The Honda VFR750F is a motorcycle manufactured by Honda from 1986 to 1997. Conceived as a sports tourer it is powered by a V4 engine developed from the earlier VF750F models. The VFR was announced in 1986, after an initial press viewing at the 1985 Bol d'Or.
The previous VF700/750F models revealed Honda's new devotion to the V4 engine format, but the engines had proved unreliable because of the infamous "chocolate cams". Honda, having suffered a dent in its proven reputation for reliability, felt that the successor should be over-engineered to restore that damaged reputation; the resulting VFR was an exceptional and highly -regarded motorcycle.Visordown "THE HONDA VFR STORY"
Compared to its VF750F predecessor, the VFR has significant improvements: greater power output: 104 hp up from 83 hp lighter weight: less a lower center of gravity a wider front tire shorter wheelbase: less six gear ratios gear-driven cams
Engine
The Honda VFR750F uses a 16-valve liquid-cooled cast aluminium alloy 90° transverse V4 engine, with carburettor fueling, and gear-driven DOHC cams. Its crankshaft has a 180° throw, instead of the 360° crankshaft in the VF and VFR750R (RC30). The VF's bore and stroke of was kept for the VFR.
The gear drive for the cams is located between the cylinders.Note: this arrangement was changed for the VFR800Fi Lubrication is wet sump with a chain-driven, dual-rotor oil pump and an oil cooler. The transmission was a constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox with a wet multi-plate clutch and chain drive to the rear wheel; (an exception was the 5-speed VFR750P, which had a spacer in place of one of the gears). Valve adjustment on first-generation VFR750Fs was by screw and locknut, which changed in 1990 to shim-under-bucket, along with the valve-clearance inspection interval to .
Compared to the VF750, the VFR750F saw weight reduced from almost every component. Each connecting rod lost , rocker arms , the intake valve , exhaust valves , pistons , piston rings per set and valve springs each.
The gear-driven camshaft system removed any concerns about cam chain maintenance, which had dogged the VF-series engines.
Chassis The 1986 VFR750F has an alloy twin spar frame which uses the engine as a stressed member. The cast aluminium headstock connects to the rear castings via hollow extrusions. (The VFR750F was said to be the first of the 750 class of bikes to have such a frame).
Suspension Front suspension on the RC24 Mk1 & Mk1a VFR750 comprised conventional Showa anti-diveNote: adjustable on some models. telescopic forks; rear suspension used a dual-sided alloy swingarm with Pro-Link progressive linkage to a single central Showa shock absorber. Rear spring pre-load adjustment could be done remotely.
RC36 MkII VFR750 bikes had non-adjustable cartridge-style Showa front forks, a single-sided rear "Pro-Arm" swingarm with a remotely pre-load-adjustable Showa shock absorber. The suspension was later upgraded to include pre-load adjustment on the forks, and damping adjustment on the rear damper. The single-sided swingarm allows easy rear-wheel removal (with no need to remove the drive chain nor rear axle). Chain adjustment is similarly simplified. wheel alignment. On later RC36 VFR750Fs the "Pro-Arm" swingarm was modified to reduce weight.Honda VFR technical specifications
Models The VFR750F was the successor to the VF750F, the new bike being a comprehensive redesign of the earlier model. The VFR750 appeared in the following iterations: VFR750F RC24 - in Mk 1 and Mk 1A versions VFR750P RC35 - Japanese-market-only police-specification model VFR700F RC26 - a reduced-capacity VFR750F introduced to meet tariff restrictions in some states. VFR750RK RC24 - an HRC-prepared version of the RC24 for TT F1 and endurance racing VFR750FR RC36 - the Mk II second generation VFR750, with a single-sided swingarm VFR750FR RC36-2 - a much-modified RC36, with new frame, fairing and reduced weight
The RC30 and RC45 750cc V4 models were road-legal racing motorcycles, so comprehensively different from the standard VFR750 bikes as to be altogether separate entities: VFR750R RC30 RVF750 RC45 - successor to the RC30
Production of the VFR750F ceased in 1997, its replacement being the fuel-injected VFR800Fi.
1986–1987 — VFR750FG/H (RC24)
The VFR750F (Mk1) was a completely new model (based on a thorough redesign of the VF750F) with a full fairing, alloy twin-spar frame, gear-driven camshafts, and front and rear wheels. The VFR750FG also had a cam sensor which was omitted from all later versions. US and Canadian models had round gauges while all other models had square gauges.
1986–1987 — VFR700F / VFR700F2 (RC26) The 700cc VFR700F "Tariff Buster" was introduced to meet Japan's home-market 700cc limit. Almost identical to its VFR750F sibling, it had a shorter stroke, different cams, altered ignition timing, an upgraded rear shock and fork internals, square instruments, and no "750" graphic on the lower fairing). The VFR700F was also sold in the USA.
1986–1987 — VFR750RK (RC24) Not to be confused with the VFR750R (RC30), the VFR750RK was the HRC race-kitted version of the VFR750F, designed for TT F1 endurance, and AMA Superbike racing. The HRC kit raised the claimed power output from 105PS@10500 rpm to 125PS@12000 rpm as a result of engine changes: new titanium rods (steel for AMA), pistons which raised compression to 11:1, and cams with larger valves (optional titanium for the inlet valves). A new ECU amended ignition advance by 5°. Carburetters could be were modified or (optionally) replaced altogether. Kit options included a new radiator, an optional secondary radiator, modified bodywork, wider wheels, upgraded suspension (forks, shock and linkage), and handlebars to replace the standard clip-ons.VFR750RK parts list
1988–1989 — VFR750FJ/K (RC24) The 1988 MkIA VFR750 had several revisions, with fairing redesign from a two-piece to three-piece, a 2-position flip up screen, exhaust redesign, stronger fork legs (up to from ) while retaining on the left leg, a more reliable ignition system, and wheels front and rear. Other changes included larger engine valves (for improved midrange) and larger carbs. The gearbox shift mechanism was upgraded to that on the VFR750R (RC30). A clock and fuel gauge instruments were added. Pillion footrest mounts were changed from being integral to the rear subframe to bolt-on cast aluminium assemblies. Larger frame castings reduced the amount of frame welding. Revised fairing side-panels allowed easier access to the engine, and the fairing cutaways for the rider's feet were much reduced in size. The change in wheel size allowed both a greater range of tyre options and a claimed improvement in handling. This model was not imported into the US.
1990–1993 — VFR750FL/M/N/P (RC36)
The VFR750F MkII RC36 saw a major redesign with a new frame and a single-sided swingarm. New forks featured cartridge dampers, and wheels were widened to for wider tires. Alas, weight increased by .bennets.co.uk: Honda VFR: A history lesson, April 4, 2014, retrieved August 7, 2019
1994–1997 — VFR750FR/S/T/V (RC36-2) The MkII RC36-2 (the last of the VFR750F models before the introduction of the VFR800Fi in 1998) received some 200 modifications in 1994: a stylish new front fairing (not unlike the Honda NR750's) and a lighter alloy frame and swingarm.vfr-oc.de - Honda ad from 1991 (german), retrieved August 7, 2019MCN review Note: The new frame dispensed with the spurious exit vents and faired sidestand of the previous model. Other changes included different brakes, new wheels and silencer, a new riding position, adjustable rebound damping for the rear shock, a weight reduction, and a larger capacity tank (increased from 5 to 5.5 gal (19 to 21 L)).
Japanese market only versions Other VFR750F variants only for the Japanese domestic market included: VFR750P RC35 - A police-specification model restricted to 77ps (75 hp)and a five-speed gearbox, modified main stand, gear indicator, uprated alternator, crash bars, higher handlebars, and modified speedometer. This bike was not available to the general public. VFR750K - A naked style training version of the VFR750F in two versions: one (also called RC24) was based on the VFR750FG; the other, (designated RC37 and available to the general public), shared the RC35's restricted 77ps power engine. It had no oil cooler, and had different footrests, handlebars, crash bars, a modified centre-stand, and gear indicator.
Specifications Model year 1986–87 1988–89 1990–93 1994–97 Models VFR750F-G ('86) VFR700F-G ('86) US OnlyVFR700F2-G ('86) US Only VFR750F-H ('87) VFR700F-H ('87) US OnlyVFR700F-H ('87) US Only VFR750F-J ('89) VFR750F-K ('89) VFR750F-L ('90) VFR750F-M ('91) VFR750F-N ('92) VFR750F-P ('93) VFR750F-R ('94) VFR750F-S ('95) VFR750F-T ('96) VFR750F-V ('97) Model number RC24 RC26 RC24 RC26 RC24 RC36 PCN ML7 MK8 ML7 MK8ML7 MT4 MY7 MZ7 EngineEngine type liquid-cooled 4-stroke gear driven cam 16-valve DOHC 90° V4 Engine capacity Bore x stroke Crank angle 180° Compression ratio 10.5:1 11:1 Red line 11500 rpm Power (claimed) @ 11,500 rpm @ 11,500 rpm @ 10,000 rpm Power (tested) @ 10,500 rpm (rear wheel) Torque (claimed) @ 8,000 rpm Torque (tested) Fuel system34.5mm Keihin CV 36mm Keihin CV Ignition system Transistorised with cam sensor Transistorised Engine weight (dry) Chassis Frame type Aluminium twin beam using engine as stressed member Twin Spar Frame weight Front suspension air assisted telescopic fork with TRAC anti-dive air assisted telescopic fork with TRAC anti-dive Showa Cartridge telescopic fork Showa Cartridge telescopic fork Travel Rake 27°40' 26° Trail Rear suspension Pro-link with remote hydraulic pre-load adjuster Pro-link with remote hydraulic pre-load adjuster Pro-Arm with Pro-link Pro-arm with Pro-link Travel Front brakes Twin 276mm discs with 2-piston sliding calipers Twin 296mm discs with 2-piston sliding calipers Twin 296mm discs with 2-piston sliding calipers Twin 296mm discs with 2-piston sliding calipers Rear brake Single 256mm disc with 2-piston sliding caliper Front tyre 110/90 V16-250 or 110/90 V16 110/80 V17-250 120/70 VR17-V250 or 120/70 ZR17 120/70 ZR17 Rear tyre 130/80 V18-250 or 130/80 VB18 140/80 V17-250 170/60 VR17-V250 or 170/70 ZR17 170/60 ZR17 Dimensions Length Finland / Switzerland models Australia models UK US Width Height Wheelbase Ground clearance Seat height Dry weight (claimed) Curb weight (with oil and full tank) Fuel capacity Oil capacity With filter Oil change only Engine coolant capacity Drive-trainPrimary reduction 64/33 (1.9393)1st gear 37/13 (2.8461)2nd gear 33/16 (2.0625)3rd gear 31/19 (1.6315)4th gear 28/21 (1.3333)5th gear 30/26 (1.1538)6th gear 29/28 (1.0357)Final reduction 45/16 (2.8125)Final drive #530 chain PerformanceMeasured top speed Standing 1/4 mile 10.95sec @ 113.95 mph 11.6sec0-60 mph 2.4sec 45-70 mph 4th 3.76sec 5th 4.64sec 6th 5.20sec Braking 60-0 mph Range mpg
Related models include the VFR400R (NC30), RVF400R (NC35), VF1000F/VF1000R (SC15/16/19/20), VFR750R (RC30), RVF750R (RC45), NR750 (RC40) and VFR800Fi (RC46).
Race history Although this particular model was not designed as a race bike, it has been used in various races. In 1986, British racer Ron Haslam took a standard VFR750F to third place in a soaked Transatlantic Challenge race at Donington Park, UK.
A modified, 'special' VFR750F called the '6X', a 135 hp@13000RPM full HRC prototype using, RVF cycle parts and containing titanium valves, magnesium cases and flat-slide carburettors, weighing dry, less than the factory RVF that was first ridden by Wayne Gardner at a Suzuka test against TT F1 machinery. Wayne broke his four-stroke lap record by 1.5 seconds. Six examples of the '6X' were built, 4 for the Domestic Championships and two for the American Championships.
The VFR '6X' was raced at the Isle of Man TT by Geoff Johnson, coming in 2nd to Joey Dunlop in both the F1 and Senior TT.