1986 Honda VF1000R

Honda, to all extent and purposes, invented the Superbike with the 1969 Honda CB750, developing the inline-4 across the frame configuration for the next decade plus. But in the 1980s the manufacturer shifted some focus to a range of engines with a V-shape architecture. The opening act was the formidable VF700/750, a 4-cylinder, fairly upright tourer with out and out sportbike capabilities. Smaller 400 and 500cc V4 iterations were introduced to the range and then a range-topping 150mph Super-version was released. The VF1000R was expensive and fast, and it looked it. 117bhp was wrung out at 10,000rpm of the liquid-cooled, gear-driven (as opposed to chain-driven) camshaft V-4.

A full-on, race-based, liter-class sportbike, the Honda VF1000R, was introduced in Europe only, while the company brought the more touring-oriented VF1000F to the North American market. But public outcry forced Honda to add the ‘R’ to the brochure for ’85.

The motorbike offered

The red/white/blue superbike offered here was recently treated to a comprehensive service, which included attention to spark and carburetion systems, rebuilt brake calipers and master cylinders using OEM Honda parts, new chain and sprocket, windshield, battery, etc. Now, with just over 20,000 miles on the odometer, this two-year only modern highly-collectible and sure to increase in value classic is ready for its next discerning collector.