Rapid Transit: The 1986 Honda VFR750F Interceptor

By Robert Smith
Published on June 11, 2015
1 / 9
Fully restored to original condition, this 1986 VFR750F Interceptor belongs to Laf Young, who lives on the island of Maui, Hawaii.
Fully restored to original condition, this 1986 VFR750F Interceptor belongs to Laf Young, who lives on the island of Maui, Hawaii.
2 / 9
1986 Honda VFR750F
1986 Honda VFR750F
3 / 9
1986 Honda VFR750F
1986 Honda VFR750F
4 / 9
1986 Honda VFR750F
1986 Honda VFR750F
5 / 9
1986 Honda VFR750F
1986 Honda VFR750F
6 / 9
1986 Honda VFR750F
1986 Honda VFR750F
7 / 9
The fuel petcock knob is inset into the left side of the tank.
The fuel petcock knob is inset into the left side of the tank.
8 / 9
The seat cowl is easy to remove with just a couple of screws in case you want to carry a passenger.
The seat cowl is easy to remove with just a couple of screws in case you want to carry a passenger.
9 / 9
Laf’s VR750F was treated to an extensive restoration by Kelly Krail, its prior owner.
Laf’s VR750F was treated to an extensive restoration by Kelly Krail, its prior owner.

Top speed: 144mph (period test)
Engine: 748cc liquid-cooled DOHC 16-valve V4, 70mm x 48.6mm bore and stroke, 10.5:1 compression ratio, 82.55hp @ 10,500rpm (period dyno test)
Weight (wet):
505lb (229kg)
Fuel capacity/MPG:
5.3gal (20ltr)/45-55mpg
Price then/now:
$5,298/$4,000-$7,500

It may not be the longest running current production motorcycle in history — that honor goes to Harley-Davidson’s Sportster — but if you went to your Honda dealer today and peeled the plastic off a 2015 VFR800, it wouldn’t be that much different from the VFR750F that first went to market in 1986.

Along the way, the VFR750 won Cycle World’s Best Sportbike award six times, while its basic design was extrapolated into the World Superbike winning VFR750R/RC30 and RC45. The VFR750 was born of disaster, yet went on to salvage Honda’s reputation as a builder of reliable, high-quality motorcycles. How come? 

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-880-7567