Honda VFR 750F-G

HONDA VFR INTERCEPTOR HISTORY

Written by: Robyn Landers [email protected]
Last revised: September 1995 (version 1.1)
Revisions: mention blue VFR700F2; add a couple spec. details
Copyright: may be freely copied as long as you include this header.

INTRODUCTION

In this article, I describe the Honda VFR Interceptor in its various incarnations from 1986 to 1987. The terminology I adhere to for the Honda V4 bikes is as follows:
1st generation  V4: Sabre and Magna, 1982-1985 (Magna continued)
2nd generation V4 (1st generation Interceptor): VF, 1983-1985
3rd generation  V4 (2nd generation Interceptor): VFR, 1986-1987
4th generation  V4 (1st generation VFR, no longer "Interceptor"): 1990-present

This terminology follows major engine designs, not styling or chassis designs. It leaves out certain models, notably the VF1000R  Interceptor (not to be confused with the VF1000 Interceptor), which was kind of a transition between 2nd and 3rd generation V4s, and also the ST1100 whose engine is a V4 but doesn't fit the pattern established by the original V4 layout. It also ignores the ongoing Magna model, but perhaps we can agree that the Magna has seen less
significant development focus than the VFR concept, and has followed along with the VFR. Finally, it ignores the race-oriented RC30 and RC45.

SOURCES

My sources of information are mainly Cycle World, February 1986,
Cycle Canada, July 1986; and Motorcyclist, November 1986,
Also some Honda brochures, etc.

OVERVIEW

In 1986, Honda introduced a totally redesigned VF Interceptor, giving it the new name VFR Interceptor. The only thing carried over from the original was the 90 degree V4 concept with identical bore and stroke. Everything else was new. (Okay, maybe except for the turnsignals)

The history of this model is complicated by the fact that the USA had imposed a stiff tariff on bikes over 700cc in order to protect Harley Davidson. This gave rise to a greater discrepancy in the availability of different models for different markets than was usually the case.

I don't have any information about the European market, but I can summarize the Canadian and American VFR picture. It is simplest in Canada. We got a 750cc VFR Interceptor for 1986, and that is all. It was discontinued in 1987 as Honda trimmed its line down to a paltry 6 or 7 street bikes, after a high of about 50 in 1980 or 1981. The VFR Interceptor lasted just this one year, yielding to the Hurricanes in 1987. It was not seen again until its reappearance in 1990 redesigned again and renamed simply VFR. The Canadian VFR Interceptor was white with red and blue trim, and featured separate round instruments. Other characteristics will become apparent later. (Canada also got the RC-30, but that's another story.)

Engine, intake, exhaust:
- 180 degree crank instead of 360, new firing order
- one rocker arm per cam lobe instead of a forked rocker per pair, and individual oiling jets per cam lobe
- new valve timing, optimized for peak power at 10,500
- gear driven cams that ride in ball bearings
- lighter pistons, rings, valves, con-rods, cranks, cams
- repositioned 34mm carbs, bigger airbox, new exhaust system

Frame, running gear:
- aluminum frame
- wheelbase 15mm shorter, rake steepened to 27.8 degrees, trail increased from 96mm to 108mm
- forks decreased to 37mm, no longer braced
- no front or rear rebound damping adjustability, unlike VF
- revised TRAC anti-dive system, new brakes, 3 spoke white alloy wheels
- approximately 50 pound weight reduction

The redesigned valve train and oiling system cured once and for all the cam problem that plagued the original VF.

 List price $6799 (Cdn)

Engine:
  748cc, 70 x 48.6mm bore x stroke, compression ratio 10.5:1
  carburetion: four Keihin 34mm CV

Chassis:
  wheelbase 1480mm
  rake/trail 27.6 degrees/108 mm
  suspension travel 140 mm front, 110 mm rear
  air assisted fork with TRAC anti-dive
  tires 110/90V16 front, 130/80V18 rear
  wet weight (observed) 505 lb with full tank
  dry weight (claimed) 436.5 lb