1st post-looking to buy an '86 VT500 tomorrow. Need advice

[TylerLew89]

Hey all!

Long story short - taking my motorcycle safety course in 2 weeks and tomorrow am looking locally at someone selling a 1986 Honda Shadow VT500. A link to the craigslist ad can be seen here: Craigslist

Price was listed at $1500 but over email I got him down to at least $1200. He mentioned not being able to let it go much lower. My hope was to get him to $1000.

Since I am not yet a bike rider, I was wondering if you experienced members can give me a heads up on what to look for tomorrow. I have a friend of mine who's been riding for a few years coming with me to help out. I've been reading over Used motorcycle guide to get a basic understanding. Can anyone tell me things that are notoriously bad on these bikes? Any thing I can find out that is a 100% deal breaker?

Appreciate the help!

[Canyon]

I replied to your other post. From the CL post and pics, I'd offer $800, but pull the cash out of your pocket before you say anything. Looks to be in good condition and you are in the Seller's season. He'll get $1200 easy enough. Had this been Fall, $800 would be pushing it in my opinion.

Seller prices high and hope to get a little lower....unless they see you coming then they get more than they were expecting.

For that bike, make sure all the covers are there, no left side pic. The back seat is intact and you have the backrest. As long as it starts quick and no smoke out the back.... I'd go to $1000 but that's what he wants, hence the listing of $1500. Anything over $1K is just more than he was hoping for.

Good luck!

[Aftrshck]

look for scrapes on the ends of the pegs and undersides of the exhaust. Dont be afraid to ask questions....specifically if there is anything wrong or if it has been dumped...etc....and yes, show the money before talking about lower numbers....money will always make people do stupid things...heh....

I personally would not pay over 1000.00 for it....considering I paid not much more then he is asking for my 98 that was in GREAT shape....

[gordo2472003]

Why no left side pic?

[Canyon]

PLus.... I have yet to meet someone who just rides a bike. They always end up doing something to make it theirs, even if for just one season. If your budget for a bike is $1200 and you spend $1200 on this, do you have $ for registration? Does your state require a title? Does he have it? My state you don't need a title for anything over 10 years old, but there are stipulations.

How old is that battery? And her's the kicker.... EVERYONE here will tell you, VERY first thing you do when you get it home is change ALL the fluids. Never ever take a sellers word on maintenance. You will need to chance oil, that means oil and filter. Brake fluid, might needs brakes too, caliper could be stuck which means parts, but you won't know until you try to take it apart to change the pads. Tires, ANY dry root? Any sign at all of dry root = don't think about riding that bike, buy tires. I don't know the 500, shaft drive? Change that oil too....

Registration, inspection. All "hidden fees" insurance....
If your budget is $1200 you better get that thing for $800.

Oh yeah... Helmet? Jacket? Gloves? more "hidden fees".
Oh hey... Welcome to motorcycling! You're gonna love it.

[Canyon]

Originally Posted by gordo2472003

Why no left side pic?

There's no left side pic in the CL posting for sale, can't see that side.

[TylerLew89]

Wow thanks for the replies all. Upon actually seeing the bike, I don't think he had reason to not show the left side...must not have thought it to be all that important. If anything, the left side looked better than the right in person.

As far as my "overall" budget goes I do have room to account for title, registration, inspection and such. Helmet and gear and even a cover I have from my dad's old Harley days. (By old I mean 4 years ago...the helmet is still usable).

I would've loved to drive home today with a new used bike but unfortunately the seller was a little too firm. I can see how $1200 is a reasonable price but the bike just wasn't in that good of condition. He said the mechanic he took it to after he bought it did some things to it that he couldn't remember. Apparently they were written down on a paper he lost. Also mentioned something about the mechanic mentioning that the previous owner seemed to replace some bolts with the 'wrong' bolt and they had to be replaced.

The turn signal as well was a little finicky. It took some playing with to make sure the signals turned on.

I'm gonna stay on the hunt though...just hope I can find something before the weather starts to get cold!