Buy it, or not

Hi all,

New here, first post. I have been riding dirt bikes and 3-wheelers consistently since the early 80's. I also have been restoring old 80's Honda ATCs. So I'm pretty good with tools and restoring parts. I've also had a couple street bikes but not much experience with them at all and its been many years since I've rode the street. Young and dumb I never had my bike license. But I am getting it now this summer.

I've always wanted an early VFR and I have a project bike I'm looking at to buy and restore. Its a blue 87 VFR700. Seller says it's not running and thinks its a fuel or electrical issue since it ran before. Has good compression. Needs a bunch of TLC, tires are dry rotted and flat, seat needs replacing, and cosmetic stuff. He doesn't want to work on it and bought a rider. I talked him down to $250.

Anything in particular I should check for that would make it a bad deal? Or something I shouldn't buy?

Thanks in advance!

 

Too much to list. Those engines are pretty damn bullet proof, so if you think it "ran when parked", you're probably ok in that department.
It's going to cost you WAY more than buying one that is in decent shape, but what fun is that?

Pictures would help if you have time before having to pull the trigger.
What is the mileage? And the fact you said "blue", at least it has some form of originality to it, so it might not be a total turd. Not a bomb-canned flat-black money pit.

BUT, I'm an idiot in this department, so don't listen to me (I have 13+ V-Fours so far).

 

Hey thanks for the reply! Valid points. The bike has appx 20k on it so not low miles. I have one picture and it doesn't look terrible. I'm going to meet the guy saturday AM to check it out. Has the original "candy wave blue" paint, left lower fairing is not there, needs a seat. The guy started on this project and gave up after buying another bike.

 

Go for it !

Great bike, and they don't get any cheaper. you can't loose.

check the fuel tank for internal rust.

 

On those engines, 20K certainly is low miles.

 

For $250 you can likely make money parting it out if it is not good for fixing.

 

If you can wrench with confidence and the bike has good compression - $250 sounds like a bargain. 20K miles is nothing by the way. That's just broken in!

 

Thanks everyone! I'm going to have a look at it in the morning. I don't think I can lose at the price. And I'm ready for a new project.

 

Magazine testers complained the seat was like a plank.

 

Nice project!!!! Are you missing the top fairing covers? I think I have a set somewhere.....

 

Thanks! I ended up bringing her home. The PO who reminded me of ChumLee wasn't able to tell too much about it other than it sat and he fiddled with it to get it running. Turns over fine, said the coils checked out ok, but then said no spark. Brakes are stuck. Definitely a project bike but that's what I like unless not worth it. So I think my first thing is to get it running and see how that is. After that I can redo cosmetics and other stuff.

I'm not sure which are the top fairing covers. Do you mean the ones right below the seat? I'm missing the right side of that, and the left lower fairing.

I'll get caught up on the lingo fast, sorry if I fumble some of my explanations until then!

And I'll post more pics when I can.

 

Haha except one tester named Fluffy McFatass said it was "decent".

 

Cool...they go on the front fairing right below the handlebars. Cover all the wires and cables.... no worries just let me know. Good Luck with the build!!!

 

Great I'm interested! Def PM me about it, thank you!

 

Update - Ok this bike is a bit of a basket case. The tank has a rust hole at the bottom seam, on the backside where I didn't see it. Tan probably fit a dime through the slot. Went to air up the front tire and valve stem practically crumbled from dry rot. F&R brakes are stuck. Doesn't feel like any clutch fluid is in there, zero resistance on the lever. The more I study it the more I think it had spent a portion of its life stored outside and uncovered.

So I'm not sure what to do with it. I like projects but this one might not be worth it. I guess I could part it out but I almost don't feel like dealing with all of that either. Hmmmmm....

 

I'd say---NO---plod on and get her going if you like a project.

I'm on my second resto of this model; 1986 VFR700F2, and it is a GREAT BIKE. For $250 you did VERY WELL. Will SOME parts be hard to find--YES--but forum members are your best friend(s). Helped me out on SEVERAL occasions. You can get the missing body panel-in RWB-- off E-Bay currently albeit in not the correct color--but you were going to paint it anyway--Right?

Carbs are a bit of a bear to clean--but AGAIN there are some members who are EXPERTS at this--so if you feel intimidated use their help.

Even if you TRIPLED your cash outlay you would end up with a SWEET BIKE and STILL be ahead of the game because you BOUGHT IT CHEAP.

Plod on and ask for help if you run into the unknown.. The guys on this site are FANTASTIC and more than anxious to help.

Best of luck

Rick

 

Thanks guys!! I'll hang onto it and start working on it. I need to figure out a work stand to raise it up. I hate working on the floor. I have one of these for my 3wheeler projects and LOVE it!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle....l1313.TR1.TRC0.A0.H0.Xscissor+bike+lift.TRS0

Maybe it'll work for bikes too,

 

Assuming the battery is toast but I put it on the charger overnight, while still attached to the bike. Hit the key this morning and not even a light. I figured I'd at least get a dash light being on 12v charger power. And the fun begins!

 

a bad battery won't take a charge. where's your voltmeter ?

 

I checked it, it's bad. I'll grab a new one this weekend.