I have an '82 FT 500; they aren't particularly good at any one thing, but are still a fun bike. Fairly light (compared to a four), good brakes, decent forks, and 50+ MPG. Low vibration for a big thumper, thanks to the counter-balancer, but not really suited to long high-speed cruising. Weak spots are the complex (both electrically and mechanically) electric starter, and the double-wall exhaust header, where the inner pipe has a tendency to break away from the outer pipe, which can cause a rattle or partially block the exhaust near the head port.
As far as value, I paid $400 for mine used, but that was 30+ years ago, and back then you could buy one brand new from the dealer for less than $1000; they didn't sell very well. A well sorted FT, with newer tires and clean title would be in the asking range of $1500, and non-running, complete bikes may go for as little as $500 today. If someone wants to pay $2800 for mine, I might consider selling it.
