Recently sold on eBay for an impressive $4750, this 700F model shows a very low 3830 miles. This is the lowest mileage second-gen Interceptor I've seen sell in the past ten years.

Our seller doesn't offer a lot of detail but calls the bike "like new" with fresh tires and some maintenance completed. He or she also states that it's never been in the rain — I'm never sure how I'm supposed to take such an impossible to quantify statement. After all, riding a bike in the rain doesn't age it anymore than washing it. I suppose it's an attempt to suggest how the bike was babied. Personally, I'd be more interested in how it was maintained, or in this case, how it was stored, especially considering it came from hot and humid Georgia.

In any event, this looks like a keeper. Congratulations to seller and buyer.

What: 2010 VFR1200F
Where: Phoenix, Arizona
Why: Nice bike, nice price
Price: $5900 firm

Followers of this space have heard me sing the praises of the VFR1200F. It may not be an Interceptor made in the image of VFRs of the past, but it's a world-class sport tourer in its own right. And the bargain of the decade.

This example comes from the dry climate of the desert southwest and looks to be meticulously maintained. The photos show an unmolested, and very clean, first-year model with ABS and "standard shift" transmission. A few desirable upgrades are included like the Corbin seat, Z-Bomb and rear stand.  The bike is beautiful and the price is right. Someone buy this before I do.

Also find the bike for sale here on ADVrider (registration required).

Yesterday Patti and I wasted a day of our lives and about $75 chasing a Craigslist lead on a 12,000-mile 1986 VFR700F. The bike is located in southern Michigan and has been advertised for a few months, originally listed at $4500 if I remember correctly. It's now lowered to $3500. With only one photo and sparse details the bike was represented as a co-worker's barn find which the seller had a local shop bring back to life. A receipt of the work performed was included ($1500) as was an old beat up Arai helmet in the factory's racing colors with a Freddie Spenser signature (no documentation).

This sounds like something I would be interested in, so after a few phone conversations and negotiations we agreed to make the trip. The bike was represented as, "I can't find a single flaw."

Within three minutes of entering the musty garage I found several. The seller hadn't even bothered to wash the machine. It does run, but the overall condition was only average with two badly touched up paint spots and a splotchy seat cover. "Well, I'm a Harley guy" didn't do much explain how he missed the small dent in the fuel tank after I explicitly asked about small dents in the tank, as I always do. I'm always prepared to walk away from a prospective bike — which is exactly what we did.

So, if you find yourself tempted by the following Craigslist ad...buyer beware.

On my personal '86 VFR750 I've done some mild modifications, just to suit my taste. One of them was to shave the original rear turn signal brackets and helmet lock/seat lock assembly for a cleaner look to the tail cowling. This would require different signals and I chose a set of reproduction VFR/CBR 400 signals.

Originally I used an aftermarket fender eliminator but eventually decided that the original rear fender would be a better look. This change would require a separate bracket to be fabricated.

I began with this simple bracket using a strip of 1.5-inch wide aluminum which will bolt to the OEM license plate mount. After test fitting, I realized that the whole assembly was prone to bouncing and jiggling so I fabricated a small bracket to the rear of each light's mounting bolt (not shown in these photos) which attached to the fender itself. That firmed up the whole affair.

Here the assembly is test fitted with the left-side added bracket visible. With the license plate mounted, the whole thing becomes very stable.













After some filing and sanding, a coat of black paint followed by satin clearcoat is applied and...Job done!

Soichiro Honda would be pleased. Mr. Honda was a believer in the V4 engine configuration and set out to prove its merits with the street and racing Interceptors of 1983. Thirty six years later the 2019 MotoGP lineup will consist of 11 teams...and eight of them will be running V4 engines. Honda, KTM, Aprilia and Ducati all have developed the V4 as the pinnacle of their efforts in motorcycle competition. Of those manufacturers, all but KTM also provide a V4 street model. And for 2019 Aprilia and Ducati have upped their street game with some upgraded models.

Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
The new, larger top-of-the-line model is up to 1078cc in a 65-degree V4 boasting 217 HP at 13,200 RPM and 90 pounds of torque at 11,000 RPM. All this at only 439 pounds. Yikes.

The bike has a comprehensive list of electronic aids and controls, MotoGP-derived aerodynamic winglets, and even has Bluetooth connectivity, as if you need to listen to music or answer your phone on this exquisite Superbike.

Aprilia RSV4 RR
As the Factory's little brother, this one is 1000cc and is rated at "only" 201 HP. I think that might be enough for the street.

Ducati Panigale V4 R
Ducati's basis for their MotoGP challenge will be this bike, using their 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R, a 90-dgree V4 with 234 HP at 15,500 RPM, and 83 pounds of torque. Weight is listed at 379 pounds.

Like the Aprilia, this bike comes with the latest and greatest electronics and suspension along with its own winglet design.

Here's a simple solution to a nagging problem — holding the battery cable mounting nuts in position.

The task of managing battery cables, bolt, screwdriver and the rear nut is bad enough but made worse when there's just no room for my fat fingers to hold it all together while engaging the nut and bolt.

Here's a simple fix: I snoop around the "misc" drawer in the shop to find some random foam, cut a small piece and fit it behind the nut, holding it in perfect alignment. And no more battery terminal nuts rolling around the shop floor, never to be seen again.

What: VFR750R
Where: Hinckley, Ohio
Why: RC30
Price: Auction; reserve not met at $36K
UPDATE: With 17 bids, the reserve was not met at $39,100. Not relisted.

This example is a collector that unfortunately will most likely never see a road or race course again. With only 643 miles and in "museum quality" condition, it will be deemed too valuable to risk.

Originally sold from Cycle Sport Center in Cridersville, Ohio, amazingly the bike still resides in that state.

Hurry, the auction ends today.

What: VFR750R
Where: Marina Del Rey, California
Why: RC30
Price: Buy It Now $39,995
UPDATE: After a few more relistings, the item is "no longer available."

Offered by a dealer, this example shows 7400 miles and is described as in "fantastic condition and all stock." With a fair amount of salesperson hyperbole our seller invites us to give a visit and check out this and their other inventory:
iconicmotorbikes.com

This eBay classified has been relisted a few times looking for its buyer.

Hailing from northern Minnesota, Roger P. is the now the proud owner of his second RC24, this 1986 VFR750F. Roger has several motorbikes to choose from in his toyshop, but with three sons the VFR is in high demand, so a second Interceptor only seemed natural. Roger and I agreed to meet up in Madison, WI for a trailer exchange. It was a beautiful day and the VFR got its share of attention in the Kwik Trip parking lot.

I hope this bike serves Roger and the boys well. Safe rides!