No Substitute – 1982 Honda CX500TC Turbo

The whole concept of “there is no substitution for cubic inches” was challenged resolutely in the 1980s by the advent of forced induction. Essentially boosting the output by shoving more air/fuel into the motor than it could breathe on its own, forced induction was not a new idea – but it was very new for…

Living the Dream – 1997 Honda CB50V

Written off as an overpriced toy by many, the re-envisioned Honda Dream 50 was more an exercise in technical engineering and nostalgia than a sales and marketing ploy. Here was a bike that recreated a throwback from 1962, a fresh interpretation of the RC110 – Honda’s first 50cc Grand Prix racer. Exclusively offered in Japan…

Euro Chic – 1986 Honda VF1000R Interceptor

One of the classic – yet misunderstood – heavyweights from the 1980s was the Honda VF1000R. Heavily influenced by endurance racing, the big Interceptor was shy of a true Homologation machine but certainly benefitted from Honda’s dedication to the track. From the gear-driven cams made famous by the RC30 to the dual headlights that illuminated…