The Honda V45 & V65 Sabre
I made mention of the Honda Sabre in the previous post. I don't cover the Sabre/Magna models in detail on the Historical page but they were both important models in the V4 lineup, after all, they were the first two V4 models introduced in 1982. The 750cc V45 Sabre (VF750S) ran through 1985, and was joined by the "tariff-buster" 700cc in '84 and '85 — the reduction in size was accomplished by destroking the engine. A tooth was also added on the clutch gear to compensate for the reduction in torque.
An 1100cc version joined the range in 1983, known as the V65. The 45 and 65 designators are a reference to the cubic inch displacement of the two engines — a classic marketing move. All the Sabres were gone after 1985, though the name was resurrected in 2000 for a new line of V-twin models.
I made mention of the Honda Sabre in the previous post. I don't cover the Sabre/Magna models in detail on the Historical page but they were both important models in the V4 lineup, after all, they were the first two V4 models introduced in 1982. The 750cc V45 Sabre (VF750S) ran through 1985, and was joined by the "tariff-buster" 700cc in '84 and '85 — the reduction in size was accomplished by destroking the engine. A tooth was also added on the clutch gear to compensate for the reduction in torque.
An 1100cc version joined the range in 1983, known as the V65. The 45 and 65 designators are a reference to the cubic inch displacement of the two engines — a classic marketing move. All the Sabres were gone after 1985, though the name was resurrected in 2000 for a new line of V-twin models.
The Sabre (left) was marketed as a street standard, while the Magna would serve as a cruiser and the Interceptor a sport bike.
Looking tailored in non-standard black. While the standard Sabre was graced with an ungainly but very 80's square headlight and no fairing, two very cool options were available from Honda to turn the naked bike into a viable sport tourer. These included a sexy, swoopy headlight fairing, notably with a round headlight, together with a set of compact but stylish saddlebags. These same items were first developed for the last two years of the CBX.
Shown to the left is a fully-optioned Sabre in factory colors.
I've always thought that the fairing equipped Sabre is one of the most handsome bikes of the era. But it's no light-weight, and its bulk, combined with an old-school steel tube frame and skinny forks with lazy geometry, resulted in a rather ponderous handling machine, much more at home eating miles at a relaxed pace, the mellow hum of its V4 setting the mood.
I've always thought that the fairing equipped Sabre is one of the most handsome bikes of the era. But it's no light-weight, and its bulk, combined with an old-school steel tube frame and skinny forks with lazy geometry, resulted in a rather ponderous handling machine, much more at home eating miles at a relaxed pace, the mellow hum of its V4 setting the mood.
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