Hi All, From what I've seen, this site is a great community, and you guys know your stuff when it comes to Interceptors. I found an '86 VF700F on Craigslist around here, contacted the owner, and am going to drive an hour each way to see it tomorrow. I'm planning to not give a definite answer until the weekend, so I can think on the financial aspect a bit more before I rush into things. Speaking of, that's the reason I'm posting. See, the owner says it "runs ok" but that it's from "1986, so don't expect too much." The pictures on Craigslist, which I'll post below, show some fairing scratches reminiscent of a drop or two. Apparently, "it has a slight oil leak near the kickstand, looks really dirty/gnarly, but it hardly leaks at all," and "has a broken tail piece." I'll only be paying $700-800 for the bike (28k miles), but have a budget of around $1300. My question is: Will I be able to fix the leak, tailpiece, and any other general new owner maintenance for the other $500-600? Also, don't worry about safety. I'm no idiot. I took an MSF course a couple years ago when I first learned to ride, took my Dad's old '84 VF700F out whenever he'd let me (he LOVES that thing), and am not going to skimp out when it comes to safety equipment. Riding is fun, but so is having skin. I'm even going to pay the owner to bring it down here, so I can get my riding legs back before I have to take it on any freeways. Pics:
HEY broken tail piece you can get cgeap on e-bay. the shifter leak can be fixed also cheap. any other small minor things should not cost much.
shoot, i'll buy it. I'd turn that baby into a custom streetfighter in no time at all. The leak should be an easy fix if it is the shifter gasket seal. IF the ninny has used gear oil to lube the chain recently, then I guarantee that's all it is. I'd take the chain guard off and the cover on the front sprocket and clean that baby(the cover, chain, sprockets) out good with some kerosene and finish the chain of with some good ol' chain wax. That way you can eliminate a grubby chain guard and chain before you start taking it apart(unless you've got other work to do on it anyways)
