Need parts for your VFR750? Honda VFR750 spares on Amazon…
Honda VFR750 FP (1993 model)
Honda VFR750 Specs…..
The Honda VFR750 (also known as the VFR750 Interceptor in the US) was a sport tourer motorcycle produced by Honda and available for sale in the UK between March 1986 and December 1997 (when it was replaced by the VFR800.
The VFR750F used the Honda V4 configuration engine. The engine was a completely redesigned and improved version of the earlier VF700 and VF750 F models that had numerous cam shaft and bearing problems.
The VFR750 featured anti dive forks, aluminium beam frame, gear driven cams (which massively improved engine reliability over the previous, VF750 models), full sports fairing and optional pillion seat cowl.
In addition to the above features, the 1989 onwards (RC36) models had a distinctive single sided swinging arm that was developed from a previous Honda race bike, which allowed the rear wheel to be removed without the need to remove or adjust the chain or rear wheel spindle.
Early VFR 750 RC24 (with built in front indicators)
A little bit about the Honda VFR 750…..
Working on your bike? You’ll need a VFR750 workshop manual…
Basic model info… |
|
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Honda |
| Model: | VFR750 F |
| CC: | 748cc |
| Engine type: | 4 Cylinder V4 engine (4 stroke) |
| Years in production: | 1986 to 1997 |
| Style of bike: | Sports tourer (fully faired) |
| Insurance: | Group 14 (of 17) – VFR insurance going up every year? Save money at Confused.com |
Models and years (in the UK) |
|
|---|---|
| VFR750 FG (March 1986 to Dec 1986)….. | |
| Frame number started: | RC24-2000068—- |
| Description: | 750cc sports/tourer motorcycle with conventional monoshock rear swing arm, air forks with TRAC (Torque Reactive Anti-dive Control) anti-dive system, aluminum beam frame, 16″ front and 18″ rear cast wheels. The 748cc engine had gear driven cams and a 4 into 2 black exhaust. The VFR750 also had a full, sports fairing, square headlight, stalk mounted front indicators. The VFR 750 also had a rear grab rail for pillion passengers and an optional rear seat cowl. |
| Available colours: | White or blue |
| VFR750 FH (Jan 1987 to Jan 1988)….. | |
| Frame number started: | RC24-2000061—– |
| Description: | Same as above (FG) model with minor changes to the ignition |
| Available colours: | White, blue or metallic silver |
| VFR750 FJ (Feb 1988 to Sept 1988)….. | |
| Frame number started: | RC24-2202353—- |
| Description: | Same as above (FG) model with a few, minor detail changes. |
| Available colours: | White, red or black |
| VFR750 FK (Oct 1988 to Nov 1989)….. | |
| Frame number started: | RC24-2202353—- |
| Description: | 17″ Front and rear wheels, larger engine valves for improved mid range, adjustable screen, new fairing (with more panels and built in front indicators), re designed instrument panel with clock and fuel gauge. |
| Available colours: | White, red or black |
| VFR750 FL (Dec 1989 to Dec 1990)….. | |
| Frame number started: | RC36-2000067—- |
| Description: | Mostly re-designed model with single sided, Pro-Arm swing arm, monoshock rear suspension, 6 spoke front and 8 spoke rear cast wheels (cast in wheels is the process of pouring molten metal into a mould to manufacture the wheel). Engine modifications included bucket and shim, adjustable valves and a 4 into 2 into 1 exhaust system. The FL model also had a new fairing with non adjustable screen, faired in side stand, rear separate grab rails and integral rear indicators. |
| Available colours: | Blue, red or black |
| VFR750 FM (Jan 1991 to Dec 1991)….. | |
| Frame number started: | RC36-2101254—- |
| Description: | Same as above (FL) model with new graphics and colour matched seat |
| Available colours: | Blue, red or black |
| VFR750 FN (Jan 1992 to Nov 1992)….. | |
| Frame number started: | RC36-2200020—- |
| Description: | Same as above (FL) model, now has colour coordinated screen |
| Available colours: | Green, deep blue or red |
| Price new: | £6599 for a ‘J’ reg and £6363 for a ‘K’ reg |
| VFR750 FP (Dec 1993 to Dec 1993)….. | |
| Frame number started: | RC36-2300001—- |
| Description: | Same as above (FL) model, now has silver belly pans and rebound adjustment on the tops of the front forks |
| Available colours: | Red, green or silver |
| Price new: | £6390 for a ‘K’ reg and £6645 for an ‘L’ reg |
| VFR750 FR (Jan 1994 to Oct 1994)….. | |
| Frame number started: | RC36-2400273—- |
| Description: | Major re-design based on the Honda NR750. Minor suspension mods, black finish, U-Section spoke cast wheels, new exhaust system with smaller collector box, twin trapezoidal headlights, 2 litre bigger fuel tank, new lightweight, black resin belly pan, bolt on/off grab rails for rear seat cowl fitment. Also had improved air intake vents and new bodywork. |
| Available colours: | Black, red or blue |
| Price new: | £7455 for a ‘L’ reg and £7605 for an ‘M’ reg |
| VFR750 FS (Nov 1994 to Oct 1995)….. | |
| Frame number started: | RC36A-2500038—- |
| Description: | Same as above (FR) model, now available in silver |
| Available colours: | Red, black or silver |
| Price new: | £7835 for a ‘M’ reg and £8265 for an ‘N’ reg |
| VFR750 FT (Nov 1995 to Oct 1996)….. | |
| Frame number started: | RC36A-TM000001—- |
| Description: | Same as above (FR) model, now available in lapis blue instead of black |
| Available colours: | Red, lapis blue or silver |
| Price new: | £8675 for a ‘N’ reg and £8675 for an ‘P’ reg |
| VFR750 FV (Nov 1996 to Dec 1997 – Discontinued and replaced by the VFR800)….. | |
| Frame number started: | RC36A-VM100001—- |
| Description: | Same as above (FR) model, now available in green instead of silver |
| Available colours: | Red, blue or green |
| Price new: | £8675 for a ‘P’ reg and £8675 for an ‘R’ reg |
VFR750 RC36A (FS/FT model with styling based on the Honda NR750)
Engine and gearbox specs….. |
|
|---|---|
| Displacement: | 748 cc |
| Engine type: | 4 Cylinder V4 engine (90 degree V Four) |
| Bore×Stroke: | 70×48.6mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Valves: | 16 valve (4 per cylinder) |
| Cooling system: | Liquid cooled |
| Cooling system capacity: | 2.3 litres |
| Clutch: | Wet (oil immersed) multiplate clutch |
| Gearbox: | 6 Speed manual (1st gear down, 2nd to 6th gears up, neutral between 1st and 2nd gears) |
| BHP (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 105 BHP |
| BHP (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 100 BHP |
| BHP (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 98 BHP |
| KW output (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 78 KW |
| KW output (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 77 KW |
| KW output (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 74 KW |
| Idle speed (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 1000rpm |
| Idle speed (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 1200rpm |
| Idle speed (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 1000rpm |
| Top speed (approx): | 151mph |
| 0 to 60 (approx): | 3.4 seconds |
Pro Arm single sided swinging arm from a 1993 VFR750 FP
VFR 750 Pro Arm single sided swing arm (other side view)
Final drive stuff….. |
|
|---|---|
| Final drive: | Chain |
| Front sprocket (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 16 teeth |
| Front sprocket (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 16 teeth |
| Front sprocket (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 16 teeth |
| Rear sprocket (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 45 teeth |
| Rear sprocket (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 43 teeth |
| Rear sprocket (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 43 teeth |
| Chain pitch/length (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 530 pitch / 110 links |
| Chain pitch/length (1989 to 1997 – FL to FV models): | 530 pitch / 112 links |
Honda VFR750 V4 configuration carbs
Carb, fuel and oil stuff….. |
|
|---|---|
| Fuel system: | Carburetor |
| Carb make: | Keihin (4x) |
| Carb type (1986 to 1988 – FG to FH models): | VDBOB |
| Carb type (1988 to 1989 – FJ to FK models): | VDJOA |
| Carb type (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | VDJ4A |
| Carb type (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | VP35A |
| Fuel type: | Unleaded petrol |
| Fuel tank capacity: (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 20 litres |
| Fuel tank capacity: (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 19 litres |
| Fuel tank capacity: (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 21 litres |
| Engine oil: | 10w40 motorcycle oil – API SG or higher |
| Engine oil capacity (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 4 litres |
| Engine oil capacity (1989 to 1997 – FL to FV models): | 3.1 litres |
| Oil filter (1986 to 1988 – FG to FH models): | OIF003 / HF202 / F302 |
| Oil filter (1988 to 1997 – FJ to FV models): | OIF006 / HF303 / KN303 |
| Air filter (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | Hiflo part no: HFA1707 |
| Air filter (1990 to 1997 – FL to FV models): | Hiflo part no: HFA1709, Honda part no: 17210-MT4-000 |
Honda VFR750 RC36 in white with rear seat cowl
Electric stuff….. |
|
|---|---|
| Ignition type: | Electronic CDI |
| Starter: | Electric start |
| Electrical system voltage: | 12 volts |
| Regulated voltage (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 14.3 to 15.1 volts |
| Regulated voltage (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 13.5 to 16 volts (@ 5000rpm) |
| Regulated voltage (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 13.5 to 15 volts |
| Spark plug (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | DPR9EA-9 |
| Spark plug (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | CR8EH-9 |
| Spark plug (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | CR8EH-9 |
| Spark plug gap: | 0.8 to 0.9mm |
| Spark plug tightening torque (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 12nm to 16nm |
| Spark plug tightening torque (1989 to 1997 – FL to FV models): | 12nm |
| Spark plug ignition: | 4 x Coil |
| Magneto/flywheel tightening torque (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 80nm to 90nm |
| Magneto/flywheel tightening torque (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 90nm |
| Magneto/flywheel tightening torque (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 85nm |
| Battery (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | YB12A-B / CB12A-B |
| Battery (1989 to 1997 – FL to FV models): | YTX12-BS / CTX12-BS / DTX12-BS |
VFR750 17″ front wheel (1993, FP model)
Shocks, brakes and wheels stuff….. |
|
|---|---|
| Front wheel type (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 3 spoke cast wheel |
| Front wheel type (1989 to 1997 – FL to FV models): | 6 spoke cast wheel |
| Front tyre size (1986 to 1988 – FG to FJ models): | 110/90-16 |
| Front tyre size (1988 to 1989 – FK models): | 110/80-17 |
| Front tyre size (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 120/70-17 |
| Front tyre size (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 120/70-17 |
| Front tyre pressure: | 36psi (2.5 bar) |
| Front wheel spindle torque (1986 to 1993 – FG to FP models): | 60nm |
| Front wheel spindle torque (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 40nm |
| Front wheel spindle clamp bolt torque: | 22nm |
| Rear wheel type (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 3 spoke cast wheel |
| Rear wheel type (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 8 spoke cast wheel |
| Rear wheel type (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 5 spoke cast wheel |
| Rear tyre size (1986 to 1988 – FG to FJ models): | 130/80-18 |
| Rear tyre size (1988 to 1989 – FK models): | 140/80-17 |
| Rear tyre size (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 170/60-17 |
| Rear tyre size (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 170/60-17< |
| Rear tyre pressure (1986 to 1993 – FG to FP models): | 42psi (2.9 bar) |
| Rear tyre pressure (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 40psi (2.8 bar) |
| Rear wheel spindle torque (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 97nm |
| Rear wheel spindle torque (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 110nm |
| Rear wheel spindle torque (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 195nm |
| Front brake: | Twin hydraulic disc brake with twin pot calipers |
| Front brake disc (1986 to 1988 – FG to FH models): | MD1001LS and MD1001RS |
| Front brake disc (1988 to 1989 – FJ to FK models): | MD1008LS and MD1008RS |
| Front brake disc (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | MD1008LS and MD1008RS |
| Front brake disc (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | MD1003X and MD1003C (full floating discs) |
| Front brake pad (1986 to 1988 – FG to FH models): | FA124 |
| Front brake pad (1988 to 1989 – FJ to FK models): | FA142 |
| Front brake pad (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | FA142 |
| Front brake pad (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | FA142 |
| Rear brake: | Single hydraulic disc brake |
| Rear brake disc (1986 to 1988 – FG to FH models): | MD1006RS |
| Rear brake disc (1988 to 1989 – FJ to FK models): | MD1006RS |
| Rear brake disc (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | MD1007 |
| Rear brake disc (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | MD1007 |
| Rear brake pad (1986 to 1988 – FG to FH models): | FA69/3 |
| Rear brake pad (1988 to 1989 – FJ to FK models): | FA196 |
| Rear brake pad (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | FA196 |
| Rear brake pad (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | FA196 |
| Front suspension (1986 to 1988 – FG to FJ models): | Telescopic Showa forks (damping rod) |
| Front suspension (1988 to 1989 – FK models): | Telescopic Showa forks (damping rod) |
| Front suspension (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | Telescopic Showa forks (cartridge) |
| Front suspension (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | Telescopic Showa forks (cartridge) |
| Front fork stanchion diameter (1986 to 1988 – FG to FJ models): | 37mm |
| Front fork stanchion diameter (1988 to 1989 – FK models): | 41mm |
| Front fork stanchion diameter (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 41mm |
| Front fork stanchion diameter (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 41mm |
| Recommended fork oil: | 10w (medium weight) fork oil |
| Fork oil volume (1986 to 1988 – FG to FJ models): | 370ml and 358ml |
| Fork oil volume (1988 to 1989 – FK models): | 523ml and 513ml |
| Fork oil volume (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 394ml and 394ml |
| Fork oil volume (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 412ml and 412ml |
| Rear Suspension: | Single Showa monoshock |
| Rear suspension travel: | 80mm |
US version of the Honda VFR750 (called the Interceptor)
Weights, measures ‘n stuff….. |
|
|---|---|
| Wheelbase (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 1480mm |
| Wheelbase (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 1480mm |
| Wheelbase (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 1470mm |
| Width (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 700mm |
| Width (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 720mm |
| Seat height (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 795mm |
| Height (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 1185mm |
| Height (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 1185mm |
| Dry weight (no oils, fluids etc) (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 199kg |
| Dry weight (no oils, fluids etc) (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 216kg |
| Dry weight (no oils, fluids etc) (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 209kg |
| Wet weight (with oils, fuel etc) (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 230kg |
| Wet weight (with oils, fuel etc) (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 244kg |
| Wet weight (with oils, fuel etc) (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 236kg |
VFR 750 clock and warning light panel (from a 1993. FP model)
Service stuff…..
Servicing your bike? You’ll need a VFR 750 workshop manual…
| Engine oil specs | |
|---|---|
| Engine oil change frequency: | Every 12,000km (approx 7,456 miles) or 12 months |
| Engine oil capacity (1986 to 1989 – FG to FK models): | 4 litres |
| Engine oil capacity (1989 to 1997 – FL to FV models): | 3.1 litres |
| Engine oil: | 10w40 API SG or higher Motorbike oil |
| Oil filters: | |
| Oil filter (1986 to 1988 – FG to FH models): | OIF003 / HF202 / F302 |
| Oil filter (1988 to 1997 – FJ to FV models): | OIF006 / HF303 / KN303 |
| Chain drive | |
|---|---|
| Final drive chain frequency: | Now repeat after me…..’I MUST LUBE MY CHAIN LITTLE AND OFTEN!!’ |
| Hydraulic brake and clutch systems | |
|---|---|
| Brake fluid change frequency: | Change every 24 months or 36,000km (approx 22,369 miles) |
| Brake fluid: | DOT 4 brake fluid |
| Fork oil | |
|---|---|
| Front fork oil change frequency: | Change every 24 months |
| Fork oil volume: (1986 to 1988 – FG to FJ models): | 370ml and 358ml |
| Fork oil volume (1988 to 1989 – FK models): | 523ml ad 513ml |
| Fork oil volume (1989 to 1993 – FL to FP models): | 394ml and 394ml |
| Fork oil volume (1994 to 1997 – FR to FV models): | 412ml and 412ml |
| Front fork oil: | 10w (medium weight) fork oil |
| Cooling system | |
|---|---|
| Check every: | 12,000 km (approx 7,456 miles) |
| Change every: | 36,000 km (approx 22,369 miles) or 24 months |
| Coolant capacity: | 2.3 litre’s |
| Coolant: | Motorcycle coolant |
Frame number location…..
The frame number information plate can normally be found on the right hand side, near the front on the frame (just below the right handle bar).
The frame number is usually stamped onto the right side of the headstock (the front part of the frame just below the handle bars).
VFR750 RC36 (FL/FM model with the Pro-Arm single sided swing arm)
Useless stuff…..
Back in the mid 1980’s, Honda were losing ground to Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha motorcycles, partly due to persistent reliability problems with their V4 engine range (amongst other things).
So in 1986 Honda brought out the massively over engineered VFR750, with gear driven cams to help eliminate many of the problems suffered by earlier V4 engines bikes (like the VF500 and VF750).
The VFR was a massive gamble for Honda as it cost them a fortune to develop the VFR engine and frame and several parts of the V4 design (like the gear driven cams) cost many times more then the previously use ways (but Honda HAD to do this to shake their unreliable image!).
Ron Haslam helped Honda shake their declining image by taking a (supposedly!!) road going, straight out of the crate VFR750F to a 3rd place finish, infront of many racing bikes at the Transatlantic Challenge race at Donington Park.
Honda had a fair bit of racing success with the VFR750R (RC30) which was (loosely!) derived from the VFR750F (although, even for a race bike the RC30 was horrendously EXPENSIVE, even before adding the kit parts!).
The VFR750, even to this day, is known for it’s legendary reliability and has been a long running joke in the 2nd hand parts trade that VFR750 engines are only good as door stops (because they supposedly never break down, selling 2nd hand VFR 750 engines is nearly impossible!).
There were a few oddball variations of the VFR750 (mainly made for the Japanese market, although a few may have made it to the UK) including the VFR750P (not FP!) that was a Police spec model with the Honda model code RC35 and the VFR750K (not FK!) which was a lower powered version of the VFR (75hp instead of the standard 105hp) with no oil cooler, a gear indicator and a modified center stand. The VFR750 K model was more aimed at the Japanese learner/training market (Honda model code RC37).
RC36 model VFR750 gear driven cams (from the front 2 cylinders)
VFR750 FP gear driven cams (from the rear 2 cylinders)
Buying advice…..
In terms of reliability, there’s not really many weak points on the VFR750’s. The engines are fairly bullet proof and it’s not uncommon to see examples with over 100,000 miles still in daily use (and even 200,000 mile examples can still have life in them!).
The only bit’s that tend to fail and can be expensive to replace are fuel pumps (which can be difficult to source) and exhaust downpipes (although cheaper, Chinese copy headers of debatable stainless quality are fairly cheap on good old Fleabay now!).
Obviously (and this goes without saying), you get what you pay for with the VFR, so a £2500 bike with a small rain forest of service history from a careful owner should be miles better then a 150,000 mile, never serviced and running like a bag of nails one for £700!
Also, avoid any engines in bits as, unless you’ve taken apart and marked the cam shafts yourself you’ll probably never be able to put it back together again (even if you’ve got the Honda workshop manual!).
Honda VFR 750 exhaust downpipes
Honda VFR 750 exhaust downpipes, close up showing the complicated pipework!
Sources / Thanks to:
VFR750 Wikipedia article
Silkolene for the service info
Ciao.co.uk VFR750 review by a Ciao user (surprisingly, it’s a very good review with lots of historical VFR info!)
If you’ve got any questions or useful comments or suggestions please feel free to leave them below 🙂
Disclaimer: The information on this page is correct to the best of our knowledge. But the info should NOT be taken as 100% accurate as we can, occasionally make mistakes!
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