1985 Honda reviews

Wwned my '85 700 interceptor since '92. Bought it for $1800 with 12k miles on it. Now has 23k on it. It's been givin a beating and keeps on going.. The clutch is original from previous owner. I have never changed it. Only recently that I let a friend have some fun on it for a week that the clutch seems fried..(don't lend a friend your bike)..last yr, took it to the track and ran a 12.92 e.t. @105mph..in '94 or so I took it up to 127mph on a cold night.. I'm sure it had more. I just ran out of room.. With a aftermarket clutch, times at the track would improve a great deal. Fitted the rear with a mich 150 70. A little upgrade from the wagon wheel. Looking now for a 4 into 1 exhaust..any assistance would be appreciated..oh and seals for front shocks now starting to leak. Show less

I purchased an 84 VT700c that was in a shed for a number of years. After refurbishing it with new rubber, batteries, fluids, plugs,etc. I took it for a ride. The pegs are a little high for me and the handlebars a little too much back. I'm 6'0". This bike was designed for someone between 5'4" and 5'10". The power is very good and handling is up to par for an 84. My wife has started to ride it as it fits her better than me. A good women's bike. Bob Show less

I Purchased this 1985 V65 Sabre New "of the crate". I've owned many motorcycles "harleys,Bmw's etc." but this machine takes the best of class. Very Powerful, Yet smooth and reliable!! I service it every two years (aside from oil) I believe it will run forever... Show less

There are things that I love about Tanto-San.For the most part is the fact that he pulls like a freight train after about 3500 rpms.I love the power and the fact that it is very controlable.By that I mean you can do street and highway speeds with no complaints unless you are in too high a gear.LOL I have only had my V65 Sabre up to 95mph.That ain't too shabby considering my weight.I'm 5'9 and 434lbs.The other thing that I love about Tanto-San was his price.I got quite the steal on him.His original owner was asking $800.I got him for $600 with not even 36k original on him. The only rust he has is on the exhaust pipes.He does not have too many scratches on him. I do have some dislikes about Tanto-san though.Just try and get a aftermarket clutch for the V 65 Sabres. Tanto-San is very TALL. Between that and the fact you have to take the engine partially out if you want to change the exhaust.I am a little surprised at the gas mileage too.I had a 1983 Yamaha Venture touring bike before my V65 Sabre.MY SABRE gets the same gas mileage as my Venture did about 35mpg. I can understand the touring bike getting lower mileage but I can't understand why the Sabre does not get better even with new plugs and a airfilter no better. Show less

I reviewed this bike in August 2000. Now two and half years later it has almost 50000 miles on it. It is still a great ride and great fun. I do have on ecomplaint,however, IT JUST KEEPS GOING!!! How can I rationalize a new bike to my wife if this one never has any problems? Show less

I am a complete novice to the sport of Motorcycling and I recently aquired a used 1985 Honda Rebel to learn to Ride on ... speaking as a person with zero Riding experience, I found my little Rebel to be a joy and non-intimidating right from the first moment I put my hind side in the saddle! Because it is light, small and well balanced, I was able to take it around the block with no problems on my very first ride. Will be taking the Motorcycle Safety Course next Spring, so hopefully my Rebel and I with enjoy a Summer of Riding together ... maybe after that I'll move on up to a Suzuki LS650 Savage ... hmmm ... Show less

A great deal in todays market.A mid 80s v65 Sabre is true superbike. Its standard seating and handlebar placement make it comfortable.Two up riding with the 1100cc motor is a breeze.while not nimble by todays standards it handles well.watch for a well mantained one and you will be pleased. Show less

I have owend my CB700s for two years has 13000 miles on clock this bike has never let me down. I have been to Wales & Devon on it brakes/handling/comfort all FANTASTIC. Why do you yanks get all the good bikes. The main and only problem will be when i do need spares which are hard to get in UK for import bikes. (long time away i hope) happy biking Show less

I LOVE this bike. This is my second bike. I've moved up from 400cc's to 700cc's. This bike handles the freeway quite well. I have a high windshield and that really makes a difference. The wind is NOT and issue. She gets about 120 mpg on a full tank. Not bad. I am only 5'4.5" female and my feet touch the ground. that's always a good start. The weight is such that I can handle her quite well even during slow maneuvers. She does get a little buzzy when I reach 60mph. However, I've ridden her as fast as 75mph and still had plenty of power left over. I can pass the trucks with this bike. that's REALLY important out there on the freeway. I would recommend this bike to anyone who intends to ride in the city and on the freeway. She has just what the doctor ordered. Show less

Nice style. Smooth and very strong engine for 500cc. Handles very well. Brakes are fair to poor compared to today's brakes. Nice stock pegs. Pretty fast for a 500cc. Biggest drawback for me is the size of the bike...great to learn on but too cramped for me now. I'm 6'1". Also the pegs are in a more standard position making it more cramped. Probably an awesome bike for a smaller or shorter rider. Was good for me as a starter bike because of the lightweight and smaller size...made handling much easier. But selling now and will get a standard or sport tour style for more comfort and sportier bike. Read web pages around the net re: early VFR engines and trouble spots before buying one of these bikes with the early VFR engine...don't know if it affects this size engine or not...but best to get one with low mileage and take good care of it. Show less