Miscellaneous > The Sallyport

Bike Arranged (Was: Is 40k miles a lot for an '85 Honda Magna VF700C?).

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Thorsteinn:
We need a 2nd vehicle for me to commute to work and back. In our price range a motorcycle seems the best option. This Saturday I'm looking at a 1985 Honda Magna VF700C with 40,779 miles on it. Is that too many for that bike & motor?

Here's the ad:


--- Quote ---
$1,475.00 obo
1985 Honda Magna VF700C
700cc Engine
Miles - 40,779

Reupholstered driver and passenger seat
Repainted side covers
New battery
Aftermarket turn signals
Shaft driven
Decent amount of tread life on tires
Small dent on gas tank
Everything is in working order and runs good
Great beginner motorcycle
--- End quote ---

Sir James A:
Make and model specifics aside, condition and treatment of the vehicle outweigh mileage.

I bought my current car, driven 100 miles round trip for work every day, about 2 1/2 years ago - with 99k miles on it, and it reached 149k miles today. Aside from modifications for the fun of it, I've only done oil changes, filter, spark plugs, brake pads, rotors... the simple maintenance items (and one recall). However, before I bought it, I pulled the history report on it, verified it only had 2 owners, all service was done on time (or ahead of schedule), etc.

If you know somebody who is good with motorcycles, take them with you to evaluate the condition. Only thing I can think of is that the "dent in gas tank" may be from it being either knocked over or someone fell off of it while riding ("dropped" in motorcycle speak, I think). The picture looks great for a bike that is 30 years old, but if it doesn't run well or has major mechanical problems.........

(I had an 85 or 86 Honda VFR700 about 20 years ago but never got past learner's permit, and the engine seized while in storage)

Mike W.:
That old and only 44k? Seems amazing. My first car was a '95 Cavalier with 90k and the next was a '97 Concorde with 135k. I got lucky with my current car only having 44k.

It doesn't seem like it was driven all that much. Seems like grandma just took the bike to the cemetery and back on occasion. With that in mind, there could be some issues with the bike from sitting idle for long stretches or just from age.

Thorsteinn:
Well please keep in mind that most bikes don't age like cars. BMW's are renowned for doing 100k miles. I've heard of some model's & some engines being good but this one is beyond my knowledge. I used to commute on an 86' Nighthawk 450 but parts were a bitch to find.

Ian:
I don't know anything about motorcycles other than I'd slap you in the face if you got a sport bike instead of a cruiser, so it looks like you're on the righteous path.  :)

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