Honda Interceptor VF750F
 1983 Honda Interceptor VF750F | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Engine | 748 cc liquid cooled, four-stroke, 90° V-four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Bore / stroke | 70 mm × 48.6 mm (2.76 in × 1.91 in) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Top speed | 138 mph[1] |
| Power | 86 hp @ 10000 rpm[1] |
| Torque | 46.3 ft.lb. @ 7500 rpm[1] |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Brakes | disc |
| Weight | 249 kg (551 pounds)[1] (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 23 liters (5.8 gallons) |
| Fuel consumption | 15 mpg[1] |
The Honda VF750F was a street bike designed by Honda from 1983-1985. It had an 86 HP, liquid cooled, V4 engine which sported Dual Overhead Cams (DOHC). The V4's were started a year before with the 1982 Honda Magna VF750S but were adapted for the VF750F in 1983 by reducing the six speed transmission to a five speed because of the change from shaft drive to chain. This reduced the available space in the transmission thus changing to a five speed.
Because of new AMA super bike class regulations it required that four cylinder bikes be limited from 1000cc to 750cc, and the bikes had to be production based. This regulation created the first Japanese "Repli-Racer" the 1983 Honda Interceptor VF750F designed for Honda's American Motorcycle Association (AMA) VF750F super bike. Honda didn't cut corners when making the Interceptor, and made it as close to the super bike as possible without losing its street legality.
New Technology
The Honda Interceptor introduced technology to the street that was only seen on the race track. The bike debuted to the press in late 1982 and was available for sale to the public in 1983. The public was astounded by its revolutionary technology. The 1983 Honda Interceptor was given high praise by industry sources: "The handling is a treat, the power more than adequate and the appearance, the Interceptor's primary thrust, spells out its job: To boldly go where only race bikes have gone before." [2]. “On tight, twisty mountain roads the Honda does everything you ask of it; flick it from side to side, up hills or down, with the brakes on or off, and it responds willingly, instantly and precisely.[3] The Interceptor's front bank was moved from the Manga's 23.5 degrees to 30 degrees to tuck the Comcast 16-inch front wheel closer to the engine which increased the handling of the bike's 59.8 inch wheelbase. The front and rear wheels were brought to the ground by fully adjustable Showa suspension. The front suspension was equipped with 39mm forks with the TRAC anti-dive system to stabilize the ride on the track and on the road. The rear suspension was tied to the tire by a sand cast swing-arm. The 748 cubic centimeter engine had an 8 horsepower boost from the Manga's V4 because of a newly designed air-box which forced cold air onto the head of the cylinders. Along with the air-box, the engine was liquid cooled with two radiators. The Interceptor was equipped with a "Slipper Clutch" which made the clutch slip on hard braking to stop the tire from bouncing. This was the first time a street bike had ever had a slipper clutch. The engine was attached to the bike via a steel perimeter frame with a removable section so that the engine can be removed if needed.[1]
Style
The Interceptor sported racing bike fairings that shaped the future for modern sport bikes. The tank was 5.8 gallons[1] and was shaped to keep the rider's legs tucked in to eliminate air drag. The new front fairing replaced the cafe racer headlight with an aerodynamic fiberglass fairing to push the air over the rider's helmet. The lower cowl produced down force to push the 551 pound[1] bike to the road. The front wheel fairing was designed to eliminate debris from striking the bike and causing damage. The 32.3 inch [4] seat height provided comfort for a long trip without sacrificing the track bike stance. The Interceptor came in 5 different color schemes over its 3 year production life. In 1983 the bike came with a Pearl White base, Candy Aleutian Blue background, with a matching blue stripe or a Pearl Shell White, Candy Bourgogne Red background, with a matching red stripe [4]. In 1984 they mixed the colors so the Candy Aleutian Blue bike had a red stripe and the Candy Bourgogne Red bike had a blue stripe [4]. in 1985 they introduced a new stripe pattern but with the same Candy Aleutian Blue bike with a red stripe [4].
Accessories
In 1983 Honda offered a variety of accessories for the Interceptor. In 1983, a rear seat cowl with matching paint scheme was available to make the bike a closer replica of the single seated race bikes. The seat cowl had a storage compartment for small items and was lockable as well. Another optional extra were the engine crash bars which went from the bottom of the top radiator and followed the frame down the foot pegs. This provided protection to the engine in the case of an accident. Honda also offered a luggage rack and a bike cover.
Engine Issues
The Interceptor had one endemic engine issue in the V4, the camshaft. In 1984, camshaft wear issues started to arise and people started to complain. At first Honda did not admit that there was a problem. After conducting further research, they discovered that the camshaft wear was most likely caused by oil flow issues. Honda issued a recall on the bikes and added kink free oil lines and less restrictive Banjo bolts. They also made adjustments to the engine heads by drilling holes in the cam lobes and capping off the hollow cam's ends. This did not fix the problem, so Honda went back to the drawing board. The first thought was that the issue was heat related, but after further investigation the real problem was discovered. There was too much clearance in the camshaft bearings. Honda fixed this by changing all the camshafts with new components. This fixed the camshaft issues but wounded the reputation of the V4. [5]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Smith, Robert (2012). "The First Sport Bike? The 1983 Honda VF750F Interceptor". Motorcycle Classics. 7 (5): 16–21. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ Cycle World, December 1982, as quoted from http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-japanese-motorcycles/honda-vf750f-interceptor-zm0z12mjzbea.aspx?page=5
- ^ Cycle, May 1983, as quoted by http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-japanese-motorcycles/honda-vf750f-interceptor-zm0z12mjzbea.aspx?page=5#ixzz2DkPkKQPV
- ^ a b c d http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Honda_VF750F
- ^ http://vfreek.tripod.com/id11.html