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Time Machine
Honda VF1000R, 1984
Pondering the ones that got away (Nov 2021)
Honda's king V-four for the mid-1980s was meant to follow on from the success of the CB1100R inline four series as the company's race-image road hero bikes. And they sort of succeeded, but only briefly.
They were well-kitted for the time and, more importantly, had the famous gear-driven cam set. That alone gave them special status and a unique sound.
While they had a number of bespoke features when compared to their road-going VF1000F/F2 brethren, they never quite got the market traction that the CB-R series before, or the later RC30.
Even so, you can count yourself as fortunate if you have a good working example.
This one was for sale in 1998 for a measly Au$2900 (US$2100, GB£1600). The advertisement, by the way, was a little off. The motorcycle wasn't original as, like many others, it was running an aftermarket muffler. And gawd only knows who thought the idea of fitting a clumsy Gearsack luggage rack to the rear of the thing was a good idea!
The list price in 1984 was Au$7400 (US$5500, GB£4100). That was compared to Au$5000 (US$3700, GB£2800) for a 'normal' VF1000F– so a significant premium.
Honda had the misfortune to release this model just as the motorcycle market in Australia, and much of the western world, was heading into a crash-dive. So sales were modest. However it was meant to be a flagship, rather than a volume seller.
Claiming 130 horses in a 236kg (dry) package, it was a performer. Plus it ran a generous 23lt fuel tank, with an eye to endurance production racing.
So, Au$2900 back in 1998...what's it worth now? These things have long struggled to gain market traction and might be a bit of a bargain, if you want a modern classic with a bit of pizazz, that actually rides well. We're seeing good ones with original pipes selling in Australia for around Au$16,000 (US$12,000, GB£9000).
Overseas, particularly the USA, they're often a little less at Au$11,000 (US$8000, GB£6000)
Here's the catch: Most seemed to have lost the original mufflers, which will have an impact on resale. If you can find one that's complete at the prices we mention, we reckon it's a bit of a classic bargain.
See the Motorcycle Specs backgrounder.
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