Author Topic: Fav bike of 1984  (Read 869 times)

Online faffi

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 1431
  • Bloody foreigner from Norway
Fav bike of 1984
« on: September 03, 2026, 02:37:40 PM »
Actually, a limited selection of bikes to choose from; the bikes tested by Cycle magazine in 1984. I surprised myself by actually picking the V65SP from the lot, above bikes like the K100RS, V65 Sabre, Ninja 900, FJ1100, Venture Royale, to name just a few.
Current bikes:
2002 BT1100
2018 V9 Roamer
1982 XV750/1100 mongrel
1990 XT600Z
2001 NT650V in bits

Offline bad Chad

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 10044
  • Location: Central Il
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #1 on: September 03, 2026, 06:25:39 PM »
My favorite of that year was indeed the V65 Saber.  But in 83 it was the LeMansIII, still the best looking motorcycle ever produced.
2025 V85TT
1988 YX600 Radian
2016 CSC 250TT

Online SIR REAL ED

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3219
  • uh.... it's personal....
  • Location: Forest, VA
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2026, 06:48:14 PM »

Probably the FJ1100 for me.  I couldn't afford one back then, but all the magazine dudes liked it.
1999 Suzuki DR 650 w/790cc kit
2002 MZ Skorpion
1994 DR Skorpion

Online elrealistico

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 231
  • Location: Central Florida USA
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2026, 07:21:00 PM »
V65 Sabre all day. But I was on my way to the UK for 3 years, ended up with junky old cars and a beat up britbike that only liked to run on sunny days!
2018 V7III Special
1978 T140V Bonneville
2004 EV Touring

Online faffi

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 1431
  • Bloody foreigner from Norway
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #4 on: September 04, 2026, 02:07:59 AM »
I used to dig the V65 Sabre, until I learned about their cam/valve lifter issues and their complex maintenance. Even worse was the immense weight and far from great handling. The torque from the engine, though, can be addictive - and lead to fines.
Current bikes:
2002 BT1100
2018 V9 Roamer
1982 XV750/1100 mongrel
1990 XT600Z
2001 NT650V in bits

Online JJ

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 20003
  • Life is meant to ENJOY...not "endure."
  • Location: Village of Oak Creek, Arizona
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #5 on: September 04, 2026, 06:33:43 AM »
Almost bought a V65 Sabre, but opted for a new 1983 BMW R80RT instead. 

Was my only transportation for over a year. 

Arguably, one of the best all around motorcycles I ever owned. :boozing: :cool: :thumb: :bow:
Life Member: MGNOC L-772, AMA, HOG,
Village of Oak Creek, Arizona
Current bike: 2025 Moto Morini Calibro 700
Previous Guzzi's owned:
* '78 850 Le Mans
* '02 V11 Le Mans
* '93 SP1000-III
* '83 850 Le Mans III
* '98 V10 Centauro GT

Online MikeP996

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 269
  • Location: UK/USA
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #6 on: September 04, 2026, 06:41:16 AM »
In 1984 I bought a new 1983 Honda V45 Sabre with the Honda fairing.  Lived in Alaska for 8 years and rode the heck out of it; great bike.  Looked like this one:  https://i2.wp.com/www.bike-urious.com/wp-content/uploads/Honda-V45-Sabre-Right-Side.jpg?fit=1200%2C795&ssl=1
« Last Edit: September 04, 2026, 06:42:24 AM by MikeP996 »
2021 Moto Guzzi V7 850 Special (UK)
1976 Honda CB400F (UK)
2017 BMW R1200RS (TX)
'73 Norton Commando (Mexico
2015 BMW R9T (Mexico)
(Wife's bikes:
2015 Ducati Diavel (TX)
2019 Honda Africa Twin  (Mexico)
2021 Honda NC750  (UK)

Offline Moparnut72

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3347
  • Location: Quincy California
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #7 on: September 04, 2026, 09:57:16 AM »
I don't know if it is on the list but back then I would like to have been able to afford an R100/RS. I bought a used R90/6 a few years earlier which I had for several years. I sold my 95K mile '70 R75/5 which I replaced with the low mileage R90.
kk
Mopar or Nocar
Current Bike:
2026 V7 850 Special
1976 T3 disaster

Taking new riders for a spin:
2023 V100 Navale
2019 V7lll Special
2016 Audace
MGNOC #24053
Amiga computer shop owner: "Americans are great consumers but terrible shoppers".

Online Michael_A

  • Hatchling
  • **
  • *
  • Posts: 71
    • Penguin Video Productions
  • Location: Out in the west part of Texas...
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #8 on: September 04, 2026, 02:07:19 PM »
In the 80's I had a BMW K100RS. In retrospect, it really wasn't BMW's finest hour (and I was working for BMW's motorcycle division at the time). Lots of teething problems with the 1985's, and the entire concept could have benefited greatly from another year of development. Did have the hots for the Honda V65 Saber, especially with a CBX fairing and bags on it. I think everyone did want one of those at the time though maintenance on the Honda V4's required "dedication" to say the least - not to mention the top end lube issues that came to light later.

Offline Tusayan

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 1903
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #9 on: September 04, 2026, 02:16:05 PM »
I bought a Honda V45 Interceptor in 1984 and it was pivotal in learning to canyon carve.  It was my favorite that year but in retrospect from 2026 I'd choose the Laverda RGS Corsa which wasn't tested by Cycle but was tested by Cycle World in October that year.

Offline aklawok

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 391
  • Location: Nome Alaska USA
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #10 on: September 04, 2026, 02:35:31 PM »
 Back in 1984 the only thing I could ride was a PUCH! Rode the heck out of it too! Was more into bicycle touring in my teens. But always envious of the CB750k.
its not the end of the world...but you can see it from here!
2007 california vintage

Online faffi

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 1431
  • Bloody foreigner from Norway
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #11 on: September 04, 2026, 04:14:45 PM »
In the 80's I had a BMW K100RS. In retrospect, it really wasn't BMW's finest hour (and I was working for BMW's motorcycle division at the time). Lots of teething problems with the 1985's, and the entire concept could have benefited greatly from another year of development. Did have the hots for the Honda V65 Saber, especially with a CBX fairing and bags on it. I think everyone did want one of those at the time though maintenance on the Honda V4's required "dedication" to say the least - not to mention the top end lube issues that came to light later.

The fairing actually first appeared in public on the CB1100R in 1980 for the 81 model year, then got lowers and was fitted to the CB900F2 and the CBX ProLink. For 1982, it also appeared on the CB750F2. Not sure if the 750/900 F2 models were sold in USA? I know the CB1100R never sold officially in America. And AFAIK, it was never a stock equipment on the Sabres and other models, either, but they could be ordered with the fairing along with the CBX saddlebags. I do not think the fairing was ever offered as an option in any way here in Europe outside the 4 models mentioned that were sold with it stock. My CB1100F, basically the same bike as the CB750/900F, was never sold as an F2, but the fairing could be ordered and fitted. Mine came with the fairing off the CBX550F2 from the importer as they tried to shift their stock in 1985. It also had a one-off lower engine cowl to go along with the fairly small fairing.
Current bikes:
2002 BT1100
2018 V9 Roamer
1982 XV750/1100 mongrel
1990 XT600Z
2001 NT650V in bits

Online Wayne Orwig

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 14137
    • Hog Mountain weather
  • Location: Hog Mountain
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #12 on: September 05, 2026, 07:51:23 AM »
Had the Honda V65 Magna. My friend had the V65 Sabre. His ate the cams. My 83 XL600 ate the cams.
Good judgement comes from experience.
And experience. That comes from poor judgement.

Offline Moparnut72

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3347
  • Location: Quincy California
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #13 on: September 05, 2026, 08:38:28 AM »
And I thought Hondas were perfect, bullet proof and didn't break.  :evil:
kk
Mopar or Nocar
Current Bike:
2026 V7 850 Special
1976 T3 disaster

Taking new riders for a spin:
2023 V100 Navale
2019 V7lll Special
2016 Audace
MGNOC #24053
Amiga computer shop owner: "Americans are great consumers but terrible shoppers".

Online TN Mark

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 1254
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #14 on: September 05, 2026, 08:51:27 AM »
My 1978 Moto Guzzi G5. Loved that bike and highly modified it as well.

Online cliffrod

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 2441
  • AC Button II
    • Carolina Sculpture Studio
  • Location: Spartanburg, SC USA
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #15 on: September 05, 2026, 03:39:52 PM »
lol.

My favorite 1984 motorcycle is my 1984 XLX Sportster that I first bought 16(?) yrs go with 2200 original miles.  I immediately fixed the almost-always-bad stator (it was), installed a new S&S carb to replace the wrong carb on it and swapped on an earlier original HD cast 18” rear wheel. It’s the last year of the iron sportsters with alternator that is typically more reliable (once fixed) than a generator, which makes it one of the best iron sportster models to own and ride.

Sold it for a profit to Ginger Joe buy a evo bagger for even money.  then I bought it back a couple yrs later for less money & still just like I sold it when he got the cashier at the dollar store pregnant.     

It’s a great bike.
1973 V7 Sport  "Now THAT'S a motorcycle!"-  Master Sculptor Giuliano Cecchinelli
1967 V700 Corsa Record
1981 Lemans CX100
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExX3YmQel_Q
http://carolinasculpturestudio.com/
YouTube @carolinasculpturestudio
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzSYaYdis55gE-vqifzjA6A

Offline bronzestar1

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 372
  • Location: East Coast USA
Re: Fav bike of 1984
« Reply #16 on: September 11, 2026, 10:26:17 AM »
Missed 1984, but I did buy a 1983 Suzuki GS1100E new, and recently acquired a 1985 Honda VF500 Interceptor...


NEW WILDGUZZI PRODUCT - Moto Guzzi Door Mat
Receive donation credit with door mat purchase!
Advertise Here
 

***Wildguzzi Official Logo High Quality 5 Color Window Decals Back In Stock***
Shipping in USA Only. Awesome quality. Back by popular demand. All proceeds go back into the forum.
Best quality vinyl available today. Easy application.
Advertise Here