SOLD: $8100
1983 VF750 Interceptor

Here's an example of a first-year V45 with an unclear history. Showing only 9 miles on the odometer, the comments generally suggest that is unlikely. Curiously, this bike has not been run for an unknown period and there's been no investigation done to determine if the bike is affected by the infamous "soft" cam issue. And, there's two right hand mirrors mounted (?). Surprisingly well-sold.

SOLD: $8200
1986 VF500 Interceptor

This mini-ceptor is presented as a 6000-mile survivor with assorted scuffs and dings to support that. The bike shows well enough, is above average cosmetically and has low miles. The selling price is impressive, all things considered.

SOLD: $4400
1985 VF700S Sabre

Another 6000-mile survivor, this very well-kept Sabre will make a great classic motorbike, and I hope the new owner puts some fair-weather miles on her. Looking closely at the photos, it's evident that this is, in fact, a low-mile example, with clean engine cases and fine paint. The Sabres don't have the same appeal as the sportier Interceptors, especially the 700cc version, and the the sales price reflects that. There's still plenty of performance to be had, though, and the Sabre will always cut a handsome profile. Well bought.

What: 1991 VFR750
Where: Merrillville, Indiana
Why: Low miles, clean, rare-ish
Price: $3500

Reader Nick recently contacted me about his 1991 VFR750 for sale. Whenever I see a 3d-gen with the kickstand fairing still in place I know we've got a potential winner. This bike shows 15,677 miles and is very complete, but has had at least a partial repaint in the past. The '91 version is wrapped in Italian Red with one-year only muted gold wheels and gray seat — prettier in the flesh than photos can show.
Contact Nick for details: (219) 678-3156
(I have no affiliation with this sale)

Test ride complete, the time has come for final assembly of Project 40, a 1986 VFR700F. Below is a short slideshow which belies the many hours of fitting, tweaking, refitting, polishing fasteners, getting the turn signals straight, rubbing out the seat vinyl and buffing paint. A final polishing will have this one ready for its next caretaker. A beautiful example of the classic second-gen red/white/blue Interceptor. I'll have a more in-depth review of this bike when I have the final photos available.

We've been basking in a spell of above-average Spring temperatures here in the upper midwest, so the opportunity finally presented itself for an initial test ride for Project 40, this 1986 VFR700F.

I always leave the side fairings off for these tests, allowing visual inspection as the ride progresses, and the foot brake pedal is taped to help preserve its fresh paint. Here, I've stopped at Fox River County Park in Kenosha County, Wisconsin along my 40-mile test loop.

Absolutely no issues arose during the test ride — this is a typically smooth and friendly 700. The dual Kerker pipes sound great without being obnoxious and the mildly jetted carbs pull smoothly in top gear from 2000 RPM all the way up. Next, I'll fit the remaining fairing panels and this project will be ready for its photo shoot. ​

Project 39, my 1993 VFR750, was in dire need of a refurbishment of the right side footpeg assembly, consisting of the peg, brake pedal, rear master cylinder, heat shield and the aluminum casting itself. Shown at right and in the photos below, the master cylinder was found to be leaking, the pedal was twisted and corrosion was everywhere.



(click on an image to enlarge)

This past weekend at Mecum's Glendale auction this beautiful 1986 VFR750 crossed the block at $7700 and I'm assuming there's a buyers' premium on top of that. This appears to be a for-show replica with lots of cool HRC and period correct bits, but no mention of engine modifications or competition history. No title. It's a very nicely done build and surely looked the role in its previous life as a display piece. Here's the bullet points from the auction listing:
    •    Previously from the Kent Riches private collection
    •    VFR750 Superbike with many rare HRC parts
    •    HRC Magtek magnesium wheels, 17x3.50 front and 17x5.00 rear
    •    Dual HRC style radiators
    •    Large oil cooler with stainless braded hoses
    •    Ceramic coated Kerker race exhaust
    •    43mm adjustable SC-30 front forks
    •    HRC RS-250 front brake calipers and rotors
    •    HRC RS-250 rear caliper and narrow band rear rotor
    •    Fox multi-adjustable rear shock
    •    Superbike bars with HRC clamps and RC-30 hand controls
    •    Lightweight Air-Tech race bodywork
    •    Painted in factory HRC race colors with correct decals
    •    Built for racing only
    •    Sold on a Bill of Sale

Work continues on Project 39, a 1993 VFR750, and I recently got the new Delkevic slip-on muffler mounted for a sound check.

I purchased this muffler/mid-pipe kit via eBay distributor delkevic_us for $310, including tax and free shipping, and it soon arrived beautifully packaged with a flawless finish. Delkevic offers a few distinct variations to fit the 3d-gen VFRs, including high- and low-mount options. To help with my decision, I contacted the distributor and asked which model would be quietest, as I was going for looks over volume. I also wanted a high-mount to show off the 8-spoke wheel and allow me to completely eliminate the passenger peg brackets, further cleaning up the rear of the bike. Available in polished stainless steel or carbon fiber, I chose the shiny look as I think it goes well with the '93's Pearl Crystal White. I settled on the SL-10 14" round style with removable baffle (DB killer) with a claimed weight of only 4 lbs. and a 12-month warranty. The kit is complete and simple to mount to the existing exhaust collector (same as the original muffler) and two existing threaded bolt holes on the subframe.

With everything in place, I hit the magic button and the V4 burbled to life. I immediately liked the deep tone and not-too-loud note with the DB Killer in place, where it will remain. I'm anxious to hear it on the road, but here's a sample in the garage:

What: 1986 VF1000R
Why: Low-mile survivor
Where: Oregon City, Oregon
Price: Auction ends March 28
UPDATE: SOLD $9095 w/buyer's fee
​
​Here's a nicely presented "R" model big-block VF with only 10,872 miles. This example is mechanically sound and cosmetically detailed, even garnering 1st-place in a concours show a few years back. The mufflers are said to be restored; with "new stainless and new packing." There's paint/plastic flaws here and there, but this is one good-looking rider-grade VF. Reserve has been met at $6000.