VF/VFR Newb. Not so Moto newb.

Hi all. I may know some of you from PNWRiders..... Darren Beatty here..... anyway, loving the sound of the V4 motor... looking to buy a old VF or VFR; dont really know where to start, and where to pick one up for cheap. I'm likely looking at 1982-1990 models to pick one up for a decent price. At any rate called on one this morning, its a 1982 VF700. I found out this is actually called a Saber? Looks like a standard. Hmmm.... dunno if i want a standard. Anyone have this bike? Do you like its cruiser styling?

Anyway, im new to the nuthouse. Just wanted to say hi.

Darren
Seattle, WA

I see RVFR aka Hulk Hogan, is a big member here. Jay. I love you.

 

Welcome aboard, Darren.
The Saber was the precursor to the VF/VFR and was a "standard" bike meaning upright seating position street bike. The VFR came from the sportier VF released in 1983 and became a sport tourer in the early 90s.
I have seen many people with new to them early generation VF/VFRs in the last few months. Deals can be found if you are willing to go through a bike that has been sitting a while. Good luck.

 

What he said.

Drewl is 100% correct.

Here are some more lil facts.

Honda produced its V4 engine line starting in 1982. The two models produced then, (mostly from Japan), were the Honda Sabre, and the Honda Magna. Honda continued the Sabre and the Magna for 3 more years, for those “sentimental” people to that bike style…although no real upgrade was ever really made for those models.

The second generation in V4, is also known as the First generation in VF/VFR motorcycles… aka “The Interceptor” Series. Interceptors were produced from 1983 to 1989. This time frame also includes the more commonly known “Second Generation Interceptor” as well. Incidentally, there have been other, more recent, commemorative “Interceptor” models made, however those are more of the paint, and body style of old. The engine, fuel delivery system, safety, and electrical systems have all been changed. (If you ask me, what’s left? The seat?)

Anne E. Way, Back to the VFR’s. In 1990, Honda introduced the same bike, but with Fuel Injection option for the V4, and renamed it simply.. the VFR series. This is what Honda refers to the “First generation VFR”; even though, by this time, its really the 4th generation VF/VFR/Interceptor series.

In 1984, Harley Davidson announced it was financially in trouble. To much repeating of history, the US Government stepped in, and introduced that same year, a tariff tax on all motorcycles over 700cc that were IMPORTED into the US. Honda was hurt the most, as it was the current leader in motorcycle sales at that time. Hence! The rarer models of the VFR700; 750; and 1000 bikes during 1984 through 1987, which were built in the USA. Those bikes have a higher value to a local Honda dealership for nostalgic reasons.

Honda wont change the mechanics of the bikes until 1998, and thus introduce the 5th Generation VFR’s. Which is more noted for the changes in the gear drive, piston stroke, and changes in torque…also, if anyone tells you they have a VFR1000 during this generation, call em a liar. Honda did not produce a full 1000cc V5 engine.

and Finally, lets not forget the babies of the VFR’s. The newbies. The infants. The bikes literally run themselves. (poke poke)~ Gen 6’ers. 2002 to present. With the performance enhancements and full electronic operation of today’s modern bikes,..I.e. Fuel injected VTEC Engines, these bikes could literally run themselves for longer periods of time. Better fuel efficient, and friction efficient, these bikes have improved handling, suspension, engine performance, and overall safety systems. The computer basically runs the bike for you. Throttle controls, brakes shifting, power-bands, hell, even the dam kickstand has some form of electronic control. But they sure are fun aren’t they?
Personally, I would be warry of any bike pre 1885. Honda had a HUGE problem on their hands before that year, on ALL bikes. Cams and drive systems were constantly under repair, and I believe Honda remade its own design at a rate of nearly 5 or 6 per month!

 

Great info! Well a bike i was looking at is actually an 82 vf750. Apparently rare, a imported j-spec model, it has fairings, its red, wht, and blue, with anodized gold wheels. He also knows about the issue with the cams and actually has an oil recovery system installed on it. Is this really a collector? Is it priced well at 2k?

 

umm. yeah.. how many miles

 

That is interesting. I know of the blue and black model. The All red. and the Red and silver model. Never heard of the red, white and blue. I'm sure the gold rims are an updated touch. all together, as long as the bike was well maintained, and in good general cosmetic shape, id say yes. $2K sounds fine.

 

My very first bike was a VF700F.. At 2k it better be in pristine condition... I sold my 85 for 1100 a couple of years ago and it had 26k miles on it...

If I had my druthers and cash I would attempt to find one of those.... But I would also love a yellow Y2K bike... I thinks it's quite literally the most beutifull VFR ever created...

 

Welcome! Is it shaft driven or chain? If it's chain it's it's an 83vf. If it's shaft I'd bet it was painted. I can't find any info period on an 82 j model. Get the Vin# this will tell you. If it ran exceptionally well I'd consider it but for my money I would look for an 85 or newer. IMHO

 

That’s because there isn’t a “j” model. I think what he may have meant that it was Japanese made.

Here is a link to some basic stats of the bike. Also, if you click “Next Picture”, you can see all the other color pallets for the model year original paint.

There is not a red, white and blue model as manufactured. That doesn’t mean however, that either this isn’t an 82, or that this bike hasn’t been repainted… given the wheel comment, I’m fairly sure. I also don’t recall him saying it was all original either… the dude did mod the oil recirculation sooooo…

Basic Stats here

Wiki of the Sabre