SOLD: $4750

Earlier this week this 1985 VF700 Interceptor sold via auction at Bring A Trailer. The bike shows 10,588 miles and appears to be in average to above average survivor condition with the usual cosmetic aging issues; some paint discoloration and surface rust on the frame and exhaust headers. The tires are listed as Dunlop K591, so they're likely well past their best-by date. Amazingly, those unobtainable black chrome mufflers appear to be free of road rash.

Reader Alan S. contacted me recently about some carburetor parts and sent along this photo of his stunning 1996 VFR750. Zoom in on the photo and you'll find a spotless 26-year old motorbike, from the gleaming Delkevic slip-on to the original condom mirrors. Nicely done, Alan.

Steve McQueen owned some 400 motorcycles. I've had more than my share over several decades, so I know that you can only devote so much time to each machine — and I'm not a busy movie star and amateur racer, with an additional few hundred cars in the stable (who lived only 50 years). So, how much hands-on interaction, if any, Steve had with a given machine is questionable. The McQueen estate has attached his name to many, many vehicles and memorabilia over the years and we've watched them cross the auction block with some pretty astounding dollars attached to them. Here's the latest: Last month this 1969 Honda CB750 "sandcast" sold on a Bring A Trailer online auction for $155,000.

The so-called sandcast models were the first 7414 produced for the 1969 model year, all later bikes would use die-cast engine molds. As a relatively rare "thing" for such a historically important motorcycle, these early bikes understandably have a higher collector value. That value has steadily increased over the years, now at about $40,000 for an original or well-done restoration. So, we again see the magic of the McQueen mystique. This particular example has ownership documentation but was subsequently purchased from McQueen's production company in 1971, so his was a short-term affair. Additionally, this bike has had a full restoration so any originality is gone beyond the engine and frame numbers.

Value is not real, it is a perceived reality. Value can't be touched or quantified, it can only be felt. Purchases like this are made from emotional or investment considerations and a McQueen vehicle combines the two. To the fortunate few, money is a secondary consideration, simply the price of acquisition. $155,000 to those folks is probably like $5000 to most of us — it's just not a big deal, and as long as Steve McQueen's name continues to add value, the "investment" dollars are safe. Well sold.

Speaking of CB750s, here's a favorite video of mine. This amazing 5-minute time-lapse film shows Sam Roberts' restoration of a sandcast CB750. Enjoy.

What: 1999 VFR800 FI
Where: Central Massachusetts
Why: Low miles, well-kept, good price
Price: $3800 (asking)

Often considered the best of the line, the fifth-generation VFR melds the signature gear-drive cams of the earlier machines with fuel injection and a bit of displacement bump to 782cc. Nicely balanced, comfortable, these are the perfect evolution of the Interceptor's sport touring role in Honda's lineup, with the added panache of a V4.

This example shows 14,300 miles and sports a few nice extras: Two Brothers pipe, Galfer rotors, front & rear paddock stands and fresh sport tires. The seller represents the bike as "very clean, gently used." A great example at a reasonable asking price.

Project 36, a 1986 VFR750, has its new M-Shock installed and looking pretty. Together with the RaceTech fork emulators and .95kg springs, that completes the suspension upgrades for this project.

The shock installed easily from the top and fit perfectly. The preload adjustment rings and compression/rebound clicker are accessible from the left side.

A weak point on this generation Interceptor is the suspension, which was "okay" back in the day (and still is, for non-assertive riding) but we can do better these days.

The total cost for the front and rear components came to about $900. I don't think that's out of line for new, quality components which give us custom adjustability. These great machines deserve that.

What: 1993 VFR750
Where: Crystal Lake, Illinois
Why: Family owned, I know this one
Price: $6000

During the first few months of 2021 I was busy working on this bike, designated Project 33, for its owner, Brett. It showed only 11K miles but had sat dormant for some time and needed a thorough refreshing. Brett wanted to actually use the bike so decided to leave the original paintwork intact, but all the mechanics were addressed. The Craigslist ad details much of that but not mentioned are the gorgeous and awesome-sounding high-mount Predator slip-on and the shaved passenger pegs. Buy with confidence.
NOTE: This is offered by the bike's current owner — I don't have any affiliation with the sale.

I use my Dremel rotary tool a lot — I've worn out at least one over the years. During the holidays I noticed this little guy on display at my local home improvement store so I threw it out there in case someone needed a gift suggestion for me. The plan worked and it appeared under the tree.

The 7300 is a rechargeable battery-operated, low-power version of its bigger siblings. It rotates more slowly and even has two speeds, neither of which will get you in much trouble. It's compact and light weight and holds a charge for, maybe, an hour of use.

The tool is marketed for small jobs and for pet nail trimming, which it would work well for, I expect, but I use it for detail work where the high-RPM corded Dremel can be a handful. When a rotary tool gets away from you chaos and damage can occur pretty quickly, especially when grinding and sanding on plastic body panels, and I do a lot of that.

My gift giver got it on sale for $20 and I think it retailed for $25, though a current Amazon listing suggests $57. 

Below, I'm cutting a groove in a 2d-gen fairing panel in preparation for welding. A number of attachments can accomplish this, but I like this cone-shaped metal grinder.

Displayed on the shelf next to the Dremel 7300 was this cool 208-piece accessory kit, also only $20 on sale. It too appeared Christmas morning so I'm pretty well set for rotary tool fittings for now. Labeled as "Hyper Tough," this is a non-Dremel product, but so far the bits appear to be of good quality. 

Available on eBay, this  2d-gen fuel tank's best days are definitely behind it. I shudder to think what horrible incident befell this bike (likely beginning with the poor life choice to paint it yellow) but it looks to me like it fell out of an airplane. No indications of the interior condition but, judging by the exterior, we can probably assume the worst. $174.40 includes shipping to CONUS. If you miss out on this one, I've got another I can sell you — if I can find where I tossed it into the swamp.

What: 1998 VFR800 FI Interceptor
Where: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Why: Fully farkled, ready to roll
Price: $5000

I know, that's all the money for a 5th-gen VFR, but wait, there's more….From the seller:
"1998 VFR 26,000 miles. I am the second owner. Bought locally from a Highway patrolman bone stock. White powder coated wheels from a 3rd-gen. Wolf undertail exhaust (Impossible to find these days), modified brackets to accept bags from a 6th gen. I have a stock solo cowl that is clean, had to cut this one to make it fit. Sargent seat, bagster tank cover. geared 1 down in the front, 3 up in the rear for punch as I'm not really interested in top speed. Ceramic black coated headers, Penske rear, Gold-valved front. Steel braided brake lines, a few little scratches and dings here and there as you would expect from a 24-year old that is ridden. Peg lowering blocks, mirrors from an '01 with Lobsterman extenders so you can see who is trying to catch you. Michelin Pilot sports. VFRness wiring re-done, etc, etc. It's a turn-key got-it-all 5th that I will miss dearly. Box of odds and ends and OEM stuff."

​So…known history, check. Luggage option, check. Suspension upgrades, check. Cool pipe, check. 8-spoke rear, check. And more, like white wheels which are just icing on the cake for me. A unique, nicely presented VFR just begging for a fly-n-ride from exotic Santa Fe.