Click on image for the eBay listing. What: 1984 VF700S Sabre
Where: Carbondale, Colorado
Why: Original rider, easy money
Price: $1950 or offer
Introduced in 1982 alongside the Magna, this model was part of the first volley in Honda's V4 assault. The Magna was an all-out cruiser and the Sabre more of a standard with a bit of power cruiser attitude, the "power" part of the formula cemented with the 1984 introduction of the 1100cc V65. The Interceptor added a sport bike to the range in '83.
All the V4 models would succumb to the tariffs imposed by the U.S. government as a thinly disguised bailout of Harley-Davidson, with 700cc models available to the budget-conscious. By 1984 only the 700 and 1100 engines were available and '85 would be the final year for the model (the name would later be resurrected for use on a V-twin cruiser).
So our example here is neither the 750 nor the final-year model, but what makes it desirable, I think, are the combination of low-ish miles, nice rideable condition, and the inclusion of the optional Hondaline swoopy fairing. A close look at the photos reveals an original-condition bike with very good cosmetics (some further detailing would do wonders here) and excellent mufflers — always a good indicator of the level of care given to a motorcycle. The CBX-inspired fairing looks the part and really sets this bike apart. There also appears to be a Fox rear shock absorber installed, with the carbs rebuilt and fresh tires.
The Sabre was not, in all honesty, a stellar performer. The power is adequate and the handling is heavy. But it was never intended as a sport bike, leaning more toward the cafe or cruiser crowd. As a present-day commuter or weekend fun bike, this would be a reliable, classic rider — with the added panache of the V4, of course.
(the two holes in the dash are intended for optional gauges, which can be sourced as used items)
Where: Carbondale, Colorado
Why: Original rider, easy money
Price: $1950 or offer
Introduced in 1982 alongside the Magna, this model was part of the first volley in Honda's V4 assault. The Magna was an all-out cruiser and the Sabre more of a standard with a bit of power cruiser attitude, the "power" part of the formula cemented with the 1984 introduction of the 1100cc V65. The Interceptor added a sport bike to the range in '83.
All the V4 models would succumb to the tariffs imposed by the U.S. government as a thinly disguised bailout of Harley-Davidson, with 700cc models available to the budget-conscious. By 1984 only the 700 and 1100 engines were available and '85 would be the final year for the model (the name would later be resurrected for use on a V-twin cruiser).
So our example here is neither the 750 nor the final-year model, but what makes it desirable, I think, are the combination of low-ish miles, nice rideable condition, and the inclusion of the optional Hondaline swoopy fairing. A close look at the photos reveals an original-condition bike with very good cosmetics (some further detailing would do wonders here) and excellent mufflers — always a good indicator of the level of care given to a motorcycle. The CBX-inspired fairing looks the part and really sets this bike apart. There also appears to be a Fox rear shock absorber installed, with the carbs rebuilt and fresh tires.
The Sabre was not, in all honesty, a stellar performer. The power is adequate and the handling is heavy. But it was never intended as a sport bike, leaning more toward the cafe or cruiser crowd. As a present-day commuter or weekend fun bike, this would be a reliable, classic rider — with the added panache of the V4, of course.
(the two holes in the dash are intended for optional gauges, which can be sourced as used items)
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