VF1000R History and Stats

Updated 15 Jul 2001 (for the last time - I no longer own this bike)

 

Background:


This model was sold in the US as an '85 and '86 model to homologate it for FWS racing. Unfortunately, its performance couldn't quite match its styling and the motorcycling press universally disliked the VF1000R for its excessive weight and racetrack ergonomics. For this reason, only approximately 5000 were sold in the U.S. over its lifespan. '86 models can be easily distinguished from '85 models by their twin halogen headlamps ('85 models had a single rectangular sealed-beam) and different finishes on a few components. The two model years are otherwise identical mechanically.

Unique features of the VF1000R were its gear-driven cams (up until this point, all Honda V4s used chains to drive their four camshafts), adjustable clip-on handlebars, full fairing (made of hand-laid fiberglass, not plastic), bolt-together ComStar wheels, and single-seat cowl. Unfortunately, the combination of the large V4 and all those features added up to a 605lb bike with a 59" wheelbase. At that time, Honda couldn't package the V4 into a reasonably-sized bike and the VF series was replaced with the CBR inline-four bikes starting in 1987. Later Honda V4s took advantage of improved technology and led to the World Superbike RC30 and RC45.

Although Honda rated its 1000c V4 engine at 120hp, it actually only put 95hp down to the pavement. This is mostly due to its overly-restrictive stock exhaust system, which not only mutes the wonderful growl of the V4 but also weighs about 45lbs. The engine does put out nearly 60lb-ft of torque, however, which makes for impressive acceleration anytime the engine's spinning higher than 4,000rpm. The bike will put the front wheel in the air with ease in first gear, and passing doesn't require a lot of shifting. For moving through the twisties at any sort of quick pace, just put the transmission in third and use the bike's low end to drive off the exit of corners.

Specs:
 
Engine  
Type 90-degree V-4, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder
Bore and stroke 77.0 x 53.6mm (3.03 x 2.11 in.)
Compression ratio 10.7:1
Carburetion (4) Keihin 36mm constant-velocity
Ignition Inductive magnetically triggered
Transmission  
Type Five-speed constant-mesh, wet-clutch
Primary drive Straight-cut gear, 1.97:1 ratio
Final drive 17/44 sprockets, 2.58:1 ratio
Gear ratios (1) 2.73, (2) 1.88, (3) 1.5, (4) 1.24, (5) 1.03
Chassis  
Type Double-downtube steel full-cradle perimeter frame, cast aluminum swingarm
Forks 41mm center-axle with air-assist, three-way rebound damping, anti-dive valving, 150mm (5.9 in) of travel
Rear suspension Air-assist coil-over shock, progressive linkage, three-way rebound damping, 120mm (4.7 in) of travel
Rake/trail 28.0 degrees/98mm (3.9 in)
Seat height 822mm (32.4 in)
Fuel capacity (main/reserve) 4.9/1.2 gallons (18.5/4.5L)
Curb weight 610.5 lbs (277 kgs)

  • Performance:
    •
      Cycle, August 1985  Cycle Guide, July 1985*  Cycle Guide, July 1985
     Top speed, mph 152 (indicated)   149.00  149.00
     Standing 1/4-mile, seconds@mph  11.66@116.58 10.880@124.48   11.308@121.78
     0-60mph, seconds  3.36   3.3** 
     0-100mph, seconds      7.5**
     45-70mph (top gears), seconds  (3) 3.12, (4) 3.84 (5) 4.48    
     Stopping distance from 60mph, feet  121   135 

     *Note - This is from the "Quickest and Fastest" comparison test. The 1/4-mile times were achieved by a professional drag racer, and the top speed test was performed on a dry-lake bed and measured using a calibrated timing system.

    **From graph
     

    Dyno chart


    This data is taken from a bone-stock US-spec 1985 VF1000R, and is corrected to standard atmospheric conditions. The small dip around 6000 RPM is due to the tuning required to meet EPA noise and emission regulations.  I was looking to get up to 110hp from the pipe, airbox, and jetting, but I never got the bike dyno'd before I sold it.  I've heard of 115 HP out of VFkRs with nothing more than slip-ons and a jet kit.  If anyone out there has power data on a modified VF1000R, I'd like to hear from you.