Honda has been a believer in the V4 engine configuration for a long time, and it really started with bikes like this VF750F that includes a genuine HRC racing engine kit! Introduced in 1982 and available in a variety of displacements, including 400cc and 500cc versions, it was really the VF750F that really defined the breed, as it was the displacement eligible for AMA competition. V4 engines are complex and expensive to produce, but make flexible power, are very compact, and make some of the best noises in the motorcycling world. Unfortunately, some early VF750’s suffered from the notorious “chocolate camshafts” where cam lobes crumbled and caused engines to fail. This was swiftly corrected and didn’t affect all models, but Honda’s reputation took a hit. The upside that is the bikes that followed, particularly the VFR750, were so massively overbuilt and lovingly bolted together that they helped to cement Honda’s V4 machine in the public’s mind as the ultimate sports-touring motorcycle.
By now, that shouldn’t be a problem for a bike like this one that has already had 18,000 miles roll under the wheels. And if problems do appear, you can just swap in that HRC engine kit! That kit replaces the stock bike’s timing chains with a set of precise gears as you can see in the photo below, just like on last week’s VF1000R.
Part of what makes the 90° V4 so charismatic is that it’s no high-strung screamer like an inline four. The 748cc engine put a claimed 86hp through a five speed gearbox and could push the 487lb dry machine on to 134mph. At nearly 550lbs wet, the bike wasn’t exactly light, but it was agile, powerful, and even a little bit practical: the traits off the later jack-of-all-trades VFR are present even in this early incarnation.
From the original eBay listing: 1985 Honda VF750F with Full-Factory HRC Engine Kit for Sale
Very rare piece of race history with the HRC engine kit. Build your own HRC Spencer replica!
Starting with a 1985 VF750F. This bike has been with the original owner up to 2015. Bought new and lovingly maintained over the past 32 years. Now in my possession, I have recently installed a NOS period correct (1983) Supertrapp exhaust. The bike has 30,000 KM, ( 18,000 miles). it looks new with no blemishes or flaws. It is in incredible condition and runs flawlessly. It is a perfect platform to start your replica build. I have the original bill of sale too.
The bonus piece and the reasons for the price is the full factory HRC engine kit included with the bike. There is a full engine supplied to make this a Freddie Spencer HRC VF750R replica, (Freddie Spencer decals included). Race fairing and rear cowl is included as well. All that is needed to complete is the exhaust and radiator/oil cooler combo, (or just use the NOS supertrapp currently on).
Specific on engine: 1983 HRC NC5 VF750 Gear Driven Superbike engine. This is one of about 25 HRC Kit engines which were imported from HRC to American Honda’s Race Team, some were used in house and others were sold to priveteers. (*Carbs in picture not included in sale*).
This engine will need to be assembled. The rods/piston’s are not in the motor. Most parts will be suppiled for the rebuild as in new rings, new pistons, Titanum rods. The HRC manual will be supplied for information, set up, complete list of all kit parts and part numbers.
These kits were about $9500 new in 1983 and included Magnesium valve covers, clutch, ignition and oil pan in Mag. The HRC parts included in these race motors included the following, Gear Driven Cams, Close Ratio Trans, Titanuim Rods, Titanium Valves, HRC Ported Heads with byrilum seats, HRC Crankshaft, oil pump, Dry Clutch and ignition. *Carbs in picture not included in sale*.
I am not sure where you will ever get another opportunity like this. Act fast, my email is already loading up with messages!
The seller is asking an eye-watering $13,900 for the package, which seems pretty shocking until you consider that engine. Maybe it’s best to think of it as a Honda race engine with a spare bike included, since VF750Fs currently aren’t especially valuable at the moment, although prices appear to be on the rise. That being said, from the few photos of the actual bike that are included, this appears to be an exceptionally clean, if not 100% original example of this significant machine.
-tad
That price may be high, but I’d rather have this than any number of new bikes that sell for about the same figure. And this won’t be getting any less rare!
Lest one not forget “flyin’ Fred Merkel on one of these, during the days of the AMA superbike 80’s… Brilliant! With Doug Chandler on the Kwak, et. al. Oh yeah, me thinks Fat Freddie rode a HRC VFR in the day, but I might have high-sided too many times to remember stuff…
No Sale at the $13,900 opening ask. Not even a nibble!
-Mike