Need some advice - might get a bigger bike this weekend

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#1 Unread post by **cb360** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 6:05 am

Hello wise forum members. I've been thinking of a larger bike - I thought I'd wait until next year but I recently saw what I think is a good deal so I wanted some opinions. The ad reads...

"1985 Honda VF700c Magna, black and chrome beauty, dependable including full helmet and cover, 35k TLC miles"

I called the guy - he'll take $900 (US) for it - I routinely see this model for more than twice that so that's why I'm interested - he said the paint and chrome and seat are near perfect. No tank rust. Good rubber. He has the title. The bike is currently running well and he performed regular oil changes. He'll let me test ride it first.

So... I know it's a nice bike and I like the look. Do you think it will satisfy my goal of being able to ride two up with my wife (we total appx 400 .lbs) and allow me to ride the interstate two-up for an hour or two? No cross-country trips planned - I know it isn't a touring bike, but is this enough motor to ride reasonably comfortable on the freeway with two folks for an hour or so? I've taken my cb360 up there many times and it'll do it, but it is far from optimal.

Anyone have experience with this model?

If the motor is in good shape can I expect to get a lot more miles on top of the 36k it already has?

All comments appreciated.

rstnick · #2 Unread post by **rstnick** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 6:10 am

I don't have experience with one, but I imagine it will be fine for what you need.

What I would be concerned about is that the 700s were only available for one or two years. Parts may be hard to find for the 700 internals, although the 750 would share over 90%.

I went from a CB350 to my present KZ650 in '84. My 650 has plenty of power for me, but I'm always tempted to get a larger bike.

#3 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 6:19 am

#4 Unread post by **cb360** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 6:53 am

Thanks Zootech - I googled those exact same photos. The one I'm going to see has a black tank. I hope it looks as good as those pix

#5 Unread post by **9000white** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 7:32 am

you should know that the v4 hondas are prone to develop camshaft problems.there is an oil mod kit that supplies more oil to the cams that costs $250.00.the stock seat has been compared to a torture rack.
ones that have been shifted hard from 1st to 2nd a lot will jump out of 2nd gear.if you do your own work that is a plus.the v4 engine is complicated and difficult to work on compared to the cb360.i have owned 5 bikes with the v4 in them.the one i have now has 49000 miles on it.i have never had a problem with it.however for 2 up riding i would suggest something bigger.

#6 Unread post by **cb360** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 7:44 am

Thanks 9000 - that's good info. I have done the wrenching on my cb360, but like you say, that's a really simple motor. I MIGHT be able to do a valve adjustment ( I've done one on acar before) and I can handle all the simple maintenace things and I've had some success with a few electrical issues... but if it's something really big I'd probably take it to a mechanic.

I know something bigger would be optimal for 2 up riding... but 9 times out of ten when I get on this bike it will be alone for short trips in the city so... until I can have multiple bikes I'd still like to stay somewhat on the small side but be a bit more ready for 2 up on the interstate than I am currently - even though that type of use would be infrequent.

mustangski · Fri Oct 21, 2005 8:14 am

I had almost that same bike as for my first ride. I sold it to my uncle about 4-5 months ago. I never rode two up with it, but it had enough power to make me think that I wouldn't have a problem with it if I did. The only problem I had was with the starter, it went out on it and they do not make it anymore. Some places quoted me $400 for one, luckily I found a guy in the area that would rebuild it for $80. Also if you are taller, depending what how you like to ride the foot pegs are a little close which is easily solved with highway pegs. I loved the bike and hated to get ride of it, it was immaculate and had absolutly no rust on it. My 84 had 19,000 miles on it and I sold it for $1700. Although I could've got more for it, because it was family I let it go for cheap. I would say that $900 is a good price if the bike is as nice as you say it is.

oldnslo · #8 Unread post by **oldnslo** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 8:40 am

And the bike is only $100 higher than the quote from your Subaru dealer for the 30k service!
If it's in your budget, go a bit bigger. Just my .02.

#9 Unread post by **cb360** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 8:53 am

Thanks for all the info everyone.

That's the problem oldnslo, it's not really in the budget to go bigger right now. I'm not really even looking right now. I just ripped the roof off my house yesterday as we're in the process of adding another story and we're not financing it so money is a little tight right now. Ideally I'd like an 1100 or 1200 cc cruiser, but at least this will be a step in the right direction and I'll probably sell my 360. I hate to do it because I love that bike but I believe I'll be able to get more for it than I'll pay for this one as it is in exceptional shape with low miles and a perfect tank and seat. I check craigslist every day and the cycle trader every week and this just feels like the right deal.

That said, I haven't seen the bike yet. If it's as nice as he says it is and the test drive goes well I'll probably pick it up. We'll see...

Mag7C · #10 Unread post by **Mag7C** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 9:14 am

Here is my extremely biased opinion:

I have an '86 VF700C which I bought used last year for $1800. I love it. I had a passenger once who weighed more than me and the bike had no trouble. It's very nicely balanced, easy to maneuver at low speeds, cruises 70-80 all day, and overall a very very smooth ride. Your hands won't go numb from vibration. And it looks good too.

The downsides:
As 9000white pointed out, sometimes when it's cold it will pop out of 2nd to neutral.
The seat is a bit hard on the back for long trips. Not sure why they made it slanted like that. An aftermarket seat would be a good investment.
Mine has a 145 mile range at which it is totally out of gas. It needs filling up every couple hours on a road trip. Bigger tank would be nice, but since I have the stock seat I need to get off and stretch once in a while anyway.

It tops out around 110-115.

Did I mention I love it? The guy I bought it from took really nice care of it so the only things I've had to do is get new tires and fluids. If by some unfortunate chance I part with this bike I'm buying another magna.