Bazza's latest Interceptor......

[Baz]

For starters.....I really had no intention of buying another one. I really didn't.

But this one is different.

It's the legendary VF500F......a model I did not have but thought I would love to have one day....if the planets all aligned. And boy did they ever!

It's an '86, considered to be the best of the 3 years they were produced ('84, '85, & '86). It was located close enough to drive and pick her up. And....it needed nothing. In almost perfect condition....including brand new tires!

Now how could anyone pass that up?

This bike handles like a freaking DREAM! Took her out last night for a 15 mile romp and I was in heaven!

[jrj3rd]

Hi, my name is Baz and I am an addict...

[Tim Hancock]

My '86 is not super fast but is still fun to take out on spirited rides.

[PKINGHAM]

My 18 year old son just bought one of those as his first street bike. 36k miles in good but far from perfect condition for $1200. It's not exactly fast, but it should be a really good starter bike.

[Steve Carlton]

Whatever you do, Baz, don't try a BMW boxer twin.

[Zeke]

Does that bring the count to 11?

[Mike80911]

Thye first street bike I ever purchased was a 1984 Interceptor 500 bought it brand new from a local dealer. I think I paid around $3000 all in. I loved that bike I had a license plate frame that said You've Just Been Intercepted.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by jrj3rd

Hi, my name is Baz and I am an addict...

Something going on......lol.....

Originally Posted by Tim Hancock

My '86 is not super fast but is still fun to take out on spirited rides.

Interesting - mine hauls butt - but maybe it's all relative? I need to get it out on US 1 north of the city limits and open her up.....last night only got her up to 50......

Originally Posted by PKINGHAM

My 18 year old son just bought one of those as his first street bike. 36k miles in good but far from perfect condition for $1200. It's not exactly fast, but it should be a really good starter bike.

Awesome - congrats to your son and hope he enjoys it!

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Whatever you do, Baz, don't try a BMW boxer twin.

Like this one?

Originally Posted by Zeke

Does that bring the count to 11?

I think so, Milt.....4 first Gens, 1 third Gen, and 6 second Gens.

(for those keeping score)

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Mike80911

The first street bike I ever purchased was a 1984 Interceptor 500 bought it brand new from a local dealer. I think I paid around $3000 all in. I loved that bike I had a license plate frame that said You've Just Been Intercepted.

Great story, Mike....especially the license plate frame.....that's very cool!

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by Baz

Interesting - mine hauls butt - but maybe it's all relative? I need to get it out on US 1 north of the city limits and open her up.....last night only got her up to 50......

Well mine is "relatively" quick and handles ok but nothing like more modern 600cc + sport bikes.

I have had mine over 100 mph many times but it just does not pull as hard as modern bikes. It is plenty fast for passing cars and playing on curvy roads. It has plenty of power to ride two up with my wife on board even in the mountains. In the 80's it was probably about as good as it got for a sporty 500 from the 4 Japanese companies. I like mine but only get the urge to ride a bike on occasion. I could never justify buying a new bike as I don't ride enough anyway. That said.... it has been fun taking it on the back of the motorhome and then riding it around in vacation spots..... I often get asked questions from random people we meet who remember these bikes from when they younger. The '86 500's are neat in that they had this different color scheme.

[MMARSH]

Those are great bikes. Quick is definitely relative. I took my 86 GSXR-750 with a 1200 bandit engine and my BMW HP4 to the track a few years ago. They had a portable dyno there so I strapped them both up. The GSXR put out 112HP at the wheel which isn't bad. The HP4 put out 180HP at the wheel completely stock. At the time, that was the highest HP he had seen with a completely stock bike. These days there are several bikes that can make over 200HP.....heck I remember when the magic number was 100HP, that was insane. Now my KTM adventure bike puts out more then that in off road mode...

[Bill Douglas]

Wow, great condition. Looks like a new bike to me.

[CurtEgerer]

Suggestion Baz: just get one thread going and then each week - as you buy another (and another, and another, and .... ) - you can simply add it. Easier for those of us in the cheap seats to follow along. I don't even ride, but I know I've always liked the look of the Interceptors!

[Steve Carlton]

You should have said something 10 bikes ago!

Baz- how many of these have the gear-driven cams?

[Eric 951]

You are a sick, sick man...but in a good way.

[oldE]

Hey, take it easy on my friend. He is having a "late life crisis ". He turns 70 next week.
Hey wait! So do I!

Best
Les

[Steve Carlton]

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Tim Hancock

Well mine is "relatively" quick and handles ok but nothing like more modern 600cc + sport bikes.

I have had mine over 100 mph many times but it just does not pull as hard as modern bikes. It is plenty fast for passing cars and playing on curvy roads. It has plenty of power to ride two up with my wife on board even in the mountains. In the 80's it was probably about as good as it got for a sporty 500 from the 4 Japanese companies. I like mine but only get the urge to ride a bike on occasion. I could never justify buying a new bike as I don't ride enough anyway. That said.... it has been fun taking it on the back of the motorhome and then riding it around in vacation spots..... I often get asked questions from random people we meet who remember these bikes from when they younger. The '86 500's are neat in that they had this different color scheme.

OK thanks Tim....makes sense!

[Baz]

Originally Posted by MMARSH

Those are great bikes. Quick is definitely relative. I took my 86 GSXR-750 with a 1200 bandit engine and my BMW HP4 to the track a few years ago. They had a portable dyno there so I strapped them both up. The GSXR put out 112HP at the wheel which isn't bad. The HP4 put out 180HP at the wheel completely stock. At the time, that was the highest HP he had seen with a completely stock bike. These days there are several bikes that can make over 200HP.....heck I remember when the magic number was 100HP, that was insane. Now my KTM adventure bike puts out more then that in off road mode...

Yep.....and I'm only going by seat-of-the-pants feeling.....so heck by that unit of measure they are ALL fast!

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Wow, great condition. Looks like a new bike to me.

Thanks, Bill...I agree......and is why I pursued this one as I did. I like 'em when everything works and everything looks good...lol......