What do you think of this 1986 VFR? Would you buy it?

Saw this bike on Craigslist. Would you consider buying it? Add reads: "1986 VFR 750, VERY CLEAN BIKE FOR IT'S AGE, CBR 600 FRONT END AND VFR 800 SINGLE SIDED SWING ARM. RUNS GOOD AND NEEDS NOTHING. I HAVE OWNED THIS BIKE FOR 25 YEARS AND NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SELL IT BUT TIRED OF TAKING CARE OF A BIKE I DON'T RIDE. IT DOES HOLD A SALVAGE TITLE". Bike has 54K miles.

Hopefully putting in the CL link isn't prohibited: http://sacramento.craigslist.org/mcy/4184814617.html

 

The "salvage title" is a deal killer for me.

 

I would have to see it but I like working on my things so ya I might

 

Salvage title means a Wreck. With a 600 front end, this makes me think this bike ran into something. An impact to require a replacement front end could be strong enough to bend the frame. I would run away.

 

Is this Toe's bike? If it is I wouldn't hesitate to buy it based on his mechanical aptitude and overall knowledge of bikes.

Salvage is a scary word when it comes to buying a vehicle but the fact of the matter is that most insurance companies will total an older bike that has nothing but minor cosmetic damage due to the high cost of the fairing replacements. This is exactly what happened to my old 3rd Gen that was involved in a minor low side.

If you are interested talk to the owner and get the full story and inquire about pics of the previous damage if available. Chances are that owner kept the bike in pretty good shape especially if he/she owned it for 20+ years and went through all the trouble of adding a single sided swingarm.


Rollin

 

It is Toe's bike so just calm down.............
That bike is one of a kind :thumbsup:

 

Hard to believe he's selling that unique cycle !!!!! :shame:

Buy it now, kid, before he sobers up !!! nthego:

Agree with Rollin that many salvage title bikes are great bargains and great opportunities if they're inspected carefully for irrepairible damage like cracked or bent headstock. Automatically walking away from a salvage title will mean that some good deals are missed. I wouldn't have my much-loved '97 otherwise.

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If this was a stock, it would have a solid buy rating from your stock broker. If I wasn't in the final planning phase of a '14 FZ-09 triple build project, I would buy it and hold on to it....that way I could happily sell it back to him when he realized the error of his ways!









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Thanks for the input. And as an fyi this "kid" (=me) was riding this bike on the street in 1987 so I'm sure the "kid" comment is warrented.

 

For $1800 is freaking steal for one of a kind bike..........Toe bring the bike down on your next trip $$$ will be exchange.

 

Yep, that's Toe Cutters bike. Jump on it!

I don't know the history behind why it has a salvage tittle, but knowing Toe, I would by the bike in a heartbeat.

 

See "salvage titles in California" on Google, for general information.


Best scoop this one up.