Found an 84 750

I am new to the board, but have been lurking here for about 2 weeks.

I had an 85 500 Interceptor back in 88. I have been looking to get a new bike for some time now, and found an 84 Interceptor 750.

I am going to look at it tomorrow. Anything specific to look for? Any advice?

The bike is $400, has some new OEM parts, but has a Salvage Certificate. Paperwork, registration and title will probably cost me about $300.

The bike is not currently running, but I plan on tinkering with it before I buy it. If I choose not to, the seller will have a running bike.

The seller told me that it took little effort to get it running about a year and a half ago.

I loved my 500 and wished I never sold it.

Your replies and wisdom are most appreciated.

 

Do you know how many miles are on the bike? Many of the old 750's had cam problems that show up after about 25k miles. My bike is an example, I had to replace the cams (I got a good deal for only $150) and I bought a top end oiling kit to be sure it won't happen again (~$300). The rear shock goes out about the same time so I bought a Hyperpro ($500). I love my bike and can't wait to get it back on the road this next weekend. Its my first bike and I've been riding it for five years. If your sentimental feelings for that particular bike aren't real strong, you need to consider the costs required to preserve these bikes.

All that being said, most people spring for an '86 or '87. Aluminum chassis makes it light, and gear-driven cams eliminate the problems that plague my bike and many of the '83 to '85 interceptors. A decent '86 or '87 700cc bike can be found for around $1500 and might be a better option. Good luck.

 

A 1st gen VF can be a very fun bike (I have an '83 750), but they are plagued with cam problems. If it has over 30,000 miles, I might pass unless the cams look perfect. When you get it running, listen for a rattleing sound coming from the engine. If you hear it, have a mechanic look at the cams, rockers and cam chains to be sure they're OK. It is WAAAAY too expensive to replace them. Other than that, they are tons of fun.

 

update!

Well I went and looked at the Interceptor.

The bike is in worse shape than I thought. The tank was very rusted and would need replaced, not because of rust, but because the sending unit was epoxied on and I saw some gas leaking.

Items that would also need replacing:

Front fork seals and oil. Oil all over the brakes.

Upper cowl or fairing was cracked, but whole.

Left mirror.

No fuel would flow from the tank to the carbs. I poured fuel in the gas line to the carbs and it did manage to fire up and run, but there was not enough gas flowing.

The right side case had a crack that was repaired with JBWeld and it did seep some oil.

All 4 turn signals are showing their age. Dangling by broken rubber mounts.

Seat was ripped.

Wiring......don't get me started! Not sure what was wired to what, some things just disconnected an hanging.

The bike would need a battery and rear tire, plus a chain.

I am in Western PA. The bike has a Salvage Certificate and that alone would cost about $300.

The seller had found a parts bike that was supposedly in good shape. The seller of the parts bike wants $500, and doesn't sound like he will budge. It is supposed to have a good tank and plastics, as well as run real good.

The poor bike looked real sad, and was begging to be put out of it's misery or brought back to life.

I am going to sleep on this...but I am pretty sure that buying this bike is a NO GO at this point.

It did have Yosh slip ons.

Anyone need parts? I am sure the seller would be happy to have the bike gone.

 

Sounds like the bike looks like 10 miles of muddy road. Too bad, I bet you would love to rescue it but it will require lots of $$$.

 

Where is it? It's worth about $100...