I might buy a 1983 Honda shadowVT 750 tonight - need advice

[cb360]

I'd like to move up from my 74 cb360 and keep it for my wife. Unfortunately I don't have it in the budget to get anything close to new so I'd like to do what I did with my first bike... buy something not running and nurse it back to shape. Going to look at one tonight - 32,000 miles, currently not starting - cosmetically decent, price is $500.

I don't mind working to fix electrical or carburation problems, but I don't have any experience with a shaft drive.

*Is 32,000 miles ok - could (obviously no guarantees) it be reasonable to expect to get a lot more life out of this bike assuming it hasn't been abused too bad?

*The current owner does not believe the engine is seized - his rationale is that it's a shaft drive and it rolls fine in neutral. Does that sound reasonable to you guys? As I said, I don't have any experience with a shaft drive. Would trying to kickstart it tell me anything (and is that even an option?)

That's about it. I know you can't expect the world for $500 and you always take your chances buying used. But I really hit the jackpot getting my old 360 for $350 and I'd like to try it again!

Sorry so long - any and all advice greatly appreciated... especially as it pertains to this particular model.

[old-n-slow]

*The current owner does not believe the engine is seized - his rationale is that it's a shaft drive and it rolls fine in neutral. Does that sound reasonable to you guys? As I said, I don't have any experience with a shaft drive. Would trying to kickstart it tell me anything (and is that even an option?)

That has sweet tweet to do with the engine seized or not seized. Of course it will roll in neutral.

Put the darn thing in third gear, clutch in, roll it and drop the clutch. If the engine won't turn forget it, or pay less. There could be major problems. But that will tell you if it is seized. If the back tire just skids it ain't turning. You should be able to recognize whether it turns over because every time the motor hits a compression stroke you will know.

Alternately. pull the plugs, jack the back wheel off the ground, put it in gear and rotate the wheel. Place a finger over the plug hole and feel for compression. Mind you, if it is seized, you won't be able to turn the wheel and you sure won’t feel the compression stroke.

[cb360]

Now that's a handy reply. Thank you very much. And by the way... I'm an idiot. of course it will roll in neutral! Running off to feel stupid now...

[oldnslo]

No need to run off--we are members of a very large club.....

[cb360]

Holy cow. I just now realized we have two 'old and slow's (actually we probably have hundreds as I consider myself old and slow too) of different varieties. And they are both from my general region.

Anyway - I sent the guy an email and asked him if he'll let me pull the plugs and jack it up and feel for compression. If he's good with that then I'll go take a look. If I go I'll let you know how it worked out. Thanks again.

[oldnslo]

Just for the heck of it, you might take a peek in the tank looking for either old gas or RUST, both of which can be pains in the butt, even if you fix them yourself.

[old-n-slow]

I see you're from the wet coast too cb360. I think everyones is old and slow up here. Ya gotta look close at the spelling.

[storminsince73]

all I can say, is my first shadow WAS an 83 VT750C. I did 2 cross-country's on it, put over 30,000 miles on it, then sold it to a buddy who took it to over 100,000 miles. the ONLY problem I ever had was that I had to replace the electric spark control unit, but that was under warranty.

you've been given some good advice. if you get the bike, email me, and i will point you to a place where there are a few of them, might even be able to score a maintenance manual.

Norm

[cb360]

Well, I checked it out and decided no go. Pipes had been modified, tank looked real bad and the center stand had been removed. I do think it's the bike I ultimately want, or somthing real close to it... but I think if I bide my time I can find one in a little bit nicer shape. I'm not in a rush which is the key to getting a deal you're comfortable with in my opinion. Thanks for all the advice.

[MASHBY]

If your not comftable walk away.Sorry the bike was no good but Im sure more will come up and it is fun looking.