Description
Recently arrived from Japan we have this 1984 Honda VF1000R. This example has only covered 6, 145km or around 3, 840 miles and will be supplied registered on an age related plate and as a 40 year year old machine it will be registered as an "Historic Vehicle"., this of course means Mot and RFL exemption. We have fitted a new pair of Bridgestone BT46 tyres along with a new battery. The bike starts and runs with everything working as it should but will need some attention to the running as there is no airbox fitted. The previous owner has fitted a custom exhaust system and bell mouths to the original carburettors. The front forks tubes have some pitting, there are some lightening holes drilled in some areas and the seat cut down for a shorter legged rider, otherwise a very complete and original motorcycle. Please note that this motorcycle is sold , "As is", for spares or repair with no warranty implied or given.
A lovely "Classic and Rare" machine that's hard to find and make for a great sports tourer..
Some interesting history and specifications:
The VF1000R was produced 1984–1986 as the exotic, race‑inspired flagship of Honda’s early V4 programme.
It was intended to homologate the advanced technology used in Honda’s FWS1000 endurance and AMA F1 race bikes.
Despite the intention, the VF1000R ended up too heavy for competitive racing, weighing nearly 600 lbs wet — about 85 lbs heavier than the VF1000F.
It featured gear‑driven camshafts, a major engineering upgrade over the chain‑driven VF1000F, improving high‑rpm timing accuracy and durability.
Styling leaned heavily into Honda’s racing identity: full fairing, endurance‑style twin headlights (Europe), and red/ white/ blue HRC‑inspired livery.
Engine
• 998 cc liquid‑cooled 90° V4, DOHC, gear‑driven cams, 4 valves per cylinder
• Bore × stroke: 77 × 53. 6 mm
• Compression ratio: 11. 0:1 (early), 10. 7:1 (from 1985)
• Carburetion: 4× Keihin VD 36 mm carbs
• Power:
• 122 hp @ 10, 000 rpm (full‑power models)
• Some sources list 130 hp @ 10, 500 rpm depending on market and test conditions
• Torque: 92 Nm @ 8, 000 rpm
Performance
• 0–60 mph: 3. 4 sec
• Standing ¼ mile: 10. 8 sec @ 124 mph
• Top speed: 149–155 mph depending on year/ test
Chassis
• Frame: Steel double cradle
• Front suspension: 41 mm air‑assist forks, adjustable rebound, TRAC anti‑dive, 155 mm travel
• Rear suspension: Pro‑Link monoshock, air‑assist, adjustable rebound, 120 mm travel
• Brakes:
• Front: 2× 285 mm discs, 2–4 piston calipers (varies by year)
• Rear: Single 285 mm disc
Dimensions
• Wheelbase: 1505 mm
• Seat height: 810 mm
• Dry weight: 236–249 kg depending on year
• Fuel capacity: 23–25 L depending on market
Tyres
• Front: 120/ 80 V16
• Rear: 140/ 80 V17
It represents Honda’s transition from chain‑driven to gear‑driven cams, a hallmark of later legendary V4s (RC30, RC45).
It’s a homologation bike that never quite made it, making it a collectible oddity.
The build quality is famously over‑engineered: carbon‑reinforced fairing sections, polished alloy bars, endurance‑style bodywork.
Although its weight held it back on track, but on the road it’s a charismatic, torquey, mechanically rich V4 experience.
We specialise in rare and collectable motorcycles and have over 300 bikes in stock with another 200 awaiting shipment to the UK at any time.
If you have requirements of any Japanese, Italian or American motorcycles please do not hesitate to contact me.
With over 42 years experience of buying and selling all types of motorcycles and am happy to look at part exchanges of any Car, Scooter or Motorcycle, Classic or Modern.
We always endeavour to ensure that all mileages are correct as advertised and will state this where possible. With imported vehicles we are not always able to confirm this by contacting previous owners therefore we are unable to completely verify the mileage recorded on the odometer and it must be considered incorrect in these cases.
Delivery possible to all locations, UK and Worldwide.
If you have any queries please feel free to contact me.
Please note that all images are of the bike for sale and a taken in our own studio.
All viewings are strictly by appointment.
