TEMPTATION
Honda VFRS, from a few hundred quid to many thousands.
£2000 VFR750F (RC24) »
The model that started the VFR rollercoaster. Launched in 1986 and evolved from the VF, the 750 had a 742cc V4 with gear-driven cams (to avoid cam chain woe after the VF debacle) and the first twin-spar aluminium frame on a 750 (Yamaha’s FZ was steel, Suzuki’s GSX-R was a cradle). Used RC24S were cheap – we bought a usable one for £800 a few years ago – but prices are rising. This 1988 model (which got 41mm air-assisted forks instead of 37mm damping rod), for sale on an internet auction site, looks a decent buy having lived inside all its life.
£4791 VFR1200F (SC63) »
We prattle on about the 1200, but the largest VFR is so underrated. Its 1237cc V4 is a masterpiece. The 76˚ V-angle and SOHC layout keep it compact, with an irregular firing order and offset crank pins so it doesn’t need a balance shaft – the firing interval is closer to an RC45 than a VFR800. The chassis is superb on flowing roads, build quality is exceptional and they’re totally reliable. Prices start at just £3500. This one at Superbike Factory (01200 320380) is loaded with tasty bits: heated grips, Öhlins shock, rack, tall screen…
£7491 VFR800F (RC79) »
Released in 2014, the final version of the 800 is the classiest. You get traditional VFR appeal – engaging V4, fabulous build quality, inspiring sports-tourer dynamic, gurgling exhaust – but with plenty of modernity. Lighter and better looking the RC79 got a tasty new dash, new exhaust, traction control and LED lights. There are a few new VFRS left and you’ll get one for under £9500, which is cheap for this one-ofa-kind delight. But this used one at Superbike Factory (01200 320380) is just two years old with just 1000 miles of activity clocked.
£2499 VFR750F (RC36) »
Honda gave the VFR750 its first significant revamp in 1990, the new RC36 getting a new frame, single-sided swingarm, cartridge forks, wider wheels and a new look. Things improved again with the ‘Mk2’ RC36 in 1994, considered by aficionados to be the greatest of all VFRS (geardriven cams, no VTEC, brilliant 1990s Honda quality). Lighter, with better brakes, an improved rear shock with adjustable damping and a revised riding position, it also got Nr750-ish styling. This one at M&S Motorcycles (01200 320175) is from 1997, the final year, and has done 40,000 miles.
£1999 VFR400K (NC21) »
Honda launched the first VFR750F (RC24) and VFR400R (NC21) alongside each other in Japan in March 1986. A month later they wheeled out a naked version of the smaller bike called the VFR400Z, keeping the sportsbike’s clip-ons and NC21 tag but swapping its fairing for twin round headlights. Honda then produced a version with a single lamp called the 400K, with higher ’bars as it was intended for riding schools. So you get VFR400 performance and class with daily-ride usability. This one’s done 5000 miles and is at Classic Bike Imports (01905 947505).
£32,980 VFR750R (RC30) »
It’s a 33-year-old model, but the iconic RC30 is still as desirable today as it was back in ’88. More so, actually – back in the day Honda had to sell off the last examples cheap due to lack of demand. There are more powerful, faster and quicker-steering sportsbikes, but nothing gels together to deliver effortless speed like Honda’s WSB legend. The noise, feel, togetherness… This spotless example at The Bike Specialists (0114 3993 750) also boasts Maxton-tweaked suspension, braided brake lines and new discs, plus a stainless exhaust.
£2499 VFR800 (RC46) »
Arriving in ’98, the VFR800’S 782cc V4 was effectively a practical RC45. Seriously – its motor was a long-stroke version of the RC45 unit with cam drive on the right-hand side and injection. Honda actually butchered the RC45 crankcase tooling to make it. In 2002 came a major rework with underseat pipes, sharper looks, VTEC (alternates between two valves and four valves per cylinder depending on revs) and chain-driven cams. Available until 2014, it was the longestrunning VFR variant. This one at KH Motorcycles (0115 6849 397) has done 34k with a full history.
£5899 VFR400R (NC30) »
After morphing the NC21 into the higherrevving, more powerful and single-sided NC24, Honda got really serious with the NC30 in 1988. Effectively a mini RC30, the deliciously compact and totally redesigned 399cc V4 was only a UK model for a couple of years and was prohibitively expensive, meaning a swarm of grey importers feeding insatiable UK demand throughout the 1990s. Mint original bikes are now hard to find so get this one at Fast Line (01772 958105) instead, with Tyga Rcv-style bodywork, Nitron shock, Yoshi rearsets, race exhaust and other niceties.