A pair of second-generation Interceptors have recently arrived at the V4 Dreams facilities.

First up is Project 26, a 1986 VFR750F. Some time ago I was contacted by Don B., and together we located a project with which to build up a nice original example for Don to add to his gorgeous collection of classic sport bikes. We found this 750 in Texas showing only 6581 miles.

Work has begun and so far everything is looking great.

Yesterday Patti and I braved the outside world on a beautiful Spring day, making the 45-minute trip to a Chicago suburb to fetch this stunning 1987 VFR700F2 in original Candy Wave Blue. Another low-mile example at 12,146.

Owner Joe M. has owned the VFR for many years, but after a local dealer botched a carburetor repair about ten years ago, the bike was parked and hasn't moved under its own power since. But, this one is special to him and he wants it back on the road.
​So do I.
​Welcome, Project 28.

Sometime last year a VFR buddy, Ron, sent me a photo of one of his many vintage VFRs, along with a question: Had I ever heard of a VFR being manufactured in the U.S.?

The reason he asked is that this particular VFR's VIN tag began not with the usual JH2... but rather with 1HF. According to the chart at right, this clearly indicates that the bike was made in America.

The VFR in question is a white 1987 VFR700F2. Ron wrote that he'd seen a photo of Shichiro himself at the Marysville, Ohio plant in 1987 surrounded by several motorcycles, including a white VFR and a blue VFR. Ron speculates that those two bikes may have been produced there, for unknown reasons, and that his bike is possibly the white one pictured. I've not been able to locate that photo.

VIN 1HFRC262XHA105031
Deciphering the VIN, we can verify that it:
• was manufactured in the USA (1HF)
• is a VFR700F2 (RC26)
• is a model year 1987 (H, all '86 are G, so this follows)
• was manufactured in Ohio (A)

The production number is a little confusing: 105031. All the 1986's I've come across begin with the number 0, while all the 1987's begin with 1, so that checks. But the largest production number I've personally seen is 1279, a blue model. A jump all the way to 5031 production number seems a little extreme, but who knows?

Ron later came across a blue 1987 VFR700 for sale in Las Vegas...also with a "1HF" VIN. He speculates it may have been the blue bike in the Ohio photo. Unfortunately, it's the one that got away, as Ron was never able to make contact with the seller.

The back story on Ron's white "1HF" bike is that it was purchased from the widow of a Honda plant manger in Ohio who kept it secure in his living room. Did he know how special it was?

(Below) Just to deepen the mystery, a comparison of the two VIN tags shows the "American" bike (left photo) seems to be kinda handmade, while a Japanese production bike (right photo) is more refined. Will we ever know the true details of the "1HF" bikes, or is this historical footnote lost to time?

What: VF1100-powered trike
Where: Corpus Christi, Texas
Why: I have no idea
Price: Auction, $1000 opening bid

I'm continually amazed at the contraptions people will build, often at considerable expense and commitment. I'm reminded of a judge's admonishment to the hardened criminal he's sentencing to consecutive life terms; "If only you would have put your evil genius to productive use...."

Here's a perfect example, with a twist — it's powered by what appears to be a VF1100 engine driving the rear wheels through a swing axle differential. The substantial front suspension looks like something from a road grader and, if the yellow paint doesn't get your attention, maybe the plastic skull mounted atop the roll bar with its glowing red eyes will. To add yet another layer of horror, there's a trailer hitch installed (!). The rear-facing signage is prophetic; "Know Fear." 

What: 1984 700 Sabre
Where: Malabar, Florida
Why: Original, super low miles
Price: $4500

One of two models leading the V4 charge in 1982, the VF750S, marketed as the V45 Sabre, was a standard-style roadster which differentiated itself by featuring Honda's new V4 with shaft drive. In its third year all U.S. Sabres were downsized to "tariff-buster" 700cc models, losing the V45 designator. 1985 would be the last year of the 700 Sabre.

This example has an amazing 1965 miles on the odometer, appears to be in completely original spec, and has had the required maintenance completed. The description is sparse, but the photos are impressive. Our seller has listed the bike for an equally impressive $4500 buy-it-now, but your chances of finding another early Sabre in this condition are admittedly small. This would make a great addition to a V4 collection or an exquisite classic Honda to enjoy.