them "VFR"s.