Honda VF1000
The first of Honda's 1,000 cc VF range, known as the 1000 Interceptor, was launched in the United States and Canada in March 1984.
The bike featured adjustable Pro-Link rear suspension with adjustable braced front forks, black and silver cast aluminum magnesium rims (16 inch front, 17 inch rear), and an aerodynamic half fairing and lower cowl with single rectangular headlight.
In Europe the "Interceptor" was launched as the FE model, in 1984 and reported engine power output was increased to 116 horsepower (87 kW).
[citation needed] Features such as Honda's dive control system (TRAC) and adjustable suspension were still present.
The engine of the VF1000R was the same cast block as in the VF1000F, displacing the same 998cc as the standard model, but modifications were required to mount the gear train in each head, used for driving the cams.
[citation needed] The coolant system was altered from that of the "F" model, via the utilization of different thermostat settings and through the use of two radiators.
The rear suspension (air shock with adjustable damping control) and frame (square-section steel tube type) were direct carryovers from the "F" model, but the front suspension featured Honda's anti-dive system named "TRAC" which stood for "Torque Reactive Anti-dive Control".
This system utilized the left brake hangar being pinned to the fork on the bottom mount and allowed to pivot in an anti-clockwise direction, thereby closing a valve in the left fork leg, forcing the damping fluid through a smaller passageway, and increasing the damping rate under hard braking.
The fork also featured quick-release, swing-away axle clamps for faster tire changes in endurance racing.
The "R" model got fully faired, racer replica bodywork with rearset footpegs and adjustable clip-on handlebars.
Even with the adjustment available in the clip ons, period tests still criticized the bike for having too committed of a riding position, with a long stretch over the tank.
On models from 1985 and later, the lower fairing also featured spring-loaded vent doors which could be opened and closed in order to cool the engine and rider during high temperature conditions.
The 16-inch front wheel was used to aid steering response, and the 17-inch rear saw the first use of radial construction tire for the European models.
The dual headlight was changed to a single square light with white and black plastic surround on the initial US release models in order to satisfy what most major manufacturers thought would be a requirement of US street legal vehicles in the near future.
The RF model saw improved cooling through fairing redesigns in relation to the RE, as well as the addition of a double oil sump system, complete with anti-slosh plate mounted in the oil pan (compared to the single pump system in use on the RE model.
This was done in order to combat oil starvation during cornering, as well as ensure that the cams and heads of the motor were receiving adequate lubrication.
The VF1000R was able to claim the title of "fastest production motorcycle in the world" with a top speed of 150 mph for a short period before being dethroned by the Kawasaki GPz900.
The fairing, designed to increase rider comfort and reduce drag, has a built in ventilation system and twin storage "pockets".
The cockpit was redesigned too with a centrally mounted fuel and coolant temperature gauge, new style speedometer and tachometer with yellow needles and numbers.
