The story behind my bike, and a few questions.

Well, I bought this '83 VF750F for a mere $25. It has 19K on the clock, not sure if it just turned over, or what? The tank is nothing but a rust rain maker, if you get what i'm saying. Coolant looks clean still. I bought this bike without knowing if it ran or not. Frankly, I didn't care, I would buy a motor for it anyway. Some kid had it and decided he wanted to take out a spark plug. So he puts a ratchet to get it loose, and then decided to put a jack handle on the end of the ratchet to get some more torque, slipped, and popped a hole right where the cams sit. So I took it to my shop, started to dive into this thing. It ran off carb cleaner after jumping the ignition switch that wasnt there, so I poured some fresh fuel into the carbs and what do you know it responded to the throttle and everything. Talk about a huge smile on my face.

The bad:

No ignition switch, gas tank is rusted, need a new fuse for the starter solenoid, need a few fairings, need to get the head welded shut, or a new head. I was told by a vintage motorcycle shop that they could weld it shut for me for about $20, so we'll see. Front turn signal is black tapped together. Need a pair of mirrors.

The good:
19K on the clock.
Starts and runs with a huge vacuum leak (crack in the head)
Feels good in between my legs

Now for a few questions:
The speedo goes up to 150, will it actually do it?
How reliable are these bikes after they're put back in running order?
What are some common problems on these bikes?
Parts for it are dirt cheap, but is this going to be a financial nightmare in the long run?
Is there anything important anyone can tell me about this thing?

I'm just looking for some support in my decision to rebuild this thing. I did want to buy a sportbike, but they're all too ugly, and way too much $$$ for a toy. This one just kind of fits me, for one reason or another. So, let me say thank you to all that are thinking about replying.:banana:

 

Others will be able to tell you more than I can but I have gathered a little from being around here for a bit.

Internal engine and carb parts seem to be getting harder to find. Many seem to be using parts bikes to get one that is complete and running.

Early VFR's had upper engine oil inadequacies. There are mods available to help with this.

 

just get it fixed then worry about how fast it will go.... hell, I'll tell you...it will go fast enough to kill you thats for sure. anyway, search the sight here for an oil mod for the gen 1 of these bikes (which you now are the proud owner of) and check out the threads that are in the gen 1 section.... You might luck out and get a tank from a guy thats on the boards here..he is parting out two bikes....a tank MAY work for you but not sure..

Good luck

 

If you want less headaches and an actual runner, buy an '86 or newer 750, period.

Squirrelman will vouch for me on this one.

 

Ok, so they have oiling issues that affect the cams? And the tensioner for the chains were flawed. What's the best way to remedy the oil situation? When I had the bike running I didn't hear anything slapping around, but to prevent anything from going wrong... Is there an alternative to the tensioner Honda put on the bike?

As for the gas tank, i'm thinking about taking it to a radiator shop and having them dip it. Rust proof forever!

Now when I say a financial burden, I mean how often do you guys have random stuff break? You were saying because parts were so expensive, it was a PITA. On my side of the world, parts are a dime a dozen for this bike.

Now, as for the reason why I got it for $25, after the kid punched a hole in the head, he kind of gave up on the project. That and his father who he is living with was very against the idea of him having the bike, so I benefited from that. Told his dad I would give him $25 and haul it away. Photos are on one of my memory cards, so i'll try to post them up.

As far as I can see, the most expensive stuff for this bike will be sprockets and tires, and a $100 chain (JEEZ)

 

Hmm, ok.

Maybe everyone should take a moment to read what I had posted before posting up a reply. I'm not worried about the gas tank. Could anyone direct me to some threads addressing the cam oiling issue, and the cam tensioner issue? I've already found an ignitions witch for $10, along with every other part I need for $10 - $20 minus sprockets, tires, and pads.

Sure, I might regret doing this later. But, in the meantime, it looks like a blast!

 

I`m also new here & see your probably right next door to me (but Lancaster is one big county) lol Do you have any pics of the hole in the head & couldn`t you just buy a head to replace the one that is broken instead of changing the whole engine. I`m sure they way you sound excited about your new find , you alot younger than i am Back in 85 i bought an 85 vf700 new & missed it every day after i sold it.

 

I never said about getting a new engine. Getting the head welded would be cheaper than buying and replacing a new head. I live about a half hour away from the city. Where are you located? As for young, you're probably right. I'm 19 going on 20. Still cursed with the "teen years," I guess...

As for photos, i'm still trying to find the memory card with them on it. I'll probably end up taking some more photos and posting them for you guys to see.

 

Misread post & you right on the welding the head up (good idea). Hell i have magazines older than you hahaha I`m AHEM!! 50 but still 18 in my mind ;-) I`m in west lampeter just east of the conestoga river As far as your bike , did the past owner give you a notorized title signed over too you for this bike. ? Only reason i ask is PA is one of the worst states for title`s , as any time you sign over a vehicle it must be stamped by a notary. (aka pain in the butt) A few years ago i bought a G-wing from an auction house in MD and i went to get a title for it & PA said no go. So i just bought a frame with title off ebay & reframed it.

 

No, there was no title for the bike. I'm going to have to go through a titling agency located in Maine. It's a complete PITA, but worth it. It takes about a month, as well. As long as the VIN for this bike hasn't been retitled in so many years, I can apply for a registration from Maine. Basically, what happens is I provide a bill of sale, a power of attorney, and $130 and they send back a registration, and a plate with a valid tag on it for one year. You're then supposed to transfer that into PA to get a title. The Maine BMW had sent me papers to renew the plate for my old XS650, so I might just stick with a Maine plate and renew it every year. You're really not that far away from me. If you're looking for parts for any of your older bikes, PM me. There's a shop in Kinzer along 222. Great staff, owner is an old head who couldn't be nicer in trying to help someone save an older bike.

 

Thanks i`ll keep the parts guy in mind , as i'm sure i`ll need parts for my 83 VF750 interceptor.

 

You came to the right place, welcome to the world.

 

So ! how are you making out on the 83 ?? Did you find any parts for the bike locally ? Just curious if you tire of it i`ll give you a 100% profit and take it off your hands for $50.00 bucks. As i could use some parts for my 83 project. (no i`m not being a dick)

 

Nope, i'm not tired of it yet. IF you add another 0 to that price, it's all yours. Everything has a price, that is mine.

 

Sounds like a great choice for your first sport bike. You'll learn how to work on her, wich will make you take better care of her. Is this your first bike? If so hold off on the fairings until you get some miles under your belt. You will drop her at least once, we all did. Ther is an oil mod post somewhere in here, but I couldn't find it after a minute or two of searching. Daughtery motorsports is the place to go for questions on that bike. Jamie is really helpfull.

Daugherty Motorsports - Motorcycle Suspension Performance and Modification

Welcome to the forum and how about some pics of this $25.00 steal.

 

Thanks, I'll have to check them out. This isn't my first bike. My first bike was a 1983 Yamaha XS650 cruiser. I've had the thing on its pegs riding around, took it on a few couple hundred mile trips. I layed it down once doing about 20 mph. Picked my leg up that was heading for the ground, and rode on the gas tank till it stopped.

 

I bet you got a good price for the XS, as people love making Bobbers out of them. (cool bike) I had a buddy do the exact low side you did with a CB750 & burnt his arm on the exhaust (looked bad for weeks) It`s a shame that instead of people just selling a certian bike , they would rather stuff them in sheds, garages, or worse , (outside). Hoping that one day there going to ride it again, after the kids have grown. (thats where we come in & rescue it)

 

Took some camera phone pics before I realized I had it set on low quality BUT, here you go!

Josh Coffman's Photos | Facebook

Josh Coffman's Photos | Facebook

Can't wait to make it look like decent. Ugh...

 

Not too bad!! i`d take some pics of it out side to realy show it off (inside garage pics never do a bike justice unless you have baseball lighting)

 

Any updates on the progress , as i love a good bike resturation (in a week i`ll have one also)