1986 Honda reviews

I own an 86 VF500, and got it for $1500! Needless to say it was a steal. Low miles, runs great, handles great, looks great. An excellent lane-splitting/commuter due to narrow width, lightweight, and maneuverability. I am currently running Avon tires and happy with them. Funny how current 500 models out there still look pretty much like this old bike. "If it's not broke..." Show less

I find the value for this bike to be exceptional. I traded for one and am very happy with the trade. It rides great, has plenty of power, and will only profit if I decide not to keep it. I am also enjoying giving it a custom paint job and new chrome such as mirrors and exhaust, but I find that online merchants only want to supply parts for new bikes....the irony is that new bikes don't require parts, but the rusted chrome pipes on my ride are in need. Keep your knees in the wind! Show less

Most awesome bike. Bought it last year from original owner; only 12,000 miles on it. This is my first bike; friends keep telling me I need a bigger bike and I surely DO NOT. Rode it to the Honda Hoot from MI to TN and back this year and it was a great ride. Of course I am a new rider, and this is my first bike . . . but I can't imagine anything being better. I've put about 8,000 miles on it since I bought it. I am hooked!!!! Love the shaft drive, low seat, looks, fact that it's water cooled -- EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. Great for cruising; great on the curves. I would like to find a luggage rack and engine guards to fit it if anyone has any ideas. Would love to hear from you!! Show less

I had a 1986 VF500 Intercepter for 4 yrs when I went to college in No Cal. Commuted in the rain in all. This is a great bike if your height isn't over 6ft. I have installed a size larger/flatter tires both in front & in rear, and it still did 125 m/h. I did all the routine plugs check & change, filters, oil, and chain lube. No mechanical trouble what so ever. My roommate bought a 1986 Ninja 600, so we got to swap our bikes frequently. VF 500 has a bit weaker brakes, rides a bit tall (catches wind), and less torque (I think). If you see them on sale. Grab it. Show less

I purchased my intercepter last year then got activated to go to war. When I got back I got it registered and rode from my house in SLC Utah to my girlfriends in victorville CA like 650 miles. It was the best trip I have ever had besides the frequent fuel stops I had no complaints. I love this bike! Show less

Ive recently acquired an 86' vf1000r. Its a strong runner and looks ok for an 86'. It has been running hot. A good radiator flush and thermostat helped tremendously. Still very heavy. Its speed out weighs its weight. Show less

I have been riding bikes since 1969. This is my fifth motorcycle. My last bike was a 1973 Suzuki (water buffalo) which I put on 63k miles before wrecking it. (My one and only accident). I purchased this bike in 1993 and other than replacing fluids, brakes, tires and spark plugs nothing else has been done. I now have 27k miles on the bike and it runs like the first day I bought it. I also pull a pop up two man camper/luggage trailer with no problem. My only complaint is the lack of polished chrome and would like to either do something about that or I may purchase another bike that is not so labor intensive in keeping looking good. Show less

I LOVE THIS Bike!! I had one in 87 and sold after going over Seas in the NAVY. I regreted it ever since. I found a nice one with 15K on it for a great price and I recommend this chasis (85-86) to everyone. At 17yrs old this bike still can hang with any of the new cruisers in the style department. I see this bike becomming a cult clasic in the distant future!! Show less

I bought my 450 Nighthawk for $450.00 and it has been worth every penny. It sat idle for a long time, so I have rebuilt the carbs myself (never did this before and found it VERY easy to do) and have loved every mile since. It has plenty of power for the novice rider (I'm 43, just took the MSF course) and is perfect for my across town jaunts to work and back. I can see myself wanting something bigger someday, but for now, this bike is perfect! Show less

I honestly cannot imagine being happier with a purchase. I just bought an 84 VF500f Interceptor, and I've found out that all those wonderful things I've read are true. These pocket rockets can be had cheap these days, so get one before they're a memory. Fast like a 500 can't be, handles likes it's on rails. Flickable to the extreme. Powerband is amazingly broad and useful, no need to fart around with gear changes in the twisties, just flick and roll. If you can find the VF500f magazine review from 84, read it, it's perfectly on target. I hope to own a VFR800FI someday, but I'll be keeping the miniceptor for the twisties- I love this bike! Show less