just purchased 86 vfr1000 for $275

tell me what you think? good buy yes no? it doesn't run but im working on that part either timing ignition or fuel to air ratio not correct when starting dunno yet?

so how much is one of these bikes worth when its running. mine has about 17k on it and the body work is not in great condition but not that bad either. Mainly the securing locations are either ripped out a lil or missing bolts.

What should i know about a bike like this and how hard is it to get the carbs pulled off to clean?

david

 

Gibby,
It's been a while since I have been around or on a VF1000 but I can give you a few ideas / thoughts.

This is a pretty stong machine when it is running well so if you do get er up and running, check all the bearings, brakes, tires etc before you push it too hard. They were not the greatest handling machines if memory serves but I know of a few that claimed some lives. (sorry didn't mean to rant)

It sound like your bike has been neglected a bit (perhaps even hammered on) so look for loose and or stripped fasteners and details that are critical to the function of the bike.

Remove the tank and airbox to get at the carbs. It will be tight to get at them and remove them. (you may find a mouse nest or who know in there) Check the tank for rust and tear down the carbs to clean them and check the vacume diaphragms for holes or cracking due to age. Make sure the jets and all passages are clean and clear.

A compression check and check for spark would be the next item and of course some fresh oil.

If you can get it running, you've just stolen a bike for $275!! I would think that a clean example with body work intact would be worth anywhere from $2k to $3.5k. E-bay can answer that question the best I suppose.

This may be more than you were looking for but hey, I had a few minutes to share.:biggrin:

Good luck!

 

thanks!
yes there are alot issues to work out on this bike and the body work is not in good condition but i figure if i can get it running me and the bike will part ways to the highest bidder i know some people have already said they would take it for 500 so im shooting for about a thousand if i can get it running (at least at idle) I really wanted the bike to ride but there are many things that need to be fixed or dealt with.

 

I bought my 85' VF1000R last month. other than having to rip the front lower faring of to fix the starter, the bike runs smooth. The previous owner told me to wait till next year to put new plugs. he claims that it will turn into a beast. My Friend rides a 1998 cbr1000 and I keep up with him with ease. I paid $800 for mine and I am going to restore it to all original. I've already had friends want to buy the bike but it's not for sale. they all seem to like the retro bikes. I say get it running and ride it for the season.

 

Great bike and you basicly stole it. That's a hard one. I've seen these go for 3K in fair shape. The 86 model pulls a tad more $ due to the dual headlights and that there were fewer made, so if it was me I'd play with it. you really have nothing to lose and everything to gain, good find my friend

 

Those carbs are a bitch to pull off of there. Make sure you have plenty of time before you start pulling this stuff apart.

 

This post is useless without pictures! LOL

275? You theif! Officer I'm reporting a theft! LOL

I chuckled at the comment about retro bikes coming back... on my comute to work I seem to keep running into this guy and we chat once in a while at a stop light but he has an 86 Genesis and my 85 VF700F get quite the looks at the lights...

One person who pulled up next to us shouted out and asked if we had formed a Retro Sport Bike Club... (hmmmmm possible new domain name?)