1985 VF700. Should I buy? Yah or Nay?

Hey all! I'm new to the forum and it looks like this is great community! I live in Southeast Missouri and on Sunday I'm going to check out a 1985 vr700 that some guy is selling for $350. What dealbreakers should I look for and in general why shouldn't I buy this bike? He says it ran when he parked it a couple years ago. I know I've read a lot on here about the 1st gen being a lot less reliable than the 2nd gen.

 

If that's all you can spend, you'll have a project bike or a parts bike, but not much more.

why buy a bike that was flawed from new, with inadequate top-end oiling and damaged cams ??

If he can't show that the engine runs, walk away and find a better prospect.

it's NEVER a good idea to buy any bike you can't test ride unless you're getting a parts bike.

"Buy the newest used bike you can afford" is the best advice i got when starting out !

 

Thanks for the reply squirrel. I'm still not sure what exactly I'm going to find when I go check it out but I'll definately keep all that in mind.

 

Is this a project bike (meaning you have other bikes to ride) or do you plan on this being a primary rider (only bike)?

If the answer is the latter just wait for a 2nd gen or newer to appear.

 

I am actually going to pick this bike up on Saturday It is a project bike for sure!! If you want a reliable bike buy an 86+

To get this bike back on the road your looking at probably $700 in parts and thats only if you do all the work yourself. After that it will be a never ending battle to keep it running right

 

Well looks like I won't get the chance to waste my money hah. I have to say I was looking forward to digging into it. I downloaded the shop manual and was going over the carbs. I don't have much experience with bikes but i've rebuilt car and jet ski engines. Let me know how it goes Pcohen! If i hadn't had to work today i'd already have it

 

Ah man.. I almost feel bad!! :tongue:

In all honesty, this will be a long frustrating endevor but hopefully it will be worth while.

Good luck on finding one! Ill keep ya posted