85 Interceptor VF 500

mienaweis · 08-22-2006, 3:33 PM

I found an 85 Interceptor with 2K miles on it. The bike is in great shape. It'll be my first bike and I just want to know if it's worth the 1,700. they are asking for.

Any info would be great. Thanks

sheepofblue · 08-22-2006, 3:37 PM

As a collector's item yes. As a first bike I might go a different route. (though it will get looks everywhere you go)

BDA116 · 08-22-2006, 3:54 PM

I think an '85 500cc Interceptor would be a great bike to learn with.
I'd offer them less and see where they end up, but bike prices can really only go so low. Maybe throw out $1200 as an offer and see how they react.

deftones156 · 08-22-2006, 3:57 PM

My buddy picked up the exact bike about 4 or 5 years ago for $1000. It was in good shape (by no means perfect), and as it sits today it has 23xxx miles. It would be a great first bike, but I would shoot for less than $1700 if I were you.
It's a great bike overall though, and I would recommend one as they are a blast!

gt702 · 08-22-2006, 4:07 PM

There are several lists and forums for the VF/VFR, and some specific to the older VF models.

Did a quick google search and came up with this page. It has VF/VFR links a little ways down.
Steve's Homepage - Bike Links

Might find some more current links at VFRD - VFR Discussion Group

Great little bikes and wonderful for learning on ... but as noted, maybe more for the love of the bike than for a daily rider ... mostly due to availability of parts and things for a bike that old.

Good luck.

mienaweis · 08-22-2006, 4:13 PM

what is the overall recommendation for a first time bike then.
I offered the guy 1,500 and he turned it down.

gt702 · 08-22-2006, 4:19 PM

That one has been kicked over quite a bit, so I'm sure you'll find something with a search ... but the little VF is a nice bike

I'm assuming in NJ you might be doing more city than country riding

If so, small and light are your friends. Just about any of the 500's (GS, ZX, ES...) would do well, as would the 650 twins (SV or ZX), but these would likely be newer and more costly. Little bikes are a blast in tighter areas, but can get tiring on longer rides if you are of a bigger size. And they typically don't have bodywork to get damaged if they fall over in the parking lot.

Hope that helps

Baketech · 08-22-2006, 4:23 PM

Definitely find out if it has had the top end worked over...

sheepofblue · 08-22-2006, 4:24 PM

Just remember if you drop it that plastics are $$$ Thus my recommendation

gt702 · 08-22-2006, 4:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

As a collector's item yes. As a first bike I might go a different route. (though it will get looks everywhere you go)

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

Just remember if you drop it that plastics are $$$ Thus my recommendation

And your recommendation was?

Sounds like someone missed snack time. Drink some maple products to get your blood sugar back up

sheepofblue · 08-22-2006, 4:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt702

And your recommendation was?

Sounds like someone missed snack time. Drink some maple products to get your blood sugar back up

A different route. I did not elaborate as it is not generally listened to. However no plastics is a step in the right direction.

mienaweis · 08-23-2006, 7:47 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions. Being a female and 5'6. I just want to make sure
1.) It's not to heavy
2.) It is going to be responsive.

Living in Northern NJ gives me both city and country riding... I'll research some more and see what will work best

sheepofblue · 08-23-2006, 8:29 AM

5'6" you tower over CBR929RE who has a 929 (but rides like a girl).

Here is a list I would consider:
Height is nice but not mandatory
Speed/power don't get to much
Weight light is better but once you learn some control it is less a factor
Plastics these get expensive when broken a naked bike has less to fix in the event of an oops
Reliability Hondas are great
Chassis A sportbike has quicker turning by design a cruiser has slower turn in (designed for straight line stability) For that reason I like a bike similar to a Rebel/Shadow as a learning bike. Many disagree with this but I think learning on a bike that reacts slower is a good thing. The exception to that is someone who has ridden other bikes (ie dirt).

Also you might join the ladies forum and get female perspective. For one Firefly is just learning and might have some great insight.

Baketech · 08-23-2006, 8:36 AM

Uh oh...what's that rumbling I hear in the distance?

sheepofblue · 08-23-2006, 8:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baketech

Uh oh...what's that rumbling I hear in the distance?

A flock of sheep riding to Indiana to whoop you