Faults:

Nothing yet, but I have only had it for a few months.

Mileage was low and the bike clearly had not been used much for years. Cables needed freeing up, engine and shaft drive oils badly needed to be changed with new oil and air filters; the back brake squeaked which was easily fixed by holding it on while retightening the axle; trip meter was stuck and needed lubrication.

After getting it ready again it starts immediately and runs evenly, only needing choke when temperature is near zero, but takes take six or seven miles to warm up properly.

General Comments:

Evidently this really is a low mileage example. The seat is nice and comfy and riding position nearly upright for me at 5' 10" and feet flat on the ground. However the footrests feel unnecessarily high so thighs are horizontal, presumably to allow spirited cornering, but this felt peculiar at first.

It feels very light, mirrors are fine, clutch action and gear selection are near perfect and suspension really smooths out the bumps. Handling feels steady at any speed. Sixth gear is more of an overdrive, but it revs freely from 5 or 6000 rpm and acceleration all the way to 70-80mph cruising is quite brisk, aided by what seems a relatively quick action throttle. Dials and indicators are handy and there is no buffeting or even much wind blast on motorways, so the little fairing must be working.

A Motad two into one and a mudflap are the only mods and the v-twin sound provides some character, while vibration is minimal and the shaft drive feels like a chain and makes no particular noise. In spite of their poor reputation the brakes do not seem at all lacking. This tankful has lasted 150 miles so far without needing to go onto reserve.

On the whole it feels extremely well rounded and gives the impression of more character, better quality, and maybe even better performance than than the few available modern 500cc bikes e.g. CB500, and it has shaft drive into the bargain.

It's a pity that now it's 37 years out of date, so there is no obvious solution to fitted luggage, but most service spares look easy to get. Well worth considering, whether for commuting or just for the weekend.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

One of the most reliable bikes I ever owned. Used it as a courier bike (London), then as a personal use bike later. More concerned about reliability than MPG. Had Suzuki and Kawasaki (never Yamaha); all had their pluses, but the VT was the best all rounder.

Faults:

The exhaust rotted and was replaced by a Motad system for under £250.

The electrics can be temperamental, sometimes resulting in a loss of the rear lights.

General Comments:

This is a great little shaft drive bike with quite a punchy 500cc V-twin engine. VERY easy to ride and also quite forgiving, but the pegs touch ground a little too early for my kind of riding.

I like it so much I am now converting it into a cafe racer with drop bars and rear sets, and some nice custom made bodywork. I now have another bike too, but cannot bear to sell the VT as it has been very reliable.