The Honda VFR750 was first introduced back in 1986 as a replacement for the VF750 sportbike. The VF750 had a successful racing career, but it had suffered from cam-chain tensioner problems so the engine was redesigned and the new bike was given the VFR designation. The VFR was powered by a 750cc V4, but there were also 400cc and 700cc versions of the bike between 1986-1994. The bike came with an aluminum beam perimeter frame, a full front fairing and a 90 degree V4 engine that put out 105 horsepower.Honda decided not to import the VFR750 in 1987 so the only VFR available in the U.S. was the 700, but they continued to sell the VFR750F version of the bike in other countries. Honda also produced a race version of the bike called the VFR750R (RC30), and in 1987 they changed the rear suspension on the RC30 to an "Elf Designed" single sided swing arm. American Fred Merkel rode the the redesigned RC30 that year, and won the first World Superbike Championship.
In 1990 they continued to develop both the 750F and 750R (RC30) versions of the bike, but the F version was designed for the street and the R was strictly for the track. The big change for the 750F was the addition of a single sided swing arm and the factory focused on refining the bike for the street. Over the years the bike moved into the sport touring class as Honda continued to refine the bike's handling and comfort level. The bike was usually rated at the top of its class, and it was known for it's durability.
In 1997 Honda replaced the VFR750 with the VFR800. The new bike came with fuel injection and other improvements, but it never achieved the popularity or critical acclaim of its predecessor. Honda has announced that a new VFR will be introduced this Fall and go on sale in Spring. The new VFR will be a 1200cc V-4.
Honda VFR Road Tests
