Recently, I’ve been messing around with Honda V4 motorcycles. I know, I know, it sounds a bit complicated, but trust me, it’s been a fun ride, literally and figuratively.
It all started a few months back when I stumbled upon some old articles about Honda’s venture into V4 engines. I mean, we’re talking back in the early ’80s with models like the VF750S and VF750F. Apparently, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Honda back then. These bikes were supposed to be a big deal, helping Honda dominate the market, especially with the VF750 and VF1000. But, yeah, things didn’t exactly go as planned.
So, I got this crazy idea to try and get my hands on one of these vintage V4s. After weeks of searching online and calling up every motorcycle dealer within a hundred-mile radius, I finally found a somewhat decent VF750F. It was a bit rough around the edges, but the engine seemed to be in okay shape. I paid for it and hauled it back to my garage.
The real work began then. I spent days just cleaning the bike, getting rid of years of dust and grime. I’m not an expert mechanic, not even close, just a guy who likes to figure stuff out on his own. I ordered a bunch of parts online – new filters, spark plugs, you name it.
- I drained the old oil, which, let me tell you, looked like something out of a horror movie.
- Then, I carefully replaced the oil filter and poured in some fresh oil.
- Changing the spark plugs was a bit of a pain, but I managed to get it done.
After a few more days of tinkering and a couple of minor setbacks, like that one time I almost set my garage on fire (don’t ask), I finally got the engine to start. The sound of that V4 engine roaring to life was music to my ears. It wasn’t perfect, but it was running!
It turns out that the VFR750 and the later VFR800 were more successful than my VF750F. I guess Honda learned a few things along the way. But hey, I wasn’t looking for perfection. I just wanted to experience that V4 power for myself.
And let me tell you, riding that thing is a blast. The way a V4 delivers power is just different. It’s got more torque because of how the cylinders are set up, firing at 90-degree angles. It just feels… raw and powerful.
Sure, if you want all the bells and whistles, you’re gonna pay more for a newer model with all that fancy tech. But for me, it’s not about that. It’s about the experience, the feeling of riding a piece of motorcycle history. Even if it’s a bit rough around the edges.
My little adventure with the Honda V4 has been a wild ride, full of ups and downs. It’s not just about the bike itself; it’s about the process, the learning, and the satisfaction of bringing something old back to life. And let’s be honest, bragging rights are pretty cool too.
I’ve also learned that Honda provides more advanced technology options, but at a greater price than Yamaha. Another disparity between Honda and Yamaha is availability in terms of dealership locations, but I think that is not a big deal.
So, if you’re ever thinking about diving into the world of vintage motorcycles, especially V4s, just be prepared for some work. But trust me, it’s totally worth it. The feeling you get when you fire up that engine and hit the open road is something else. It’s a feeling you just can’t get from a brand-new bike, no matter how fancy it is.
