Today is the unofficial mid-point of the winter season here in the north hinterlands, so I take a moment to reflect on warm days and clear roads, confident in their eventual return. In anticipation of those days, I'm putting together my own video kit to record some of my favorite local roads. I have no aspirations to become yet another YouTube motorcycle vlogger, but rather to preserve a small collection of memories for the future. If I can put together something presentable, perhaps I'll add a few to my YouTube channel during the coming riding season.

In the meantime, here's a video from V4 Rider showcasing a pleasant ride and the great sound of the 800 VTEC — turn up the volume and listen for the distinct VTEC transition as he accelerates out of the turns.

UPDATE: Reserve Not Met at $3150 with 10 bids

What: 1986 VFR700F Interceptor
Why: 1-owner, low miles, original
Where: Simi Valley, California
Price: Auction with reserve

Here's a rider-grade 700 which will check many buyers' boxes. One-owner, all original, red/white/blue, low-ish 11,752 miles and presentable overall condition. From the seller: "Shifts smooth, all original, no modification. I bought this bike off the showroom floor, never been out in the rain, always in the garage."

Not many more details in the listing or closeup photos. The seller notes a small dent in the fuel tank, but a closer look at the provided photos show several scuffs and chips from 40 years of ownership. However, the original mufflers seem rash free and the bike presents as complete and original. A deep cleaning and detailing would have worked wonders here, but this one should clean up nicely. It will be interesting to see where the bidders place this bike's value.

Reader Michael S. recently sent along this image of a custom license plate frame he had made for his truck. They're also available for motorcycle-sized plates. Click on the image for his online source.

Yesterday evening an eBay auction ended for this beautiful VFR750R RC30 with no sale. Sale or no sale, the auction still provides a snapshot of the current market for the RC30, an iconic collector bike if there ever was.

This particular example is a U.S.-spec 1990 model and is claimed to be completely original except for tires. It has a documented 2801 miles, spending the past 37 years as a static collector bike, not run, with no fuel in the tank. The seller, Ron Susser, a vintage vehicle dealer/broker, offered some 200 detailed photos in the listing, which show what a pristine RC30 this is.

"The condition of every one of the finishes, from the paint to the trim to the finishes on the engine, is nearly flawless…every part on this RC30 is original and as it left the dealership floor."

The original factory rear paddock stand, tool kit, owners manual, two keys plus additional factory paperwork and other items are included in the sale. He also offered to recommission the bike to roadworthy status if the buyer wished.

The bidding stopped at $59,600 after 83 bids. I think that number further supports the current cooling trend in the collector market, as that kind of money would have gotten you a more average condition RC30 just a few years ago. The RC30 is a bellwether indicator of that market, the canary in the coal mine, perhaps?

What: 2007 VFR800 Anniversary Edition
Why: Well-kept, nice additions
Where: San Francisco, CA
Price: $7000

Apparently the '07 VFR Anniversary Editions haven't gotten the memo about the "cooling" of the classic vehicle markets. Case in point; this past October a pristine, very original example sold on BaT for $9600.

This listing is a little different animal, sporting several nice farkles and more miles (12,000). The seller describes the bike as "perfect condition, flawless bike." Mods include a LeoVince exhaust, aftermarket windscreen, Power Commander and white wheels, the rear a lovely Gen-3 8-spoke. The rear seat cowl and centerstand are present and the photos show off the beautifully-kept one-year paint scheme. No word on whether the original parts are included with the sale. This is a non-ABS example.

Good to see the Anniversary Editions finally coming into their own in the classic bike market.

What: 1990 VFR750F
Why: Well-kept, original
Where: Upland, California
Price: $3100

Arguably the most striking colorway of the many all-red VFR years, the 1990 cuts a classic '90s profile thanks to that gorgeous Italian Red with the stark contrast of bright white wheels, a one-year only combination.

Looks aside, this first-year RC36 marked the transition of the VFR's mission to a less aggressive, more "GT" look and feel. The mechanicals followed suit with a new frame, subtle engine changes, a more relaxed riding position, 17" wheels front & rear, radial tires and what would become a VFR trademark — the Honda/ELF single-sided swingarm.

This example shows 31,900 miles, has managed to stay original and was obviously pampered throughout its life. The seller notes, "in very good original condition and ready to ride." This appears to be a great rider at a fair price. Good luck to seller and buyer.

What: 1986 VF500F Interceptor
Why: Nice survivor, mostly original
Where: Neenah, Wisconsin
Price: $3695

For all the folks who write to ask me if I know of a nice 500 Interceptor available for sale, well, here ya' go!

This example appears to be a very complete example — aftermarket mirrors the only non-original bits to catch my eye — with just enough patina to show its originality. Showing 32,785 miles, the black chrome mufflers are intact, the steel frame doesn't show the usual rust areas, the black engine area gleams, the paint looks very good with some scuff marks, and the windscreen shows fading. The selling dealer notes, "...purrs like new, no leaks and does not smoke. Drives and shifts perfectly."

Overall, I would rate this a #2 or 3 rider-grade bike, which puts the asking price somewhat high, but I'm assuming there's some negotiating room built in.