What should I pay? (New to VF's)

Hello!

I am new to the world of VF's (worked in a Yamaha shop for a few years so that's about all I worked with) I am looking to buy a bike. I have found a 1983 VF400f that I am very interested in. I haven't had the chance to ride it yet but I'm wondering what a bike like that is worth. It's in great shape, recent tune up, 30xxx know km (I'm in Canada)

Any questions, thoughts, or concerns would be great.

Thanks!

 

:welcome: :welcome:



"Can't you find something newer and better?" some wise-ass kid might say, but that's not me !

Old technology is OLD ! Wheels, brakes, engines, suspensions, weight, reliability and parts availability have all improved drastically since the late 70's and early 80's.

Some of the VF series had serious designed-in problems (don't know about THAT bike) but spending money on a cheap older bike and keeping it maintained and running often costs more than spending on a newer bike that needs less and has better performance.

 

Can't tell you what you should pay, but here's what the very subtle Squirrelman was also trying to say.

That's an old bike you're looking at. Even though you might be handy with a wrench, parts are getting harder to come by as well. Be prepared for potentially deep pockets to keep and maintain this bike, as well as hours spent scouring the internet trying to find replacement parts. Of course, if that's your thing and you want a project bike, we're all for it.

Hope that makes sense.

 

I wanna see a pic!

 

No, no, no don't get me wrong !!

Any bike that runs is a GREAT bike regardless, but no 80's or earlier machines are useful if you have any real taste for speed, good brakes, modern tires, and working suspension.

 

I had a VF400 in the UK in 1984. In its day it was an OK bike. I agree with the other sentiments expressed above that it is a pretty old bike now with all the associated problems. It doesn't have the charm or looks of the 500 and it is crippled by those stupid inboard brakes. If you want an old bike there are better choices out there IMO.

 

EU riders always know more about certain bikes like this one never in the USA.

Concerning Honda's inboard disc on the VF500 and VTR250, my experience suggests it's a better than decent brake IF it is maintained proppaly and the spongey old brake line is replaced, and i have both brakes on my 2 VTRs. Nothing in the design limits the inboard brake, and it has features like ventilated, cast iron disc (higher friction), semi-floating with lots of pad area. Does sure weigh 2stone i guess.

 

Yes, no problems about it working as a brake but maintenance was a PITA. Removing the wheels turned from a relatively trivial exercise into a trial with lots of ping fuckit shims to lose. These were the ones used to get the disc to stay in position on the wheel. It was an answer to a question nobody was asking. Bit like the antidive systems from the same era really.

 

...yet

Which is it? Yeah, that inboard disc REALLY pushed drastic improvement, you'll notice all modern 250 street bikes are using it. If you weren't such a hypocrite, you'd be hilarious,

Looks like you'll be getting rid of a few useless 25 year old buckets then. Ah, if we could just return to the speed of the VTR, the brakes of a CB125 and the suspension of the almighty Radian, and with you to guide us to the correct bike to own, we'd all be much happier motorcyclists.

 

Thanks for the comments folks.

I hear what you are all saying regarding old technology but I am a university student and as such have little money to spare. Which is why I am looking at older bikes. I am pretty good with a wrench so working on it should be an issue other than finding parts.

A note on the bike, it has been upgraded with VF500 wheels, brakes, and suspension.

I'm looking for my first bike so not really a daily driver, just something to ride with friends, and the odd short trip.

 

I love my 1984 VF750F! I paid around $1200 or something like that for it.

No! I HATE it!

No, I love it! It stinks.

But it's cool in a "that was the superbike of my dreams when I was young" kind of way. But that is the only reason I own it . . .

No, it's a good bike!

Grrr . . . .






















.

 

Lol. ^^^^^

Indecision is an awful thing. :lol: