Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
703
Honda
VFR 750 F – 1992
Racing technology at a reasonable price.
Honda built its first V4 engine in 1981. By 1985, the 750 VFR had quickly established itself as one of the best sporting bikes of its day by combining extremely elegant lines with leading-edge technology that had previously been the exclusive domain of the competition department.
Liquid-Cooled V4 Engine
The VFR's liquid-cooled twin-cam V4 engine had a valve gear operated by a train of gears, and its frame was a double-beam structure in cast aluminum. In 1990 the VFR began a new career, once again using techniques pioneered on the racetrack, such as a single aluminum rear suspension arm. Its appearance had been carefully reworked; for example, it now had twin headlamps.
Without a Rival
Sporting without going over the top and comfortable for two riders (a rare quality), the VFR was virtually without a rival in its class - the other models on the market were more "touring" in nature, with bigger engines, or else they were more extreme dedicated sports bikes. Launched virtually at its peak of development, the VFR 750 has stayed at the leading edge of technology with only detail modifications, such as a tinted windscreen and new developments in suspension control.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 748cc (70x48.6mrn) liquid-cooled V4 four-stroke
Power output: 100 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Valves: twin overhead camshafts driven by gear-trains, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel system carburetor
Transmission: 6-speed gearbox
Suspension: (front) telescopic forks; (rear) single swinging arm
Brakes: (front) two twin-piston disc brakes; (rear) twin-piston disc brake
Wheels: (front) 120/70x17 in; (rear) 170/160x17 in
Weight: 483 lb
Maximum speed: 150 mph
The VFR 750 F has retained virtually the same silhouette since its launch in 1985, though there are many detail differences between the original model and this 1992 version.