Honda VFR 750 F (type RC 24) in the test

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Honda VFR 750 F (type RC 24) in the test

The best VFR?

The first variant (type RC 24) of the legendary V4 sports tourer Honda VFR 750 F is considered the best by some fans. Rightly?

The Fantastic Four are not only a successful hip-hop band, the term could also refer to the legendary V4 engine VFR 750 F stand. With a cultivated run and great pulling power, it impressed right from the start, and has now proven its enormous durability a thousand times over. From just above idle to over 11,000 rpm, the V4 delivers steadily increasing, full thrust and beguiles with a subtle but unmistakable sound. The moderately sporty touring posture is suitable for brisk country road heating as well as for extended tours, even luggage and passengers are welcome. The chassis of the Honda, which weighs 222 kilograms, also does everything and shines with stoic stability even with a sporty driving style on undulating slopes. The narrow tires, which were still common in the late 1980s, do not look very impressive, but they allow the slim Japanese woman to be extremely easy to handle. Stand up when braking in an inclined position? No problem. With so much perfection, it is hardly surprising that the stoppers of the VFR belong to the biting and stable variety and are also easy to dose. The second edition of the RC 24 from 1988 shines not only with more harmonious 17-inch tires (instead of 16- / 18-inch), but also with a well-protective, height-adjustable window and an even more lavishly equipped cockpit. Good equipment and fine workmanship are a matter of honor for the VFR anyway. If you can blame her for anything at all, then at most the too short mirror arms. The legendary V4 Honda may no longer win a comparison test against current 750s, but the sympathy of the driver in the saddle always wins.

Brief verdict:
positive
● Very powerful
● Stable chassis
● Very durable V4 engine
● Light, pretty handy
● Great equipment and high quality workmanship
● Very effective brakes

negative
● Uncool looking
  narrow rear tire
● Moderate visibility in the mirrors

The VFR family

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Year of construction 1986

The first VFR 750 F from 1986 set standards, but until the facelift in 1988 it still had different wheel sizes (16 inches at the front, 18 inches at the rear). The rare racing replica VFR 750 R (RC 30) from 1988 shone with precious parts such as a single-sided swing arm, four-in-one exhaust and much more. The RC 36 (from 1990) also received a single-sided swing arm and wider wheels than the RC 24, but it was also much more difficult.

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Year of construction 1988

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Year of manufacture 1990

The competition

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Kawasaki GPX 750 R, Suzuki GSX 750 F and Yamaha FZ 750.

Kawasaki GPX 750 R.
The angular Kawa is very handy, but its chassis suffers from mediocre spring elements and is not particularly stable.
Price: 6.568 euros (1989)

Suzuki GSX 750 F.
A bit conservative and inconspicuous: the GSX with the air / oil-cooled four-cylinder is good for almost everything, but tends to be drunk.
Price: 6.279 euros (1989)

Yamaha FZ 750
Its strength is the powerful 20-valve engine. Brakes and comfort are ok, handling and suspension could be better.
Price: 6,946 euros (1989)

Graduation certificate Honda VFR 750 F

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The slim silhouette of the slippery fairing not only looks good, it also enables the proud top of over 230 km / h.

engine
The high-torque V4 is a poem: great smoothness, power at any speed, moderate drinking habits and a wonderful sound.
4 out of 5 points

landing gear
There is little to criticize about the handiness and stability of the Honda. The spring elements can be adjusted in many ways, from soft to sporty.
4 out of 5 points

Brakes
Snappy, stable and very easy to dose – with the VFR four-piston caliper stoppers, Honda shows what was already feasible at the end of the 1980s.
4 out of 5 points

Furnishing
From the adjustable disc to adjustable clutch and brake levers to the main stand – the superbly crafted VFR is missing for nothing.
5 out of 5 points

Comfort
The driver and front passenger will find relaxed seats, enjoy proper wind protection and properly working spring elements.
4 out of 5 points

Suitable for beginners
The VFR is relatively light, handy and easy to master. The V4 delivers its performance easily controllable. Even beginners can handle it.
4 out of 5 points

In the city

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The handwheel for adjusting the rear shock absorber to different loads is easily accessible and allows practical adjustment.

The smooth-running V4 allows starting with idle, together with the smooth clutch, stop-and-go traffic remains stress-free. The relaxed sitting posture and the relatively low weight also make everyday life in city traffic easier. However, the view in the mirrors is restricted.

On the country road:

This is where the now uncool-looking, narrow tires (110 front, 140 rear) pay off. The light VFR shines with great handiness, hardly anything can be disturbed and with its snappy, steady brakes ensures a lot of driving pleasure. In addition, a beefy pushing V4 – what more could you want?

On the highway:

With well-protective cladding and a top speed of over 230 km / h, the VFR is well equipped for the motorway. The 20-liter tank ensures a decent range when you go on tour with the Honda, which is perfectly suited to travel. A passenger also enjoys good comfort on the generously designed bench.

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