Thoughts on purchasing an '86

Here's the deal:

I've got my eyes on an '86 VFR750 with 40k at the local dealer. I don't have the most trained eye, but it looks pretty good for a 22 year old bike (clean, engine looks dry, minimal scratches and scruffs). It is supposed to be the owners bike and mechanically sound. They also include a 6 month warranty. They're asking $2995 which I think is way too much (book value is anything under $2000). I'm in Florida. Thoughts on a bike like this?

I will add this will be my first real bike. I took the MSF course a year ago and since then have tooled around town on a 150cc scooter.

thanks,
jason

 

I gave $2500.00 for my 86 w/30k. I pretty happy with it and I've had several bikes over the years.

 

Well, the VFR might be too much for a new rider: too top- heavy, too tall, too fast for your level of experience.

Get a compression test before buying.

The price is way higher than most '86 VFRs trade for, but with a guarantee, you won't be disappointed, since it's actually worth it!

 

I missed the scooter part, your going to want to take it easy at first for an old bike she will be plenty fast, and suspenion might be tired. Plastics can be expensive if you should drop her. But it should be a great first bike.

 

Yeah: take off the lower fairings for your first 6 months or until you get comfortable.

How old and how tall r u??

 

Ditto on the top-heavy bit. My '86 is my first bike, and well, many are the days I wished it was as light as my wife's Hawk (over 100lbs lighter).

It's FAST.

But it's a very easy to control fast, at first. But it's scary easy to be doing 100+ on the freeway with a downshift and blip of the throttle. And easier to be tooling around on a backroad, and suddenly realize that you need to drop a LOT of speed for the next turn. Good thing it has good brakes.

But the stock fork springs are VERY soft, which means railing on the brakes really upsets the bike in a bad way.

 

Thanks for the tips. Taking off the fairings for a while sounds like a good idea. I already feel more comfortable about making an offer on the bike...

Squirrelman, I'm 29 and 5'11

 

I just bought an 11,000 mile perfect 1986 for $4000. Not a scratch on it. Looks brand new. There's a very clean 1987 blue and silver at http://vfrworld.com/forums/first-second-generation-1983-1989/www.wow-motorcycles.com with 13,000 miles they'll sell for $2900. Go up and get it or ship to FL for maybe $250. Another red white and blue 1986 with minor cracks on right side cowl in Atlanta is going for about $2000 and has around 22,000. If the bike was nearly perfect and had 40,000 miles it might be worth $3000.

Gordon

 

neels: the taller u r, the better, and 5'11" should be OK

get some Progressive (brand) springs for the forks....