TheHonda VF and VFR series is a range ofmotorcycles first introduced in 1982 byHonda featuringV4 engines (hence the "VF" prefix).
In 1969 Honda revealed theCB750 superbike, establishing the template for theUniversal Japanese Motorcycle with a range of transverseinline-fours. Relishing technological innovation, Honda unexpectedly moved on to adopt the V4 ("VF") configuration. However, some of the early VF models suffered mechanical problems, mainly as a result of poor quality camshafts (the "chocolate cams"). Honda, alarmed that they were losing their hard-won reputation for reliability, moved to introduce the VFR750 motorcycles featuring gear-drivenover head cams and a very high build quality. The first three or four iterations of VFR motorcycles re-established Honda's reputation for quality, and the motorcycles received almost universal praise from journalists and riders alike.
The VFR was originally a 750 cc, but became an 800 cc in due course. New models featured technological innovation, such as a single-sidedswingarm,linked braking,ABS, andVTEC. The VFR1200 became the first motorcycle to feature adual-clutch transmission. Not all of these innovations proved popular with riders, who often preferred the simple robustness of the earlier models.
Honda also developed a limited edition VFR, theHonda RC30, as ahomologation racing platform. This motorcycle achieved some racing success, but the introduction of very lightinline-four motorcycles by competing firms led Honda to downgrade its racing plans.
Honda's VF model lineup had engine capacities ranging from 400 cc to 1,000 cc. Another Honda, the shaft-drivenST1100 also featured a V4 engine, but thistouring motorcycle does not form part of the VF series.
Prior to its adoption by Honda, the V4 design had been used only rarely for motorcycles, most notably byMatchless.[1] In modern times, the V4 configuration has been embraced byAprilia, Ducati, Suzuki, Yamaha & Norton.
Compared to an in-line four, the advantages of a 90° V4 engine include compactness, narrow width, and perfectprimary balance giving a smooth and nearly vibration-free operation. A disadvantage is that it is more expensive to manufacture, and, just like aV-twin, more difficult to locate ancillaries and inlet & exhaust systems.
In 1982 VF models were introduced to the public at theCologne Motorcycle Show with a V4 engine mounted in a square-tube steel frame.[2] That very year, reliability and quality control problems arose, possibly due to new automated production equipment at Honda's plant inHamamatsu, Japan.[citation needed] Regardless, Honda sold out its first year's inventory ofSabres and theMagnas were not far behind. 1983 saw the engine revised to correct the problems from the previous production year and the introduction of the V65 and the Interceptor. Cam-wear problems surfaced during 1984 in the larger displacement bikes, which, by the time it was corrected, led to eight factory cam revisions over the course of just one year.[citation needed]
The 748 cc VFR750F (RC24) was introduced in 1986, and was over-engineered in a bid to re-establish a reputation for reliability. It had an alloy beam frame, gear driven cams. This version underwent constant revision of the non-US models with later revisions including changing wheel sizes from 16" front & 18" rear to 17" front and rear, larger diameter forks and the fairing was slightly modified. After this was a series of VFR models which featured various innovations, including a single-sidedswingarm,linked braking,ABS, andVTEC. In due course the geared cam drive was dropped in favour of cheaper chain-drive.
A total redesign of the engine to a new one based on the RVF750R (RC45) and a slight capacity increase led to later models being designated the "VFR800F".
A much larger capacity VFR model, theVFR1200F, was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009.[3][4] The new 1,200 cc (73 cu in) narrow-angleSOHCV4 engine[5] does not use the V-Tec design of the smaller VFRs. It has an optional six-speed push-button operateddual clutch transmission with three modes: automatic, sport and manual. The modes are similar to those on theHonda DN-01 but with a conventional gearbox shifted automatically, similar to a "Tiptronic" system, and without a hand-operated clutch rather than ahydrostatic drive.[6][7][8]
To date, the VFR1200 has not sold particularly well, as buyers have tended to favour the smaller VFR800F (RC79).
Honda have permitted theAriel Motor Company, British makers of theAriel Atom sports car, to use the VFR1200's V4 engine in a new motorcycle, theAriel Ace.
Honda developed theRC30 as ahomologation racing version which was used from 1988 to 1993. It was the first large capacity motorcycle to use a single-sidedswingarm.[citation needed]. The RC30 was succeeded in 1994 by theRC45.
