Unrelenting Horsepower
In March 1984, Honda released a machine basically identical to the VF750F, but with an extra 250 cc. The VF1000F didn’t generate the same enthusiasm as the 750 version and was only available for one year. But that scarcity may be exactly what makes it special now.
In 1984, Cycle World wrote:
If you truly want to do what the 1000 Interceptor does best, find a long, straight, unpatrolled road and explore the bike’s top-speed potential. That’s what feels most comfortable with this machine. There’s no question that this is a competent, high-performance sport bike, but it’s one that is more likely to win you over with steady, ever-present, unrelenting horsepower than it is with any sort of handling magic.
Power and Control
After introducing the world to the V-4 motorcycle in 1982 with great results, it made sense for Honda to take the existing, lauded 750-cc engine and make everything bigger. Pistons and pins, valves and cams, oil pump, connecting rods, and main bearings are all enhanced, as is the clutch and cooling system to handle the extra duty.
The result is easily accessible 113 horsepower, thanks to a mildly adjustable suspension system. The 998-cc bike tips the scales at an extra 20 pounds over the 750, and reviewers noted that this hampered the bike’s low-speed agility.
When it comes to the gearbox, the VF1000F is seen as having a superior shift. Since it has more than enough torque to go with the peak horsepower, the rider doesn’t necessarily need to change down a gear to overtake or tackle a steep incline. They may want to anyway, just for the fun of it.
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Fine Bike, Sweet Engine
Ultimately, the VF1000F didn’t quite reach the heights of the VF750F, though it’s clearly a fine bike with a sweet engine. Cycle World again:
The VF1000F is a bike with performance that is comparable, but with an engine that sounds and feels like nothing else.
The example listed on eBay is for sale in Denton, Texas. The seller describes it as “probably the nicest 1000 Interceptor out there.” The detailed photos support this claim.
In the listing, the seller explains how they began with a low-mileage machine, stripped it bare, and then built it back up, flushing the fuel tank, rebuilding and synchronizing the carburetors, and having everything professionally painted in the process.
The listing contains an extensive description of the rebuild and an account of all the new parts used. If 1980s Japanese retro cool is your thing, this Interceptor is up there with the best.
