85 Interceptor As First Sport Bike?

Hello, I am new to this forum and was told to go here to get some advice and hopefully people can help me out. There is a 1985 Interceptor 500 on Craigslist near me for 1200$ it has 14,000 miles and from the pictures it looks to be in good condition but it is missing the front fairing. Right now I have a 1983 Honda Shadow VT500C and a 1986 Yamaha XT350. I'm ju st wondering if this would be a good bike for me? I would probably be riding it to school everyday, about 20 miles or so.

 

Are you very mechanically inclined?

 

I'm mechanically inclined but I wouldn't say "very" I also only have a limited supply of tools.

 

From what I've read on a few boards is that the 86 500 is the best engine wise. The 84/85 had a tendency to brake valve springs or the retainers would come out and then drop a valve. Plus the fact if it has sat for any period of time the carbs will have to be gone thru most likely. Trying to find a stock upper fairing is going to be hit and miss. Not a whole lot out there let a lone good ones. There may be after market.

It really depends on the shape of the bike. Otherwise it could be a money pit depending on your expectations when done. $1400 sounds high for a 500 missing the upper fairing.

 

Thank you, I think I've decided that I won't get it because if something does go wrong I probably won't have the money to fix it. I'll keep saving up until I get something that I know will be reliable.