Some more 80’s Honda action this week, only this time the bike is in much better condition and has all of its parts included! Modern sportbikes often obsessively address issues of weight while clawing at ever-higher horsepower numbers, worshiping at the temple founded by Lotus founder Colin Chapman and his philosophy that, “adding power makes you faster on the straights, subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere.” Today’s Honda VF1000R is a substantially-engineered motorcycle that lives by the first part of that axiom, but falls down a bit on the second…
Looking much like a scaled-up GSX-R, the fully-faired, monoshock VF1000R was designed to homologate a number of features for Honda’s endurance-racing efforts, but was actually noticeably heavier than the sport-touring VF1000F at over 600lbs wet. The 998cc V4 replaced the F’s timing chains for the gear-driven cams that would eventually become an Interceptor calling-card, while anti-dive front suspension, quick-release axles, vented rear brake disc, and distinctive Comstar modular wheels fitted with radial tires rounded-out the exotic package.
All-in-all, the VF1000R was a bit of a disappointment as a roadbike, but that was never really the objective anyway: like most homologation machines, it was built to allow specific included parts to be used in much higher-performing, production-based racebikes. And it paved the way for Honda’s all-conquering RC30 and RC45, although I understand those were also fairly disappointing in road trim. Spare me your anger and flame in the comments section: I freely admit I’ve never ridden either of them, but I’ve read plenty of period reviews that were less than impressed, especially considering those bikes’ price tags then and now. Once again: road performance wasn’t really the point of those bikes, either.
This particular example from ’85 has been upgraded with the dual-headlight setup from an ’86 model and looks to be in pretty spectacular shape, considering the bike’s age and the fact that it has seen a reasonable amount of road use, as opposed to a pampered life in a collection. For most of us, that just makes it sweeter, and means that it’s a runner, not a display bike. The included D&D pipes should make this bike a real howler: among Ducatisti, D&D is known for making pipes that exchange volume for anything resembling subtlety…
From the original eBay listing: 1985 Honda VF1000R for Sale
Super Clean 1985 VF1000R, dual headlight upgrade over the original single one, clean paint, like new tires, smooth idle, it’s a Honda all the way!!! I hate to part with it, but I destroyed my left shoulder in Afghanistan and just can’t take the lean forward any more 🙁 … She is garage kept, and the pics don’t do it justice… I will include a set of D&D pipes to the winning bidder as well! Any Questions just ask, I’m listing an Aprillia 1000R in a few more days as well.
Thanks for looking
The biggest challenge with many Japanese bikes from the 80’s and 90’s was their mass-produced affordability: people bought them, rode them hard, and exploited their famed reliability. That means in spite of higher production, tracking down nice examples of bikes like this can be just as difficult as finding a more exotic Ducati or Bimota that was produced in much smaller numbers, but has led a much more pampered life.
There are still a few days left on the auction and bidding is active, although the reserve has still not been met at just north of $3,000. Much more a “GT” and less of a “back-road-burner” by today’s standards, this should make for a pretty cool road tool for Honda fans and that V4 soundtrack, complete with gear-whine, will make any bike fan smile.
-tad
Well Tad , all the dots seem to connect here . Looks like a nice clean example and quite well taken care of . My area of expertise here . These bikes are heavy , but once rolling you would be surprised how much lighter they feel . You actually can lean them over quite far on the road or track for that matter and see how they really are related to the FWS100 and the RS850/920 endurance racers . When you are pushing one in your garage it feels like a ton but as I said once rolling it is quite flick-able . Sure you can’t compare it to new R1s for handling but back in the day it was up there for everything . Again the FJ1100 , I believe , might have outsold it because it was very expensive new . Even one of the magazines back in the day (Motorcyclist I believe …) used it for a 24 Hour one bike endurance challenge at a racetrack in the States ( off the top of my head I cannot remember which one..) . It also for sure was a heavier bike than a 900 Ninja . Still as a lot of Honda products it was over the top with its composite bodywork and other neat little details other bikes didn’t have such as its neat toll roll in a denim pouch and cool little locking toolbox . Also for tall people (I am 6’3″) it is very comfortable as far as Sport-bikes go . A longer reach to the bars but you don’t feel cramped on it .
I am 5’7″ and would look like a toddler on this behemoth. that being said I would love to have one.
The gear whine and sound these make with pies is unforgettable……….take it from me, it’s been 24 years and I still want one.
Pipes that is, lol
Speaking of the VF1000 vs the FJ1100. I rode an FJ for the reason stated above. The VF1000 was rather expensive and at the end of the day both these 2 beasts could give each other a run for their money. Both bikes feeling a lot more agile once rolling than their bulk suggests.
The howl of the VF1000 coming down the mountain was something to behold from behind. That was always my excuse for being unable to pass it – I was enjoying the sound too much 🙂
The VF1000R is definitely one of those iconic bikes that left an impression.
I love these bikes . For those of you (like myself too) who missed the boat or were too young to afford one I offer you the chance to own one (or have one again as the case may be….) . I am restoring two of them over the next year . I also have many parts available for your restorations or parts you may be missing from a VF1000R your are purchasing now . Look for me on http://www.vf1000r.com . Same nick : RC30FREAK