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Honda VFR750F

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1991 VFR 750 in red.jpg

Honda VFR750F
VFR750 Mk.I (with differing diameter wheels)
ManufacturerHonda
Also calledInterceptor
Production1986–1997
PredecessorHonda VF750F
SuccessorVFR800
ClassSport bike
Engine748 cc (45.6 cu in), liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, carburetted, V4
Bore / stroke70 mm × 48.6 mm (2.76 in × 1.91 in)
BrakesFront: double disc
Rear: disc

The Honda VFR750F is a motorcycle manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda from 1986 to 1997. The motorcycle is a cross between a sport bike and sport tourer, and is powered by a 750 cc (46 cu in) V4 engine developed from the earlier VF700/750F models. The VFR was announced in 1986, after an initial press viewing at the 1985 Bol d'Or.

The previous VF700/750F models revealed Honda's new devotion to the V4 engine format, but the engines had proved unreliable because of the infamous "chocolate cams". Honda, having suffered a dent in its proven reputation for reliability, felt that the successor should be over-engineered to restore that damaged reputation; the resulting VFR was an exceptional and highly -regarded motorcycle.[1]

An evolution of the VF700/750F models, the VFR redesign included significant new features:

  • greater power output (104hp up from 83hp)
  • lighter weight (claimed down 20kg),[2]
  • a lower center of gravity
  • a wider front tire
  • shorter wheelbase (15mm)
  • six gear ratios
  • gear-driven cams.

Engine

The Honda VFR750F uses a 16-valve 748 cc (45.6 cu in) liquid-cooled cast aluminium alloy 90° V4 engine, with carburettor fueling, and gear-driven DOHC cams. Its crankshaft has a 180° throw, instead of the 360° crankshaft in the VF and VFR750R (RC30).[3] The VF's bore and stroke of70.0 mm × 48.6 mm (2.76 in × 1.91 in) was kept for the VFR.

The gear drive for the cams is located between the cylinders.[4] Lubrication is wet sump with a chain-driven, dual-rotor oil pump and an oil cooler. The transmission was a constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox with a wet multi-plate clutch and chain drive to the rear wheel; (an exception was the 5-speed VFR750P, which had a spacer in place of one of the gears).[5] Valve adjustment on first-generation VFR750Fs was by screw and locknut, which changed in 1990 to shim-under-bucket, along with the valve-clearance inspection interval to 16,000 mi (26,000 km).[6]

Compared to the VF750, the VFR750F saw weight shaved off from almost every component. Each connecting rod lost 90 g (3.2 oz), rocker arms 6 g (0.21 oz), the intake valve 0.5 g (0.018 oz), exhaust valves 1.5 g (0.053 oz), pistons 20 g (0.71 oz), piston rings 1.3 g (0.046 oz) per set and valve springs 17 g (0.60 oz) each.[2]

The gear-driven camshaft system removed any lingering concerns about cam-chain maintenance, which had dogged the VF-series engines.[7]

Chassis

The 1986 VFR750F has an alloy twin spar frame[8] which uses the engine as a stressed member. The cast aluminium headstock connects to the rear castings via 28 by 60 mm (1.1 by 2.4 in) hollow extrusions.[citation needed] (The VFR750F was said to be the first of the 750 class of bikes to have such a frame).

Suspension

Front suspension on the RC24 Mk1 & Mk1a VFR750 comprised conventional Showa anti-dive[9] 37 mm (1.5 in) telescopic forks; rear suspension used a dual-sided alloy swingarm with Pro-Link progressive linkage to a single central Showa shock absorber. Rear spring pre-load adjustment could be done remotely.

RC36 MkII VFR750 bikes had non-adjustable 41 mm (1.6 in) cartridge-style Showa front forks, a single-sided rear "Pro-Arm" swingarm with a remotely pre-load-adjustable Showa shock absorber. The suspension was later upgraded to include pre-load adjustment on the forks, and damping adjustment on the rear damper.[citation needed] The single-sided swingarm allows easy rear-wheel removal (with no need to remove the drive chain nor rear axle). Chain adjustment is similarly simplified. wheel alignment. On later RC36 VFR750Fs the "Pro-Arm" swingarm was modified to reduce weight.[10]

Models

The VF750F was the successor to the VF750F, the new bike being a comprehensive redesign of the earlier unreliable model. The VFR750 appeared in the following iterations:

  • VFR750F RC24 - in Mk 1 and Mk 1A versions
  • VFR750P RC35 - Japanese-market-only police-specification model
  • VFR700F RC26 - a reduced-capacity VFR750F introduced to meet tariff restrictions in some states.
  • VFR750RK RC24 - an HRC-prepared version of the RC24 for TT F1 and endurance racing
  • VFR750FR RC36 - the second generation VFR750, with a single-sided swingarm

The following two 750cc V4 models were road-legal racing motorcycles, so comprehensively different from the standard VFR750 bikes as to be separate entities:

Production of the VFR750F ceased in 1997, its replacement being the fuel-injected VFR800Fi.

1986–1987 — VFR750FG/H (RC24)

  • Honda VFR750F RC24
    Honda VFR750F RC24
  • Honda VFR750F RC24
    Honda VFR750F RC24
  • Honda VFR750P
    Honda VFR750P
  • Honda RC30
    Honda RC30

A new model based on a complete redesign of the VF750F, with a full fairing, alloy twin-spar frame, gear-driven camshafts, and 16 inch front and 18 inch rear wheels. The VFR750FG also had a cam sensor which was omitted from all later versions.[citation needed] US and Canadian models had round gauges while all other models had square gauges.[citation needed]

1986–1987 — VFR700F / VFR700F2 (RC26)

The "Tariff Buster"[11][12] 700cc VFR700F was almost identical to the 750cc version, with minor changes to graphics (no 750 on the lower fairing), shorter stroke, different cams, and altered ignition timing.[citation needed] Otherwise the VFR700F2 was mechanically the same as the standard F, but had an upgraded rear shock and fork internals alongside square gauges.[citation needed]

1986–1987 — VFR750RK (RC24)

Not to be confused with the VFR750R (RC30) the VFR750RK was the HRC race kitted version of the VFR750F. Designed for TT F1 and Endurance racing as well as AMA Superbike.[citation needed] The kit bumped the claimed power output from 105PS@10500 rpm to 125PS@12000 rpm[13][better source needed] due to engine changes including new titanium rods (steel for AMA), pistons (raising compression to 11:1) and cams with larger (optional titanium for the inlet) valves. A new ECU bumped the ignition advance by 5°. Depending on year either the original carbs were modified or a new set were offered as an option.[citation needed]

As well as the engine parts, the kit options included a new radiator and optional secondary radiator, modified bodywork, wider wheels, new suspension (forks, shock and linkage) and the option for bars (replacing the clip-ons).[citation needed]

1988–1989 — VFR750FJ/K (RC24)

The 1988 MkI VFR750 had several revisions, with fairing redesign from a two piece to three piece, a 2-position flip up screen, exhaust redesign, stronger fork legs (up to 41mm from 37mm) while retaining anti-dive on the left leg, a more reliable ignition system, and 17 inch wheels front and rear. Other changes included larger engine valves for improved midrange along with larger carbs. Gear ratios remained the same but the gearbox shift mechanism was upgraded to the same as the VFR750R (RC30).

A clock and fuel gauge were added and the pillion footrest mounts were changed from being part of the rear subframe to bolt-on cast aluminium assemblies. New larger frame castings reduced the amount of frame welding. Revised fairing side-panels allowed easier access to the engine, and the fairing cutaways for the rider's feet were much reduced in area. The change in wheel size allowed both a greater range of tyre options and a claimed improvement in handling. This model was not imported into the US.[citation needed]

1990–1993 — VFR750FL/M/N/P (RC36)

VFR 750 F RC36

Model year 1990 saw a major redesign in the RC36 version. The forks now featured cartridge dampers, wheels were widened to 5.5 inch for wider tires, and the frame newly constructed. A single sided swingarm allowed for a narrow tail that could accommodate saddle bags while still offering comfort for a passenger. Alas, it also increased the weight by 17 kg.[14]

1994–1997 — VFR750FR/S/T/V (RC36-2)

While keeping the RC36 model number and basic technical layout Honda changed around 200 parts in 1994. Among them were different brakes and riding positions, a rear shock absorber with adjustable rebound damping and the tank capacity increased from 5 to 5.5 gal (19 to 21 L).[15] The new model weighed 6 kg less. It was the last of the VFR750F models before the introduction of the VFR800Fi with 781 cc and fuel injection in 1998.[14] Front fairing and lamp were designed similar to the NR 750, as Honda pointed out in advertising.[16]

Japanese market only versions

In the Japanese domestic market other VFR750F variants included:

  • VFR750P - A police-specification model with its own distinctive model number (RC35) was restricted to 77ps (75hp) due to the Japanese power restrictions in place at the time and fitted with a five-speed gearbox, modified main stand, gear indicator, uprated alternator, crash bars, higher handlebars, and modified speedometer. This bike was not offered for sale to the general public.[citation needed]
  • VFR750K - Not to be confused with the VFR750FK, this was a naked style training version of the VFR750F and there were two versions. The first was based on the VFR750FG and retained the RC24 model number. The second was given its own distinctive model number (RC37) with the engine from the restricted to 77ps (75hp) VFR750P (RC35). The oil cooler was removed and it was fitted with different foot rests & handlebars, crash bars, a modified main stand and gear indicator. This bike was offered for sale to the general public.[citation needed]

Specifications

Model year 1986-87 1988-89 1990-93 1994-97
Models VFR750F-G ('86) VFR700F-G ('86) US Only
VFR700F2-G ('86) US Only 		VFR750F-H ('87) VFR700F-H ('87) US Only
VFR700F-H ('87) US Only 		VFR750F-J ('89) VFR750F-K ('89) VFR750F-L ('90) VFR750F-M ('91) VFR750F-N ('92) VFR750F-P ('93) VFR750F-R ('94) VFR750F-S ('95) VFR750F-T ('96) VFR750F-V ('97)
Model number RC24 RC26 RC24 RC26 RC24 RC36
PCN ML7 MK8 ML7 MK8 ML7 MT4 MY7 MZ7
Engine
Engine type liquid-cooled 4-stroke gear driven cam 16-valve DOHC 90° V4
Engine capacity 748 cc (45.6 cu in) 698 cc (42.6 cu in) 748 cc (45.6 cu in) 698 cc (42.6 cu in) 748 cc (45.6 cu in)
Bore x stroke 70.0 mm × 48.6 mm (2.76 in × 1.91 in) 70.0 mm × 45.4 mm (2.76 in × 1.79 in) 70.0 mm × 48.6 mm (2.76 in × 1.91 in) 70.0 mm × 45.4 mm (2.76 in × 1.79 in) 70.0 mm × 48.6 mm (2.76 in × 1.91 in)
Crank angle 180°
Compression ratio 10.5:1 11:1
Red line 11500 rpm
Power (claimed) 104 hp (78 kW) @ 11,500 rpm[17][18] 104 hp (78 kW) @ 11,500 rpm[17][18] 100 hp (75 kW) @ 10,000 rpm[19]
Power (tested) 82.5 hp (61.5 kW) @ 10,500 rpm (rear wheel)[18]
Torque (claimed) 53.5 lb⋅ft (72.5 N⋅m) @ 8,000 rpm[19] 53.9 lb⋅ft (73.1 N⋅m)[19]
Torque (tested)
Fuel system 34.5mm Keihin CV 36mm Keihin CV
Ignition system Transistorised with cam sensor Transistorised
Engine weight (dry) 77.3 kg (170 lb) 77.3 kg (170 lb) 77.3 kg (170 lb)
Chassis
Frame type Aluminium twin beam using engine as stressed member Twin Spar
Frame weight 14 kg (31 lb)
Front suspension 37 mm (1.5 in) air assisted telescopic fork with TRAC anti-dive 41 mm (1.6 in) air assisted telescopic fork with TRAC anti-dive 41 mm (1.6 in) Showa Cartridge telescopic fork 41 mm (1.6 in) Showa Cartridge telescopic fork
Travel 140 mm (5.5 in)
Rake 27°40' 26°
Trail 108 mm (4.3 in) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Rear suspension Pro-link with remote hydraulic pre-load adjuster Pro-link with remote hydraulic pre-load adjuster Pro-Arm with Pro-link Pro-arm with Pro-link
Travel 105 mm (4.1 in) 105 mm (4.1 in) 130 mm (5.1 in) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Front brakes Twin 276mm discs with 2-piston sliding calipers Twin 296mm discs with 2-piston sliding calipers Twin 296mm discs with 2-piston sliding calipers Twin 296mm discs with 2-piston sliding calipers
Rear brake Single 256mm disc with 2-piston sliding caliper
Front tyre 110/90 V16-250 or 110/90 V16 110/80 V17-250 120/70 VR17-V250 or 120/70 ZR17 120/70 ZR17
Rear tyre 130/80 V18-250 or 130/80 VB18 140/80 V17-250 170/60 VR17-V250 or 170/70 ZR17 170/60 ZR17
Dimensions
Length 2,175 mm (85.6 in)

Finland / Switzerland models 2,205 mm (86.8 in)
Australia models 2,120 mm (83 in)

2,180 mm (86 in) UK 2,100 mm (83 in)

US 2,125 mm (83.7 in)

Width 730 mm (29 in) 700 mm (28 in) 720 mm (28 in)
Height 1,170 mm (46 in) 1,185 mm (46.7 in)
Wheelbase 1,480 mm (58 in) 1,470 mm (58 in)
Ground clearance 135 mm (5.3 in) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Seat height 800 mm (31 in)
Dry weight 198.1 kg (437 lb) (claimed)[17][better source needed]
Curb weight (with oil and full tank)
Fuel capacity 20 L (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal) 19 L (4.2 imp gal; 5.0 US gal) 21 L (4.6 imp gal; 5.5 US gal)
Oil capacity With filter 3.1 L (0.68 imp gal; 0.82 US gal)
Oil change only 3.1 L (0.68 imp gal; 0.82 US gal)
Engine coolant capacity 2.63 L (0.58 imp gal; 0.69 US gal)
Drive-train
Primary reduction 64/33 (1.9393)
1st gear 37/13 (2.8461)
2nd gear 33/16 (2.0625)
3rd gear 31/19 (1.6315)
4th gear 28/21 (1.3333)
5th gear 30/26 (1.1538)
6th gear 29/28 (1.0357)
Final reduction 45/16 (2.8125)
Final drive #530 chain
Performance
Measured top speed 151 mph (243 km/h)[20] 152 mph (245 km/h)[19]
Standing 1/4 mile 10.95sec @ 113.95 mph[20] 11.6sec[19]
0-60 mph 2.4sec[20]
45-70 mph 4th 3.76sec[20]

5th 4.64sec[20]
6th 5.20sec[20]

Braking 60-0 mph 118 ft (36 m)[20]
Range 189 miles (304 km)[20]
mpg 45 mpg‑imp (6.3 L/100 km; 37 mpg‑US)[20]

Related models include the VFR400R (NC30), RVF400R (NC35), VF1000F/VF1000R (SC15/16/19/20), VFR750R (RC30), RVF750R (RC45), NR750 (RC40) and VFR800Fi (RC46).

Race history

Although this particular model was not designed as a race bike, it has been used in various races. In 1986, British racer Ron Haslam took a standard VFR750F to third place in a soaked Transatlantic Challenge race at Donington Park, UK.[21][better source needed]

A modified, 'special' VFR750F called the '6X', a 135 hp@13000RPM 188 mph full HRC prototype using, RVF cycle parts and containing titanium valves, magnesium cases and flat-slide carburettors, weighing 165 kg (364 lb) (dry),[2] less than the factory RVF that was first ridden by Wayne Gardner at a Suzuka test against TT F1 machinery. Wayne broke his four-stroke lap record by 1.5 seconds.[2] Six examples of the '6X' were built, 4 for the Domestic Championships and two for the American Championships.[citation needed]

The VFR '6X' was raced at the Isle of Man TT by Geoff Johnson, coming in 2nd to Joey Dunlop in both the F1 and Senior TT.[22]

In the United States, Fred Merkel and Wayne Rainey contested the 1986 AMA Camel Pro Championship, which at the time had both Superbike and F1 races but only one championship, with the best finish of the day counting.[citation needed] Merkel just rode in the Superbike while Rainey did the F1 as well. Merkel won two races and Rainey seven, but the championship was won by Merkel by two points.[citation needed]

For 1987 Merkel's bike was passed to Bubba Shobert who took 3rd place in 1987, being beaten by Wayne Rainey and Kevin Schwantz.[citation needed] The points he earned during the 1987 season gained him victory in the AMA Grand National.[citation needed] In 1988 Shobert won three of the seven races to win the AMA superbike championship.[23][24]

The engine developed in the 6X became the basis for the factory racer, the VFR750R. A race kit was available for the 1986-87 VFR from HRC for US$4,000, this including a titanium exhaust and was known as the VFR750RK.[13][better source needed]

References

  1. ^ Visordown "THE HONDA VFR STORY"[1]
  2. ^ a b c d Honda's V-Force : the four-stroke V4s on road and track. Haynes Pub. 1999. ISBN 978-1859604212.
  3. ^ "HONDA VF models - autoevolution". www.autoevolution.com. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  4. ^ Note: this arrangement was changed for the VFR800Fi
  5. ^ "HONDA VFR750 (1995-1998) Review | Speed, Specs & Prices". www.motorcyclenews.com. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  6. ^ "First Generation Honda V4 History www.motorcycleproject.com". www.motorcycleproject.com. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  7. ^ Writer, Bike Social Features. "The History of Honda's V4 Obsession". Bennetts UK. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  8. ^ "Honda VFR 750 F Technical Specifications". www.ultimatespecs.com. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  9. ^ Note: adjustable on some models.
  10. ^ Honda VFR technical specifications [2]
  11. ^ Backus, Richard (July–August 2006). "The Honda VF700S Sabre Touring Bike". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 20 September 2019. [...] the Honda VF700S Sabre was a touring bike that followed the V45 Sabre. It represents an interesting chapter in motorcycle history as one of a group of Japanese motorcycles referred to as the Tariff Busters.
  12. ^ Lemmy (5 March 2018). "Motorcycle tariffs and Harley-Davidson: Lessons from the last time". Common Tread. Revzilla. Retrieved 20 September 2019. Furthermore, many Japanese bikes were reworked to squeak in just under the 700 cc limit; such bikes are still referred to informally as 'tariff busters.'
  13. ^ a b "VFR750RK Setup Manual". Retrieved 7 February 2019.
  14. ^ a b bennets.co.uk: Honda VFR: A history lesson, April 4, 2014, retrieved August 7, 2019
  15. ^ "Honda VFR750F: review, history, specs - BikesWiki.com, Japanese Motorcycle Encyclopedia". bikeswiki.com. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  16. ^ vfr-oc.de - Honda ad from 1991 (german), retrieved August 7, 2019
  17. ^ a b c "VFR Interceptor [Honda sales brochure]" (Press release). Honda. 1986.
  18. ^ a b c Smith, Robert (July–August 2015). "Rapid Transit: The 1986 Honda VFR750F Interceptor". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
  19. ^ a b c d e "HONDA VFR750 (1995-1998) Review". Motorcycle News. 24 November 2006. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i Cycle June 1986 [page needed]
  21. ^ "1986 Transatlantic Challenge". Youtube. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  22. ^ "Race Results - The official Isle of Man TT website". Iomtt.com. 2018. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  23. ^ "VSB ~ 1986 Honda VFR750". Vintagesuperbike.com. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  24. ^ "Brian O'Shea: AMA Superbike Collector - Mr. Superbike Part II - Motorcyclist Magazine". Motorcyclist. Retrieved 27 December 2011.

See also

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