Shadow VT500 questions considering buying this bike!! Xpost

[PresX]

Hey everyone,

I went and looked at a very nice 1985 Honda VT500 Shadow today that's being sold for slightly above blue book value with some nice extras (leather bags, jacket that fits me, helmet that I'll throw out, cover, gloves etc...) and I'm thinking of buying it.

I was a little concerned with what I noticed inside the gas tank that could be specks of rust forming, should I be very concerned? Or should I just cite this as a way to lower the price some?

Also the tires, while still treaded have a bunch of small lines/cracks along the side walls, another bargaining point?

The seat's been recently recovered, forks are pristine, shocks give a hint of resistance as they should, and I haven't put the electrical system/engine through it's paces yet because well... I'm a stupid newbie and can't ride yet and also the battery was stored in the house all winter but not regularly charged so it'll be charged or replaced by tomorrow. My stepdad (a rider from before he met my ma) is coming tomorrow to give it another once over and we'll make the decision then.

Anybody ride these bikes? Something typical I should look for?

She's got 32000 km on her and size wise fits me just fine (because I'm a freakin' giant). The guy's asking 1850$ for it which I think is a tad high (BB is 1300$) but I think I'll try and bargain him down to around 1650-1700$ because I'll need to get the safety done myself.

Since you've had the courtesy to read my novel here's some eye candy of my (potential) new baby!






PM me if you write an excessively long post and need people to read it, after getting through this I owe you one!

[BuzZz]

A few small rust spots inside the tank of an older bike is pretty normal. If there is enough that it looks like it can start flaking off, it can be a problem. There are treatments you can use to eliminate or seal the rust that work with varying degrees of success, or you can replace the tank, just bargain for the bike accordingly.

It doesn't sound like this bike has a problem with rust, but a fuel filter in the fuel line might be a good idea. And try to store the bike with as much fuel in the tank as possible. Steel can't rust if the oxygen can't get to it.

The tires are a problem. Cracking is bad. It is a sign of age and UV damage. You will need to replace the tires before it is really roadworthy, so bargain with that in mind.

[PresX]

Awesome. The rust didn't look like it was in any danger of flaking off and the amount is really pretty minor.

As for the tires I'll bargain accordingly and will let you know what the final deal was! Thanks for the help.