Thinking about a classic Honda VFR700F-2

[scotteroni]

I have an opportunity to get an 87 Honda VFR700F2 for short money. Ive' read some good things about the bike but was wondering if any members here ever had any experience with one.

Some details : has the gear driven cams, 6 gear shift and 35K miles,

Thanks, Scotto

[Justin]

If it runs good and is cheap, I'd buy it just for the sound of the chain driven cams  

[ksmdigital]

I wouldn't mind having a VFR!
Just make sure you adjust the valves and change all of the fluids.

[scotteroni]

Here's a picture, The owner says it does't idle well even though it was synced in the past year. The bike has a so so repaint but it has some potential.  As a rule I automatically go through the carbs, brake system, check and adjust valves on all my older bikes just for peice of mind anyways.   I guess I cant' go wrong for $450.



They were pretty hot looking bikes with simple graphics and clean lines when they first came out.  Not even a hint of angry insect or transformers design elements.  

[roc66]

$450 as long as the frame is good i'd be all over that one.

[atadaskew]

If it runs good and is cheap, I'd buy it just for the sound of the chain driven cams  

gear driven cams

[Justin]

gear driven cams

yeah, my bad, typo - but you know what I mean

[ZZR Rob]

Pull the trigger.  

[FiremanBob]

At 450 it's a complete steal. And that idle problem is just the carbs needing cleaning. Looks like a very nice little bike.

[vguy]

I've had a VF750R (84), a VFR750 (94) and a VFR800 (2000) All great bikes. At $450 why are you even asking?  

[desertxxrider]

I found mine 5K miles all original stored 23 years. I restored it to new condition, it's run flawless without touching anything for the last year and a half. It gets 55 mpg, sounds great and hasn't used a drop of oil. The second gen is a great motor. I got collector Bike Insurance for agreed value (4500.00) for $125 a year. I have updated wide wheels (white) to finish it off.

[Bryan217]

That's a beaut!  

But personally, I'd ditch the blue seat.

[atadaskew]

yeah, my bad, typo - but you know what I mean

Yup , I loved that sound on my VFR 750.
If the current VFR800 had gear driven cams, I'd own one.

[scotteroni]

I forgot to mention the bike comes with a spare parts bike with a bad motor. It's an 86 with the red, white and blue color scheme.  I used to think 1000 and above cc's were the way to go on most bikes but I'v come to appreciate the fun factor and relatively lighter weight  motorcycles from the 700 and 750's from the 80's that although won't win quarter mile races are just as fun in the corners and sweepers as newer bikes.  

[FiremanBob]

I forgot to mention the bike comes with a spare parts bike with a bad motor.  

Now you're not asking, you're bragging.

[scotteroni]

If I was bragging I'd be telling you the story that I read the other day on another board where the guy bought a mint 87 with low miles but wasn't running from a woman for $150. He spent a half a day on it and got it running perfect.   Now that's a deal I'd like to get!  

[desertxxrider]

That's a beaut!  

But personally, I'd ditch the blue seat.

I have a bunch of swatches on order, the blue is too light, I'm looking for some 4 way stretch gripper like my XX has.

[Rogue]

I will play devil's advocate and say this:  unless you are prepared for a project bike that will swallow time and money, plus blood, sweat, and maybe tears, don't do it.

First, it's an '87 with obvious mods.  That right there should sound alarm bells.  Second, "it doesn't idle".  That should make you run away!  

Most likely, you will have to strip that bike down to clean up everything.  Everything that flows fuel will need to be cleaned/rebuilt/replaced.  The cooling system will need to be cleaned up, thermostat replaced, hoses replaced, etc.  The braking system will need a complete rebuild, with all hoses replaced.  The electrical system will be suspect and you know those 23 year old wiring and harnesses are going to be brittle.  Then, there are the odd size tires.

It can be done if you have the time, patience, and some money.  If not, don't do it.

[scotteroni]

I will play devil's advocate and say this:  unless you are prepared for a project bike that will swallow time and money, plus blood, sweat, and maybe tears, don't do it.

First, it's an '87 with obvious mods.  That right there should sound alarm bells.  Second, "it doesn't idle".  That should make you run away!  

Most likely, you will have to strip that bike down to clean up everything.  Everything that flows fuel will need to be cleaned/rebuilt/replaced.  The cooling system will need to be cleaned up, thermostat replaced, hoses replaced, etc.  The braking system will need a complete rebuild, with all hoses replaced.  The electrical system will be suspect and you know those 23 year old wiring and harnesses are going to be brittle.  Then, there are the odd size tires.

It can be done if you have the time, patience, and some money.  If not, don't do it.

Thanks....You so positive.    Idle problems are not hard to figuire out. I've gone through a few non running bikes that I picked up for little money that took a little more money and a little more time over the winter that have turned into some real gems that I'd make more than the amount of money I put into them.  I tend to see alot of things as diamonds in the rough with good potential and beside I'm restless in the winter and reading bike magazines dont't feel the need.

[Rogue]

Well, it looks like you will do fine with that project bike.