As a schoolboy I drooled over the vf750f. Bought one in '88. I have another now which I'm tweaking with......so far a 7 year project!🤣🤣 life's busy... But I've swapped to a cbr600 swing arm and forks.😊
I wanted a vf500 so bad in ‘84 when they came out. I didn’t have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it of and was only a first year bricklayer apprentice. Bottom line I couldn’t get a loan😂 Now I’m turning 65 in a couple of months and I have a garage full of Hondas, one Yamaha and one BMW. My latest acquisition is a 1974 Honda MT250 Elsinore and I still dream of having a vf500.
Bought a used VF750F for $2k in ‘92. Rode it from Charleston, SC to Spokane, WA in 4.5 days. What an experience! Loved that bike. It was my first street bike and I’ll always have a soft spot for it.
Just saw this today, no doubt due to recent searches. Nice job! The video really brought me back as Interceptors came out as I was getting into motorcycling as a teenager. It hit home big time, as I owned the following in my youth: V45 interceptor, 1000 Interceptor, '86 VFR750, 90 VFR750, 2000 VFR800, 2008 VFR800 and even a VT500 Ascot which made an appearance (my first bike). Continuing the small world trend here, YESTERDAY, I acquired a VF500 Interceptor in fantastic shape. It was the bike that made me fall in love with motorcycles as a teenager. It will be brought to showroom condition this year. Thanks for the memories.
Watching this video brought back fond memories spending time on the winding backroads riding the 1984 VF500F 'miniceptor', 1986 VF1000R, and 1996 VFR750. Loved all three bikes, but the 500 had a special place in my heart. Boy I miss them and they were reliable machines!
My first bike was a 1987 VFR 750 interceptor. In 2013. I had never even ridden a full size bike other than my buddy's Harley the day he taught me to ride and shift. I had ridden a little 150 around town in Miami. Moved home to Boston and eventually wanted a real bike. The gas station up the street from me had an 81 Kawasaki road bike and a Honda VFR 750 for sale. Ad soon as I touched it we bonded. I paid $800 for it then spent another $800 on a full service, plugs, fluids. Filters. New front tire. New chain. New front brakes... It was frickin awesome. I didn't realize HOW special that bike was until I told people I got it and it was my first bike. The number of people asking me if I was fuckin crazy was at first disconcerting, but only because it's such a fast and legendary bike. I'd buy another one cost for cost. Do I want a BMW, Yamaha, or Aprilia? Yes. Am I buying another motorcycle in this economy? Nope. My first week I raced a 1965 Cobra 427 up route 3 from Cape cod. It was 7am on a summer Saturday, clear and dry. He and I were the only people on the highway that moment. Old head. The type of guy that can afford a real 1965 Cobra 427 and Massachusetts registration license plate #1965. White hair. Ford trucker cap. Aviators. $30,000 Rolex. I was that close. Oyster Perpetual Day/date. I pulled up in the left lane while he was cruising the right, to offer a nod and pay my respects to the vehicle and it's accomplished owner. Those are the rules I don't make the rules. You see a Shelby Cobra you pay respect to the car and the driver. Superformance, Factory 5, or Shelby American, it doesn't matter. He returned my nod with a little wave. We're going 75. He gooses it to 90 real quick. I respond with the same. He gooses it to 110. I do the same. He looks ahead, sees no police, guns it and I chased him. 130...140... Both back off. Look at each other and share a smile and a shake of the head in minor disbelief. He slows back down to 75-80 and I carry 90 up towards Boston. The entire thing lasted maybe 30 seconds from my nod to my departure. It happened so fast and we both hit 140 so fast that is the actual point of the story. We didn't "race" competitively, we just played a little tag with our fast toys. And backed off immediately. That was my first week as a motorcycle owner and the Interceptor was so smooth and straight at 90 that it was almost impossible to dip to speed limit on open highway without remembering every 4 seconds to check speed. It was a perfect size for stability and agility. That squared aluminum chassis was sweet as fuck. But the real star is that 4-cylinder masterpiece from the kings. I got to 140 so fast from 90 that I didn't have time to feel it or get scared. Once I noticed I was most certainly aware of my circumstances. But that fucking bike was rock solid. No gear was high enough. It bucked up at the front like a racehorse through 4. My carburetor was really well-tuned. No effort of mine. Some skilled tech did it. But it worked and as long as you revved as high as the bike wanted, they stayed pretty clean and strong. I do not work for Honda I just have fond memories. By the way, I'm 5'10", 150lbs. So unless I was over the tank well when I shifted. The bike acted like I wasn't there. Now I understand the 500 or 600 would have been a better first bike if I knew what I was doing. I'm glad I didn't. It was a tiny bit big for my frame, but I still fit fine. It's size made it smooth at every speed.
It was my first 'big' bike (ccs), too. 1983 VF750FD. They use to spin up so easily, sounded great, cams ,etc replaced under warranty, ran sweet after that.
@@colinm1325 everyone recognizes as a good, reliable, sporty when they want to be, car company. Riders know that Honda is the true pioneer of post war personal transportation and really led the industry and changed the world with 2 wheeled vehicles. The cub is the best selling motorized vehicle of all time. Honda has pioneered so many engine configurations for so many vehicles, have won so many titles in so many arenas. Boaters know Honda means you won't get stranded at sea in your Grady white or Robalo or Boston Whaler. Aviation enthusiasts love the Honda jet. If anybody reading this has never seen the Honda Jets they so frickin cool. I'm not even a Honda Fanboy I do not drive a Honda I do not own a Honda anything any longer but I would if I needed it. I just definitely recognized quality and revolution. My VFR 750 was so good and since it was my first bike I didn't even realize how good it was until other people told me that what I had was special. That was the Golden age of sport bikes. They were brand new and you had Honda and Yamaha and Kawasaki and Suzuki fighting for 300kmh on 2 wheels. So cool.
Disagree. That's a fine first bike. You're a lucky Motorcyclist to call that Legend your First. Mine was an 82, 920 Virago with digital dash and monoshock. An unsung handling legend! It had a factory installed full fairing. Had a custom Pearl Electric Purple paint job. Riding buddies called it Purple Rain. Air suspension rules!
what a fun bike to ride! I am just starting to rebuild my 1983 vf750f and 84 vf500f this year! I can't wait to get them back up to spec and on the road again!
My first bike was a 1985 VF700F. Loved that bike. Was a blast to ride. Could cruise in 5th gear and just roll on the throttle to blast past cars. I would love to get another one if I get the chance again.
I remember growing up and seeing the 500 interceptor. I looked at that bike like I looked at it like a women. I drolled over it till I was old enough to buy a VFR 750. I was in heaven. I knew I was hooked on motorcycles. After 30 years of riding and over 30 plus bikes, I still ride and have 6 bikes left.
In 1983 I was stationed in Japan in the military and I bought the Interceptor in the base exchange for $2300. It was and still is my favorite bike. I especially liked the fact that the 90 degree cylinder arrangement meant that there was almost no vibration at any RPM. I loved the handling and sound of the engine. I rode it all over Japan, even in a typhoon in Northern Japan. I liked almost everything about the bike but one thing - when stopped at a stoplight the engine fan would come on and the engine heat was directed right on my body - very uncomfortable.
Great stuff. It made sense why Honda didn't notice the fatal camshaft flaw when their R and D time was cut in half. Those V4 recalls and class action lawsuits nearly bankrupted Honda motorcycles, thus staining V4 motorcycle engine and relegating them to a niche subset for bikes. It's really sad too, as V4's may be the best design for a streetbike - if done correctly.
my first bike VF700F in 1986. After years riding I have learned the V4 configuration is best low end mid range and red line power is all there…Ride one and you will understand
My friend bought a new 700cc interceptor, but I bought a new 700cc Nighthawk’S’. In a drag race I won, and once on a high speed run I was right on his tail. But his bike was easier to ride fast because of the much superior low-end torque. However, my new 1987 Honda 600 Hurricane was faster in every sense, technology moved fast in those days.
Very nice video! My first Interceptor was an '87 VFR700F, purchased used in 1998, which I still have. Awesome bike! And I just brought an '83 VF750F home. Still learned about the history of these V4's and appreciate all the info you just provided. Safe riding!
I had an original VF750FD new. Had the cams, and sump to cam oil supply banjo bolt, all replaced under warranty. Ran well after the replacement, and as good as new. I did see a guy in Australia do a rebuild series on one, used a 2nd bike to complete the job. Apparently it was an oil starvation issue, ( in my case), continual high speed running, touring, before radars... and the cam facing was separating. Or at least the beginnings of it anyway. That was the only problem with it engine wise. Crap fitments of oe tyres tho. Heard the Dunlop Roadsmart 4's, and the Michelin Road 6's are pretty good. But each to his own if you have a preference. Kind Regards.
I'm a true believer of the VF1000R. Mine is bored .80 over and 5 angle valve job with a professional port and polish job. I actually saw one this Sunday.
I bought a VF750 F2 in 1985. Had it for two years with 15,000 miles on it when a taxi cab took me out. Big, fast bike with a remarkably wide power band. Got past the chocolate camshaft issue under warranty and was looking forward to a long relationship with it. Top heavy, and a bit twitchy at the front, with its small front wheel, these problems were sorted with a matched set of Pirelli Phantoms in the biggest sizes that could be physically mounted without fouling. I still miss it.
@@BastardX13 A mate had one, went well for sure. I didn't set the suspension for me, he was a little lighter, so it felt soft and a bit mushy, it was only a short ride though, l probably would have gotten used to it.
I'm debating between one of these and a CB350 right now. Both very different, for sure, but both hold their own appeal to me. I'd leave the Interceptor pretty much stock, apart from swapping to a 17 inch front wheel. The CB350, on the other hand, would get a lot of custom work done to it.
The 84 1000 Interceptor, one of my favorite of the old bikes but unfortunately they've become expensive for nice examples so I'll probably never have one. At least I had both the V65 Sabre and Magna decades ago and they were fast bikes from their era. At least I still have an 83 1100F Super Sport and 79 CBX. The old bikes, while not as fast and agile as the new stuff, are still great machines that I'd rather have if given a choice.
One thing I really like about the C models is the four muffler look. Companies make a 6 into 6 for the CBX but it's very expensive and adds weight to an already heavy bike. Mine has the DG 6 into 1 which is lighter and sounds fantastic when wound up. Still always looking for some of the other old bikes I like but hard to find and mucho dinero.
My first big bike, bought one of these new ( was called the VF750F here) in August 1983, quite a step up from the XL125R I learned on. Liked it a lot, though quite a tall bike, and I would agree it could be slightly vague feeling in the twisties, I suspect better tyres would have sorted that out. Never actually kept it that long to be honest as first it had Cam chain tensioner issues ( that it was recalled for) then the chocolate cam-shaft issue appeared and while it never caused me an immediate problem, I seen the writing on the wall as the warranty expired and I wouldn't have the money to pay for new cams ( already knew other bikers who had been impacted by this with bikes off the road for ages and big bills). It did eventually get fixed by Honda- though not sure if Honda picked up the tab ( I don't think they did) and I kind of hanker after owning one again for old times sake, but I sold mine in '84.
I couldn't get one as they were too popular and priced over sticker. So I got an 1100F and beat a bunch of Interceptors at the track. But I threw the 1100 off a cliff while doing some spirited riding, so maybe that was false economy! That said, I really liked riding the GS750ES better than either of the Hondas.
by the time the 1986 VFR appeared the whole VF series became antiquated and obsolete. next, the gen3 VFR made the gen2 VFRs antiquated within just a few years
Yea thing's were changing fast in that era but it was the Interceptor that heralded in that era, that was really the first factory race bike you could buy, it was the first motorcycle that was engineered from stem to stern to be a performance racing bike, despite what people incorrectly believe before that all the motorcycle companies built Universal style bikes that just about everything about them had to be highly modified to race, the rotating assemblies in the engine's weren't engineered to withstand sustained 7,500+ RPM's, all sorts of trickery had to be done to them just to get them to last the 50 miles they needed to last on race day, the frames were, well they were the frames of that era, the factory suspensions were engineered for road comfort. But then the Interceptor came along, and it was clean sheet designed to be a pure breed race bike, immediately after that everyone had to do the same thing or they were going to get left in the dust and for the first time upper management of those huge conglomerates that all 4 Japanese motorcycle companies were divisions of had to start giving them blank checks to stay competitive instead of a budget constraint they were forced to stay inside of. And it was the Interceptor that started it all.
To me, the VFR is just behind the Gold Wing in terms of beauty riding experience, and being something else. The V-4 is just a different animal. The racing lineage can mentally stimulate you, but the riding experience is really what Honda does well. When it became an 800, ok. When it became a 1200? not the same thing.
Hired one of these in Australia when they were brand new and there was virtually NONE on the road. It cost me 600 bucks for the whole weekend and I thrashed the SHIT out of it
I’m currently rebuilding two of these beauty’s,it’s my first project and in fact my first bike altogether,almost coming to the end now of the first one and just can’t wait to see it at its glory,il get around to the second think il just sit and look at it😂great to be able to own a piece of Honda history
Likewise, I had the chocolate cams sorted under warranty and was good to go, having sorted the handling by fitting the biggest Pirelli Phantoms that could be mounted, only to be taken out by an errant taxi cab.
From what I've read, Honda did replace the camshafts back in the day. I don't know if they're available anywhere now. The knowledgeable folks over at v4musclebike.com might know of a source. Cheers!
Kawasaki always out powered Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki, the V4 just didn't get it. I rode one and missed the thrill of a high winding inline 4 with it's peakier power band. I'm sure on the track the V configuration powered out of the corners better, but who cares, most people ride on the street and it was a lack luster and tall bike.
The interceptor was not on top very long. Just a couple years, and boom, Suzuki dropped the GSXR hammer. People couldn’t ditch their interceptors fast enough to get a gixxer!
vf 750 had bad cams and bad cam chain tensioners. i did many (100+) cam and tensioners replacement. most mechanics could not meet warranty time or had the skill to do the job.
Wasn't that just the first 2 or 3 years that had what they called the "Chocolate" cams in them? And here's a question for you, seems like you'd be able to answer it, years back in the mid/late 90's a friend of mine came up with a 1000cc Interceptor that was a Lockhart edition, it was a used bike that'd sat for years in a shed and as usual whoever parked it didn't run the carbs dry, they were beyond varnish, the gas in the jets had dried to a rock hard substance that even a week of soaking in carb acid with the basket being swished around twice a day wouldn't dissolve the stuff, there was absolutely no saving them and you know what happens when you go digging through jets with stiff wires or anything like that, scratch the inside and all of the sudden it's not flowing like the number that's on it. Anyway my question is what year would it have been that they had the Lockhart model? I know it was only a sticker package and a factory installed Lockhart oil cooler and like my Erion Racing CBR929RR there isn't anything special about them except for the sticker package but for the life of me I can't remember what year that thing was, and no matter how many times I've Google'd "1000cc Honda Interceptor Lockhart edition" I can't find any information about it, I'd have loved to have gotten my hands on that bike from him one day but unfortunately when I was living out of state for a period down the road I found out that he'd died and nobody I talked to knew anything about the bike or what happened to it. Anyway I'm just curious what year that Lockhart package was available, and you seem like the guy who'd know given your experience with Interceptors.
My first bike was a 1985 VF700F. Loved that bike. Was a blast to ride. Could cruise in 5th gear and just roll on the throttle to blast past cars. I would love to get another one if I get the chance again.
I buy the 1983 original version. Now 40 years later, i am in the process to rebuilt one. Good emotion.
I bought a VF500F2 in 2014 and it's been totally reliable. I'm looking for a VF750FD in UK, but they are very rare in good condition.
As a schoolboy I drooled over the vf750f. Bought one in '88.
I have another now which I'm tweaking with......so far a 7 year project!🤣🤣 life's busy...
But I've swapped to a cbr600 swing arm and forks.😊
I wanted a vf500 so bad in ‘84 when they came out. I didn’t have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it of and was only a first year bricklayer apprentice. Bottom line I couldn’t get a loan😂 Now I’m turning 65 in a couple of months and I have a garage full of Hondas, one Yamaha and one BMW. My latest acquisition is a 1974 Honda MT250 Elsinore and I still dream of having a vf500.
Bought a used VF750F for $2k in ‘92. Rode it from Charleston, SC to Spokane, WA in 4.5 days. What an experience! Loved that bike. It was my first street bike and I’ll always have a soft spot for it.
Had an 85 VF700F. I miss that V4 roar and that smooth Honda ride.
Just saw this today, no doubt due to recent searches. Nice job! The video really brought me back as Interceptors came out as I was getting into motorcycling as a teenager. It hit home big time, as I owned the following in my youth: V45 interceptor, 1000 Interceptor, '86 VFR750, 90 VFR750, 2000 VFR800, 2008 VFR800 and even a VT500 Ascot which made an appearance (my first bike).
Continuing the small world trend here, YESTERDAY, I acquired a VF500 Interceptor in fantastic shape. It was the bike that made me fall in love with motorcycles as a teenager. It will be brought to showroom condition this year.
Thanks for the memories.
Hey, how's the resto on the VF500 coming along?
Kind Regards.
@@colinm1325 good thanks. A bit slower than expected...life happens!
Watching this video brought back fond memories spending time on the winding backroads riding the 1984 VF500F 'miniceptor', 1986 VF1000R, and 1996 VFR750. Loved all three bikes, but the 500 had a special place in my heart. Boy I miss them and they were reliable machines!
huh ?? alot of 500 engines suffered from dropped valves that destroyed it. most VF500s today are stuffed into boxes under workbenches
LOVED my '94 and '97 VFR 750 F's! Both of 'em.
Just bought an '86 to fix up and have as my first bike. 500cc is more than enough for me, and it's such a sweet sounding thing
My first bike was a 1987 VFR 750 interceptor. In 2013. I had never even ridden a full size bike other than my buddy's Harley the day he taught me to ride and shift. I had ridden a little 150 around town in Miami. Moved home to Boston and eventually wanted a real bike. The gas station up the street from me had an 81 Kawasaki road bike and a Honda VFR 750 for sale. Ad soon as I touched it we bonded. I paid $800 for it then spent another $800 on a full service, plugs, fluids. Filters. New front tire. New chain. New front brakes... It was frickin awesome. I didn't realize HOW special that bike was until I told people I got it and it was my first bike. The number of people asking me if I was fuckin crazy was at first disconcerting, but only because it's such a fast and legendary bike. I'd buy another one cost for cost. Do I want a BMW, Yamaha, or Aprilia? Yes. Am I buying another motorcycle in this economy? Nope.
My first week I raced a 1965 Cobra 427 up route 3 from Cape cod. It was 7am on a summer Saturday, clear and dry. He and I were the only people on the highway that moment. Old head. The type of guy that can afford a real 1965 Cobra 427 and Massachusetts registration license plate #1965. White hair. Ford trucker cap. Aviators. $30,000 Rolex. I was that close. Oyster Perpetual Day/date. I pulled up in the left lane while he was cruising the right, to offer a nod and pay my respects to the vehicle and it's accomplished owner. Those are the rules I don't make the rules. You see a Shelby Cobra you pay respect to the car and the driver. Superformance, Factory 5, or Shelby American, it doesn't matter. He returned my nod with a little wave. We're going 75. He gooses it to 90 real quick. I respond with the same. He gooses it to 110. I do the same. He looks ahead, sees no police, guns it and I chased him. 130...140... Both back off. Look at each other and share a smile and a shake of the head in minor disbelief. He slows back down to 75-80 and I carry 90 up towards Boston. The entire thing lasted maybe 30 seconds from my nod to my departure. It happened so fast and we both hit 140 so fast that is the actual point of the story. We didn't "race" competitively, we just played a little tag with our fast toys. And backed off immediately. That was my first week as a motorcycle owner and the Interceptor was so smooth and straight at 90 that it was almost impossible to dip to speed limit on open highway without remembering every 4 seconds to check speed. It was a perfect size for stability and agility. That squared aluminum chassis was sweet as fuck. But the real star is that 4-cylinder masterpiece from the kings. I got to 140 so fast from 90 that I didn't have time to feel it or get scared. Once I noticed I was most certainly aware of my circumstances. But that fucking bike was rock solid. No gear was high enough. It bucked up at the front like a racehorse through 4. My carburetor was really well-tuned. No effort of mine. Some skilled tech did it. But it worked and as long as you revved as high as the bike wanted, they stayed pretty clean and strong. I do not work for Honda I just have fond memories.
By the way, I'm 5'10", 150lbs. So unless I was over the tank well when I shifted. The bike acted like I wasn't there. Now I understand the 500 or 600 would have been a better first bike if I knew what I was doing. I'm glad I didn't. It was a tiny bit big for my frame, but I still fit fine. It's size made it smooth at every speed.
It was my first 'big' bike (ccs), too.
1983 VF750FD.
They use to spin up so easily, sounded great, cams ,etc replaced under warranty, ran sweet after that.
@@colinm1325 everyone recognizes as a good, reliable, sporty when they want to be, car company. Riders know that Honda is the true pioneer of post war personal transportation and really led the industry and changed the world with 2 wheeled vehicles. The cub is the best selling motorized vehicle of all time. Honda has pioneered so many engine configurations for so many vehicles, have won so many titles in so many arenas. Boaters know Honda means you won't get stranded at sea in your Grady white or Robalo or Boston Whaler. Aviation enthusiasts love the Honda jet. If anybody reading this has never seen the Honda Jets they so frickin cool. I'm not even a Honda Fanboy I do not drive a Honda I do not own a Honda anything any longer but I would if I needed it. I just definitely recognized quality and revolution. My VFR 750 was so good and since it was my first bike I didn't even realize how good it was until other people told me that what I had was special. That was the Golden age of sport bikes. They were brand new and you had Honda and Yamaha and Kawasaki and Suzuki fighting for 300kmh on 2 wheels. So cool.
@@petertsickritzis9208
Absolutely agree Peter.
Absolutely.
Disagree. That's a fine first bike. You're a lucky Motorcyclist to call that Legend your First. Mine was an 82, 920 Virago with digital dash and monoshock.
An unsung handling legend!
It had a factory installed full fairing. Had a custom Pearl Electric Purple paint job.
Riding buddies called it Purple Rain.
Air suspension rules!
Cool shit
what a fun bike to ride! I am just starting to rebuild my 1983 vf750f and 84 vf500f this year! I can't wait to get them back up to spec and on the road again!
Love a great story. Friend of mine has put 50k miles on his interceptor. Great to hear the origins of this beast!
My first bike was a 1985 VF700F. Loved that bike. Was a blast to ride. Could cruise in 5th gear and just roll on the throttle to blast past cars. I would love to get another one if I get the chance again.
I had one new. I was 18. Sweet memories.
I remember growing up and seeing the 500 interceptor. I looked at that bike like I looked at it like a women. I drolled over it till I was old enough to buy a VFR 750. I was in heaven.
I knew I was hooked on motorcycles. After 30 years of riding and over 30 plus bikes, I still ride and have 6 bikes left.
In 1983 I was stationed in Japan in the military and I bought the Interceptor in the base exchange for $2300. It was and still is my favorite bike. I especially liked the fact that the 90 degree cylinder arrangement meant that there was almost no vibration at any RPM. I loved the handling and sound of the engine. I rode it all over Japan, even in a typhoon in Northern Japan. I liked almost everything about the bike but one thing - when stopped at a stoplight the engine fan would come on and the engine heat was directed right on my body - very uncomfortable.
Great stuff. It made sense why Honda didn't notice the fatal camshaft flaw when their R and D time was cut in half. Those V4 recalls and class action lawsuits nearly bankrupted Honda motorcycles, thus staining V4 motorcycle engine and relegating them to a niche subset for bikes. It's really sad too, as V4's may be the best design for a streetbike - if done correctly.
my first bike VF700F in 1986. After years riding I have learned the V4 configuration is best low end mid range and red line power is all there…Ride one and you will understand
Good video! Learned a lot.
My friend bought a new 700cc interceptor, but I bought a new 700cc Nighthawk’S’. In a drag race I won, and once on a high speed run I was right on his tail. But his bike was easier to ride fast because of the much superior low-end torque. However, my new 1987 Honda 600 Hurricane was faster in every sense, technology moved fast in those days.
Very nice video! My first Interceptor was an '87 VFR700F, purchased used in 1998, which I still have. Awesome bike! And I just brought an '83 VF750F home. Still learned about the history of these V4's and appreciate all the info you just provided. Safe riding!
I had an original VF750FD new. Had the cams, and sump to cam oil supply banjo bolt, all replaced under warranty. Ran well after the replacement, and as good as new.
I did see a guy in Australia do a rebuild series on one, used a 2nd bike to complete the job.
Apparently it was an oil starvation issue, ( in my case), continual high speed running, touring, before radars... and the cam facing was separating. Or at least the beginnings of it anyway.
That was the only problem with it engine wise.
Crap fitments of oe tyres tho.
Heard the Dunlop Roadsmart 4's, and the Michelin Road 6's are pretty good. But each to his own if you have a preference.
Kind Regards.
I'm a true believer of the VF1000R. Mine is bored .80 over and 5 angle valve job with a professional port and polish job.
I actually saw one this Sunday.
excessive power on a heavyweight bike with limited suspension not a good idea
I had the VF1000F. Nice power, but the suspension was mush.
Great review of an important model in motorcycle history! Thank you for sharing your insight.
I bought a VF750 F2 in 1985. Had it for two years with 15,000 miles on it when a taxi cab took me out. Big, fast bike with a remarkably wide power band. Got past the chocolate camshaft issue under warranty and was looking forward to a long relationship with it. Top heavy, and a bit twitchy at the front, with its small front wheel, these problems were sorted with a matched set of Pirelli Phantoms in the biggest sizes that could be physically mounted without fouling. I still miss it.
I had a 83 750 and a 85 1000 interceptors. Fantastic bikes!
What did the 1000 top out at?
I did prefer the 750, the handling and general feel was lighter, more agile.👍
1000 was an unheralded monster
@@BastardX13
A mate had one, went well for sure. I didn't set the suspension for me, he was a little lighter, so it felt soft and a bit mushy, it was only a short ride though, l probably would have gotten used to it.
Amazing video. Awesome job. Greetings from Brazil.
I'm debating between one of these and a CB350 right now. Both very different, for sure, but both hold their own appeal to me. I'd leave the Interceptor pretty much stock, apart from swapping to a 17 inch front wheel. The CB350, on the other hand, would get a lot of custom work done to it.
The 84 1000 Interceptor, one of my favorite of the old bikes but unfortunately they've become expensive for nice examples so I'll probably never have one. At least I had both the V65 Sabre and Magna decades ago and they were fast bikes from their era. At least I still have an 83 1100F Super Sport and 79 CBX. The old bikes, while not as fast and agile as the new stuff, are still great machines that I'd rather have if given a choice.
Buying one next week for 1100 bucks I can't wait iv always wanted one
83 1100F please. I had a 1981 900 custom with the high low transfer. Always wanted the F. Transverse air coolers forever.
One thing I really like about the C models is the four muffler look. Companies make a 6 into 6 for the CBX but it's very expensive and adds weight to an already heavy bike. Mine has the DG 6 into 1 which is lighter and sounds fantastic when wound up. Still always looking for some of the other old bikes I like but hard to find and mucho dinero.
@@rileycoish7906 Did you ever get your Interceptor?
Beautiful video. Just fantastic. Thanks!!!
Great video!!!!!!!! First bike i ever owned.
My first big bike, bought one of these new ( was called the VF750F here) in August 1983, quite a step up from the XL125R I learned on. Liked it a lot, though quite a tall bike, and I would agree it could be slightly vague feeling in the twisties, I suspect better tyres would have sorted that out. Never actually kept it that long to be honest as first it had Cam chain tensioner issues ( that it was recalled for) then the chocolate cam-shaft issue appeared and while it never caused me an immediate problem, I seen the writing on the wall as the warranty expired and I wouldn't have the money to pay for new cams ( already knew other bikers who had been impacted by this with bikes off the road for ages and big bills). It did eventually get fixed by Honda- though not sure if Honda picked up the tab ( I don't think they did) and I kind of hanker after owning one again for old times sake, but I sold mine in '84.
actually, as u proved, theyre junk. find a nice VFR instead.
honda ma donner le goût de la moto la passion ❤👍
Comcast rims? They were Comstar rims. Easy mistake. Great video!
I couldn't get one as they were too popular and priced over sticker. So I got an 1100F and beat a bunch of Interceptors at the track. But I threw the 1100 off a cliff while doing some spirited riding, so maybe that was false economy! That said, I really liked riding the GS750ES better than either of the Hondas.
How can I untainted a copy of this video . I have a1985 vf700f for 18yrs now.
by the time the 1986 VFR appeared the whole VF series became antiquated and obsolete. next, the gen3 VFR made the gen2 VFRs antiquated within just a few years
Yea thing's were changing fast in that era but it was the Interceptor that heralded in that era, that was really the first factory race bike you could buy, it was the first motorcycle that was engineered from stem to stern to be a performance racing bike, despite what people incorrectly believe before that all the motorcycle companies built Universal style bikes that just about everything about them had to be highly modified to race, the rotating assemblies in the engine's weren't engineered to withstand sustained 7,500+ RPM's, all sorts of trickery had to be done to them just to get them to last the 50 miles they needed to last on race day, the frames were, well they were the frames of that era, the factory suspensions were engineered for road comfort.
But then the Interceptor came along, and it was clean sheet designed to be a pure breed race bike, immediately after that everyone had to do the same thing or they were going to get left in the dust and for the first time upper management of those huge conglomerates that all 4 Japanese motorcycle companies were divisions of had to start giving them blank checks to stay competitive instead of a budget constraint they were forced to stay inside of.
And it was the Interceptor that started it all.
Went in to buy a 900 but got the V4 750. They were better handled better and the motors were good. They didn’t sound as good as an inline four.
To me, the VFR is just behind the Gold Wing in terms of beauty riding experience, and being something else. The V-4 is just a different animal. The racing lineage can mentally stimulate you, but the riding experience is really what Honda does well.
When it became an 800, ok. When it became a 1200? not the same thing.
Great video but I wish there was more info in the 1000vf from 85
If Honda just wouldn't screw up with the oil system design, than these engines would be Much Better.
Why did the 750s sound so much better than the 1000cc bikes? Was there a firing order change between the two?
Hired one of these in Australia when they were brand new and there was virtually NONE on the road. It cost me 600 bucks for the whole weekend and I thrashed the SHIT out of it
I’m currently rebuilding two of these beauty’s,it’s my first project and in fact my first bike altogether,almost coming to the end now of the first one and just can’t wait to see it at its glory,il get around to the second think il just sit and look at it😂great to be able to own a piece of Honda history
Hey my man ,keep us posted.
the VFR rendered all VFs obsolete antiques. they were flawed.
I had 1 the cams had to be replaced under warranty loved it until a suv decided to hit me and the bike I got off scott free but not for the poor bike
Likewise, I had the chocolate cams sorted under warranty and was good to go, having sorted the handling by fitting the biggest Pirelli Phantoms that could be mounted, only to be taken out by an errant taxi cab.
Where can we find modified camshaft ? Did honda provide them ?
From what I've read, Honda did replace the camshafts back in the day. I don't know if they're available anywhere now. The knowledgeable folks over at v4musclebike.com might know of a source. Cheers!
Also, Cycle World, the mag, and RUclips ch, have a couple guys, Mark Hoyer and Kevin Cameron, both Very Knowledgeable guys. Get in contact with them.
Where can I get a copy of this video.
No problem! Just send me your email address at askmfe@gmail.com, I'll send you a link to a copy that you can download.
Had the 500 and vfr 750 really really miss those bikes! The hurricane 600 was my favorite too!
Kawasaki always out powered Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki, the V4 just didn't get it. I rode one and missed the thrill of a high winding inline 4 with it's peakier power band. I'm sure on the track the V configuration powered out of the corners better, but who cares, most people ride on the street and it was a lack luster and tall bike.
The interceptor was not on top very long. Just a couple years, and boom, Suzuki dropped the GSXR hammer. People couldn’t ditch their interceptors fast enough to get a gixxer!
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Katana was 83 get your facts straight.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Katana
"The Suzuki Katana is a street motorcycle sold between 1981 and 2006 and then since 2019."
Chill dude...
vf 750 had bad cams and bad cam chain tensioners. i did many (100+) cam and tensioners replacement. most mechanics could not meet warranty time or had the skill to do the job.
Wasn't that just the first 2 or 3 years that had what they called the "Chocolate" cams in them?
And here's a question for you, seems like you'd be able to answer it, years back in the mid/late 90's a friend of mine came up with a 1000cc Interceptor that was a Lockhart edition, it was a used bike that'd sat for years in a shed and as usual whoever parked it didn't run the carbs dry, they were beyond varnish, the gas in the jets had dried to a rock hard substance that even a week of soaking in carb acid with the basket being swished around twice a day wouldn't dissolve the stuff, there was absolutely no saving them and you know what happens when you go digging through jets with stiff wires or anything like that, scratch the inside and all of the sudden it's not flowing like the number that's on it.
Anyway my question is what year would it have been that they had the Lockhart model? I know it was only a sticker package and a factory installed Lockhart oil cooler and like my Erion Racing CBR929RR there isn't anything special about them except for the sticker package but for the life of me I can't remember what year that thing was, and no matter how many times I've Google'd "1000cc Honda Interceptor Lockhart edition" I can't find any information about it, I'd have loved to have gotten my hands on that bike from him one day but unfortunately when I was living out of state for a period down the road I found out that he'd died and nobody I talked to knew anything about the bike or what happened to it.
Anyway I'm just curious what year that Lockhart package was available, and you seem like the guy who'd know given your experience with Interceptors.
My first bike was a 1985 VF700F. Loved that bike. Was a blast to ride. Could cruise in 5th gear and just roll on the throttle to blast past cars. I would love to get another one if I get the chance again.