What: 2010 VFR1200F
Where: Naperville IL (Chicago area)
Why: Clean, stock, fair price
Price: $5500

In the world of Grand Touring motorcycles, the 7th-generation VFR1200 holds its own against European and other Asian competitors. Powerful (170 HP enough for ya?), fast, stable and impeccably dressed, for the discerning few this V4 is their mount of choice.

This example is waiting for its next owner not far from the V4 Dreams complex and appears to be a completely original one-owner, showing 24,000 miles with no accident history and fresh rubber. No mention of the optional saddlebags, but a great-looking example and realistically priced.

SOLD: $15,700

The NC30, or VFR400R, was the third generation of the VFR400 series and is often referred to as the smaller sibling of the 750cc RC30, as the two models share looks and basic mechanical architecture.

This example sold recently via eBay auction out of Canada and is a UK-spec model. It is represented as a "near-mint unrestored survivor" and shows 20,465 miles on its MPH-numbered speedometer. Other UK-specific features include larger turn signals and the addition of an oil cooler, and this is one of only two color schemes available. The seller says that the bike is a no expense spared example with maintenance up-to-date and sports a Scorpion exhaust.

The winning bid shows the value of an original survivor bike, which was used but loved, and being a gray market import from England solidifies its rarity in North America.

Reader Peter R., from the far south of England, recently needed a few carburetor parts and shared a bit of his V4 history. Peter once raced a full HRC race-kitted RC24 in the World Endurance Series in 1986-87 and later the RC30. "I wish I'd kept the old VFR," he laments. Peter was kind enough to send along some photos. Here's a partial listing of his V4s:
(1) VF1000R
(4) RC24 (still has one)
(3) RC30
(1) NR750
(2) RC45 (still has one)

SOLD: $2651

This 1986 VFR700F should have fetched more than the final bid, and the reason for the give-away price was lazy marketing. 

This bike shows 28,600 miles in original condition, complete with seat cowl and centerstand, and appears to be in above average cosmetic condition with a unique repair to one of the plastic panels.

The original listing included all of 18 descriptive words with incorrect mileage and engine size. So...I tried to get more details on the bike by sending a personal email to the seller with six basic questions — three were answered (15 words) along with four additional photos.

It will forever remain a mystery to me why some sellers consider it an imposition to actually provide pertinent details on an unknown machine that they expect to sell for thousands of dollars, sight-unseen, to a potential buyer hundreds or thousands of miles distant. I hope this isn't becoming the new normal in our virtual selling world. In any case, well bought.

Reader Phil R. has been on the hunt for his ideal V4, a VF500F. We've been in contact for several months as he sought out advice and encouragement before finally located this beautiful example in Wisconsin. I can see that Phil is off to a fine start — there's a lot you can do with some metric tools, a dead-blow hammer and a tall can of WD-40.

This evocative image is courtesy of Allard Appel from the RC24/RC26 Facebook group. He recently enjoyed this view on a ride into Luxemburg. That beautiful front end assembly consists of VTR1000F forks, CBR600 F3 wheel, VTR 4-piston calipers with EBC pads and Bridgestone S21 rubber. He describes the modified bike as "amazing."

Our vintage VFRs came in a variety of colors. Here in North America, we got the iconic red/white/blue, blue/gray, several reds, pearl white, silver and black. But, between other markets and customizers, we can get more ideas if we feel like a change. Here's a few examples….
(click on an image to enlarge)

SOLD: $4600

Recently sold via eBay auction, this 2007 VFR800 Anniversary Edition fetched $4600 with only four bids. This example, from the Houston, TX area, shows about 22,000 miles and the sparse description states "no accidents." The photos show an aftermarket seat, windscreen, levers, RAM phone mount, smoked signal lenses, some wheel stripe decals and rear fender eliminator.

Auctions give us a real-life idea of current valuations, but this one might have done a little better with some more thorough marketing efforts. Well bought.

Last week Project 37's owner, Jeff (right), drove up from Oklahoma to fetch his baby, this 1993 VFR750. This is Jeff's third VFR that he's left in my hands to help bring back to their original glory.

This bike shows only 16,576 miles and so was a straightforward refurbishment with all mechanical systems receiving attention. The bodywork did require repairs and full repaint but the original wheels cleaned up to like-new condition. The seat was upholstered in black vinyl and the windscreen was replaced with an MRA from Germany. The sexy Yoshimura slip-on is a quality piece of bling and brings out the soul-stirring sound of the V4. This one was a pleasure to work on and Jeff and I can both be proud of the results.

Paint: Steve at Steve Nick Customs, Woodstock, IL — https://www.facebook.com/steve.nick.7712
Upholstery: Marty at CM Wiltberger II, Twin Lakes, WI — https://www.facebook.com/cmw2inc/

SOLD: $6100

Offered as an original, 8000-mile survivor, this time capsule 1986 VF1100C V65 Magna sold via Bring A Trailer auction last week.

This is the final year for the 1098cc V4 brute, though the Magna name would be resurrected in later years for use on a V-twin cruiser.

This example presents well, with the all-important OEM mufflers straight and shiny. It's good to see values increasing on the V4 cruiser models.