I was stationed in Japan in 1983 and bought this exact same bike (US version) from the base exchange in Yokosuka. I rode it all over Japan and really loved the bike. Still my favorite bike of all the ones owned. I loved the lack of vibration at any RPM due to the 90 degree placement of the cylinders. In 1983, the Japanese government didn't want its citizens ridding big bikes so they made it extremely difficult to get a big bike license. Being in the military, I wasn't faced with that problem. But because of this restriction on Japanese, you rarely saw them on the road. BTW, the Japan version of the bike was white and blue with gold colored rims. Also, the engine was detuned for less hp. The Japanese rode mostly 400cc 4 cylinder bikes. Only con: When riding in summer and stopped at a red light, the fan would come on a direct hot air onto my body which was very uncomfortable. I paid $2300 for it, rode it for 3 years and then when I brought it back to the states sold it for $2300. After riding in Japan for 3 years I found that I didn't enjoy riding a bike in the US that much and it was definitely more dangerous.
I had this exact bike new. That small front wheel and anti-dive suspension was great for handling. I think it was rated for 86 horsepower at the crank which is nothing by today’s standard. Also, there was a factory recall on the engine for some reason, I think related to the valves or cam. I do miss it.
@@christopherjohansson3073 10k km in 37 years? What's he do, ride it around the block once every 2 weeks? I put 10,000 MILES on it in the first year. Heat and mileage is what killed those engines. I'm sorry, your post doesn't make any sense with a statement of "10k km and still goes pretty good" after this long a period of time.
@@rickpeck7068 The thing is he lives in Sweden and not many people ride their bikes in the winter or spring here as they can be harsh. He only rode it during the summer and not every summer as he works in Norway and can be away for a long time. Hope your happy with the explanation.
V4 Honda guy since these were new. All the early v4’s demanded regular valve adjustment. Yes the earliest bikes had the chocolate cams . Which was mostly avoidable by keeping the rpms up and not constantly lugging/chugging the engines. And installing the Honda Oiler kit. That tick in the video is most definitely valves needing lashed. .. just passed my 83 vf to a daughter a few years back with 60k on it original cams. And just passed my v65 83 at 32k on, also original cams. The 87 super is also still going strong with 96k and original cams. All rode extremely hard You putt putt em trying to play the engine to the sidewalk gawker or the curb echo you will roast the cams. You keep em spooled up and no issues.
Yes, sir. Honda finally did a recall back then, drilling extra oil holes in the cam ends thinking the issue was lack of lube. When that didn't work, Honda then capped the cam ends since they were hollow than finally determined the issue to be the cam bearings.
I found one in Ontario. It was wiped out in 1984 in Quebec. Still has under 12K on the odometer. Found another blue one near Thunder Bay. Bought it as a donor. Both were a mess. This one is so original and I watched this video so many times to build 2 bikes into one. Thanks Kaplan! Yes it does need cam tensioners.
I had one. Mine was number two delivered to the Springs. Picked mine up the first one was in a ball over there in the back of their shop. Love to have one.
Bought one of those from new. Such a rad bike in its day, never had a bike that got so much attention. The look is unique but still dated well. I got the VFR750 that came out next, such a leap forward in refinement but perhaps missing character by comparison.
@@bikefever3569 sure have, a very sharp bike and the sound was always killer, but there would be no RC 51 with out this bad boy. Nope this bike held just the right amount of plastic vs metal and a killer engine sound, you still knew something was going on under your crotch and you could see it. Don't take me wrong I love all bikes. I owned everything from old Iron head Sportsters to CBR600RR, old Kawasaki H1 2 strokes. Kawasaki GPZ. CB 750 with Sand cast engine. The Honda Interceptor, in my opinion was just one fine cycle and sexy for sure.. have a fine day!
@@davidchereneimmel8820 I have an SP1 Just sold my 97 Fireblade I now have a vf750f with a 1000 lump fitted. I'm trying to make an endurance / cafe racer
I have one and an 85 "babycepter" 500. I ride them regularly. They are pristine. 2 of the greatest bikes ever made by anybody! I get alot of looks and comments when I ride them, especially from previous owners. You can see the regrets one their faces for selling their babies. Can't believe how cheap they are if you can find a survivor. I will never sell mine. Every bit as good as a modern bike 🏍 😉 👍!
That would be nice. Unfortunately Honda went full blown gulp stupid with their v4.. they seem to think the moto guzzi theme is actualy cool . Never got the thinking. Whole point of the v4 was to be lean and balanced with one of the sweetest gryoscoping engines around. This sideways crap they are doing completely defeats the point of the engine.
I have one of these that needs a lot of TLC after sitting for the last 20 years. I'd love some advice on where would be the best place to restore it. I'm in NorCal.
I have just done the same here in the U.K., bought one in a poorly state, been sat for 8 years, but runs nice, just needs some TLC. Can’t believe such an awesome looking bike is hardly seen on the streets. I’m a Honda man through and through, so glad to have picked up this gem of a bike. I think the cam issues that people are talking about is oiling, and when you look at the engine, it isn’t really a V4 it’s an L arrangement and that needs different oiling considerations, so I think that may be where Honda went wrong.
Great bikes. I traded my '86 V45 magna in on a new '12 ST-1300, another V4! Oh ya when those old V4's hit 7k on the RPM gauge you better be holding on lol God Bless America
Hi Ken, Interested in your oppinion in something. I have a 1985 Honda VT 500 Eurosport and Im currently looking for a bigger motorcycle. Im 190 cm, around 6,2 feet and Im looking for a bike for a tall person basically. I noticed in the videos that you are a tall fela likely and though the VF 750 Interceptor could be a good choice for myself too. Would you suggest any 80s, 90s Japanesse bike up until 1000cc that has enough roon for a tall person? Thx, Laszlo
I just became a proud owner of a mint 83 VFR750 with 24,200 miles.. Found on CL said it has been sitting for 10years.. He was asking1k. Pics looked dark and the bike looked rough.. I replied i’d be a buyer @500.00. Long story short a couple weeks went by and he emailed me that if i could pick it up this weekend he would just give me title.. I walked into his garage in a wealthy neighborhood here in colorado springs and Crapped my pants.. he’s second owner since 86. Has full shop manual, Perfect Plastic kit with full fairing , AND the original plastics and Tank that’s flawless (red /white) Spare chain , turn signals w/rubber, Brake / clutch lever , oil filter, full set of brake pads.. Original owner was Honda Mechanic .. I still can’t believe it.. all he asked was to bring it by so he could ride it one more time .. lol
@@basicwrench4510 Lucky you. Is it an '83 VF750 or a VFR? The latter came out in 1986. Both were called Interceptors in the USA, though the '83-'85 VF and the later '86 onwards VFRs are of course totally different models. I have an original Marysville, USA spec '83 VF750 Interceptor with the solid alloy wheels. But it cost me some money, and needs a total restoration since the guy who imported it into the UK left it outside near the sea!
Sounds like a cam chain tick, but could easily be a header loose or a badly adjusted valve as you say. The fun of DIY mechanics, just as enjoyable as riding them.
Petrol switch is missing too…. I have 2 of these bikes in the blue version. One rebuild th-cam.com/video/Hs6Mu7sQktg/w-d-xo.html and one in original state exept for the exhausts.
Had this same bike....what a pig. Once I insisted she wheelied for me which involved the clutch....well when she slammed back down it cracked the dash in two ...Funny I wanted that bike SO bad but honestly? NOT a great bike ....I upgraded to a gsxr and I have never missed the old "shleptor" ...Honda's next generations of V4s were vastly superior....this one was like half baked.
And the "God Bless America" after the video? Why the stupid, blind patriotism? What's that got to do with a motorcycle? And why does America constantly need blessing? Because they go around the world causing havoc. A big thumbs-down from me. 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻
@@natewebs Thank you so much for the kind, informative and intelligent response. A true Shakespeare of our times. Your noble words will stay with me forever.
@@guytero8812 love of country is not inherently dangerous. Comparing imperial/fascist 20th century Germany is quite the stretch. No different than god save the queen. Take a pill and god bless America 🇺🇸
I’ve owned mine since 1992. She runs like a champ! And looks great too!
I was stationed in Japan in 1983 and bought this exact same bike (US version) from the base exchange in Yokosuka. I rode it all over Japan and really loved the bike. Still my favorite bike of all the ones owned. I loved the lack of vibration at any RPM due to the 90 degree placement of the cylinders. In 1983, the Japanese government didn't want its citizens ridding big bikes so they made it extremely difficult to get a big bike license. Being in the military, I wasn't faced with that problem. But because of this restriction on Japanese, you rarely saw them on the road. BTW, the Japan version of the bike was white and blue with gold colored rims. Also, the engine was detuned for less hp. The Japanese rode mostly 400cc 4 cylinder bikes.
Only con: When riding in summer and stopped at a red light, the fan would come on a direct hot air onto my body which was very uncomfortable. I paid $2300 for it, rode it for 3 years and then when I brought it back to the states sold it for $2300. After riding in Japan for 3 years I found that I didn't enjoy riding a bike in the US that much and it was definitely more dangerous.
I had this exact bike new. That small front wheel and anti-dive suspension was great for handling. I think it was rated for 86 horsepower at the crank which is nothing by today’s standard. Also, there was a factory recall on the engine for some reason, I think related to the valves or cam. I do miss it.
I had a blue 84 model with F1-R Pipes!
Recalled for Rocker Arms / Cam Chain Tensioners...early wear!
I sold mine in 1985 after it went through two sets of cams. I recognize that ticking noise. There are new cams in that bikes future.
Have a friend who has a 83 and haven't changed cam or anything major. Gone like 10k km and still goes pretty good
@@christopherjohansson3073 10k km in 37 years? What's he do, ride it around the block once every 2 weeks? I put 10,000 MILES on it in the first year. Heat and mileage is what killed those engines. I'm sorry, your post doesn't make any sense with a statement of "10k km and still goes pretty good" after this long a period of time.
@@rickpeck7068 The thing is he lives in Sweden and not many people ride their bikes in the winter or spring here as they can be harsh. He only rode it during the summer and not every summer as he works in Norway and can be away for a long time. Hope your happy with the explanation.
V4 Honda guy since these were new. All the early v4’s demanded regular valve adjustment. Yes the earliest bikes had the chocolate cams . Which was mostly avoidable by keeping the rpms up and not constantly lugging/chugging the engines. And installing the Honda Oiler kit. That tick in the video is most definitely valves needing lashed. .. just passed my 83 vf to a daughter a few years back with 60k on it original cams. And just passed my v65 83 at 32k on, also original cams. The 87 super is also still going strong with 96k and original cams. All rode extremely hard You putt putt em trying to play the engine to the sidewalk gawker or the curb echo you will roast the cams. You keep em spooled up and no issues.
Yes, sir. Honda finally did a recall back then, drilling extra oil holes in the cam ends thinking the issue was lack of lube. When that didn't work, Honda then capped the cam ends since they were hollow than finally determined the issue to be the cam bearings.
in 2023 it still looks gorgeous.
I found one in Ontario. It was wiped out in 1984 in Quebec. Still has under 12K on the odometer. Found another blue one near Thunder Bay. Bought it as a donor. Both were a mess. This one is so original and I watched this video so many times to build 2 bikes into one. Thanks Kaplan! Yes it does need cam tensioners.
I had one. Mine was number two delivered to the Springs. Picked mine up the first one was in a ball over there in the back of their shop. Love to have one.
Bought one of those from new. Such a rad bike in its day, never had a bike that got so much attention.
The look is unique but still dated well.
I got the VFR750 that came out next, such a leap forward in refinement but perhaps missing character by comparison.
The best looking bike ever to come from the rising sun.
Have you not seen the SP1 (RC51) ?
@@bikefever3569 sure have, a very sharp bike and the sound was always killer, but there would be no RC 51 with out this bad boy. Nope this bike held just the right amount of plastic vs metal and a killer engine sound, you still knew something was going on under your crotch and you could see it. Don't take me wrong I love all bikes. I owned everything from old Iron head Sportsters to CBR600RR, old Kawasaki H1 2 strokes. Kawasaki GPZ. CB 750 with Sand cast engine. The Honda Interceptor, in my opinion was just one fine cycle and sexy for sure.. have a fine day!
@@davidchereneimmel8820
I have an SP1
Just sold my 97 Fireblade
I now have a vf750f with a 1000 lump fitted.
I'm trying to make an endurance / cafe racer
Thanks Ken! great bike. She is getting a ground up restoration and an indoor home.
I have one and an 85 "babycepter" 500. I ride them regularly. They are pristine. 2 of the greatest bikes ever made by anybody!
I get alot of looks and comments when I ride them, especially from previous owners. You can see the regrets one their faces for selling their babies.
Can't believe how cheap they are if you can find a survivor.
I will never sell mine. Every bit as good as a modern bike 🏍 😉 👍!
A LOT nicer looking than the 1000 or 750. The shark gills on the upper really rawks.
I rode a used one around 90 when I was a teenager, shopping for my first street bike. Only bike that ever scared me. This thing will move!
That was my first japan Motorbike when i was 20yrs old young man. Now i have .. vfr800fi ..many years .. V4 !!! South Poland Owner .. Krakow City
Lovely bike, Honda should do a retro version.
That would be nice. Unfortunately Honda went full blown gulp stupid with their v4.. they seem to think the moto guzzi theme is actualy cool . Never got the thinking. Whole point of the v4 was to be lean and balanced with one of the sweetest gryoscoping engines around. This sideways crap they are doing completely defeats the point of the engine.
Beautiful bike and great history lesson, Ken.
I had that exact bike, Honda did the cams twice no charge fantastic bike to ride. Great days😂
That thing is drop dead gorgeous.
This guy cracks me up.. that microphone .. looks like Glen Danzig
I love your vids there like a box of chocolates you never know what's coming next but it usually brings back memories
Now I wonder what chocolates you have…
I had one almost new. Six months old. Didn't make real power until 8500 rpm and up.
I have one of these that needs a lot of TLC after sitting for the last 20 years. I'd love some advice on where would be the best place to restore it. I'm in NorCal.
I have just done the same here in the U.K., bought one in a poorly state, been sat for 8 years, but runs nice, just needs some TLC. Can’t believe such an awesome looking bike is hardly seen on the streets. I’m a Honda man through and through, so glad to have picked up this gem of a bike. I think the cam issues that people are talking about is oiling, and when you look at the engine, it isn’t really a V4 it’s an L arrangement and that needs different oiling considerations, so I think that may be where Honda went wrong.
I currently have an 85 honda interceptor vf700f
Great bikes. I traded my '86 V45 magna in on a new '12 ST-1300, another V4! Oh ya when those old V4's hit 7k on the RPM gauge you better be holding on lol God Bless America
My dad had a v65 magna. It ripped!
God bless the world. America seems to be dropping the ball.
The top end on that bike is leaving the chat!
Hi Ken, Interested in your oppinion in something. I have a 1985 Honda VT 500 Eurosport and Im currently looking for a bigger motorcycle. Im 190 cm, around 6,2 feet and Im looking for a bike for a tall person basically. I noticed in the videos that you are a tall fela likely and though the VF 750 Interceptor could be a good choice for myself too. Would you suggest any 80s, 90s Japanesse bike up until 1000cc that has enough roon for a tall person? Thx, Laszlo
Beautiful bike
Where the he’ll did you find one without a drilled out exhaust?
It found us! We are magnet
Where do you find these bikes that are in such great shape?
It's a little bit O luck and also we've been doing it a long time so people just know to bring them to us
I just became a proud owner of a mint 83 VFR750 with 24,200 miles..
Found on CL said it has been sitting for 10years.. He was asking1k. Pics looked dark and the bike looked rough..
I replied i’d be a buyer @500.00.
Long story short a couple weeks went by and he emailed me that if i could pick it up this weekend he would just give me title..
I walked into his garage in a wealthy neighborhood here in colorado springs and Crapped my pants..
he’s second owner since 86.
Has full shop manual, Perfect Plastic kit with full fairing , AND the original plastics and Tank that’s flawless (red /white)
Spare chain , turn signals w/rubber, Brake / clutch lever , oil filter, full set of brake pads..
Original owner was Honda Mechanic ..
I still can’t believe it.. all he asked was to bring it by so he could ride it one more time .. lol
@@basicwrench4510 Lucky you. Is it an '83 VF750 or a VFR? The latter came out in 1986. Both were called Interceptors in the USA, though the '83-'85 VF and the later '86 onwards VFRs are of course totally different models.
I have an original Marysville, USA spec '83 VF750 Interceptor with the solid alloy wheels. But it cost me some money, and needs a total restoration since the guy who imported it into the UK left it outside near the sea!
Engine sounds a bit off but what a goddamned beautiful motorcycle.
I found the front end to be long. I didn't like the handling either. The 500 on the other hand was awesome.
That 500 was my starter bike. Great little bike that should still be around.
Postal code? You canadian?
I have one is it worth any money??
Same
Needed a valve adjustment.
My father has that exact bike, all original. Would anyone know how much it is worth?
2.5k
That one sounds like it's got a valve knocking or something.
Sounds like a cam chain tick, but could easily be a header loose or a badly adjusted valve as you say. The fun of DIY mechanics, just as enjoyable as riding them.
Petrol switch is missing too….
I have 2 of these bikes in the blue version. One rebuild th-cam.com/video/Hs6Mu7sQktg/w-d-xo.html and one in original state exept for the exhausts.
I think the 1985 500 interceptor looked better.
and the cams were made of chocolate
It’s got a dead miss
That engine is a little noisy
Bad camshafts, biggest failure of Honda but fortunately it made Honda to stand up to the name and create best engine ever for VFR series.
Person that bought that is already trying to sell it, poor guy is going to take a beating on that one.
ev dallas it had a dead miss too, I’m guessing it rounded a cam lobe, damn I heard that right off
Motocyklowy Wagabunda yep, and you can’t pull the jugs off this motor, it’s a block like a car motor.
I had this bike . your bike is missing a bit.
Chocolate cams...
that tire a bit worn out.. :D
Rattling
I've got this bike payed 500 pounds the guy didn't know what he had
Jesus you stole that ! I just paid £1300 for one, and thought that was the bargain of the century.
Had this same bike....what a pig. Once I insisted she wheelied for me which involved the clutch....well when she slammed back down it cracked the dash in two ...Funny I wanted that bike SO bad but honestly? NOT a great bike ....I upgraded to a gsxr and I have never missed the old "shleptor" ...Honda's next generations of V4s were vastly superior....this one was like half baked.
And the "God Bless America" after the video? Why the stupid, blind patriotism? What's that got to do with a motorcycle? And why does America constantly need blessing? Because they go around the world causing havoc. A big thumbs-down from me. 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻
Guy Tero I’d try to explain why some people love their country but I doubt you’d understand.
God bless you, Guy. May the Lord guide the doctor's hands that remove that stick from your posterior.
@@natewebs Thank you so much for the kind, informative and intelligent response. A true Shakespeare of our times. Your noble words will stay with me forever.
@@kdogg2077 Patriotism is the most dangerous thing. Just look at Germany during the First and Second World Wars.
@@guytero8812 love of country is not inherently dangerous. Comparing imperial/fascist 20th century Germany is quite the stretch. No different than god save the queen. Take a pill and god bless America 🇺🇸