In the summer of 2018 I was contacted by a reader in need of some parts for his project, a 1987 VFR700F2. I had no idea what he was working on, but I usually ask if there's an interesting back story, and Bubba's was especially touching. Through some very dark days in his life, this Interceptor provided him hope, focus and, ultimately, his family.
In his own words....

If we're lucky, a motorcycle is not just a fair weather toy. The right bike can be more — it can give joy, purpose, memories, and even define a part of us. In Bubba's case, this VFR gave him more than he could have imagined on that day he put down his new bike order. It has earned its place in his family and his life, and will forever stand as a reminder...to never give up.

SOLD: $3050

Sold last month via eBay auction, this 1987 VFR700F2 garnered 15 bids and hit $3050 at the virtual hammer.

The seller performed a mechanical refurbishing and then proceeded to put 3500 miles on the bike. It appears complete and original and includes the passenger seat cowl and centerstand.  The tank color appears in the photos to be a shade off from the other panels but overall this is a very nice survivor.

Giancarlo Morbidelli, founder of the legendary Morbidelli motorcycle brand, has died at the age of 86 in his hometown of Pesaro, Italy. Morbidelli was an engineer extraordinaire who had much success in smaller displacement Grand Prix racing in the 1970's. But he is probably best known for his 1994 prototype V8 motorcycle design, an 847cc sport touring bike. The original styling was widely regarded as among the most unattractive motorcycle designs ever proposed, but a subsequent re-design brought a more conventional look which helped highlight the impressive engine. Had it gone into production the Morbidelli V8 would have easily been the most expensive motorcycle of its time. Sadly, it was not to be. Happy rides, Giancarlo.

What: 1999 VFR800 Interceptor
Where: Longmont, Colorado
​Why: Well-farkled, well-kept, great seller
Price: $3500

In the Fall of 2017 I sold Project 18, an '86 VFR750, to Michael H. When it arrived in Colorado he posed it next to his VFR800FI and sent me a pic (shown below). Michael has since lent the 750 to the St. Francis Motorcycle Museum in St. Francis, Kansas, and his 800 is the bike pictured here, now for sale.

Often considered the perfect "tweener" VFR model, the fifth-generation Interceptor bridges the gap between the carbureted 750s and the VTEC 800s, retaining the signature gear-drive cams of the earlier models but upping the game with with fuel injection and a complete chassis redesign. And Michael's 800 might be the perfect example of that generation VFR.

This bike is a sleeper — it keeps the stock look while adding quality, yet subtle, cosmetic and performance touches. Some of the upgrades include:
• DMr suspension front & rear
• BOS exhaust
• Ceramic coated headers
• Wave rotors
• Braided lines
• Upgraded charging system
• Silicone coolant hoses
• Sebspeed see-thru clutch cover
• Current maintenance
...and more

Now showing 28,000 miles and looking sharp in Italian Red, this is a primo example of the best of the best in our corner of the motorcycling world. A few months back I sold a '98 version of this bike with fewer miles, but in essentially stock configuration, for $2900. Considering the thoughtful and costly upgrades to this example, the asking price seems fair. I would buy from Michael with no reservations, and I'm sure tempted on this one.
Update: SOLD

SOLD - $12,000

Just sold via eBay auction, this pristine 1984 VF1000F went for an impressive $12,000 with 19 bids. Offered by Throttlestop in Elkhart Lake, WI this is a first-year, collector-grade example of the big-block VF Interceptor.

The "F" model of the 1000 lasted only one model year (U.S.) before being replaced by the Euro liter-bike, the VF1000R. The F was developed as an upsized street-oriented version of the VF750 but suffered from poor sales, resulting in Honda's decision to offer the completely redesigned endurance racer-derived "R" model worldwide.

This example shows only 1532 miles and is described in "phenomenal condition" and "an absolute time capsule." While the R may be the more collectible of the big VF Interceptors, the F is arguably the more civilized and approachable when evaluated from the rider's perspective....and, at least in my humble opinion, the better-looking. I've never seen an F anywhere near this price point, so my preference may be shared by others. I hope this one sees some street time with its new caretaker. Well sold.