Honda VF1000F
First came the VF1000F Interceptor in 1984 then it was superceded with the VF1000R in 1985. The VF1000R was not technically sold under the Interceptor moniker, but since it has similiar designation numbers is normally lumped into the same category.
This was Honda's first production race bike, modeled after the likes of Freddie Spencers infamous NS500; this bike has a hand-laid fiberglass fairing, a V-4 with 122 hp to the rear. The 1984 model had chain driven cams with later models being upgraded to gear driven cams.
1984
In 1984 Americans were offered only the VF1000F model while the VF1000R model existed in Europe. While, they were happy to be able to buy the big V-4, popular magazines showcased the European model, and Americans realized the model they had been offered was decidedly pedestrian in comparison.
The VF1000F'84 1000 Interceptor was sold in 1984 and was available in one color scheme: Shasta White with Candy Aleutian Blue and Candy Bourgogne Red. The seat and knee area panel were blue. The "HONDA" and "INTERCEPTOR" striping were red. The overhead camshafts were chain driven.
- Engine: Liquid-cooled, In-line V4, 16-valve, DOHC
- Displacement: 998cc
- Bore & Stroke: 77 x 53.6 mm
- Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
- Clutch: Hydraulic one-way limited-slip clutch
- Transmission: 5-speed, chain drive
- Frame: Rectangular-section frame
- Front Brakes: Dual Disc, Dual Piston Caliper
- Rear Brakes: Dual Piston, Disc
- Front Suspension: Air-assisted Telescopic Fork with TRAC™ Anti-dive
- Rear Suspension: Pro-Link™ Single Shock
- Front Tire size: 120/80V16
- Rear Tire size: 140/80V17
- Wheelbase: 1505 mm (59.2 in.)
- Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in)
- Dry Weight: 234 kg (515.7 lb)
- Fuel Capacity: 23 liters (5.1 Imp. Gal.) (6.1 US Gal.)
- The serial number began JH2SC150*EM000017
1985
1985 Honda VF1000F
1985 Honda VF1000R in Fighting Red
1985 Honda VF1000R in Fighting Red
1985 Honda VF1000R in Fighting Red
1985 Honda VF1000R in Fighting Red
1985 Honda VF1000R in Fighting Red
1985 Honda VF1000R in Fighting Red
1985 Honda VF1000R in Fighting Red
1985 Honda VF1000R
1985 Honda VF1000R
In 1985 Honda delivered and brought the VF1000R to U.S. soil. Many consider it the "first VFR" since it featured gear-driven cams which would become a trademark of the VFR line. It was an incredibly powerful bike making 120hp @ 10,000rpm and 63.7 lb-ft of torque @ 8,000rpm.
The VF1000R'85 was sold in 1985 and was available in one color scheme: Fighting Red with Shasta White and Candy Aleutian Blue. The bike had a red front fender, fork legs, center section, and seat. The upper fairing, fuel tank, and "1000R" stripe were blue. The overhead camshafts were gear driven. The engine was a 998cc DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled V-4 linked to a 5-speed transmission and chain drive. The serial number began JH2SC160*FM000001.
1986
The VF1000R'86 was sold in 1986 and was available in one color scheme: Fighting Red with Shasta White and Candy Aleutian Blue. The bike had a red front fender, fork legs, center section, and seat. The upper fairing, fuel tank, and "1000R" stripe were blue. The headlight was a dual-bulb composite type. The control levers were silver. The handlebars were forged aluminum adjustable. The fork bridge was gold anodized. Small changes to carbueretors The overhead camshafts were gear driven. The engine was a 998cc DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled V-4 linked to a 5-speed transmission and chain drive. The serial number began JH2SC160*GM100001.