Going the Distance: 1985 Honda VF1000R

The Honda VF1000R is one of those interesting bikes that always evokes emotion and usually is well received here on the pages of Rare. Originally conceived as a homologation bike for racing, the VF1000R did inspire homologation race bikes and contribute to race efforts, even though the plans to homologate it fell through. Best known for endurance racing in Europe and the gear-driven cam arrangement that found its way into the vaunted RC30, the VFR1000R stands tall with livery reminiscent of Freddy Spencer, and a raft of clever features that speak to Honda’s “engineering-first” philosophy.

1985 Honda VF1000R for sale on eBay

While the basics of the VFR1000R motor come from the lower-spec “F” DNA, the R was developed specifically for the gear driven cam arrangement. The idea here is that geared cams can be indexed more accurately than the belt driven type, and this plays into the hands of highly-stressed, high RPM race motors. The cams themselves were nestled into an all new four-valve head, intended to increase air flow and raise compression over the F model. The result was an approximate 10 HP gain, and the potential for future development with an eye to building all-out race motors. The downside was that the added complexity added weight. The VFR1000R outweighs the commensurate 1000F by a figure similar to the HP gain, which for a race bike is not ideal.

From the seller:
1985 Honda VF1000R

Very Clean bike coming out of a private collection. The bike is just how you see it in the pictures, needing nothing other then a new battery to make it ready to go.

From the bulbous, all encompassing bodywork with the solo seat cowl, to the large, single headlight (only the 1986 year bikes received the Euro dual-headlamp look in the US), from the GP-inspired 16″ front wheel with quick change hardware to the adjustable Pro-link rear suspension, the modular ComStar wheels, the VF1000R was a quality piece of kit. That helped explain the nearly 50% price increase over the F model, ensuring exclusivity and dooming the R to relatively poor sales by comparison. Today these factors make this a rare model for a non-homologated, mass produced sport bike.

Today’s example is claimed to be a museum bike, and the pictures show a clean VFR1000R surrounded by Honda siblings (and a lone Suzuki XN85 Turbo). The odometer shows a low 11,0000-ish miles, and the seller claims that the bike needs nothing except a battery. The doubter in me wonders how one knows until a battery is actually installed and the bike started, but the pictures show a well-cared for example, and this era Honda has a rather bulletproof reputation overall – so I will overlook that. It might be just shadows, but I also detect possible scratches/rash on one of the fairing panels. There have been a fair number of bidders and a significant number of watchers on this one, however the auction is below $5k which is a good deal for someone if it closes like this. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!