My first big bike. Met my future, amazing, wife with it. Massive crash ended the bike but cemented our love. 24 years and still married and happy. I blame the VFR.
I've got the FV with 72k miles in the best colour blue! Like you, rectifier replaced but relocated down with rad in air flow on additional heatsink. The bike is legendary, hasn't dated in my opinion and is now the grandad to my VFR1200X
@@wozzab_66 regulators are a weak point with Honda… Recently boiled my battery when it failed on my 1997 Fireblade! I like the idea you had of relocating it with extra airflow. Brilliant idea… 💡
My mate agrees with you he has had 2 VFR 750s the 2nd one had 140K miles on it when it was stolen recovered and written off. H then got a VFR800 (non Vtec) and was hit in a RTA which rote the bike off and fucked up his knee. When he came to buying another bike he didn't think his knackered knee could cope with the weight of a VFR so after several conversations I convinced him to buy what I think is the best bike ever, I ride one and now he does and he is happy with it but still says he would have the VFR if it wasn't for his dodgy leg. We both ride CBR600F4s now
@@66pac57 thanks for the comment mate.. CBR600s are amazing bikes. Real shame though about your mate and the injury though. I guess the 219kilos would be a struggle with a bad knee.
Don't forget it's big brother.... the VFR 1200X Cross tourer.... my favorite of all time. Nice Vid here. Thank you from Beautiful Gorgeous Bangkok Thailand ✨🌴🙏😊
I would definitely consider getting another one. I had an FH model, so still with the 16 inch front wheel and normal swinging arm. Great bike and when I came to look for its replacement I was left seriously underwhelmed by the 800. That was a good bike but utterly without character. I ended up buying a ZRX1100 instead.
I recently tried the 800 and must admit to being slightly underwhelmed… I guess I was expecting a lot more than the 750. Was great, just not as great as I thought the extra power would give. For me the 750 any day 😊
@@TheBucksBiker-lh2nm Nowhere near as good as my 1998 VFR800. It was horribly unreliable and I struggled to get it running right. I gave it away in the end.
The Vtec-s aren't bad at all. I've had 2 of them, the later one a 2007 had 232 000 kms on the clock! Yes it had a rectifier issue, and the generator burnt down once, but other than that it was always superb. it was on the Dyno at 180 000kms, where it put out stock figures. The engine was unopened, never rebuilt, so i can say that 800s are just as good as the RC36s..
@@laz1go286 While I prefer the 750s, the 800s had the same bullet proof engines! While I’m not a fan of the Vtec I wouldn’t hesitate in owning one.. I guess my only gripe with the Vtec is, from my experience in riding it, the power delivery isn’t as smooth all through the revs due to the extra power at higher revs. That though is just a personal preference as many love that… Hope you enjoy many many more kilometres on you amazing bike.. As for stock figures on the dino at 180k.. That just goes to show why these bikes are probably the best ever built :)
@@TheBucksBiker-lh2nm to me the Vtec version still looks up to date, even though it's a 22 years old design. The Vtec kick can be smoothened out via a ECU flash. Then it's not an issue anymore. I personally enjoy the Vtec on the roads, it's like the bike has an extra boost from turbo or so.. But on track that is bad I know. Just like the linked brakes. It's not a track bike at the end of the day..
@@laz1go286a lot of people will enjoy the boost! Just like we all loved that ‘powerband’ back in the day. I like the idea that you can smooth it out though if wanted… As for Track! Yeah… It’s not really like that although I’ve had the 750 on track and it performed splendidly. Did get roasted though on every straight and I wore out the ‘hero blobs’ like I was a proper racer (in my mind only) 😁
Sorry to be pedantic but the Magna you showed at the start wasn't the first model. I have one of the 82 models with about 45,000 kms on the clock. It has a drum brake on the back, two discs on the front, a six speed gearbox( which was pretty much unheard of back then) and is shaft drive. I'm not 100% sure of the year it was made but I think the one you showed was a much later model. I've heard all about the problems but have had no problems whatsoever with the motor as of yet. It's a great bike and besides from the tiny main tank, it has a 4 litre fuel tank under the side cover but it still only gets about 265 kms between fills, I have no real complaints.
@@davidrochow9382 Not pedantic at all and thanks for the info. It’s fun learning more about these great bikes. Shame I can’t change the pic but I guess it gives the idea. The Cam issues were not noted on Magna. Only on the later interceptors. Thanks for the detailed response 😊
had a vfr750 interceptor until someone stole it -- that thief probably saved my life though, or at least my criminal record since that bike was def gonna get me in trouble
@@TheBucksBiker-lh2nm Ive always liked the look of the VF750F,i did wonder if it was possible to change the Engine for a VFR one - a perfect solution in my book.
Whilst I agree you have covered the accpted theory of the gear driven cams. However it wasn't the chain drive that was faulty on the VF range of bikes. It was a problem with how they machined the holders for the cams. Chains were considered a problem on many engines, although not unique to Honda. That was mostly due to underdevelopment of tansioners in the 1970's and tensioners improved over the years. I am not saying the accepted story is wrong, rather that the reasoning was far more complex than chocolate cams.
@@presstodelete1165 thanks for the super detailed response mate.. Always happy to learn more about my favourite bike. Still… At least I got it partly right 😅
Correct - as built the Cam Caps on these Engines couldn't be Line Bored,resulting in incorrect tolerances which were way out.Also i believe there were component supply issues,Cams for the VF750F couldn't be sourced in time so Honda used the ones from the Magna or Sabre ( not sure which ) and Re-Ground the Profiles to suit a different state of Tune, but failed to re-instate the surface hardness heat treatment properly,added to the lack ofenough Oil in the Top end there were always going to be issues.
They are so cheap to buy now. And a well looked after one will last forever . I have two a 87 rc24 and a 92 rc36 . Love them both but the rc36 rides better on the modern radials .
@@impactengineering3805 I agree 100%! The prices are really low on the secondhand market so if you want a reliable, fun, well made bike for a decent price I can’t think of anything better! My 1992 RC36 is my pride and joy…
Yeah big vfr fan my self have a 88fj model which is the model before yours with almost 71,000 miles on it its a minter and a keeper in red and a 94 fr model which is the model after yours thats on almost 56,000 miles again a minter and a keeper yeah both have had rectifier faults fitted bigger ones on them and wired them direct to the battery no more faulrs since. Both of them i have re built the suspension ie fitted new shockers on , fork oil ., headrace , bearings and swing arm bearings just wear and tear items myself a hgv mechanic do all my own maintence , i check the carbs for balance once a year on both bikes very rare get out off sink same for the valve clearances. The vfr 750 /800 fi last of the gear driven cam engine was light years ahead off its game built to last like you say brakes are ok not as good as modern stuff use both of mine in the summer months and keep up with modern tackle, also have vfr 1200f just like the v4 honda motor look after a vfr it will last a life time .
I’m curious to try the VFR1200… Does it still feel like a VFR? Looks wise I’ve never been that keen.. I’ve never really thought I’ve needed to play around with the suspension so was interesting to read how you rebuilt the suspension. How does it ride compared to the standard shocks?
@@TheBucksBiker-lh2nm To be fair most bike shocks are past there best at 50 to 60 thousand miles i fitted yss shockers to both of them and yes ride loads better like fork oil really should change it at least every 15to 20 thousand miles same again with a fork oil change the front end does not dive as much under braking and feels more planted to the road .Yss shockers are about 300 pounds so not over dear another item i would do is the rear shock linkage take it apart and grease it do mine every couple of years . The 1200 f is like a 800 to ride they ride beautifull yes little heavy to push around once going its faultless they handle and stop the brakes are the best i have ever used loads off v4 grunt my view its the daddy of the vfr range get on well with mine like it a lot the shaft drive is a god send you can not tell its a shaft drive bike would go and try one .
@@andyrawlings5369 I really should look at greasing the rear shock linkage every now and again… Not something I’ve thought of. Thanks for the tip mate 😊🤘🏻
My first big bike. Met my future, amazing, wife with it. Massive crash ended the bike but cemented our love. 24 years and still married and happy. I blame the VFR.
I've got the FV with 72k miles in the best colour blue! Like you, rectifier replaced but relocated down with rad in air flow on additional heatsink. The bike is legendary, hasn't dated in my opinion and is now the grandad to my VFR1200X
@@wozzab_66 regulators are a weak point with Honda… Recently boiled my battery when it failed on my 1997 Fireblade! I like the idea you had of relocating it with extra airflow. Brilliant idea… 💡
My mate agrees with you he has had 2 VFR 750s the 2nd one had 140K miles on it when it was stolen recovered and written off. H then got a VFR800 (non Vtec) and was hit in a RTA which rote the bike off and fucked up his knee. When he came to buying another bike he didn't think his knackered knee could cope with the weight of a VFR so after several conversations I convinced him to buy what I think is the best bike ever, I ride one and now he does and he is happy with it but still says he would have the VFR if it wasn't for his dodgy leg. We both ride CBR600F4s now
@@66pac57 thanks for the comment mate.. CBR600s are amazing bikes. Real shame though about your mate and the injury though. I guess the 219kilos would be a struggle with a bad knee.
Don't forget it's big brother.... the VFR 1200X Cross tourer.... my favorite of all time. Nice Vid here. Thank you from Beautiful Gorgeous Bangkok Thailand ✨🌴🙏😊
@@johnflano6973 lovely bike the 1200X! Thanks for the really nice comment… Really glad you enjoyed it. 😊🤩
i had an earlier model with the more rounded fairing,all i can say is that i agree with every word
@@royisherwood910 Thanks mate… I would love to one day own a first gen 😊
I would definitely consider getting another one. I had an FH model, so still with the 16 inch front wheel and normal swinging arm. Great bike and when I came to look for its replacement I was left seriously underwhelmed by the 800. That was a good bike but utterly without character. I ended up buying a ZRX1100 instead.
I recently tried the 800 and must admit to being slightly underwhelmed… I guess I was expecting a lot more than the 750. Was great, just not as great as I thought the extra power would give. For me the 750 any day 😊
The Sabre was a VF750S - my first bike.
@@MarmiteTheDog I think I called it an F! My bad!
What was it like to ride?
@@TheBucksBiker-lh2nm Nowhere near as good as my 1998 VFR800. It was horribly unreliable and I struggled to get it running right. I gave it away in the end.
@@MarmiteTheDog I guess part of Honda’s learning curve to get to the amazing VFRs!
Please remove that bunch of keys in the ignition. You'll get scratches.
@@lold6130 it’s had a bunch of keys for 65k and so far no scratches 😁
Nice riding route, but I thought I had clicked on TMF by mistake! Good video though.
@@stephenroberts3575 I’m in Aylesbury and he lives in the town next to mine… We take turns 🤣
I’m the budget version of TMF 😂😂😂
Honda never made a penny out of the VFR. the cog driven cam engines were expensive to make. hence the later ones being chain driven.
@@StoatLoxley yep… I think they went at a loss. A superb investment 😊
Loved mine great bike
@@ianbonnick7640 yep… Best bike ever made in my opinion! 😊
The Vtec-s aren't bad at all.
I've had 2 of them, the later one a 2007 had 232 000 kms on the clock!
Yes it had a rectifier issue, and the generator burnt down once, but other than that it was always superb. it was on the Dyno at 180 000kms, where it put out stock figures.
The engine was unopened, never rebuilt, so i can say that 800s are just as good as the RC36s..
@@laz1go286 While I prefer the 750s, the 800s had the same bullet proof engines! While I’m not a fan of the Vtec I wouldn’t hesitate in owning one.. I guess my only gripe with the Vtec is, from my experience in riding it, the power delivery isn’t as smooth all through the revs due to the extra power at higher revs. That though is just a personal preference as many love that…
Hope you enjoy many many more kilometres on you amazing bike..
As for stock figures on the dino at 180k.. That just goes to show why these bikes are probably the best ever built :)
@@TheBucksBiker-lh2nm to me the Vtec version still looks up to date, even though it's a 22 years old design.
The Vtec kick can be smoothened out via a ECU flash. Then it's not an issue anymore.
I personally enjoy the Vtec on the roads, it's like the bike has an extra boost from turbo or so..
But on track that is bad I know.
Just like the linked brakes.
It's not a track bike at the end of the day..
@@laz1go286a lot of people will enjoy the boost! Just like we all loved that ‘powerband’ back in the day.
I like the idea that you can smooth it out though if wanted…
As for Track! Yeah… It’s not really like that although I’ve had the 750 on track and it performed splendidly. Did get roasted though on every straight and I wore out the ‘hero blobs’ like I was a proper racer (in my mind only) 😁
Sorry to be pedantic but the Magna you showed at the start wasn't the first model. I have one of the 82 models with about 45,000 kms on the clock. It has a drum brake on the back, two discs on the front, a six speed gearbox( which was pretty much unheard of back then) and is shaft drive. I'm not 100% sure of the year it was made but I think the one you showed was a much later model. I've heard all about the problems but have had no problems whatsoever with the motor as of yet. It's a great bike and besides from the tiny main tank, it has a 4 litre fuel tank under the side cover but it still only gets about 265 kms between fills, I have no real complaints.
@@davidrochow9382 Not pedantic at all and thanks for the info. It’s fun learning more about these great bikes. Shame I can’t change the pic but I guess it gives the idea.
The Cam issues were not noted on Magna. Only on the later interceptors.
Thanks for the detailed response 😊
Great vid - you might be right - have been meaning to get one.
You can get good ones for good prices... Worth every penny!
had a vfr750 interceptor until someone stole it -- that thief probably saved my life though, or at least my criminal record since that bike was def gonna get me in trouble
@@hafthors I would love one of the original Interceptors despite the Cam Shaft troubles that eventually led to the VFR.. Such iconic bikes 😊
@@TheBucksBiker-lh2nm Ive always liked the look of the VF750F,i did wonder if it was possible to change the Engine for a VFR one - a perfect solution in my book.
@@paultanton4307 that would be an interesting project…
Whilst I agree you have covered the accpted theory of the gear driven cams. However it wasn't the chain drive that was faulty on the VF range of bikes. It was a problem with how they machined the holders for the cams. Chains were considered a problem on many engines, although not unique to Honda. That was mostly due to underdevelopment of tansioners in the 1970's and tensioners improved over the years. I am not saying the accepted story is wrong, rather that the reasoning was far more complex than chocolate cams.
@@presstodelete1165 thanks for the super detailed response mate.. Always happy to learn more about my favourite bike.
Still… At least I got it partly right 😅
Correct - as built the Cam Caps on these Engines couldn't be Line Bored,resulting in incorrect tolerances which were way out.Also i believe there were component supply issues,Cams for the VF750F couldn't be sourced in time so Honda used the ones from the Magna or Sabre ( not sure which ) and Re-Ground the Profiles to suit a different state of Tune, but failed to re-instate the surface hardness heat treatment properly,added to the lack ofenough Oil in the Top end there were always going to be issues.
@@paultanton4307 thanks for the detailed technical reply to this fascinating subject 😊
They are so cheap to buy now. And a well looked after one will last forever . I have two a 87 rc24 and a 92 rc36 . Love them both but the rc36 rides better on the modern radials .
@@impactengineering3805 I agree 100%! The prices are really low on the secondhand market so if you want a reliable, fun, well made bike for a decent price I can’t think of anything better! My 1992 RC36 is my pride and joy…
Yeah big vfr fan my self have a 88fj model which is the model before yours with almost 71,000 miles on it its a minter and a keeper in red and a 94 fr model which is the model after yours thats on almost 56,000 miles again a minter and a keeper yeah both have had rectifier faults fitted bigger ones on them and wired them direct to the battery no more faulrs since. Both of them i have re built the suspension ie fitted new shockers on , fork oil ., headrace , bearings and swing arm bearings just wear and tear items myself a hgv mechanic do all my own maintence , i check the carbs for balance once a year on both bikes very rare get out off sink same for the valve clearances. The vfr 750 /800 fi last of the gear driven cam engine was light years ahead off its game built to last like you say brakes are ok not as good as modern stuff use both of mine in the summer months and keep up with modern tackle, also have vfr 1200f just like the v4 honda motor look after a vfr it will last a life time .
I’m curious to try the VFR1200… Does it still feel like a VFR? Looks wise I’ve never been that keen..
I’ve never really thought I’ve needed to play around with the suspension so was interesting to read how you rebuilt the suspension. How does it ride compared to the standard shocks?
@@TheBucksBiker-lh2nm To be fair most bike shocks are past there best at 50 to 60 thousand miles i fitted yss shockers to both of them and yes ride loads better like fork oil really should change it at least every 15to 20 thousand miles same again with a fork oil change the front end does not dive as much under braking and feels more planted to the road .Yss shockers are about 300 pounds so not over dear another item i would do is the rear shock linkage take it apart and grease it do mine every couple of years . The 1200 f is like a 800 to ride they ride beautifull yes little heavy to push around once going its faultless they handle and stop the brakes are the best i have ever used loads off v4 grunt my view its the daddy of the vfr range get on well with mine like it a lot the shaft drive is a god send you can not tell its a shaft drive bike would go and try one .
@@andyrawlings5369 I really should look at greasing the rear shock linkage every now and again… Not something I’ve thought of. Thanks for the tip mate 😊🤘🏻
It’s all true .. and I’m Suzuki guy.