Newbie, help with 1986 VF500F Interceptor

Hi everyone! I am looking to buy a 1986 VF500F. I've always wanted one and now that they are considered a vintage bike, I want one even more. Can someone please tell me what the market is like for these bikes. I have no idea what is fair or too much. I see prices from $1200-$3500. What would be reasonable to offer for a clean bike with no mechanical issues and 2500 miles versus one with 18,000 miles? Thanks

 

If the bike is in great condition, then an extremely low mileage bike will command a much greater dollar value than one with 18,000 miles. I've owned 4 of the 1986 VF500Fs since 1990. The latest one I have, I bought almost 5 years ago with just 600 miles on the odometer. I had to restore it due to years of neglect from sitting uncovered. It now has about 5000 miles on it. My friends keep telling me to stop riding it and put it on blocks.

 

Low mileage is great, as long as it has not been neglected. My '83 750 has 24,000 miles and I ride it 2-3 days a week to work. It had 18,000 on it when I got it last year off E-Bay for $1850.00. I had to do a lot of cleaning and a good tune-up, but found a nice bike under all that chainlube.

 

The issues with low mileage-bikes is that you will probably have to spend some time and money replacing the rubber parts, plugs, airfilter, chain, fluids, fork oil seals, and cleaning the carbs.

Personally, I would rather have a 18,000 mile bike that is ridden every day, than a 2,500 mile bike that's been sitting in someone's shed for 10 years.

I would look at the completed E-bay auctions to get an idea of what they are selling for in your area.