Looking at buyingn this 700 VFR, need help!

I'm a Marine and am seriously wanting a decent motorcycle that won't break the bank in the 600-800 size for going to The Basic School at Quantico Virginia. I know you love your bikes, but I'm looking at it objectively as my first bike I am probably going to lay it down, so I want a medium sized inexpensive low maintenance bike.

Don't know a whole bunch about motorcycles, so I could use some serious advice, a friend put me onto this, this bike is currently getting repainted, and the gas tank fixed by a dealership (where it is now) 1984 HONDA VF700R

He said when he stopped riding it two or three years ago it worked fine minus the leak, but the clutch is not engaging anymore (not sure, but I would assume Mechanics don't break from being idle so I would think that it would be a hydraulic issue)

After the paint job its going to cost $500, I was wondering if people with bikes that look like that could post pics so I can get a better idea of what it will look like next week assembled, also being fairly tall (6'4" 203 lbs) would I have trouble being on the bike, my friend who is a lot smaller is also thinking of buying it, so what do you think of this bike?

 

Hey I could really use some pictures either in the forum or e-mailed to me on what a 700 thats been redone from that era looks like, because if I don't wreck it, I'm going to keep improving it down the road. Thanks again.

 

Honda did not not make an '84 VF700"R" until 1986. '84-'85, Honda made a VF700F.

To find pics, just go to Google.

In the upper left corner, click "images"

Then type in "VF700F" in the search field.

Here's a pic of mine (slightly modified and so-so paint job):

 

Got some updates, went to see the bike, the plastic is all getting redone in satin black, the tank is getting fixed and painted.

I'm not a bike guy, but I looked it over, there were two screws missing on the bike (the one that holds the gear shifter on, the retraining screw, and the one that holds the latch over the battery) both easy fixes. It is however missing the Panel over the battery!!!!! Anyone know about finding one of those/how do you think it would look if I just diddn't put on the tail peice and the two sides, I like the open look like in the link I posted, but would that cause me issues (like would the battery get shorted out being exposed?

Someone talk to me please, and how late in models could a cannabalise that side peice from?

Mason thank you very much for the picture it gives me a good idea of what its potential is (though I'd have a better paint job, its getting painted this week )

The missing peice can be had for 15-25 bucks in many places not a big deal. But will it mess up the battery if I don't have it on there?

 

I've had my 83VF750F for 6 years. It was my first bike and I and LOVE it. Handles well and never left me stranded. One of the best things I did was replace the 18" rear wheel with an 84 VF1000. it looks the same and is a 17" rim which gave me more tire choices. Got a set of Avon Azaros RADIAL tires and the difference was unbelivable. Other than that just leave it stock and run it. Great bike.

When you get the bike make sure you adjust the valve clearance. Most people don't adjust them and the clearance is WAY to tight.

Things to look for:
Scored cams
Rattling when it's running (usually the cam chain)
make sure 2nd gear works under load
front shock oil seals

One last thing. Run ONLY full synthetic oil in it.