HONDA VFR INTERCEPTOR HISTORY
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Written by: Robyn Landers rblanders@math.uwaterloo.ca
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.
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INTRODUCTION
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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
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My sources of information are mainly Cycle World, February 1986;
Cycle Canada, July 1986; and Motorcyclist, November 1986.
Also some Honda brochures, etc.
OVERVIEW
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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.)
In the USA, the picture is more complicated. There
were three models, and they lasted for two years. First,
there was a 750cc model essentially the same in appearance
and specification (except for the usual Canada vs USA differences)
to the Canadian model. Next, there was also a destroked 700cc
tariff-beater, called the VFR700 Interceptor.
Both these models were white with red and blue trim, and round gauges.
Thirdly, and most interestingly, was the VFR700F2. This bike
was all white, with understated gold pinstriping, and an automotive-style
instrument panel which was essentially what you see now on the
90-93 VFR. In fact, this model bears many visual similarities
to the 90-93 models. This F2 model was also available in
dark blue and silver metallic, with silver wheels.
All I can tell you about the European version(s) is
that they had a white 750cc model. This is not the whole story.
By the way, while Canada lost the Interceptor after 1986,
and both the USA and Canada lost the Sabre after 1985, the Magna
persisted. It was significantly overhauled in 1987 when it
gained a 4 pipe exhaust, solid disc rear wheel, Testarossa inspired
side covers, and many other styling changes in addition to inheriting
some engine improvements from the VFR lineage. However, it did not
get the gear driven cams (and accompanying cure for the cam problem)
until later.
COMMON REDESIGN FEATURES
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All the versions of the new VFR Interceptor share
these major new features compared to the VF Interceptor:
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.
VFR 750 F INTERCEPTOR
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Here are the Canadian model specs of interest:
List price $6799 (Cdn)
Engine:
748cc, 70x48.6mm 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
Performance:
(claimed)
horsepower 104 claimed (at the crank)
torque 76.5 N-m (56.4 lb-ft) @ 8500 RPM claimed
fuel capacity 20L including 4L reserve
(observed)
fuel consumption 6.6L/100km (42.7 mpg imperial)
quarter mile 11.32 seconds at 122.11 mph; top speed 149 mph.
measured rear-wheel horsepower 87 hp at 11,000 rpm
torque peak at 8500 rpm.
Comparisons against other 1986 Canadian sport models:
Suzuki GSX-R: 86 HP at 10,500, torque peak at 8000 rpm, lower power
than VFR below 5500 rpm, and more than VFR until about 10,500.
Yamaha FZ: 87 HP at 10,500, torque peak at 7500. More power than
VFR or GSX-R everywhere up until almost 11,000.
I have only a few American specs for the 750cc model:
claimed horsepower 104, quarter mile 11.05 sec at 124.4 mph,
200 yard top-gear roll-on from 50 mph results in 76.7 mph terminal speed.
VFR 700 F2 INTERCEPTOR
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These are American model specifications:
List price $4498 US
Engine:
699cc, 70 x 45.4 bore x stroke, compression ratio 10.5:1
carburetion four Keihin CV 34/31 mm
Chassis:
wheelbase 1480 mm
rake/trail 27.8 degrees/4.3 inches (108 mm)
front suspension 37mm Showa fork, 5.5 in travel, adjustments for
air pressure and TRAC anti dive
rear suspension Pro-Link, Showa damper, 4.1 in travel, preload adjustment
tires 110/90V16 front, 130/80V18 rear
weight 501 lb wet, 470 lb dry tank
Performance:
(claimed)
horsepower 92 claimed, torque not listed
(observed)
fuel consumption 40 to 45 mpg American
average 200 yard top gear acceleration from 50 mph results in
73.4 mph terminal speed
best 1/4 mile 12.08 sec at 110.3 mph
projected best 1/4 mile 11.7 at 114.8.
The 750 listed for $5298 US while both the 700 and the 700F2
listed for $4498 US. Mechanically they're nearly identical aside
from the stroke reduction. Compression ratio, combustion chamber
shape, carburetion stayed the same.
Performance comparison to other bikes:
Honda Nighthawk S quarter mile 12.46 sec at 106.2 mph; top gear 50mph;
roll on results in 69.5 mph at 200 yards. So, the 700F2 falls
right in between the 750F and the Nighthawk S.
Critical chassis parts in all 700/750 Interceptors are
identical. The F2 has an automotive style dashboard (like
the '90-93 VFRs) while the others have usual round gauges.
No fuel gauge, but there is a warning light.
All F2 testers wanted firmer springs and less compression
damping front and back, and some wanted more rebound damping.