Classic motorcycle review : 1989 Honda VFR750F

[@davidstromaine5990]

Good accurate review of one of the best bikes ever made and a future classic deffo , if you are 40 ish and have a spare £1k buy one ,buy one now :)

[@troublingleaf]

After having mine for a few years, I'd suggest being prepared to rewire it, I've had no end of problems, the biggest has been alternator and rectifier which I've had to do multiple times over, on top of that it handles almost too well, despite great cornering ability and ridiculous acceleration it takes the fun out of riding for me! As I've had both the rc24 and the nc24 I'd reccomend the 400 instead, it was a lot more fun than the 750 to me!

[@stevemcgowan3017]

140moh was fastest i could go but not much came past me i once raced an aston martin down the a30 going to cornwall from cheshire in february with my visor icing up.Went to see a van which didn’t buy.Lucky the sun shone and breezed back home very briskly 600 mile ride in 12 hours .

[@RigsvilleBikers]

I had a VFR750FK (Mark 2) in red and loved it, it’s the bike that I wished I had never sold. Thanks for the great review.

[@AndersRisager]

Just got my license and I'm riding an '87 RC24-1... Love this bike... Cheap and reliable ❤️

[@michaelosborne4944]

your a man after my own heart, i started riding in the 70's had a 78 Honda 750/4 F2,took a 30 year break, now own a 1983 standard, Goldwing, 1100 now live in the USA, love these classic bikes. The VFR motor is a legend finally killed off by Euro 5 regulations

[@kidlatazul]

Beautiful bike. For my money the Honda VFR is one of the most beautiful bikes ever made. Bring her over to the US some day, I'll show you some nice mountain roads in Appalachia that will let you take advantage of its flawless handling.

[@Dug6666666]

I had the VF750F as my first big bike, loved it despite having the chocolate cam issue (as it became known), all fixed under warranty. The feeling of wanting to fall into corners at slower speeds with its 16" front wheel soon went away with familiarity. The step up in refinement when I changed to the VFR750 mk1 was really noticeable (well compared to just about anything at the time) it was like a swiss watch. Ride feel was so neutral, like you say it feels like home straight away, gear changer was direct to the gearbox (no linkage play) and so positive. The best bit is the engine though. The VF Honda was a twin in tandem, but the VFR I seem to remember had a crank angle spacing like Ducati where using on their twins. It might not have had a race pedigree but its engine was the basis of the RVF RC30 and 45 much loved by racers and those lucky enough to get road versions.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Yes, I remember "VF" stood for "Very Faulty" If a vf1000 Bol Dor came up I don't think I'd say no though and I think Fred Merkel successfully raced a 750vf.

[@Dug6666666]

I had a riding mate with a VF1000R the full fairing one. Great bike, a little heavy though. The VF got a lot of superbike racing even with the great Freddy Spencer on a factory version.

[@AntVFRF]

Nice video. When I was a kid I walked an extra half an hour every day after school just to get to the Honda dealer in my town just to stay outside looking at the VFR MK1 they had there. It was so ahead of its time that just staying there watching every detail was gorgeous. Greetings from Spain (another VFR lover, owner of an 1993 RC36, and yes, It has soul :) )

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I still think it's ahead of its time, gear driven cams and a beautiful V4 growl. Still lovely to ride 34 years later.

[@AntVFRF]

@@RoadcraftNottingham And made to last .... not like nowadays.

[@andyrawlings5369]

Same model as mine , mine a red one 88fj these are are still a cracking bike got 2 more viffers as well a 94 fr 750 and a 2015 , 800 model the fj/fk are the same and were well ahead of there time mine done 61,000 miles still rides like a new bike had mine 14 years will never sell it.

[@bruceduff1]

That is stunning and that Honda build quality shines through today.

[@quigonjay9]

Remember these being one of THE bikes to have back when I was youngster

[@alexm9479]

That bike is gorgeous!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks, I love it.

[@Aardvark892]

The most beautiful bike ever made, IMHO

[@paulxavier4394]

my Brother just picked up an 1989 Red VFR 750 for £300 , so right now its under going a strip down / rebuild - its been stood in someones yard for over 3 years so its going to be a nut n bolt rebuild with the faults were finding under mudguards lighting , split rear tyre and is blowing fuses like we got shares in Lucas components and a non working fuel pump ... its a challenge but what a Fab Challenge ;)

[@jdmcarandmotorcycle]

I had many VFR400R Vfr750f in Siberia and vfr800f 😊😊😊😊

[@iangilleard2359]

Have mine still 25 years still going great ,crashed it ,fell over ,Been in wars ,still goes well great torque in 6th

[@tonykartracer8032]

Ah, the VFR line..... Honda really did over-engineered their VFR bikes. Lovely bike you have there. I want the 86' VFR 750..... you know wassup with the HRC blue/red/white color scheme, oh yeah! Something about these older bikes, they just have a very 'solid' feeling to them as if every part of the bike is meticulously put together..... back when they took pride in their bikes and craftsmanship instead of just churning out bikes for the masses.

[@TheSuperaaron219]

I've got a 87 interceptor Ill never sell that thing. easily my favorite motorcycle I've ever ridden.

[@ruthmoreton6975]

I used to ride one of these and I loved it.

[@Sionnach1601]

Just came here from Yammie noob. Don't have a bike yet, my eye has been migrating towards the café / scrambler lookin bike; and then I saw this on his top ten. I'm in love!! Actually prefer the looks of the Mk1 over the Mk2, but definitely would NOT go for the single sided swing arm!! Anyway, thanks for the review. I really enjoyed it, your delivery, accent, vocab and articulation, your camera angles including the side cam, lovely, and even the spin route (and day!) you chose for our test ride together. Nice, high quality video production and presentation. Have subscribed, and thank you for your labours Sir!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks for the feedback and for subscribing. Any of the 750s are incredible bikes but these earlier models just have that character. Enjoy. ☺

[@Miata822]

Lovely bike. I've always thought highly of them but never had one. I need a bigger garage.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Me too 😂

[@mnp3713]

i had one of these 15 yr ago drove it for 100000km i always described it like driving a diesel with the power of a petrol car. my family have always driven golf, passat, t3 and 4 diesel

[@zottejakke3]

Bit late to the party, as an '95 Viffer owner I can only agree with your enthousiasm. Picked mine up two years ago for 1500 euros with 20k miles, sprayed it yellow, and has been giving me tons of fun miles since ;)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

95 is arguably the best model. Stick with it, sure you'll regret selling it. ☺

[@r89b]

I got myself one last year as an upgrade from a Kawasaki ER5 and I absolutely love it. It's 30 years old now but still gets a lot of attention and you can't beat the sound of the V4.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Agreed, it's an addictive sound.

[@woooster17]

I remember when these were new.. Funnily enough, I bought a (then) new 2 stroke Honda NS125R when I passed my test.. they styled the bike to look like this big brother VFR.. She’s still a looker, especially in white 👌🏼

[@jeannoelsandrazie1874]

Probably the most beautiful Honda ever...

[@enlightenedidiot9552]

Nope. My 91 is prettier, and the RC30 trumps both. My 05 is a fantastic bike, but the red 91 with white wheels...I will give credit to the 86, maybe the best ever.

[@darrenfield-thomas4007]

What a lovely bike Russ

[@chrismartin5870]

Age 21 I did a bike licence via the direct access route, one week and done. I then bought a VFR750J that was probably ~10years old.........only bike i ever owned. Was wonderful. the V4 Gear Driven cams sound was amazing.....especially once wound up. It looked after me for 4 years and was a dream to own.

[@ICENI-Britannica]

I had an ‘89 VFR 750 in red for my second bike; loved the sound of that engine. Fantastic bike for everyday use.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Great all rounders for sure but so affordable now. Get another! 😉

[@dreischerfklaus8537]

I had one in the days. Loved it. Really great bike.

[@996Firestorm]

Great review Russ as always and completely agree with your comments about the V engines. I’ve recently changed to a VTR1000 & sounds / feels beautiful

[@TheHeartCharmer]

I got one just like that (In white, same year). My dream bike! Paid £1100 about 5 years ago. Getting it back on the road this summer. I don't need or want any other bike frankly. Nice review and a very fair assessment I would say.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks. Looking forward to playing on it this year. Enjoy yours.

[@coolvideos8864]

This was one of my first ever "proper" bikes and i LOVED it. It was very confy and sporty.

[@Bikerjay2025]

The original and best moto vlogger 👍

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Awwwww thanks. ☺

[@allanb6833]

Definitely a future classic! The prices have started to go up but still great value. And other than the rectifiers on them, they are ultra reliable.

[@InspectorGadget2014]

This is pure bike-p0rn! That is what I liked so much about Honda back in the days; They disrupted the market-space but often started-out indeed with some issues in quality, but often caught-up very soon, over-engineering etc, making their bikes standout from the crowd. My first bikes were all Honda (starting with the XL250), and they always brought a smile to my face. You're right, several are classic bikes in the fullest sense. But your CX650 Turbo will always be a special that is, to me, truly epic. Not saying that the others are run of the mill or something, but with so many bikes, there are always ones that really tickle your fancy.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Definitely, Honda just has such an overall wider variety.

[@InspectorGadget2014]

@@RoadcraftNottingham Agreed, can't argue with that. And I'm no Honda-fanboy by any means, but really do appreciate what they have done (and attempted) to date. Some more successful then others, I recall the ongoing issues with the 1300, but generally speaking, it is not without reason many learner-bikes are Honda... Dependable is the first thing that comes to my mind. I would even go as far as saying every-men's-motorcycle, give or take a few exceptions of course.

[@TumzDK]

I own a VFR750FR in the rare Calypso Blue, I love that bike. The looks, the sound, the feel. I also felt that i've owned for years first time i rode an RC36 :-) Thanks for sharing

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Probably the best value for money bike on the market today.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

Yes! I have a 2002 VFR800 VTEC only because I had a 750 on my bedroom wall :) Absolutely beautiful bikes.

[@counter-steer]

Love it... I have a '95 750 F2 and it's one of my favorite bikes of all time!

[@chazcollett1555]

Just bought one, a 1989 in black and very much looking forward to picking her up next week. Haven't actually seen or ridden it yet, but more than confident she'll be great. I owned a 1986 FG for ages and was sad to see her go. Went to an FJ1200, a 750 Magna (2nd gen with the VFR engine), then a Blackbird (frikkin awesome bike too), back to an FJ and now finally back to the VFR. I know when I ride her it's going to be like seeing an old friend again. All the hype about the VFRs is true. Awesome bikes on the road in real world riding. If any of you are thinking about getting one, just do it as 99 out of 100 of you will be grinning from ear to ear for years to come. As an aside, my old advance riding instructor had a 1989 in white and he loved it too.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Welcome back to the club. You know you'll love it. ☺

[@chazcollett1555]

@@RoadcraftNottingham Many thanks and yes, the antisi......pation and suspense is wonderful, so looking forward to it. I'm training it to the seller and riding 2 1/2 hrs home. I'll know her pretty well by the end of that trip and will also know if the seat needs refreshing. I took my FG up to Edinburgh and back from Hampshire the day after I bought her. On my return I sent the seat off to get re foamed and covered. A great ride, but my backside was killing me on old foam!

[@AnalogueInTheUK]

I lusted after one of these beasts, as a spotty sixth-former. Your video took me back instantly when you revved the engine - That sound is unforgettable, once heard. In another world, I would have a garage full of two-strokes but I would still allow this gem to occupy a space. Great work again, pal. Keep 'em coming.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks, just wish I had a bigger garage.

[@craigyork1985]

i have just put mine on ebay but having second thoughts now. Nice vid BTW

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I'm sure you'll regret selling it. ☺

[@danw5194]

Get a track bike! Maybe even an amazing triumph street triple R

[@lew381]

I sold my silver 97 vfr750 and then came across it a year later! bought it back. The gear driven cams and v4 are worth every penny I lost. Its not just about speed its the character of a bike for me.

[@simonwolton347]

Really enjoyed you going through the history of the bike. Love my '99 VFR 800, even if they are a pain to work on! Edit: and the linked brakes are nonsense!

[@janpersson9100]

I have 2 of these, one 1986 and one 1987. Just for fun, I bought an extra spare motor, for a bargain, around 200 dollars, which was claimed to have done 50400 km. My bikes has 145 000 km and 73 000. I stripped the engine and measured all parts, and after 50 400 everything is in excellent condition, top end, clutch, starter motor, piston rings etc. I have also newer bikes, but I like the look and the feeling of driving these bikes. The gear driven engine sounds great, and is even pretty when in pieces :-)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

One of Honda's excellent achievements.

[@janpersson9100]

@@RoadcraftNottingham It really is. After 4 years of driving these bikes, I had 2 problems. One, rectifier failure on one bike, and fuel pump relay on the other. My recommendation when driving these old bikes is to be prepared for these common problems, which are easy to detect and diagnose. One suggestion is to clean the connector between stator and rectifier, which normally gets full of dirt and cause connection problmes. Myself, I always drive the bikes with a multimeter and some basic tools in my backpack. After all, the bikes are 34/33 years old.

[@steve1962]

That sir, is a thing of beauty - If I recall the VFR won bike of the year in the bike magazines loads of times in the 80's. Apart from the C90 I think it's the best bike they ever made. Steve

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Yes, I still think it's beautiful

[@guydavies3035]

Like some others, I also owned an early VFR750F (also in Pearl White). Best bike I ever had. Would easily keep up with newer, bigger bikes. Had to sell as spine injury put me in a wheelchair.

[@jztgatjdtkgt]

It's hard to beat the reliability of Honda, but it's the styling of this bike that has always made it one of my favorites. Beautiful specimen!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Agreed. ☺

[@jonnyvt6602]

I must say I have never ridden the VFr750, but have owned a VF500F2 for around 10 years; and it's a lovely thing. I recently bought a low mileage 2000 VFr800fi (pre cat version) and lime you feel very disappointed with it; I just cant love it like I thought I would, so I think its gonna have to go. Well done on a great vid ( I took have a 350 ypvs!) Cheers

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

The vf500 was described in the 80s by a journalist as "a little jewel" and I agree. Yes, Honda certainly took a step backwards with the early 800.

[@roadwarrior8560]

I have a '99 VFR800 5th gen, like new, brilliant brilliant bike, a step forward from the 750, either one though is fantastic.

[@keithlongley362]

Thanks for the video, I have a 1993 vfr fp, it's been stored for 9 years, and I wanted to find the motivation to get it back on the road. The bike sustained minor damage when it was dropped on both sides by some numb skulls mishandling it out of a shed, but if it cost £800 to do it up it will be worth it.

[@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger]

What a beauty of bike - great info as well for anyone looking for a classic and what to look for in the VFR Range. That's a nice camera angle on the front wheel there Russ 😁 It's always good to watch how you ride as well, cements some of the things I've learned from watching over the years.

[@leuvenlife]

Good review, I have the same, beautiful bikes. Also have the next one (RC36) but the 24 is the one I always wanted since first seeing it in 1986.

[@bofussing]

Great review of a excellent bike. Owned a VRF500 and always fancied a step up to the 750.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

If you mean the vf500, it was a little gem of a bike that had a brief race series in the 80s. I also owned one. ☺

[@bofussing]

@@RoadcraftNottingham yes indeed it was the VF500F2 (perhaps subconsciously wishing there had been a VFR500). Agree it was a true gem. Sold it as it was coming up to some big service milestones and these bikes were expensive to service.

[@jinxers_lukz]

I have an rc24 from '87 and i love it

[@richardthacker]

I had a VFR750FJ bought new in 1988. £3,699 from Chell in Stafford. Loved it - except for cleaning the white wheels!!

[@stevemcgowan3017]

prices will rocket now .mine was a commuter bike plus tourer .i used to go out christmas day thru wales back for xmas dinner quiet roads .final years did the tt races.,langollen and a final ride to Barmouth stopping at Bala lake a sweltering day felt like jumping in lake with leathers on but kept riding .amazing memories on that Vfr750 fl i think .1990 model .

[@robertbates1079]

My mate had one years ago, nice machine. The regulator fried on our French trip, quite common on a Honda, but we got one at Honda caen. It was cheaper than in the UK so happy days resumed.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Yes, bad news when reg-recs are a consumable lol

[@964tractorboy]

That looks a million dollars. I've never owned one, never ridden one, but always loved them. I had no idea they were so cheap. That could be a real problem! Now, that or an RC30... :)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

😂 😂 😂 Yes, £1000 or £20,000...I could never understand how the rc30 was so expensive.

[@Anvilshock]

God, I love those fairing lines! Even makes me sneak a side look from my CBR1000F.

[@peterrogers219]

Great Bikes, In 1986 my company raced 3 of these in the UK Pirelli 6 hour series held over 3 rounds, 2 at Snetterton and 1 at Brands Hatch and came 2nd. in the 750 class beating many GSXR750 and FZ750 etc. They could not match the grunt of the V4 out of the corners. In 1987 we raced a full HRC kitted version at the Le Man and Bol Dor 24 hour races, very competitive and never let us down and then in 1988 the awesome VFR750R RC30 arrived which we raced until 1995. I now own a 1986 Canadian Interceptor which came in Red, White and Blue with individual instruments, Sand cast looking Clutch, Alternator and Cam covers and no grab rail. I have fitted a full high level Hindle stainless exhaust system with Titanium silencer ( total weight is 12 Ibs. ) CBR600F3 6 spoke wheels so it now runs 120/60/17 and 170/65/17 Bridgestone tyres. Full floating front disc rotors with the stock calipers, K and N air filter, 6Sigma stage 3 jet kit, 525 chain and sprocket conversion, Rebuilt rear shock, Modified sub frame ( no passenger footrest hangers, but I do have a un-modified spare stock one ) No main stand, Every nut and bolt is stainless, BIke is now some 5 kg. lighter than original and has approx. 7 hp at rear wheel over stock. I love them.

[@paultanton4307]

Thanks,a good video of a great Bike,my favorite looks wise is the MK3,i have a 95.Another difference between the MK1 and MK2 is the Valve Adgustment went from Rockers ( Screw and Locknut ) to Bucket and Shim,which obviously adds ££££'s to Maintenance costs but luckily they rarely go out of spec.

[@AntVFRF]

I remember that on the MK2 it was possible to raise the windshield in two different positions I think.

[@tinkertime7165]

Great review. I bought a ‘99 VFR 800 FI earlier this year and absolutely love it. My first big big for many years. Doing my advanced riding course and riding it a lot. I must say I find the seat comfortable and the throttle response really nice, perhaps they sorted the injection mapping out? Having said that I have no comparison with the carb model. The guy I bought it from regrets selling it. I did my first track day and loved it. My mate on a new z900 could not keep up on the straights! V4 power!

[@Euronasa]

Have the excact same bike 1989 vfr 750 fk with the now discontinued stainless Motad 4 into 1. This bike was imported used to Norway from England. Mine is blue granite metallic, but looks like black metallic. I love this bike! I believe the fj and fk are the lightest and most powerful of all the vfr750 models.

[@ronden63]

Great video! I had two, a white 87 MkII 700 in California, and later an 86 MkI 750 red-white-blue with the magnesium engine covers. 700 had more torque! a friend had one with 80,000mi on it--they were great for iron-butt long distance rides

[@garyporter-smith9658]

Have a mint 97 RC36. Fantastic bike . Andreani Carteridge fork internals and a new rear shock means she as a joy ride .

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

It's the little things like that, that makes big differences

[@Bowlin01]

Very nice, I have the VFR750 FN (1992) model but it isn't in as good condition as your one, but has less than 40K miles on it. It's been stood in the garage for 2 years or so as I just don't use it, but it was my fist 'big bike', lovely machines!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Don't sell it, you'll regret it. ☺

[@taxus750]

I've had my '96 VFR750 for over 18 years (and 150K km) now and I've no intention of selling it. It's a terrific *road* bike (though I've done track days on it) and - as you say - it sounds like nothing else. As to buying one, the old saying was "whatever you paid for it, it's worth double" and it was known that Honda *lost* money on each one they sold. I imagine yours is a keeper, like your ST.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I fall in love with bikes too easily 😂

[@taxus750]

@@RoadcraftNottingham Most of us do. The tricky bit is working out what's a short-term fling vs a rewarding long-term thing. I'd love an RD400 with Allspeeds or a 996R Ducati, but could I live with them day-in, day-out? (Rhetorical question - of course I could. But neither of them is anywhere near as capable as a VFR750)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@@taxus750 Nice to know there's others out there who think like I do. ☺

[@simonrusk3338]

Nice 👍 bike nice video.. I have a mark 1 1986 model in white.. it’s a nice all round bike.. a lot of bike for the money ..

[@Szlejer]

Even if I ride a 2019 Yamaha MT-09 now which is a beast of a bike, I still long for my old VFR800... The best 20k miles I ever spent on a motorcycle. I didn't want to sell it, but for legal reasons I had to. Glorious engine, epic V4 growl with an open exhaust system, loads of character, superb weather protection, great comfort, extremely stable. Nothing comes close - maybe except the Aprilia V4s.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Agreed. V4s have a life of their own

[@jrgodoys]

1991 VRF 750F , excelent bike !!

[@paulelverstone8677]

These bikes have many accolades but what people rarely talk about is how spot on, Honda got the carburation. Even better on the 36/2 because of the slightly smaller Fireblade carbs. Snappy throttle response, flexible engine, beautifully balanced and close on ergonomic perfection. It really is a great 'real world', real roadbike...

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

You should do a review! ☺

[@paulelverstone8677]

@@RoadcraftNottingham :o) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmHZqGRje8eVsMU

[@paultanton4307]

A few years ago there was a complete set of RC30 Carbs on ebay - got me thinking would they have fitted on my FS,and if they did what difference they would make.

[@doolytom]

Yours is a beauty ok. Great noise! Those 750s are the ones to have ok.. I have 2. A 92 and a 97. An early one like yours is next for the collection. Why do I need 3! Must b an age thing🤯 Nice review 👍

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

A woman once said to me "why do you have 12 bikes? You can only ride one at a time" to which I replied "how many shoes and hand bags do you have? My bikes are increasing in value". ☺

[@Krazie-Ivan]

bought my 1st bike at 20... went to look at several 250cc, but once the owner fired up the RWB '86 VFR750 with dual Supertrapps barking & drilled airbox for the cam gears to shout through, i had to own it. never heard anything like it since, either, and can't bring myself to part with it. def the WRONG bike to learn street riding on, lol, but the smooth power & telescopic chassis had me crossed up & sliding out of corners within a year. owned a few other bikes over 22+yrs... last of the dual-seat F4i, 1st gen SV650S, 2 Speed Triple 1050's, D675, 2nd gen R6 ...but none have quite the same char & build quality. great vid, man. worth noting the 1400hrs at redline Honda put this motor through to prove itself, w/o any measurable or visual wear on tear-down!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I'd love to have heard that. Yes, Honda reliability was excellent after the VF. They certainly redeemed themselves.

[@JonPadfield]

Hmmmm. I’m in the market for a new bike. Food for thought - cheers Russ

[@Howling-Mad-Murdock]

I’ve always wanted one of these, had a poster of a bright red one on my bedroom wall as a teenager. Recently saw one for sale but I’m tall and felt quite cramped in the leg, shame. If I’d had the money and space to store it, I’d have bought it just to look at!

[@antoniooliveira9068]

I have this bike (1988). It´s wonderful.

[@syncrosimon]

I love riding my VFR750fj just a beautiful bike ad you say👍👍👍

[@SteveModz]

I am currently awaiting my module 2 test in 2 days time, and once I have passed I have one of these waiting for me the 86 model 😁 can't wait at all!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Good call and they're increasing in value. Good luck!

[@SteveModz]

@@RoadcraftNottingham yes I was extremely lucky! Have had the bike over a year cost me £150 just fully restored it back to natural beauty 😉

[@geoff4355]

Great review. The bike in this video is identical to mine, also a 1989 FJ model, which I bought in 1994 and still have. Such a great bike, I can't bring myself to part with it, in fact I even bought another one as a rough'un for £300 a while back for long term spares! I was a student when I got mine - 2 up with camping kit, my VFR went to Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, Norway, Czech Republic and many other places. Alas these days everything else in my life gets in the way - the carbs gummed up, I've got all the bits I just need to get the time to get the carbs off and ultrasonically clean them. Being an old fart now I've also got a GS1200 Adventure, which I have to admit is a cracking bike, but I can never part with the VFR. My only real criticism of it is it was always a little bit cramped for me - I'm reasonably tall but not unusually so, at 6'2". Watch the mirror stalks, they have a habit of cracking. Mine is on 80k, engine has been near perfect, it's only ever had new clutch plates & springs and new starter clutch rollers. It's never let me down - it's 1 & only trip on a recovery truck was due to a puncture. I paid £3k for mine, maybe in a while it'll be worth that again!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

They're on the brink of increasing in value. I've seen the cracked mirror stalks, weird. I'm lucky I'm only 5 feet 8 so fit practically any bike like this. Get those carbs done. ☺

[@geoff4355]

@@RoadcraftNottingham Yes, I need to! I loved these bikes when they came out. I really wanted a black one, if I couldn't get a black one I wanted a red one, so I bought - yes, a white one! My friends nicknamed it "the fridge". I think the FJ/FK is the one to go for - no pesky 16" front wheel like the very first FG/FH model, and a better fairing arrangement - and still with a standard swingarm, unlike the later ones.

[@Aspire198]

Got a RVF 400, I want one of these things, would be brilliant to have the big 1 and the little 1 ;)

[@scottlawson1800]

Top quality review, very nice bike

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Cheers

[@HepcatHarley]

Lovely machine Sir, just lovely :)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Why thankyou kind gentleman. ☺

[@razu1976]

That dashboard! 😍 Great video 👍👍

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks

[@commonsenseprevails1267]

Just bought one and hope it's as nice to ride as the 96 model I had a few yrs ago.

[@NBMedia8928]

Lovely looking bikes

[@fruitafval]

Got a ‘94 model this year after selling my gs500e. Incredible bike, little heavy but so stable at speed. Imo everything you should ever need on the road. My particular bike is a bit jerky at 2-3k revs, but maybe i should get the carbs cleaned

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Sounds like a plan

[@LewisBGA]

Somewhat similar frame design and plastics to my 86 cbr 400. There's just something beautiful about retro hondas.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Agreed. ☺

[@absoluteclassiccars5050]

What a fabulous review. I’m just considering my first bike (a classic car nut all my life and by trade for 7yrs now)and have to say the VFR 800 has been on my list, but the 750 sounds fabulous too. Might I ask from you personal/professional prospective how reliable these are, how many miles has yours done. Loved the video….more temptation….and a classic too!!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks. Personally I'd say the 750 carb model beats the 800fi hands down on comfort, character and feel. I've owned both models. Main things to watch on these are collector boxes rot, carb fuel inlet rubbers can harden and leak (ask me how I know) and regulator rectifiers can go. Amazing bikes and incredible sound and performance. Let me know what you decide.

[@absoluteclassiccars5050]

@@RoadcraftNottingham thanks for that info…being a classic car person (probably not a million miles from you, I’m based just over the boarder … 10 miles from Newark) it would be ‘rude’ if I didn’t get a classic bike too👍

[@ToddMills801]

I tried to get my son to buy one but he went with a Versys. They're a great little bike. I recently purchased an ST1300 and I'm having my ST1100 rebuilt.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I actually like the Versys... 13 pan not so much 😉. ☺

[@slakk5093]

A special bike there

[@goldfever4570]

Another '99 VFR owner here - I love mine, but admit I have always wanted to try the 750 and the 400. Cracking bikes on paper and by reputation

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

If you get the chance, take it.

[@mnp3713]

my second bike and you are total right- agree! i got from 29000 to almost 200.000km with no engine problems, sold it due to buying a car. all other bikes i triede was just awfull compared to the old VFR

[@GeorgeSPAMTindle]

I very nearly bought one of these many years ago. When I went around to see the bike the owner was taking another prospective buyer for a test ride, during which he hit a car and killed the pair of them. In a 30 limit he had been doing an estimated115 MPH. That put me off getting anything so rapid for a quite a few years.

[@malburn1594]

Firstly, excellent video thank you! How find myself looking at the VFR as a possible purchase! lol. I know this is a 4yr old video, but I wondered if you could still comment on how easy or difficult the bike is to maintain? Also I wondered if these bikes are particularly difficult (space wise) to get the carbs on and off. If I buy one, I wouldn't be doing a lot of miles per year, so I suspect with E10 fuels, carbs might need attention relevantly frequently. Have you encountered any problems like that?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Still got the bike and had carbs off a few times. Not the easiest but once you've done it, it's not too bad. Maintenance pretty straight forward really. Best model to get will be from 94 to 97 single sided swingarm 750 model but the chain adjuster is known to seize.

[@malburn1594]

@@RoadcraftNottingham thank you for the reply. I'm considering an 1988 model identical to yours, fairly high miles over 70k, but am not bothered by that with changes Honda made. I still remember the bad rep the early bikes had and until I watched your video that bad rep had remained stuck! lol. Not 100% definite I'll buy, riding position may be a little too forward for my old back, but thank you again for the video, it's been an eye opener. Subscribed!

[@CBRboy1717]

I started on the baby VF500F and always wanted either a 750 or 800. Those fuel injected 800's handled weird though. I for sure thought that I was going to go home with this mint red one and walked away scratching my head after a test. The only other bike that handled as vague as that bike was my old Tiger 1050.

[@davidfairley3988]

Russell, I'd love to see you do the same on the Yamaha Power valve. Great vid by the way, keep up the great work.

[@fus149hammer5]

I bought one when they first came out exactly in this colour and I had the blue jeans and white leather jacket, gloves and helmet to match. 😅 Two years later after the warranty ran out the electrics died leaving me at the side of the road. It took all day to get a garage to even look at it even though it was on an RAC trailer. Eight weeks off the road and a hideous repair bill was in my hand. Then gradually over time the engine began to sound a bit loud so as soon as the finance was paid up I decided to PX it for a ZX10. I took my new bike in for its first service to see my old bike sitting in pieces in the workshop. I asked what was up with it and the mechanic said the geared cams were f**ked and the bike was going to cost hundreds to get it sellable again. I dodged a real bullet there!

[@Stigman101]

Just been out on mine today fitted hi level delkelvic rear exhaust to show off that sexy single sided rear wheel..ohh my it sounds lovely goes so well people love seeing this amasing bike out i was parked along side a new bike..i would rather have mine..any day.

[@larryyz_hideaway]

I picked up my 96 RC36 in 2017 from the original owner. Just 26k km and pristine. I hope they don't shoot up in value I'd like to keep it.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

They'll be going up in value for sure.

[@Renzsu]

My first bike was a '95 VFR, and I agree with everything you say in this video. :) Great machine, but in the end I just wished it was a bit lighter and had a bit more power. The current VFR 800 just can't compete with something like a Z1000 SX. A heads-up for VFR buyers.. check the regulator/rectifier, the charge system is a weak point. I used to ride around with a spare, so that tells you something. I would highly recommend upgrading that part to an aftermarket one, like the VFRness. I'm not up to date with the latest versions, but I bought one years ago and it worked well. MRA make a spoilered windscreen for the VFR as well, it's a bit ugly but works much better than the stock one.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Yes, most Hondas from that era suffered from reg-recs including the blackbird and cbr600. Thanks for the feedback. ☺

[@cjrgensen9084]

I had a RC24/1 the VFR 750 mk1, sadly i crashed on it , and i still miss it, i'm the happy owner of an XJR 1300 but if i one day got the money i will buy i VFR 750 RC24/2 Mk2 as my sunday bike :) the must beautiful bike ever made :)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Agreed. ☺