Honda Hurricane 1000?

[Sheepdog]

I kinda like the latest VFR800. It's plain compared to other versions, but did away with the gee-gaws that I didnt like and retained hard-bag availability. On the other hand, I won't be trading in my Vintage or my Bonneville for one...

[rocker59]

[Steph]

The early ones had cam issues, didn't they?
Was there a recall or did they go quiet on the owners? (...)

[Turin]

Am I the only one who looks at that old interceptor pic and thinks "what a cool looking bike..."?

[mikebr]

I can't imagine the headache of trying to source parts and service for a Honda built 1987-1988.

No way I'd want one for my touring bike.

The CBR1000F Hurricane was not among the lightest of sport-tourers, weighing around 520-lbs.  It did have 130bhp, so was a fast machine.

If light is a major factor in your decision, there are lots of bikes out there you can sport-tour on that weigh less than 500lbs and are more serviceable than a nearly 27-28 years old Japanese bike.

When I was in NZ in a well known Honda dealership they were taking truckloads of parts to the dump. Honda in Japan did not want any parts for motorcycyles over 10 years old left in stock they paid for the disposal.

[creaky99]

I had an RWB '85 VF500F Interceptor for a few years, grandson still has an '84 VF750F Interceptor, same color scheme as the above photos. I ran the snot out the 500, only problem I ever had with it was an occasional skid mark in my shorts due to its' propensity to cause one to get a bit overenthusiastic. Grandson's 750 is running strong at 24K, cams still look like new.

Anyway, if you are looking for a retro bike that can still cut the mustard, the old VFs are a decent bet.

[Shorty]

I didn't read if seat height is a problem or not. Any of the older sporting BMW Ks are dandy trouble free mile eaters. They just require longer legs. Not smoking gimme a ticket fast, like it's Oriental or Triumph counterparts, but will run triple digits all day with no hiccups, no chain to adjust, good removable luggage, almost no maintainance. Cheap, too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-K-Series-1993-bmw-k-1100-lt-w-abs-/181624937153?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2a49b09ac1&item=181624937153&pt=US_motorcycles

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-K-Series-1999-bmw-k-1200-rs-marrakesh-red-sports-touring-bike-23-088-miles-/131390952582?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1e9782d486&item=131390952582&pt=US_motorcycles

[bpreynolds]

I didn't read if seat height is a problem or not. Any of the older sporting BMW Ks are dandy trouble free mile eaters. They just require longer legs. Not smoking gimme a ticket fast, like it's Oriental or Triumph counterparts, but will run triple digits all day with no hiccups, no chain to adjust, good removable luggage, almost no maintainance. Cheap, too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-K-Series-1993-bmw-k-1100-lt-w-abs-/181624937153?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2a49b09ac1&item=181624937153&pt=US_motorcycles

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-K-Series-1999-bmw-k-1200-rs-marrakesh-red-sports-touring-bike-23-088-miles-/131390952582?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1e9782d486&item=131390952582&pt=US_motorcycles

Admittedly great bikes but I've never met a Beemer 4 that I liked whereas I have experienced some enjoyable Honda 4s and especially that 4 in the old Triumph Daytona 1200.  I even thought I was gonna be buying a local Daytona 1200 until I went to see it last week.  Gorgeous bike, big, mean, brutal, and I could barely move it while sitting on top of it.  Too heavy of a girl for me. 

[Orange Guzzi]

Brian, all the comment are in the past tense. Remember you are looking at an old motorcycle.  It is going to take lots of repairs and maintenance to get it to a point that you will be confident taking it across country.  Personally, I would spend my money on a newer bike. There are plenty out there.  Jim  O'neal ford, Sellersburg has a very nice Triumph triple sitting in there show room for a very low price.  I would guess much less than what you will pay for a older used bike and the cost to fix all the hidden gremlins that will come along with it.   

[Nic in Western NYS]

Brian, all the comment are in the past tense. Remember you are looking at an old motorcycle.  It is going to take lots of repairs and maintenance to get it to a point that you will be confident taking it across country.  Personally, I would spend my money on a newer bike. There are plenty out there.  Jim  O'neal ford, Sellersburg has a very nice Triumph triple sitting in there show room for a very low price.  I would guess much less than what you will pay for a older used bike and the cost to fix all the hidden gremlins that will come along with it.   

Sound wisdom for the upright..

[bpreynolds]

Brian, all the comment are in the past tense. Remember you are looking at an old motorcycle.  It is going to take lots of repairs and maintenance to get it to a point that you will be confident taking it across country.  Personally, I would spend my money on a newer bike. There are plenty out there.  Jim  O'neal ford, Sellersburg has a very nice Triumph triple sitting in there show room for a very low price.  I would guess much less than what you will pay for a older used bike and the cost to fix all the hidden gremlins that will come along with it.   

I can't figure out whether you're the angel or the other guy on my shoulder?   ;D ;-T
Thanks for the word, John.  I'll call ol' Jim today.  Can't find the bike on their website.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Yes , and I think no . A couple of fixes are available , it was mostly an oiling problem on all of the early V four engines .

  Dusty

They decided to lube the top end with oil leaving the clutch at very little pressure.  ::) I did the fix on mine by drilling at tapping the main oil gallery and running external lines to the top end with brake line fittings, etc. Besides that minor problem,  ;D it was a nightmare to adjust the valves, and Dog help you if you dropped something with your contorted fingers while doing it. Honda engineers should fall on their swords for that little fiasco, just my honest opinion..

[Chuck in Indiana]

I have recently been scoping many older sport tourers to add to the garage. My idea is to get something as a specifically solo mount for me that would allow me to munch many miles while still keeping a smile on my face and a song in me heart. I’m about 140lbs wet and in order to do the latter, the bike would need to be smaller than the larger sport tourers like the FJR and such which for me and my size, I’ve just found too heavy. Gimme a break, I’m puny.

I’ve looked mostly at Triumph Sprints but I’ve long entertained a lingering fancy with Honda’s CBR 1000F (Hurricane). Anyone here have any experience with these and can report?

So, what's wrong with an Ohlins V11S? Put some HBs on it and call it good.

[bpreynolds]

So, what's wrong with an Ohlins V11S? Put some HBs on it and call it good.

Chuck, nothing remotely wrong with them.  In fact, I consider the Lemans series and the Scuras to be some of the most gorgeous motorcycles ever produced.  And quite obviously capable if you look at Rocker’s spine frame thread; however, I already have a fantastic Guzzi twin in my Stone if I want to travel long distances in that sort of manner.  And in no way, shape, or form am I suggesting any Guzzi has a hard time doing 90.  It doesn’t.  

But everyone is different and the truth is I have aged rather ungracefully.  My mind drifts often.  I whine about miniscule things.  Moreover, I’ve been spoiled by the ease at which my Striple and even the very fine ’11 Stelvio I used to own maintain police noticing, highway speeds over long distances.  To me, it’s even a different way of travelling.  My Stone with Russell has proven perfectly capable of taking me miles and some fun in the twisties once there – and I’m sure a Lemans even greatly moreso; yet, I tend to take the Guzzi when I’m casual and the Striple for a different kind of riding.  And, I’ve got this bad back and oddball physique where I have 32” inseam but I’m only 5’9 with really short arms and 140lbs wet.  For me, the lighter weight sporty or sport touring setup almost favors this short armed, long legged, bad back thing I got going – or else I’d be including lightweight adventure or standard bikes in my search.  

[drlapo]

the Triumph Daytona 675 is the BEST lightweight sportbike

[Two Checks]

Yep, the early Viffers had cam problems. A friend had one and the cams failed while on a trip. He rented a truck to get it to another friend's shop, Honda paid for everything. The official fix was external oil lines to the heads.

The 500 Intercepter looked like the 750 but was different. If you see one for sale, refuse the temptation to buy it. Honda says the valve springs should be replaced every 40k miles but they are NLA.

[Shorty]

If I recall, the wisdom at the time was to avoid any pre '94 Honda V4s. Memory fades , especially tonight    :BEER: :BEER: :BEER:

[Orange Guzzi]

Brian, hope the Misses is not looking over your shoulder.  2008 Street Triple, 2700 miles, sitting in the show room.  I say you come and get my ZR1100 and I go get the Street Triple. 

[bpreynolds]

Brian, hope the Misses is not looking over your shoulder.  2008 Street Triple, 2700 miles, sitting in the show room.  I say you come and get my ZR1100 and I go get the Street Triple. 

Heh.  As wonderful as it is, I can't use another Striple here in the garage.  I thought they had a Daytona or Sprint but it is a wonderfully stock Streeter.  I called them yesterday before I knew it was a Striple, guy I spoke with didn't even know what they have - "Well, it's black and it's a 600, I dunno what the name of it is but it's a crotch rocket mainly."  Will be a ridiculously great deal for someone.  They are pricing it at $3900 and will surely take less than that for it.  That is a monster good deal for someone wanting to buy one of the greatest motorcycles out there.  Someone could go buy it from them and, if it is as they describe, probably turn a dime on it fairly easily.  Pictures he sent me are certainly nice. 

[mach1mustang351]

A longtime family friend has a 1000 Hurricane.  He rides it to a high level.  With the right pilot that thing will dust 90%of the squids out there. 

I always liked the Hondas from that era.  I like the idea of a CB1000F as a sport touring, muscle bike. 

[drums4money]

I remember ogling a hurricane in a dealership around 1989. I was after a PC800 at the time.  That hurricane was about the wildest thing I'd ever seen. I still think the look has withstood well in a "Ducati Paso" kind of way. 

Saw a rider on the highway not too long ago on a dark grey/silver one. He was loaded up with side, pillion, tank bags and a stich suit. Looked to be gobbling up miles with a purpose & not afraid to do it on a 25'ish year old bike. 

[clubman]

You'd be hard pressed to do better than a Triumph Sprint ST. Much lighter than most ST's,fast and good handling. Go for a 955. 1050's are nice, but more sport oriented. '03 & '04 were last and best years. I have 50K+ on mine and runs like brand new (been in shop once,for valve adjust). There are several guys over on the Triumph Forum that use these to commute and have put well over 100K on them with few problems.

[Orange Guzzi]

You'd be hard pressed to do better than a Triumph Sprint ST. Much lighter than most ST's,fast and good handling. Go for a 955. 1050's are nice, but more sport oriented. '03 & '04 were last and best years. I have 50K+ on mine and runs like brand new (been in shop once,for valve adjust). There are several guys over on the Triumph Forum that use these to commute and have put well over 100K on them with few problems.

See Brian, you need to get my ZR1100 so I can get the ST.  The ST looks like a fun bike to ride.  I looked up the specs and it is quite impressive with its power to weight ratio. 

[fotoguzzi]

Nice bike; big, heavy, fast.
You could also look at the VFR800. Nice bike also, not as large or heavy, goes fast, goes far, comfortable.

like this,

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/mcy/4830953529.html

[DARKHORSE]

 :)bought my 93 1000f with 3k miles on it for $3500 bucks. First impressions were a little doggy on acceleration. installed a jet kit and an advance trigger with set of kerker pipes, wow really woke the bike up. fast foward to 2015 I wouldnt part with it. 32k now, great bike. last of the carbed bikes and you could adjust the valves with a screwdriver and wrench. did 600 mile days with no problems since owned. one of the great hondas. my rainy day bike.

[LongRanger]

In 1998, I stopped in at Garrett Honda in Nephi, UT, on a ride back to San Diego from Canada. They had two brand new leftover white Hurricane 1000's on the sales floor, with plastic still on the seats. I seem to recall the seats were blue, if that helps to date the bikes. I forget how much they were asking, but I do remember it was a very compelling and tempting deal. Who knows -- they might still be available!

[LaGrasta]

Love this thread, reminded me how much I  liked these old Hondas. I had an '85 VFR500, love it. I think the looks do stand the test of time. I like the Hurricane as well and another favorite is the looks of the Katana, early 2000 models, with eh pointed taillight. It sort of has a fairing irk the Sprint.