VF400F - VF1000F, 1980s
1982 VF750S
Watch this Honda Factory video of the VF1000R in action.
VF400F
1983-84
399cc V4, liquid-cooled, DOHC 16-valve, 6-speed
Introduced in 1982 for the 83 season came an all-new middle-weight V4 sports featuring Honda's first V4 engine.
With 16-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels in a silver finished steel-tube chassis the new VF400F also featured front and rear inboard ventilated disc brakes; torque reactive anti dive control (TRAC) system; air-assisted front and rear suspension and handlebar mounted cockpit fairing.
Price at introduction:
£1,795.00 (UK, 1983)
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VF500F & VF500F2
1984-86
498cc V4, liquid-cooled, DOHC 16-valve, 6-speed
The Honda VF500F, known as "Interceptor" in North America markets, was a larger version of the VF400F (but not simply over bored!) and now with steel box-section frame and option of full fairing (F2) or half-fairing (F) models. At the time the VF500F was widely regarded as one of the finest handling motorcycles.
In 1986 Honda UK introduce the Honda VF500 Cup race series where identical VF500F2 models raced across UK circuits for championship points. The only modification permitted was the use of a Motad exhaust system for extra noise effect!
Price at introduction:
VF500F2 - £2,550.00 (UK, 1984)
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VF750S
1982-83
748cc V4, liquid-cooled, DOHC 16-valve, 6-speed
The first of the all-new series of V4 models, the VF750S was also known as the V45 Sabre in some countries.
Featuring shaft-drive, pro-link rear suspension, TRAC front suspension, hydraulic operated clutch and advanced electronics technology.
The VF750S sadly suffered from serious camshaft issues and high warranty claims and was later discontinued.
Price at introduction
£ (UK, 1982)
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VF750F
1983-85
748cc V4, liquid-cooled, DOHC 16-valve, 5-speed
The VF750F (known as Interceptor in some markets) introduced technology to the street that was only previously seen on race bikes and was given high praise by the press. The liquid-cooled V4 engine was housed in a steel box-section frame.
Unfortunately the model suffered from serious camshaft/cam-chain issues and was replaced by the 110% improved gear-driven camshaft VFR750F model in 1986.
Price at introduction:
£2,575.00 (UK, 1983)
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VF1000F
1984-86
998cc V4, liquid-cooled, DOHC 16-valve, 6-speed
Introduced in early 1984, came the biggest version of the all-new V4 series.
The VF1000F featured a similar to VF750 steel box-section frame; adjustable Pro-Link rear suspension; braced adjustable front forks; cast aluminium magnesium wheel rims (16-inch front, 17-inch rear), and an aerodynamic half fairing and lower cowl with single rectangular headlight.
Price at introduction:
£3,580.00 (UK, 1984)
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VF1000F2 Bol d'Or
1985-86
998cc V4, DOHC 16-valve liquid-cooled, 6-speed
The VF1000F2 was launched in April 1985 in celebration of Honda’s race success at the 24-hour Bol d’Or Endurance Race of France. Features included an extra radiator to assist cooling; wind tunnel designed fairing with built in ventilation system and twin storage pockets; pro-link rear suspension and 18-inch front with 17-inch rear wheels.
In the hands of British racer Geoff Johnson, a stock VF1000F2 won the IOM TT Production 1500cc Class in 1985!
Price at introduction:
£3,949.00 (UK, 1985)
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VF1000R
1984-87
998cc V4, DOHC 16-valve liquid-cooled, 6-speed
In March 1984 Honda introduced the VF1000R primarily for the European markets. Its styling and specification was a showcase to celebrate Honda’s V4's racing heritage. The 'R' now featured 16-inch front with 17-inch rear wheels and the main engine technical difference compared to the ‘F’ model was that the ‘R’ incorporated gear-driven camshafts.
The VF1000R sold in the USA for just two years from 1985. At the time, the ‘R’ claimed the title of "fastest production motorcycle in the world"
with a top speed of 150mph.
Price at introduction:
£5,250.00 (UK, 1984)
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