Need help determining value of '85 VF1000R

My father has asked me to help him sell a couple of his motorcycles, but I have no knowledge of motorcycle values. 2 of the bikes are rather inexpensive, so they aren't an issue, but he believes this 1985 VF1000R is worth somewhere between $7500-8500. I have listed it on eBay, but the bids weren't close to the value he has put on it. I am just curious if he thinks it's worth way more than the actual value, or if he is right, and we should stick to our price and wait for the right buyer...??????

The bike is very clean, and is totally stock except for Kerker pipes. It has 7,xxx miles, and runs great. The paint is in great condition with only a few very minor blemishes. The only damage worth mention are a couple scratches on the front fender (looks like it was tied down improperly). The other are two 3/4" cracks on the rear seat cowl, which ive read was a common problem. These cracks have been Electric Plastic Welded to prevent further damage, but they are still visible if you look closely.

I hope this helps give you an idea of the condition of the bike, and any information and assistance you can provide is welcome.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

You might find someone in the next year or so who will put up $7500 for the VF1000R. That's if you keep it posted on ebay or a few of the other rare bike websites. More realistically though, $3000 - $4000 is more like it. Even at that price it'll still take awhile to find a buyer. Bad economy, not that rare of a bike, '86 was more popular for the dual headlights, etc blah blah blah.

Either way, good luck. I saw your VF1000R on ebay and she does look nice. I had an 85 with some very nice mods. Great bike.

 

I've seen museum type quality bring 6-7k only. Here's a buy it now for $6300 w/less miles. Honda : Other in Honda | eBay Motorcycles

Yours?

Yes they are rare, but that doesn't mean they are worth big bucks. Unless you can find that one person willing to spend it. They were not that wanted when they came out back in the day. To costly to heavy and not that agile.

 

Well, I just had it on eBay, and it went up to about $5600, so I'm kinda right in between your low estimate, and his Top Dollar price. Maybe I'll just wait a couple weeks and list it again when the weather starts to break around here.

Either way, Thanks for your help!

 

I have read that the '86 is more desirable, which is odd, because its usually the original that is what collectors look for.

I told my dad the same thing, I think he should have picked up the VF750, the 1000 is too damn big and ridiculously heavy. I think it was a bike he always wanted back in '85, but couldn't afford it back then, so when he saw this one for sale, he just had to have it

 

I just sold a mint '86 a few months back with only 3900 miles on it for $5250. In addition, it was completely stock which is what people want. If I held out, I probably could have gotten more, but not much. These bikes are great to look at, but that's about all. They are big, heavy and don't do anything well compared to a newer bike. I'd take the $5600 and run.

 

I know stock is always best, and our bike is almost stock (just pipes) and has 7k miles , but I just saw an 86 with 14k miles and some modern upgrades sell for $6200 last week on eBay..????

I never asked what my dad what he paid for the bike, but I might have to ask, because it seems like we would be lucky to get $6500 for his bike, and that may take a while. I guess I'll list it online and maybe try eBay again in a couple weeks to see if we can find someone that just Has To Have this bike.

 

I don't want to discourage you, but rarely do you see these bikes go for $6K. The bike you saw last week did have some aftermarket parts that are sought after especially the Ohlins shock that it had. If you aren't in a hurry, then the right buyer might come along. All you need is one. I think $6500 would really be a stretch, but you never know. Good luck with the sale. I do hope you get top dollar.

 

I think you are getting some good info here. He probably won't get anywhere near what he thinks, but $3000-4000 should be doable. Maybe more if he is lucky. Good luck!

 

I would like to know more about your bike, I am looking at one here in Utah and might be intrested in yours. Wher e are you?