The Honda Sabre was a standard V4-engined motorcycle made by Honda from 1982 to 1985. Its models were the VF750S V45 Sabre of 1982–1983, the VF700S 700 Sabre of 1984–1985 and the VF1100S V65 Sabre of 1984–1985.
Honda Sabre at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 1982–1985 |
| Engine | 90-degree V4, DOHC |
| Final drive | shaft |
| V45 Sabre | VF750S, 1982–1983 |
| V45 power, 1982 | 82 hp |
| V45 power, 1983–1985 | 86 hp |
| 700 Sabre | VF700S, 1984–1985, 698 cc |
| V65 Sabre | VF1100S, 1984–1985, 121 hp |
| Shared engines | Magna and Interceptor |
| Tariff change | 1984, V45 destroked to 698 cc |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Sabre.
History of the Honda Sabre
One V4, three motorcycles
The V45 Sabre was introduced in 1982 and shared its V4 engine design with the Magna and Interceptor. Sabre and Magna engines were almost completely interchangeable apart from a few fuel and carburetion differences; the Interceptor engine was angled differently in the frame and had a chain drive instead of a shaft, but shared the same 90-degree V4 DOHC configuration. The V4 combined the high-revving power of an inline four with the narrow width of a V-twin, and the 90-degree angle gave perfect primary balance, avoiding the vibration problems of many inline fours without heavy rubber mounts or counterbalancers.
The 1984 tariff
In 1984 import tariffs changed and the V45 engine was modified. Honda reduced displacement to 698 cc by destroking the engine from 48.6 mm to 45.4 mm, added a tooth on the clutch gear to compensate for the lost torque and changed the model name to VF700S. The VF700S lasted only one more year.
Power and a weakness
The 750 cc V45 engine produced 82 hp for 1982 models and 86 hp for 1983–1985; the 700 produced 76 hp, and the 1,100 cc V65 engine introduced in 1983 produced 121 hp. All were slightly detuned through the run of the first-generation engine to meet customs and EPA regulations, though Honda quoted the same figures throughout. The engine’s downfall was premature camshaft wear in some early V45 and V65 models, caused in retrospect by inadequate oil flow to the heads and cams, particularly when running for long periods on low oil.
Design and features
- 90-degree V4: perfect primary balance and a narrow engine.
- Shaft drive: the Sabre’s difference from the chain-driven Interceptor.
- Three displacements: 750, 698 and 1,100 cc.
- Standard riding position: an all-round bike, not a cruiser.
Honda Sabre versions
- VF750S V45 Sabre (1982–1983): the original.
- VF700S 700 Sabre (1984–1985): the tariff-era 698 cc bike.
- VF1100S V65 Sabre (1984–1985): the 121 hp version.
The Sabre shares its V4 engine with the Honda Magna and the V65’s big-engine role with the CBX. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda Sabre, English Wikipedia: models, V4 engine, tariff change, camshaft wear
