Honda’s use of the V4 engine platform has become a trademark of the storied Japanese manufacturer – long before other makes adopted the configuration, Honda had cemented its reputation on and off the race track with its now legendary VFR and RVF race and street bikes. The V4 engine layout has many inherent advantages, perfect primary balance, compact packaging and of course that wonderful exhaust note.
While the Interceptor got its start a few years earlier, it was initially marketed as a VF in different engine displacements, so while this VFR700F2 shown here is considered the 3rd generation it was actually the second to carry the VFR moniker and become the model that so many regard as the gold standard in sport touring bikes. The previous version of the VF series of Interceptors suffered camshaft issues that left Honda scrambling to resolve the issue (which they did) before the new VFR model launched in 1986. In response to those quality issues, these new bikes were in some ways over-engineered and set the standard for the typical high quality fit and finish that Honda is so famous for today. The VFR700FR2 shown here is the smaller displacement version Honda offered at a steep discount to subvert the 750cc import tariff rules in the United States at the time of the bike’s release. Honda also produced and sold the 750cc version and both bikes were nearly identical (right down to the carburetors), though the 700cc variant had a shorter stroke to reduce displacement. The bike is powered by a 90 degree V4 with 16 valves operated by gear driven cams producing just over 90 horsepower at the crank. Weighing in around 500 lbs, the VFR had a twin beam aluminum frame, box section aluminum swingarm and disc brakes front and back. Suspension was Showa with a monoshock in the rear and a rebound adjustable 38mm front fork. The front wheel was 16″ and the rear was 18″ which was fairly typical of bikes during this period. The VFR was not only a sales success but it went on to become one of Honda’s longest running and most loved models.
Honda also offered a “F2” model, which was differentiated by the livery (white with gold trim) as well as a different dash layout with integrated fuse box.
Manufactured in February 1986, this example is VIN: JH2RC2630GM000196.
The odometer shows 18,368 miles.
Iconic acquired this bike as a non-running project so we could source some parts for a client’s bike that needed service work. We are passing it along in the hopes that someone else may need this to keep their F2 going or that someone else might want to bring it back to life!
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, we performed a safety inspection as well as a compression and spark test. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: N/A
Engine Oil Level: Overfilled
Engine Oil Quality: Fail, Black
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level No coolant in bike (Dry)
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail, >3% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail, >3% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail, >3% Moisture
Final Drive Condition: Fail
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Unknown
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 50%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Slight leak
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: None recorded
Tire Date Code Rear: 36/03
Tire % Remaining Front: 0%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 0 %
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: No battery installed
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: Unknown
Running Condition: No crank, no start
Test Ride Completed: None taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Mildly pitted forks
-Few cosmetic imperfections:
-Broken pads on the RH fairing
-Rub marks on RH and LH fairing
-Mildly pitted forks
REPAIRS PERFORMED:
Compression Test:
Cylinder 1: 168 PSI
Cylinder 2: 174 PSI
Cylinder 3: 172 PSI
Cylinder 4: 180 PSI
Spark Test: Bike has spark
Modifications:
This bike appears to be stock.
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires that have aged out with date codes of 2203 and 3603.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean California title with Planned Non-Operational registration.
Per the California DMV website, it would cost $152 to make the registration current through November 2026.
Have any VFR700F2 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
