Honda VF1100S V65 Sabre reviews

When it runs, it runs good. Has nice torque getting off the line, and even can feel it kick in 5th and running 80mph. But the carbs have undersized jets which get clogged super easy also not to mention are hell to remove and put back in! You seriously have to rotate them ( barrel roll ) nearly 320°.. Also part of the frame is a hollow cavity that is literally passage from the air filter (which is stupidly positioned underneath the seat) to the intake. And I’ve encountered oil clogging which enturn caused the engine to sieze. Show less

I owned one of these for 10 years and put 63,000 miles on it. Sold it for $200 less than I paid for it brand new at the end of those 63k miles. Can you say sellers regret? This bike is what one moto mag back in the day called a “star cruiser”: too big, too heavy, and (yes!) too fast. I’ve two upped at an indicated 145mph. Had my butt in the saddle thru pouring rain for 12 continuous hours. V-4 engine, shaft drive, anti-dive front end, easily adjustable handle bars over a wide range. Fun to hustle down a backroad? Well……hell yeah!! I weighed ~140lb at 5’8” and could get my feet flat with a little stretch…..no problem and would do it all again. This bike is a beast, comfortable, handsome, long wheel base stable, and Honda reliable. Ah, the one that got away… Show less

Bought it new in 1984, and I still have it in 2021. That says it all. It does not have a power band, it just has power, period. The kind you can use in the real world, not at 11,00 rpm like some bikes. Have the factory fairing with lowers and just put on some Conti Road Attack 3 radials. Anyone who owns this bike needs to put those tires on. It absolutely transforms the bike and your confidence. Just the perfect tire for this bike. Sticky enough for the power even in the corners. Now I can let lose of the handle bars at any speed without a wobble, something I have never been able to do with any other tire. As others have said this bike can get you in trouble in pretty much any gear. Replaced the rear shock with a Blackbird 1100, reshaped the seat with some Pudgee foam and you can go for hours without a sore ass. I will never sell it, it means that much to me. Others may be faster, or be more nimble, but of all the bikes I have owned(7) none were more fun. And that's what it's all about. A great bike! Show less

Love my 2002 Shadow Sabre 1100!! found a well kept model with 35k miles. Retired military vet kept up on it, damn near showroom condition. lots of extras. I wanted the exact bike new, but couldnt afford one at the time. similar but better looks than the Fat Boy, for half the price new. Red paint with flames. the only issue was the electric lift assist pump for the gas(per mechanic) failed on the way home late at night. had to push it a few blocks. other than that, still Love the bike! Show less

Bought brand new in 2013 and I loved it! Handles great. Looks great. Very low maintenance. Only complaint is stock seat was horribly uncomfortable and there weren't a whole lot of aftermarket parts available. I would still be riding it but sadly a friend totaled it out a cpl weeks ago. Show less

This was my fifth bike - I bought this bike used with only 5,000 miles. I have had no major repairs and I've taken road trips yearly. This bike is great in city commuting as well as at home on the open road. I love the balance and the power-to-weight combination. So now with 37,000 miles, I'm looking to finally trade up to a "used 2008 VTX1800" and my son will enjoy my old and still very clean VT1100. Show less

The bike is good if you like straight line performance, but it lacks agility through the twisties. The real power begins in second gear above 3,000 rpms. Then the fun begins with its 10,000 rpm. redline. This is not a beginner's bike and makes a great collectable. Show less

I bought this at 12k miles and it was six years old. Since then I have put on over 6k miles. I ride daily and I chose this bike based on past bikes (Kawasaki 350, Yamaha 1100 full dress tour). I like the styling of it and it's not lacking on performance. It has a good ratio of quick and top speed. Cruising speed of 70 is just fine with this thing. I use it daily in the city and on trips. One must have that came with it was the Mustang seat. It is great just for what it's tagged to be. It's easy to maneuver and handle low-centered slow rides are sweet on this. When I need to pick up the pace and battle freeway traffic, it's not an issue. I would be hard pressed to go back to full dress but only for the accessories. Show less

I picked mine up as a leftover. I actually wanted a Fury but the price was right for me. The power is pretty much what you would expect from a 1300cc motor and the stock pipes have a nice note for stock pipes. My only gripe is the mirrors don't give me a good look directly behind me and they could've set the foot controls a little higher. I lean hard in turns and corners and I'm constantly banging the footpegs. The ride is a little rough on Pennsylvania pothole-riddled roads but on the highway and smooth runs, the long rake makes cruising a breeze. All around, it's a solid bike and it gets plenty of looks and compliments now that I put on Cobra pipes. Show less

The look, the accessories, the acceleration, style, comfort, make for not just a great looking bike, but a sweet ride. Heads turn. Show less