Today is a good day because I am finally able to post one of all time personal favorite bikes, a 1993 Honda VFR 750F in the uber-cool white bodywork.
For those readers too young to remember, the early 1990’s was when the 600cc class really came into being, with Motogp-level technology suddenly being incorporated into 600cc bikes like the Honda 600 F2 and Kawasaki ZX6R. The 750cc class, which had previously been the main destination for those who wanted to experience “race tech on the street” was suddenly under sales assault and Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki all responded by making their 750cc offerings even more track tech oriented. But Honda decided to go a different route and took its existing VFR J/K series (also known as the RC28) and made it into possible the best all around sportbike of the 1990’s.
The VFR was a truly ground-breaking motorcycle. Equipped with a 90 degree V4 that incorporated a gear-driven cam system and an advanced aluminium twin-spar chassis, the real strength of the VFR was its staggeringly high build quality and its ability to do everything. Produced just a few years after Honda’s V4 “chocolate cam” debacle, Honda was determined to restore its reputation for engineering prowess. How far was Honda willing to go? It’s generally accepted that Honda was so determined to regain its reputation that the 750 VFR series was actually a break-even/barely profitable product for Honda until it was increased to 800cc in 1998.
Despite Honda’s focused on being ultra-reliable/usable, the VFR’s handling was on a par with the best superbikes of the day. Riders like Ron Haslam rode a totally stock VFR at the 1986 Transatlantic Trophy race at Donington Park and finished in third place against the likes of legend Kevin Schwantz. A stock VFR also finished eighth at the Suzuka 8-Hour race. Suffice to say the VFR was able to hold its own on the track against the more performance-oriented bikes of the time.
1993 Honda VFR 750 with only 9,300 miles
Perhaps the key thing that made the VFR so beloved among motorcycle reviewers and riders (and such a sales success) was its blend of engineering, performance and every day usability. Single-sided rear swingarm, advanced aluminum frame (the 600cc Honda F2 had steel) and advanced gear driven cams were all incorporated into a bike that also gave every day comfort and usability via great wind protection, a truly comfortable seat and a full dash. Street riding, canyon carving, distance touring in comfort, the VFR 750 was and still is ideal for all. Its not really surprising the VFR 750cc won bike of the decade and is for many people the best road bike ever built.
Given the insanely low mileage of only 9,300 miles, there will likely be some fluids that need replacing and probably fresh rubber/tires will be needed too. Other than that, this bike looks ready to go.
Here is what the seller has to say
- Completely stock 1993 VFR750F
- Solo seat cowl, Corbin saddle and stock saddle included.
- Less than 9,300 original miles on the odometer! Complete title history to prove it!
- The bike is in spectacular looking and running condition and should be considered a collector machine!
How much is the lovely and pristine VFR worth? KBB lists a retail value of about $2,800 USD but I would certainly expect to pay more than that for this one given the condition and mileage of this example. To be honest, the chances of seeing one in this condition and mileage again is very VERY remote so if this one is on your list, this may be the only opportunity you will ever have to get one.
-Marty/Dallaslavowner
Being a VFR fanatic, I can tell you that seeing a 3rd gen like this one, in this pristine of shape, is indeed very rare. White ’93 models, even more so.
It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but with a few suspension mods and some good modern tires, these VFRs can still handle their own against the current crop of sportbikes in the hands of a good rider. And they sound glorious with the gear driven cams. Personality/ character in spades that a GSXR/ R1/ CBR / Ninja can’t come close to.
Downsides? Getting replacement parts is not that difficult, as long as it’s not bodywork. Replacement bodywork is not easy to come by and most owners have creatively repaired/ repainted their own. The achilles heel of the VFR line has always been the voltage regulator / rectifiers. There is plenty of discussion on that topic on the internet and easy upgrades/ fixes.
Currently I own a 2000, 2001 and 2007 Anniversary. The gear driven cam models are my faves and always will be I wouldn’t hesitate to have a ’90-’93 or even a ’94’-’97 in my stable if I had the space.
Go for it!
not rare (maybe in this condition but cmon really?) and not that desirable, dammit guys its summer focus on bikes that actually DESERVE to be posted here please
One man’s trash Shad. These are still highly desirable to alot of riders out there. Maybe not to you, but I am interested in seeing it.
Personally I am getting tired of the “why did you post this on here” comments and have promised myself that the next time I see a Buell posted or something I disagree with, I will just keep my mouth shut, just like I wish you would.
The funny thing is there are alot of riders (probably older than me even) who could probably tear your ass a new one on this bike in the twisties.
Would anybody be interested in this bike MORE if it were located in Houston, TX?
If so, I am happy to fly in and pick this up and ride it back to my place. You can then purchase it from me for the selling price. You can expect it to get ridden thoroughly for 7 days. 🙂
Avoid shipping cost now!
Fantastic bikes! Having owned 19 bikes in my 56 years, (both an 86 VFR 750 and a ’91 VFR), I can honestly say these were my 2 favorites. The ’90-93’s were by far the best all around, do it all bikes. Fast, comfy, and as mentioned before, impeccable build quality. There comes a time in all of our lives when we can appreciate things more than just because they’re fast or cool. And yes, I’m pretty sure this old man can tear Shad a new ass on that 93…
I’d love to see Tim tear Shad a new ass on this VFR
and maybe Marty will take you up on your offer there MIchael!
so yea…NO ONE is interested in this bike. no one at all.
nice to wish isnt it
I wish it was local to me in Houston! I would seriously consider taking a look at it in person. I LOVE these early VFR’s and this white example looks to be my cup of tea. I’m 32 and have been riding since I was 8 and on the road since 17, my dad is twice my age and will drag me through the curves every time. Never under estimate experience-gray hair or not…Keep these less common/classy sport bikes coming and every one else leave their negative comments to them selves.