@@motorcyclecafe bike control was 100% on riders skill and feel. Same bike 10 riders 10 totally different qrt mile times and on track 10 totally different lap times. It was all rider. No electronics to shift fast brake fast no slipper clutch just a rider and his skill
Then it felt like we were riding machines.. Lil bit clunky.. they were great and taught me to ride.. I had a vf750.. and like this guy said.. couldn't keep cams in it.. otherwise a very strong bike.. rain hail or snow. It was my only transport.. there was the tinker factor to the 80s and 90s bikes.. now days there's no chance without a laptop.. bit of a shame.. but I enjoy the 07 r1 and the 1198. I would never have got here without the vf..
I love those 90s bikes. The zx7 and the SRAD gixers still look amazing to me. I remember when that 900rr came out and I was drooling over it in the magazines. The 916 is definetly the best looking to me but a very close second is a blue 98 R1. That has to be one of the best looking Japanese bikes ever made. I have a 99 R1 that I've put over 50,000 miles on and it still makes me smile. Thanks for putting this together!
the ZXR750 was my 1st 4 stroke bike ... bought it end of 92 ..... my older brother got the GSX750R in 98 ... he since moved up to Ducati 1098 and stick with it .... I'm happy with a 2014 KTM Duke 690R ... I can't ride anything above 750cc 😅
I must one of the few that don't fawn over the 916, don't get me wrong, its a nice looking bike, but for me its far from the most beautiful bike ever made.
I enjoyed the video, this was truly a great time to ride. I remember going into a Suzuki shop in 1986 and falling in love with the GSX-R750 Limited but I was still a new rider and couldn't afford it. A few years later I picked up a used Red White and Blue 1986 VFR700F and absolutely loved the look and sound, I put many happy miles on that bike and wish I still had it. I also had a 1986 FZ600 that I made many upgrades to, that bike was so much fun on a twisty road.
Great nostalgic video! In my humble opinion😮, that era was the height of sportsbike design, each bike had it's own character and style, unlike today's computer designed, electronically aided clones. Sure, they weren't perfect but they sure were fast and fun! 🇬🇧
I think we all love to remember our times as younger riders. Wonder how the current younger generation will remember the current Superbikes. Same Romance?
@@AxelHartleben who knows, the trouble with these new bikes is you cant do a lot of maintenance to them yourself, they need to be taken back to the dealer. Not that it matters i guess because with the newer generation not many are even capable of doing simple tasks.
I used to get a second gear scratch on my VF 700 and it had "windslick" side covers when I bought it. So I added the rear seat cover from the VFR offered the next year, which really made it look sweet. Wish I had kept it!
Yer I know how you feel. Many of those bikes in reality are just as good as todays bikes. Producing the video was quite interesting, I forgot how awesome some of these machines were and still are!
Great video, and some absolute pearls of bikes! I remember every one of these being released, and they were all mind-blowing in their day. Still are, in many ways!
Thank you for this great video. When I was a lot younger, there was a Kawasaki Centre round the corner from my parents house…. well, by road it was about 1/4 mile away, but as the crow flies it was actually around 100m away. They had a pair of Ducatis in the showroom. One was the Mike Hailwood replica, and every Sunday morning they would rev the t1ts of the Ducatis before zooming off for a ride in the beautiful countryside that surrounded our town. I desperately wanted a bike, and had an eye on a Z250 Scorpion. my dad even bought me a helmet, which didn’t go down too well. However, my brother bought a brand new car and I used it during the week, whilst he was in London. Then, in the mid to late 80s, I got married, had kids, then started a PhD where i was getting paid a whopping salary (£4k after tax, I was at the top applied research place in Europe). I wanted a ZX9R, and put a deposit on one, with the intention of doing my full licence. However, my ex-wife had other ideas. She went out and bought me a Fiat Seicento….same engine size, but nowhere near the fun! Then my ex-started to fool,around with every Tom, Dick and Harry (emphasis on the Dick). So she agreed for me to buy a bike. I bought an Aprilia Futura 1000RST without having passed my test, which I did within a month of buying it. She even picked out the colour…..little did I know it was the GROH plan…get rid of husband plan. It almost worked after nearly 2 years and 30k miles someone took me out. I’ve never known anyone to be so disappointed when their estranged (by this time) husband is lying in A&E……”you fckn tw@t….I had to give up my dinner in the Ritz because of you”…….sympathy at its finest! Looking at those bikes brought me back to my younger days. I’ve got an RT now, and have no hope of getting on an S1000RR, not because of size but because I’m riddled with arthritis. I did own a K1200S from new which I did 80k miles on and I had a shot on the very first S1000RR. I didn’t take it out of 3 rd gear….i was too frightened, so perhaps i was never meant to own a superbike! Thank you for reminding me of boyhood dreams….
I had the Sabre variant of the Interceptor; I believe the bikini fairing and shaft-drive - plus the black, chrome and grey highlights - distinguished it from its better-known brother. It was one hell of a bike and, yes, it was pitched at 86hp. The weak link was meant to be, as you mentioned, excessive camshaft wear due to a useless chain tensioner mechanism. My bike was 20 years old when I bought it, so obviously the Honda recall for a replacement update had been carried out. Not as good as the XS11 though !!
Not sure the Sabre was available here in Aus I think if it was it was under a different name but it was too long ago to remember. It was a cruiser type style, correct?
The cruiser model was called the Magna ,which I now own and use,. It was mainly made for the U.S market and was called a V45c. It was called the V45 instead of the 750 because being for the US market was marketed with a 45.6 ci motor. The only problem I've found with it is the tiny main tank ,9 litres, although it does have a 4 litre reserve tank under the left hand side side cover. I love the shaft drive.
The camshaft issue had nothing to do with the cam chain tensioner. It was a camshaft manufacturing issue, which Honda failed to acknowledge for a while, and took several attempts to solve. Essentially they cut corners by casting the camshafts and leaving only a small amount of metal for grinding off on the lobe areas, hoping to save the cost of extra heat treatment by taking advantage of the natural surface hardness of the casings. What they forgot is that the metal close to the surface of castings is often subject to imperfections and faults. It was these imperfections and faults that caused the friction surfaces of the cam lobes to fail. It’s also likely that owners of the Magnas and Sabres which had the earliest versions of Honda’s V4 engines, were not maintaining the oil level correctly, thus leading to oil starvation in the heads. This latter factor is speculation, though since good oil pressure and reliable oil flow to the cams is essential, it’s highly likely to be a contributor. Finally, the cam bearing and location arrangement in the VF engines leaves a lot to be desired. This was before engine manufacturers started through boring the camshaft bearings and caping them. I have two of these in need of full restoration. One is a UK/European model with the gold composit wheels, and the other is a rarer (in UK) Marysville USA built 1983 bike with the solid alloy wheels. A future classic.
@@G58 My first job at 17 was on the parts counter of a Honda dealer here in NZ just as the VF750 was released. I used to know the part number for the cams off by heart😆. Honda was really slow in addressing the issue of the fault with VF, different tech bulletins cam out telling the workshop guys how too modify the oil feed to the cams, then modified cam caps turned up, it was a disaster. As i recall, we never had any issues with the 1000 or the 500 and 400 VF models.
Great video! I was in my late teens and early twenties during the 1980s. Cutting my teeth when I was 13 years old with my first clapped out DT100. Went on to own a number of bikes of all different flavours but recall the RZ500 I bought in 1985 as "the one that got away". I still have very fond memories of my 84 FJ1100 with my friends all driving bikes like the Interceptor, Magna, RZ's, Ninjas and all the other amazing bikes of the era. It was a great time to be alive and to know how most of these bikes made their mark on the industry is something special. Cheers.
I bought a new VF100F. I was working at a Honda shop. Small mom and pop shop. It was when there were about a hundred models to keep track of. I was the parts manager and owed my soul to the company store. XR 500, CR 500, XR 80, And the interceptor, which was billed as the fastest production bike at 151mph. I had the poster. The bike felt as if it could easily outrun the suspension. I never pushed it past 135, and felt uncomfortable at that speed. Of course that was on Oklahoma roads. 😊
That was brilliant. As I watched all these bikes I felt exactly the same way as the first time I saw them. Since then I have owned a few of these and ridden a few others. Owned ZXR750H1, 'Blade '92, Blade RRV, GSXR1100, my brother still owns an original R1 in red/white. I've had a go on that and it was fantastic, also ridden a thou EXUP and my mates owned a Bol 'dor and a GPZ900. We bikers really do live our best lives! Currently own a 'busa gen2. 🤘🤘
I had a VF - on your opening page. Its small front wheel diameter made it fall into corners which was disconcerting. Rear cyclinder also overheated. I preferred my in-line four Kawasakis.
I had a 1995 916 for four years - rode 20,000kms on it. Might not stack up to more modern bikes in terms of outright power - but felt fast, stable, and cornered on rails. A stunning piece of kit if not a touch high maintenance...
Having owned most of the bikes you cover, I am still looking for an 851 to complete my 80s CV. Then perhaps I will delve a bit deeper in to 70's stuff. Must go , a lot to fit in while my old body can take it.
Great vid, no mention of the original fj1100 from 1984 - 85. One of the first sports tourers, naked bikes. Still remember my two choices were that or the gpz900. Old guy now, get my kicks from the xsr900. Cheers.
Now this is my era of sport bikes! The ZXR750 H2 is my favourite bike in my small collection.. I also have a ‘99 Fireblade, ‘91 VFR750 RC36, ‘91 CBR1000F, ‘01 ZX12R, ‘98 GSXR750 SRAD & ‘99 Suzuki TLR 😊👍🏼
I loved all of those bikes. I rember watching the ZX7s and Ducatis fight it out in World Superbike. The Honda V4 is my favorite. Wish they would have kept that motor alive longer. When the R1 came out it was totally a game changer. But the 916 is still by far the sexiest bike ever.
I watch these videos about 80’s sports bikes but never see a list that includes the YAMAHA FJ1100.The only bike faster in 1985was the YAMAHA VMAX or so the motorcycle magazines would say,but I was never beaten by one.
Those were the days. I had a 1975 kaw 900 bored to 1013. Stripped down with full fairing, glass tank, and seat. Ran bit over 160 mph in 1976. Next ZX10R in a month. Had FZR 1000 in 1988 and kaw 1000R 1987.
@@motorcyclecafe no problem I am being honest and to you for making an honest video great work sometimes times are a changing but to have the real experience and portray that in the way you did! Fantastic job ❤️
I have 2 Yzf750's, one R and an SP too 👍👍,90'ies styling like my old Ducati 900 Supersports, (have had 3 🙂) but with the right amount of power 😎, the perfect bikes for me
in 1986, my dad sold his GS1000E and got the VFR750 in red, white and blue ..... I luv dat bike bcoz a 13 year old me can ride a 750 for the 1st time.😅
In the spring of 1985, I bought a new, in-the-crate 1983 Suzuki GS1100EX for $2,700. They had imported way too many and the bikes were sitting around in warehouses unsold. It was a great bike, but my buddy's Honda CB1100F had the edge on it. I think that was the best big road bike Honda ever built, but they only sold it for a year or two.
Beware, the one I had was prone to terrifying tank slappers. I diagnosed it as something to do with the 16" front wheel. But I was just a young lad, so whadda I know. My GPZ900 and Fireblade also had 16s and they never had tank slappers. @@motorcyclecafe
I had just started my first ever job on the parts counter at the local Honda dealer when the VF750F was released, i got to know the part number for cams and followers off by heart in no time at all.
I have a vf500. The 400 and 500 didn't have the oiling problems of the larger bikes. It now has 28,000 with very few problems. None of the problems that I had were neither expensive or difficult to fix.
I rode a friend's VF500 a few times, and even though I owned a "better" CBR600F2 at the time, I just liked the VF500 way more. Of all the 80's and 90's superbikes, I'd put the VF500 as the top of bikes I'd like to own, followed by the 2nd gen CBR900RR or possibly a VFR750. But the VF500 was nicer as a semi-faired motorcycle.
The little VF’s were awesome.. my first big bike in 1990 was a VF400F, and I followed that up a couple of years later with a VF500FII.. But it’s with the VF400F that I have the fondest memories 😊
Great vid. To my memory, the TL100s had the rotary rear shock and handling issues; the TLR was released with conventional shocks, but was too heavy to cut it against the Ducatis and later VTR/RC51. Maybe other markets got a different TLR than the uk though
TL-R had the same rotary damper. The reason the stopped racing development on the TL-R was A: It was no faster than the GSX-R750 and B: when they tried to get more HP out of the engine the cases suffered failures.
I had the last model fzr 1000 twin fox eye headlamps , what a fabulous bike it was . You had to work hard to be rewarded / it really was worth it . and it was comfy too . Nice video and a blast from the past .
Road friend dual headlight air cooled fz600 slower than my 600 ninja in straight line but hit curves it was a scalpel ninja 600 was chainsaw lol it would take corners at much higher speeds and lean angles so easy. 20 more hp and it would have ruled for a decade
Not sure the gpz900r was the first bike to reach 150 mph, in 1982 Suzuki launched the katana which definitely did 150mph the 1000cc and the 1100cc were way ahead of their time,I know the kwacka was a fantastic bike and sold in much greater numbers but having owned a katana I had to mention that, fantastic video atb Dave
Thanks mate. I could not find one road test which clocked a katana at 150mph. But thats not to say it didnt happen. As u would know top speeds can vary quite a lot and depends on many factors. Cheers!
When the 1st SRAD model came out then the R1 everyone was going apeshit on the streets. The Busa the ZX9 then ZX12 it was the best time period in my life. When dreams actually did come true
GSXR750 & Interceptor we’re the Class Of The World even though Honda had serious cam issues. I can still remember the GSXR’s absolutely destroying everything on tracks across the land.
Good report; I owned a few of these machines. But I SERIOUSLY doubt those horsepower numbers; I believe those came from the Manufacturer's claims, which have always been 15%+ optimistic
I'm still trying to figure out why 86 GSXR1100 wasn't mentioned while mentioning the 85 750, it would have taken one extra sentence sounding something like this.... -- and in 1986 they jammed an 1100 into it. The 1100 made 130hp and weighed 197kg, besides the bigger engine, the extra weight was mainly due to slightly heavier duty parts and a slightly longer wheel base. That power to weight allowed the bike to do the 1/4 mile in the 10.5s.
G'day buddy. It's quite difficult to fit all bikes in these types of videos. What about the GSXR1100, what about the VF1000R, what about the ZX-10 etc... I hope you see what I mean and understand? The GSX1100 in itself wasn't really a ground breaking motorcycle it was more of an evolution of the 750. Having said that, in my opinion the GSXR1100 was probably the best overall sports bike of these 2 decades. So good in fact I may even do a separate video dedicated to that one bike. Cheers.
@@motorcyclecafe Yeah, I get your point, but the GSXR11 was the original monster that everything after was judged by, with the 1000exup being the best compromise between it and the touring comfort of the CBR1000. Actually, keeping that video as a sub 1000 comparison and will definitely be looking forward to the over 1000cc. I still reckon the Katana was the best looking bike, and I'm still on the fence about whether the 916 beats it or equals it. lol
@@stevegraham3817 yer mate, the looks of a bike is a very personal thing, each to their own. Thats why those videos of the 'best looking bikes etc' are a bit if a joke. All those suzuki 4cyl motors are bullet proof.
@@motorcyclecafe I read somewhere that when Kawasaki was developing the engine for the ZZR11 they put it and a GSXR11 on a dyno, set the revs to 50rpm below redline and held them at full throttle and full load to see what would break. They both lasted over 100 hours which doesn't sound like much, but when you consider the bikes are only going to be at full throttle and full speed for a few seconds at a time, it is actually quite amazing.
Yes , the '85 " Jixxer " completely changed the Game out of Japan . The Frog faced little beauty . Worth BIG money for an 85 model these days . Ducati were still doing Exactly what they always had done , but found somewhat more power . And MUCH better Electricals .
Primary drive on the VF750F is straight cut gears, not chain. The engine had a serious flaw with the camshafts, they bored the cam tunnel and caps separately leading to accelerated wear, the worst we ever saw in the shop i worked in was the cams and followers needing replaced at the first service.
Have a ZXR750 H1my second one they just look great and handle superb although they after 35 years and myself 60 are out classed by newer and more powerful machines. But the newer wedge shape superbikes just don't look as good as the late 80's and 90' bikes. Had a chance to buy a VF 1000R in Rothmans colors a few years back for under 3k euros and didn't buy it......still kicking myself.
confused the cbr900 is lighter has more cubes but is slower than the heavier smaller engine zxr750 over the quarter mile at 10.9 to the zxrs 10.8 are these figures correct ?
@@Fatpig-fq3vb many things influence performance, the rider, rider weight, bikes even with the same engine crank power can have different rear wheel power. Dry clutches for example are more efficient. There are so many things i might even do a video on it now i think about it.
I don't miss turning on the fuel tap and giving choke then it would rev like crazy. And when I need resere I'm fumbling round everywhere. Also I had my float get jammed a load of times and the fuel was just running out everywhere.
AHHHHH the 84 ninja 900 the hp war began i had 85 600 ninja it was 12 sec 1/4 mile 137 mph top speed and handled great in the day. That bike kicked of the 600 sport wars. kawasaki just loved starting wars and any time some one one upped them they came back stronger. The zx7 was a beauty and a beast. Yes I prefer kawasakis as fast or faster than bikes in same class bullet proof and I like their looks more than any suzuki ever made most hondas and only the r6 and r1 looked as good or beat them.
@@wescooley34 did they really, crikey I will have to check it out. I did the Silver Hawk ive never really looked at that bike I always just thought it was a v twin by looking at it.
Real bikes. No traction control, abs. Just rider input. The way it should be..
Totally agree buddy, traction control is the throttle ay?
@@motorcyclecafe bike control was 100% on riders skill and feel. Same bike 10 riders 10 totally different qrt mile times and on track 10 totally different lap times. It was all rider. No electronics to shift fast brake fast no slipper clutch just a rider and his skill
Then it felt like we were riding machines.. Lil bit clunky.. they were great and taught me to ride.. I had a vf750.. and like this guy said.. couldn't keep cams in it.. otherwise a very strong bike.. rain hail or snow. It was my only transport.. there was the tinker factor to the 80s and 90s bikes.. now days there's no chance without a laptop.. bit of a shame.. but I enjoy the 07 r1 and the 1198. I would never have got here without the vf..
When riders controlled the bike not the other way around.😊
No man real bikes has wooden tires and coal engines
I love those 90s bikes. The zx7 and the SRAD gixers still look amazing to me. I remember when that 900rr came out and I was drooling over it in the magazines. The 916 is definetly the best looking to me but a very close second is a blue 98 R1. That has to be one of the best looking Japanese bikes ever made. I have a 99 R1 that I've put over 50,000 miles on and it still makes me smile. Thanks for putting this together!
Glad you enjoyed it buddy! Great bikes for sure all of them!
Agree not ducati fan for hp or reliability or cost but beautiful looks
the ZXR750 was my 1st 4 stroke bike ... bought it end of 92 ..... my older brother got the GSX750R in 98 ... he since moved up to Ducati 1098 and stick with it .... I'm happy with a 2014 KTM Duke 690R ... I can't ride anything above 750cc 😅
I must one of the few that don't fawn over the 916, don't get me wrong, its a nice looking bike, but for me its far from the most beautiful bike ever made.
I enjoyed the video, this was truly a great time to ride. I remember going into a Suzuki shop in 1986 and falling in love with the GSX-R750 Limited but I was still a new rider and couldn't afford it.
A few years later I picked up a used Red White and Blue 1986 VFR700F and absolutely loved the look and sound, I put many happy miles on that bike and wish I still had it.
I also had a 1986 FZ600 that I made many upgrades to, that bike was so much fun on a twisty road.
Great nostalgic video! In my humble opinion😮, that era was the height of sportsbike design, each bike had it's own character and style, unlike today's computer designed, electronically aided clones. Sure, they weren't perfect but they sure were fast and fun! 🇬🇧
They aren't really a lot better than these old bikes these days, thats my humble opinion. 😉
Older 80s and 90s were 100% better looking and by sight i knew the bike now without logo who knows
No Electronic Bandaids to make up for lack of Rider Capabilities. The obsession with perceived “safety” is enough to make one Puke.
I think we all love to remember our times as younger riders. Wonder how the current younger generation will remember the current Superbikes. Same Romance?
@@AxelHartleben who knows, the trouble with these new bikes is you cant do a lot of maintenance to them yourself, they need to be taken back to the dealer. Not that it matters i guess because with the newer generation not many are even capable of doing simple tasks.
Happy memories ! The 1986 gsxr1100 made a massive impact too, on roads, circuits and drag strips - the engine was amazing for it's ease of tuning ❤
Yes that Suzuki motor was and still is bullet proof
For one year it was top dog, then the FZR1000 was released.
I'm still trying to figure out why it wasn't mentioned while mentioning the 85 750, it would have taken one extra sentence.
I used to get a second gear scratch on my VF 700 and it had "windslick" side covers when I bought it. So I added the rear seat cover from the VFR offered the next year, which really made it look sweet. Wish I had kept it!
TL1000 - the legend. Love riding it more than and other bike. But nearly all 90s sportsbiles were insane
well done. Those were the years where something new came about every other year..
thanks mate!
Oh boy just watched the best years of my life pass buy. It was great time to be. Still have GSX-R 750 lo for short rides on sunny days. 😎✌
Yer I know how you feel. Many of those bikes in reality are just as good as todays bikes. Producing the video was quite interesting, I forgot how awesome some of these machines were and still are!
I had a 84 Honda VF750F Interceptor and I loved it. Great bike. ❤
I'd love to see a doco on 80s 2 strokes like the kr, kr1, tzr, rz, rg, rgv, mvx250f and nsr
OH yeah now ya talking, that would be great 👍
Great video, and some absolute pearls of bikes! I remember every one of these being released, and they were all mind-blowing in their day. Still are, in many ways!
Yes they are all still pretty good even by todays standards. Thanks buddy!
Thank you for this great video. When I was a lot younger, there was a Kawasaki Centre round the corner from my parents house…. well, by road it was about 1/4 mile away, but as the crow flies it was actually around 100m away. They had a pair of Ducatis in the showroom. One was the Mike Hailwood replica, and every Sunday morning they would rev the t1ts of the Ducatis before zooming off for a ride in the beautiful countryside that surrounded our town. I desperately wanted a bike, and had an eye on a Z250 Scorpion. my dad even bought me a helmet, which didn’t go down too well. However, my brother bought a brand new car and I used it during the week, whilst he was in London.
Then, in the mid to late 80s, I got married, had kids, then started a PhD where i was getting paid a whopping salary (£4k after tax, I was at the top applied research place in Europe). I wanted a ZX9R, and put a deposit on one, with the intention of doing my full licence. However, my ex-wife had other ideas. She went out and bought me a Fiat Seicento….same engine size, but nowhere near the fun! Then my ex-started to fool,around with every Tom, Dick and Harry (emphasis on the Dick). So she agreed for me to buy a bike. I bought an Aprilia Futura 1000RST without having passed my test, which I did within a month of buying it. She even picked out the colour…..little did I know it was the GROH plan…get rid of husband plan. It almost worked after nearly 2 years and 30k miles someone took me out. I’ve never known anyone to be so disappointed when their estranged (by this time) husband is lying in A&E……”you fckn tw@t….I had to give up my dinner in the Ritz because of you”…….sympathy at its finest!
Looking at those bikes brought me back to my younger days. I’ve got an RT now, and have no hope of getting on an S1000RR, not because of size but because I’m riddled with arthritis. I did own a K1200S from new which I did 80k miles on and I had a shot on the very first S1000RR. I didn’t take it out of 3 rd gear….i was too frightened, so perhaps i was never meant to own a superbike! Thank you for reminding me of boyhood dreams….
Thanks for the great feedback buddy. Glad you enjoyed the video. Its never too late you know 😉
@@motorcyclecafe It is….if I go and buy a second bike, I’ll need a third wife!
I had the 98 R1, what a beast.
I reckon mate
The round twin headlights are so badass.
I had the Sabre variant of the Interceptor; I believe the bikini fairing and shaft-drive - plus the black, chrome and grey highlights - distinguished it from its better-known brother. It was one hell of a bike and, yes, it was pitched at 86hp. The weak link was meant to be, as you mentioned, excessive camshaft wear due to a useless chain tensioner mechanism. My bike was 20 years old when I bought it, so obviously the Honda recall for a replacement update had been carried out. Not as good as the XS11 though !!
Not sure the Sabre was available here in Aus I think if it was it was under a different name but it was too long ago to remember. It was a cruiser type style, correct?
The cruiser model was called the Magna ,which I now own and use,. It was mainly made for the U.S market and was called a V45c. It was called the V45 instead of the 750 because being for the US market was marketed with a 45.6 ci motor. The only problem I've found with it is the tiny main tank ,9 litres, although it does have a 4 litre reserve tank under the left hand side side cover. I love the shaft drive.
The camshaft issue had nothing to do with the cam chain tensioner. It was a camshaft manufacturing issue, which Honda failed to acknowledge for a while, and took several attempts to solve.
Essentially they cut corners by casting the camshafts and leaving only a small amount of metal for grinding off on the lobe areas, hoping to save the cost of extra heat treatment by taking advantage of the natural surface hardness of the casings.
What they forgot is that the metal close to the surface of castings is often subject to imperfections and faults. It was these imperfections and faults that caused the friction surfaces of the cam lobes to fail.
It’s also likely that owners of the Magnas and Sabres which had the earliest versions of Honda’s V4 engines, were not maintaining the oil level correctly, thus leading to oil starvation in the heads.
This latter factor is speculation, though since good oil pressure and reliable oil flow to the cams is essential, it’s highly likely to be a contributor.
Finally, the cam bearing and location arrangement in the VF engines leaves a lot to be desired. This was before engine manufacturers started through boring the camshaft bearings and caping them.
I have two of these in need of full restoration. One is a UK/European model with the gold composit wheels, and the other is a rarer (in UK) Marysville USA built 1983 bike with the solid alloy wheels.
A future classic.
@@G58 My first job at 17 was on the parts counter of a Honda dealer here in NZ just as the VF750 was released. I used to know the part number for the cams off by heart😆. Honda was really slow in addressing the issue of the fault with VF, different tech bulletins cam out telling the workshop guys how too modify the oil feed to the cams, then modified cam caps turned up, it was a disaster. As i recall, we never had any issues with the 1000 or the 500 and 400 VF models.
@@motorcyclecafe We got it in NZ as the VF750S, never sold that well due to its odd looks, and the cams self destructing finished it off.
Great video! I was in my late teens and early twenties during the 1980s. Cutting my teeth when I was 13 years old with my first clapped out DT100. Went on to own a number of bikes of all different flavours but recall the RZ500 I bought in 1985 as "the one that got away". I still have very fond memories of my 84 FJ1100 with my friends all driving bikes like the Interceptor, Magna, RZ's, Ninjas and all the other amazing bikes of the era. It was a great time to be alive and to know how most of these bikes made their mark on the industry is something special. Cheers.
@@KensWorldRestorations the thing is modern bikes are not really much better, performance wise.
@@motorcyclecafe True - only a handful of the high-end bikes are but then only manageable with rider aids. These bikes were definitely the greats.
I bought a new VF100F. I was working at a Honda shop. Small mom and pop shop. It was when there were about a hundred models to keep track of. I was the parts manager and owed my soul to the company store. XR 500, CR 500, XR 80, And the interceptor, which was billed as the fastest production bike at 151mph. I had the poster.
The bike felt as if it could easily outrun the suspension. I never pushed it past 135, and felt uncomfortable at that speed. Of course that was on Oklahoma roads. 😊
That was brilliant. As I watched all these bikes I felt exactly the same way as the first time I saw them. Since then I have owned a few of these and ridden a few others. Owned ZXR750H1, 'Blade '92, Blade RRV, GSXR1100, my brother still owns an original R1 in red/white. I've had a go on that and it was fantastic, also ridden a thou EXUP and my mates owned a Bol 'dor and a GPZ900. We bikers really do live our best lives! Currently own a 'busa gen2. 🤘🤘
Thanks, in reality any of these bikes are just as good as todays bikes. Thats what I reckon anyway.
🍀👍
I had a VF - on your opening page. Its small front wheel diameter made it fall into corners which was disconcerting. Rear cyclinder also overheated. I preferred my in-line four Kawasakis.
exelente video mait! gracias por mostrar a las nuevas generaciones que el pasado de nuestras motos aun hoy esta vivo!
you are welcome buddy, cheers!
I had a 1995 916 for four years - rode 20,000kms on it. Might not stack up to more modern bikes in terms of outright power - but felt fast, stable, and cornered on rails. A stunning piece of kit if not a touch high maintenance...
The 1986 white and gold VFR 700 was my first love.
I had three Interceptors in the 80's. Incredible machines and I still miss them today.
I bet you do mate!
Bloody awesome that was. Smiling from ear to ear I was. Beauties all.
Super glad you enjoyed it buddy. What awesome motorcycles they all were.
I have 3-4 80’s /early 90’s bikes they are visceral,awesome stuff.
Having owned most of the bikes you cover, I am still looking for an 851 to complete my 80s CV. Then perhaps I will delve a bit deeper in to 70's stuff. Must go , a lot to fit in while my old body can take it.
I had an 86 FJ 1200. Bulletproof, fast, and comfortable.
Yes I covered that bike in a more recent video.
Great vid, no mention of the original fj1100 from 1984 - 85. One of the first sports tourers, naked bikes. Still remember my two choices were that or the gpz900. Old guy now, get my kicks from the xsr900. Cheers.
saving the FJ's for another vid😉
I still have 1970’s and 1980’s bikes. 4 x Moto Guzzis, 3 of which are now Historic Vehicle status.
I've wanted to produce a video on Moto Guzzi, still might even though hardly anyone would watch it. They are so under rated!
@@motorcyclecafe - very underrated for certain
Superb dissertation, I find it hard to argue with the descriptions of any, being a sport rider since 86, and always a Yamaha guy, including the 98 R1.
Thanks buddy, all great bikes though, no matter what your own preference. We all have our favourites.
I agree, the VFR Interceptor, with honorable mention to the Hans Muth Susuki Katana
Nice review of some legendary bikes from when I started riding.
Thank you, yes it just makes you want to buy one of these great motorcycles ay?
I remember reading all the magazines in 86 about these beauties
A very interesting compilation of the most powerful bikes of this era!!!
Ducati 91sex on wheels!
Changed the way bikes looked , wow.
I had aHonda VF500F2, what a cracking bike that was.
Now this is my era of sport bikes! The ZXR750 H2 is my favourite bike in my small collection.. I also have a ‘99 Fireblade, ‘91 VFR750 RC36, ‘91 CBR1000F, ‘01 ZX12R, ‘98 GSXR750 SRAD & ‘99 Suzuki TLR 😊👍🏼
@@woooster17 that is quite a collection buddy
The black limited edition GSXR 750...IS THE DREAM BIKE,and the RR🙏
I loved all of those bikes. I rember watching the ZX7s and Ducatis fight it out in World Superbike. The Honda V4 is my favorite. Wish they would have kept that motor alive longer. When the R1 came out it was totally a game changer. But the 916 is still by far the sexiest bike ever.
The first 916 i ever saw in the metal, was an Australian spec one, with a single rectangle headlight in place of the dual ones, ruined to whole look.
Superb analysis just up to the 90s our favourite Machines. ❤
Thanks mate!
I watch these videos about 80’s sports bikes but never see a list that includes the YAMAHA FJ1100.The only bike faster in 1985was the YAMAHA VMAX or so the motorcycle magazines would say,but I was never beaten by one.
Best check the other recent videos on the channel. Cheers
Those were the days. I had a 1975 kaw 900 bored to 1013. Stripped down with full fairing, glass tank, and seat. Ran bit over 160 mph in 1976.
Next ZX10R in a month.
Had FZR 1000 in 1988 and kaw 1000R 1987.
What a great video of information and from experienced nearly all these bikes in the flesh you were spot on!
Thank you 🙏
I truly appreciate you saying that buddy. Its not easy trying to find correct specs etc... there is so much wrong info out there.
@@motorcyclecafe no problem I am being honest and to you for making an honest video great work sometimes times are a changing but to have the real experience and portray that in the way you did!
Fantastic job ❤️
The Yamaha FZ750 is missing here. It has a steal frame. The YZF 750, 125hp followed. Beautifull machines
There are many good bikes missing. It is impossible to cover every bike.
I have 2 Yzf750's, one R and an SP too 👍👍,90'ies styling like my old Ducati 900 Supersports, (have had 3 🙂) but with the right amount of power 😎, the perfect bikes for me
Yamaha Fz750Pure sport.
That was a machine.
in 1986, my dad sold his GS1000E and got the VFR750 in red, white and blue ..... I luv dat bike bcoz a 13 year old me can ride a 750 for the 1st time.😅
In the spring of 1985, I bought a new, in-the-crate 1983 Suzuki GS1100EX for $2,700. They had imported way too many and the bikes were sitting around in warehouses unsold. It was a great bike, but my buddy's Honda CB1100F had the edge on it. I think that was the best big road bike Honda ever built, but they only sold it for a year or two.
12:59 I miss my '93 WP GSX-R 750 bad, that bike was a beast !
I had a 1989 grsxr 750......why did I sell it 🥺
@@ashjitsu I know mate. And they just don't make them like they used to anymore.
Them were the days boys!
Not as many stupid laws either.
The VF750F was one of the best-looking bikes there has ever been in my opinion - I'd love to own a minter now.
I agree, it was an appealing looking bike when it came out.
Beware, the one I had was prone to terrifying tank slappers. I diagnosed it as something to do with the 16" front wheel. But I was just a young lad, so whadda I know. My GPZ900 and Fireblade also had 16s and they never had tank slappers. @@motorcyclecafe
I had just started my first ever job on the parts counter at the local Honda dealer when the VF750F was released, i got to know the part number for cams and followers off by heart in no time at all.
I have a vf500. The 400 and 500 didn't have the oiling problems of the larger bikes. It now has 28,000 with very few problems. None of the problems that I had were neither expensive or difficult to fix.
Good to hear. Its strange they made a 400 and 500 being as they are so close in capacity
@motorcyclecafe At the time the 400 was not imported here.
I rode a friend's VF500 a few times, and even though I owned a "better" CBR600F2 at the time, I just liked the VF500 way more. Of all the 80's and 90's superbikes, I'd put the VF500 as the top of bikes I'd like to own, followed by the 2nd gen CBR900RR or possibly a VFR750. But the VF500 was nicer as a semi-faired motorcycle.
The little VF’s were awesome.. my first big bike in 1990 was a VF400F, and I followed that up a couple of years later with a VF500FII.. But it’s with the VF400F that I have the fondest memories 😊
Great vid. To my memory, the TL100s had the rotary rear shock and handling issues; the TLR was released with conventional shocks, but was too heavy to cut it against the Ducatis and later VTR/RC51. Maybe other markets got a different TLR than the uk though
Im not sure buddy, all i remember is all of a sudden they started appearing in shops with steering dampers. Still i like them, great motor!
Both had the rotary damper, you can see it at 14:08.
TL-R had the same rotary damper. The reason the stopped racing development on the TL-R was A: It was no faster than the GSX-R750 and B: when they tried to get more HP out of the engine the cases suffered failures.
Still have a totally original srad 750. She's a stunner.
I had the last model fzr 1000 twin fox eye headlamps , what a fabulous bike it was . You had to work hard to be rewarded / it really was worth it . and it was comfy too . Nice video and a blast from the past .
Thanks mate!
Road friend dual headlight air cooled fz600 slower than my 600 ninja in straight line but hit curves it was a scalpel ninja 600 was chainsaw lol it would take corners at much higher speeds and lean angles so easy. 20 more hp and it would have ruled for a decade
Info boxes excellent. Great video mate!
Thanks buddy! Glad you liked it.
The VF750F could be a great and historical bike, but its issue with engine condemned it to an unfairing oblivion.
I’m surprised there was no mention of the 1987 and 1988 Honda Hurricane 600F1 or the 1000
I would have no problem owning any of these bikes. 916 is my favorite
Yes they are pretty special.
If it came with the girl it would be every man's dream
😄@@chrishart8548
Not sure the gpz900r was the first bike to reach 150 mph, in 1982 Suzuki launched the katana which definitely did 150mph the 1000cc and the 1100cc were way ahead of their time,I know the kwacka was a fantastic bike and sold in much greater numbers but having owned a katana I had to mention that, fantastic video atb Dave
Thanks mate. I could not find one road test which clocked a katana at 150mph. But thats not to say it didnt happen. As u would know top speeds can vary quite a lot and depends on many factors. Cheers!
Loved my ZX7R.
Would like to have seen the VF1000R in the line up, what a weapon.
sorry buddy, its hard to include them all.
The green, blue, and white Kawasaki ZX7 is arguably in the top 3 of sexiest bikes in existence.
no arguments from me on that one buddy!
Yes, thank you I did very much enjoy that.
Glad you enjoyed it
When the 1st SRAD model came out then the R1 everyone was going apeshit on the streets. The Busa the ZX9 then ZX12 it was the best time period in my life. When dreams actually did come true
All great bikes even by todays standards!
What a wonderful collection of bikes. Pure art and mechanical genius.. no wonder the British Market died. Many thanks.
You're welcome buddy. It was a great couple of decades for sure.
GSXR750 & Interceptor we’re the Class Of The World even though Honda had serious cam issues. I can still remember the GSXR’s absolutely destroying everything on tracks across the land.
Yes they were in a league of their own. And nice to look at.
had a Honda CB 900F handleing not the best but looked good and was fun
Good report; I owned a few of these machines. But I SERIOUSLY doubt those horsepower numbers; I believe those came from the Manufacturer's claims, which have always been 15%+ optimistic
Yes thats correct.
My vf500f2ff was clocked at 135 I dont know if it right or not but it still felt bl dy fast.
Great stuff mate, love your chanel. Ace vid, cheers.
Thanks heaps buddy for taking the time to leave positive feedback!
I'm still trying to figure out why 86 GSXR1100 wasn't mentioned while mentioning the 85 750, it would have taken one extra sentence sounding something like this.... -- and in 1986 they jammed an 1100 into it. The 1100 made 130hp and weighed 197kg, besides the bigger engine, the extra weight was mainly due to slightly heavier duty parts and a slightly longer wheel base. That power to weight allowed the bike to do the 1/4 mile in the 10.5s.
G'day buddy. It's quite difficult to fit all bikes in these types of videos. What about the GSXR1100, what about the VF1000R, what about the ZX-10 etc... I hope you see what I mean and understand? The GSX1100 in itself wasn't really a ground breaking motorcycle it was more of an evolution of the 750. Having said that, in my opinion the GSXR1100 was probably the best overall sports bike of these 2 decades. So good in fact I may even do a separate video dedicated to that one bike. Cheers.
@@motorcyclecafe Yeah, I get your point, but the GSXR11 was the original monster that everything after was judged by, with the 1000exup being the best compromise between it and the touring comfort of the CBR1000.
Actually, keeping that video as a sub 1000 comparison and will definitely be looking forward to the over 1000cc. I still reckon the Katana was the best looking bike, and I'm still on the fence about whether the 916 beats it or equals it. lol
@@stevegraham3817 yer mate, the looks of a bike is a very personal thing, each to their own. Thats why those videos of the 'best looking bikes etc' are a bit if a joke. All those suzuki 4cyl motors are bullet proof.
@@motorcyclecafe I read somewhere that when Kawasaki was developing the engine for the ZZR11 they put it and a GSXR11 on a dyno, set the revs to 50rpm below redline and held them at full throttle and full load to see what would break. They both lasted over 100 hours which doesn't sound like much, but when you consider the bikes are only going to be at full throttle and full speed for a few seconds at a time, it is actually quite amazing.
Regarding the Yamaha R1, a shorter wheelbase will make a bike easier to wheelie, that is why dragsters have such a long wheelbase.
Yep, no doubt about that
Good video but you should have included the Blackbird & Hayabusa
Thanks, those bikes are for a separate video buddy.
...my youth is back! 😉
Miss my 87 FZ-700
I'm surprised. No mention of the 1998 zx9r? first production bike to break into 9 second 1/4 mile territory in stock form
Hmm interesting point. Sorry i missed that bike buddy, its very hard to include every bike.
The V4's where a total pain to work on
Yes i reckon they were buddy
Yes , the '85 " Jixxer " completely changed the Game out of Japan . The Frog faced little beauty . Worth BIG money for an 85 model these days .
Ducati were still doing Exactly what they always had done , but found somewhat more power . And MUCH better Electricals .
Yes mate you are 100% spot on with all your comments!
Awesome video
Thank you
You ever heard of the CBX 550 Honda?
Yes buddy
Well done - thanks!
Thanks mate.
Cagiva mito lawson,, and vfr400 nc30, best bikes of the 80s 90s
Thw whole line up here are all winners thumbs up
Vf750 f was good bike but..... primary chain wears out after 15k, rockers and cams need replacing after 40k.
Primary drive on the VF750F is straight cut gears, not chain. The engine had a serious flaw with the camshafts, they bored the cam tunnel and caps separately leading to accelerated wear, the worst we ever saw in the shop i worked in was the cams and followers needing replaced at the first service.
@uhtred7860 I had Australian version 750f (fd?) 82 model from memory. It had chain.
@@jamest4424 All VF750Fs had gear primary drive, chains for cams and oil pump.
@uhtred7860 must have been cam chain. Or the mechanic found a naive 18yr old 40yrs ago. Likely the latter lol. 👍
Great vid thanks
Im glad you liked it, thanks for your nice comment
You left out one of the best 750,s of the 90's the Yamaha YZF 750R
Have a ZXR750 H1my second one they just look great and handle superb although they after 35 years and myself 60 are out classed by newer and more powerful machines. But the newer wedge shape superbikes just don't look as good as the late 80's and 90' bikes. Had a chance to buy a VF 1000R in Rothmans colors a few years back for under 3k euros and didn't buy it......still kicking myself.
confused the cbr900 is lighter has more cubes but is slower than the heavier smaller engine zxr750 over the quarter mile at 10.9 to the zxrs 10.8 are these figures correct ?
All times are from period road tests. Times can vary quite a lot I try to find the absolute fastest proven time for each bike.
@@motorcyclecafe no what I mean is the math doesn't add up just wondered what else influences it ?😊👍
@@Fatpig-fq3vb many things influence performance, the rider, rider weight, bikes even with the same engine crank power can have different rear wheel power. Dry clutches for example are more efficient. There are so many things i might even do a video on it now i think about it.
Most people would not know how to start a carbureted bike.
In cold was a nightmare, below 50 degrees i parked inside or it would drain battery on full choke lol
I don't miss turning on the fuel tap and giving choke then it would rev like crazy. And when I need resere I'm fumbling round everywhere. Also I had my float get jammed a load of times and the fuel was just running out everywhere.
@@chrishart8548 you did not maintain bike then i never cut fuel off never had fliats stick in 25 yrs of carb bikes
@@rt2255 I just mean when you run out of fuel and have to select reserve
GSX-R 1100 Oil cooled is missing.
+ Aprilia RSV Mille.
There are many great bikes missing, its impossible to include every single bike if I did the video would be hours in length.
@@motorcyclecafe
Gr8 vid mate. Sounds like u have part 2 & 3 up on the white board for 80's & 90's bikes.....
Yams power valve was controlled by cables
The first proper japanese sports bike was the Honda CB 1100 R.
It was the pioneer.
You are most probably correct buddy.
The VF750 the first real full on sports bike out of Japan??? I would argue the CB1100R, released in 1980 was the first full on Japanese sport bike.
Maybe but it was only made in small numbers and also very heavy. More in the superbike class i would imagine not a sportsbike but its all subjective.
AHHHHH the 84 ninja 900 the hp war began i had 85 600 ninja it was 12 sec 1/4 mile 137 mph top speed and handled great in the day. That bike kicked of the 600 sport wars. kawasaki just loved starting wars and any time some one one upped them they came back stronger. The zx7 was a beauty and a beast. Yes I prefer kawasakis as fast or faster than bikes in same class bullet proof and I like their looks more than any suzuki ever made most hondas and only the r6 and r1 looked as good or beat them.
Yes Kawasaki have always tried to stay at the top of the power and speed ratings since they started.
ooh thats a telling sentence at the end.
This bloke knows his shitl and I totally agree with him
@@LeslieLennell-cy7ol so do you mate absolutely !!! Lol
I dont think 245kg 221kg and 228kg are dry weight for the cb900 vf750 and gpz900 they sound bad enough for a wet weight
They are correct buddy. I have factory brochures, its just the way it was in those days.
Do not forget ducatis opposition only ran 750 cc fours
Yes 750cc with 2 extra cyl
The rc30 wasnt developed for wsb it was born from the race rvf750 that dominated f1 racing and ttf1 and endurance racing back in the early to mid 80s
They built just enough road going machines to qualify for WSB. The video is correct!
@@motorcyclecafe your correct there but the desing of the rc goes back to 1984
@@wescooley34 most likely but their original v-four engine design was probably taken from the very first v- four built by Ducati.
@@motorcyclecafe although matchless built a v4 in 1931
@@wescooley34 did they really, crikey I will have to check it out. I did the Silver Hawk ive never really looked at that bike I always just thought it was a v twin by looking at it.
You forgot the
HONDA CBR 600 F
ONE OF THE GREATEST HONDAS