The Honda VF1000R is one of those interesting bikes that always evokes emotion and usually is well received here on the pages of Rare. Originally conceived as a homologation bike for racing, the VF1000R did inspire homologation race bikes and contribute to race efforts, even though the plans to homologate it fell through. Best known for endurance racing in Europe and the gear-driven cam arrangement that found its way into the vaunted RC30, the VFR1000R stands tall with livery reminiscent of Freddy Spencer, and a raft of clever features that speak to Honda’s “engineering-first” philosophy.
1985 Honda VF1000R for sale on eBay
While the basics of the VFR1000R motor come from the lower-spec “F” DNA, the R was developed specifically for the gear driven cam arrangement. The idea here is that geared cams can be indexed more accurately than the belt driven type, and this plays into the hands of highly-stressed, high RPM race motors. The cams themselves were nestled into an all new four-valve head, intended to increase air flow and raise compression over the F model. The result was an approximate 10 HP gain, and the potential for future development with an eye to building all-out race motors. The downside was that the added complexity added weight. The VFR1000R outweighs the commensurate 1000F by a figure similar to the HP gain, which for a race bike is not ideal.
From the seller:
1985 Honda VF1000RVery Clean bike coming out of a private collection. The bike is just how you see it in the pictures, needing nothing other then a new battery to make it ready to go.
From the bulbous, all encompassing bodywork with the solo seat cowl, to the large, single headlight (only the 1986 year bikes received the Euro dual-headlamp look in the US), from the GP-inspired 16″ front wheel with quick change hardware to the adjustable Pro-link rear suspension, the modular ComStar wheels, the VF1000R was a quality piece of kit. That helped explain the nearly 50% price increase over the F model, ensuring exclusivity and dooming the R to relatively poor sales by comparison. Today these factors make this a rare model for a non-homologated, mass produced sport bike.
Today’s example is claimed to be a museum bike, and the pictures show a clean VFR1000R surrounded by Honda siblings (and a lone Suzuki XN85 Turbo). The odometer shows a low 11,0000-ish miles, and the seller claims that the bike needs nothing except a battery. The doubter in me wonders how one knows until a battery is actually installed and the bike started, but the pictures show a well-cared for example, and this era Honda has a rather bulletproof reputation overall – so I will overlook that. It might be just shadows, but I also detect possible scratches/rash on one of the fairing panels. There have been a fair number of bidders and a significant number of watchers on this one, however the auction is below $5k which is a good deal for someone if it closes like this. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!
MI
Boy, would I like to park this next to my ’85 GPZ900.
Not saying someone is trying to pull a fast one but FFS spend the $80 and buy it a new battery!!!!!
Beautiful bike. However, I agree with jasonu. Any details on the recent maintenance to have the bike all ready to run with just a new battery would be helpful. We all know that when bikes sit for a period of time without proper storage procedures, they are going to need more than a battery. I have no issues with a seller stating the bike has been sitting and will need the neccessary maintenance to get it runnung again. With this bike, you just don’t know.
In ebay listings I look at the bikes surroundings as much as the bike. IMO the surroundings tell me about the owner and how the bike has been cared for. Plus I ask alot of questions. In this case the surroundings are very clean and look well cared for. This is either a no reserve auction or it had a low reserve, the seller is letting the market set the price. Last the bidders are probably going to add it to their static collection. This appears to be an auction where no battery is not an issue. Otherwise I’m with you jasonu.
eBay shows SOLD at $7,652. Congratulations to the buyer and seller!
-Mike
Very lucky to have my totally original 900miles from new vf1000r-g. Even has original tyres from new. lol. Part of my Honda collection. Must be one of the best in the world outside a museum. Its a big old lump compared to my zx10r.