Honda Sabre V4
Encyclopedia
Honda
produced the V4 Sabre motorcycle from 1982 to 1985. It was one of a group of Japanese motorcycles known at the time as "tariff-busters" because of the modifications made to allow the bikes to circumvent the newly passed United States International Trade Commission tariff on foreign motorcycles 700cc and larger.
Sabre models were:
design with the Magna
and Interceptor
. The engines in the Sabre and Magna were so similar to be almost completely interchangeable except for a few fuel and carburation-related differences. The Interceptor engine was angled differently in the frame and had a chain drive instead of shaft, but shared the same 90-degree-V four-cylinder, DOHC configuration.
The V4 engine combined the high-revving power of an in-line four cylinder with the narrow width of a v-twin. The 90-degree angle of the V also gave the engine perfect primary balance, which helped avoid the vibration problems that plagued many in-line four cylinder motorcycle engines without the need of heavy solid rubber mounts.
In 1984 import tariffs were changed, causing the "V45" engine to be modified. Honda reduced the displacement to 698 cc by destroking the motor from 48.6mm to 45.4mm, added a tooth on the clutch gear to compensate for a loss of torque and changed the model name to VF700S. The VF700S models continued for only one more year.
The 750 cc "V45" engine produced 82 hp for 1982 models. 86 hp for 1983–1985 models. 76 hp for 700 models. The 1,100 cc "V65" engine, which was introduced in 1983, produced 121 hp. Both were slightly detuned throughout the run of the first generation engine to cope with customs and EPA regulations. However, Honda reported the same horsepower figures throughout the whole generation even though the actual dyno-proven, detuned, figures showed up lower than advertised.
The engine's downfall was premature camshaft wear in some early models; both V45, 1000 and V65. In retrospect, the wear was caused by inadequate oil flow to the heads/cams driving for a long time on low engine speeds (under 3,000 rpm) and at cold start /engine warm-up procedure, non-accurate valve adjustment, and sometimes insufficient maintenance.
But this came too late to save the engine's reputation. Honda itself at first denied there was a problem, then blamed inadequate or incorrect maintenance for the problem. They changed the maintenance interval, and developed and sold a special tool for 'proper' valve-lash adjustment. They eventually made changes to the design and production methods of the engine which eliminated the problem.
But it was too late. The first generation V4 was discredited, and the first V4 revolution failed. While Yamaha (the V-Max
) and Suzuki (the Madura
) had both responded to the Honda V4s with V4 engines of their own.
Eventually, Suzuki dropped the Madura, and the production of the Yamaha V-Max was continued for over 20 years.
, TRAC anti-dive front suspension, Pro-link rear suspensions, and electronic speedometers and tachometers.
The original V45 came with a fibre-optic anti-theft system, self-canceling turn signals, built-in lap timer, and an electronic instrument cluster that included an LCD gear indicator that doubled as an electrical fault display.
Many of these electronic features were dropped from later V45s, and the VF700, though most of the mechanical features remained.
was a sportbike, the Magna
was a cruiser, and the Sabre a standard.
Both the Interceptor and Magna continued in production for decades after the Sabre was discontinued.
The V65 Magna appeared for several years in the Guinness book of world records as the "fastest production motorcycle" with a calculated (but not real) top speed of over 160 mph (71.5 m/s).
According to Honda: "the mighty V65 Sabre could launch from a standstill to 50 miles per hour in just 2.31 seconds!"
for a model of their Shadow
v-twin cruisers. Inside the context of motorcycles, the v-twin Sabre has nothing in common with the V4 Sabre.
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
produced the V4 Sabre motorcycle from 1982 to 1985. It was one of a group of Japanese motorcycles known at the time as "tariff-busters" because of the modifications made to allow the bikes to circumvent the newly passed United States International Trade Commission tariff on foreign motorcycles 700cc and larger.
Sabre models were:
- VF750S - V45 Sabre (1982–1985)
- VF700S - Sabre 700 (1984–1985)
- VF1100S - V65 Sabre (1984–1985)
- V45 Sabre/VF750S (1982–1983)
- V45 Sabre/VF750S and VF700S (1984–1985)
- V65 Sabre (1984–1985)
V4 engine
The V45 Sabre was introduced in 1982. It shared its V4 engineV4 engine
A V4 engine is a V form engine with four cylinders and three main bearings.-Automobile use:Lancia produced several narrow-angle V4 engines from the 1920s through 1960s for cars like the Lambda, Augusta, Artena, Aprilia, Ardea, Appia, and Fulvia....
design with the Magna
Honda Magna
The first generation 1982 V45 Magna had chrome headlight and fenders. The front disc brakes have straight grooves, dual piston calipers, and TRAC anti-dive. The speedometer reads 80 mph. The redline is 10,000 rpm. The engine is a 748 cc DOHC 16-valve liquid-cooled 90 degree V-4...
and Interceptor
Honda VF and VFR
The VF and VFR series was a motorcycle made by Honda and had a V4 engine. The bike was also the first to utilize a Sprag clutch.-V4 engine:...
. The engines in the Sabre and Magna were so similar to be almost completely interchangeable except for a few fuel and carburation-related differences. The Interceptor engine was angled differently in the frame and had a chain drive instead of shaft, but shared the same 90-degree-V four-cylinder, DOHC configuration.
The V4 engine combined the high-revving power of an in-line four cylinder with the narrow width of a v-twin. The 90-degree angle of the V also gave the engine perfect primary balance, which helped avoid the vibration problems that plagued many in-line four cylinder motorcycle engines without the need of heavy solid rubber mounts.
In 1984 import tariffs were changed, causing the "V45" engine to be modified. Honda reduced the displacement to 698 cc by destroking the motor from 48.6mm to 45.4mm, added a tooth on the clutch gear to compensate for a loss of torque and changed the model name to VF700S. The VF700S models continued for only one more year.
The 750 cc "V45" engine produced 82 hp for 1982 models. 86 hp for 1983–1985 models. 76 hp for 700 models. The 1,100 cc "V65" engine, which was introduced in 1983, produced 121 hp. Both were slightly detuned throughout the run of the first generation engine to cope with customs and EPA regulations. However, Honda reported the same horsepower figures throughout the whole generation even though the actual dyno-proven, detuned, figures showed up lower than advertised.
The engine's downfall was premature camshaft wear in some early models; both V45, 1000 and V65. In retrospect, the wear was caused by inadequate oil flow to the heads/cams driving for a long time on low engine speeds (under 3,000 rpm) and at cold start /engine warm-up procedure, non-accurate valve adjustment, and sometimes insufficient maintenance.
But this came too late to save the engine's reputation. Honda itself at first denied there was a problem, then blamed inadequate or incorrect maintenance for the problem. They changed the maintenance interval, and developed and sold a special tool for 'proper' valve-lash adjustment. They eventually made changes to the design and production methods of the engine which eliminated the problem.
But it was too late. The first generation V4 was discredited, and the first V4 revolution failed. While Yamaha (the V-Max
Yamaha V-Max
The V-Max, called the VMAX since 2008, is a cruiser motorcycle made by Yamaha since 1985, known for its powerful V4 engine, shaft drive, and distinctive styling.-History:...
) and Suzuki (the Madura
Suzuki Madura
The Madura was a cruiser motorcycle sold by Suzuki in 1985 and 1986. It was available with either 1200 cc or 700 cc V4 engines. It was created as a response to Honda's Magna V4 muscle cruiser and was a direct competitor with Yamaha's V-Max power cruiser, also released in 1985.Model designations:*...
) had both responded to the Honda V4s with V4 engines of their own.
Eventually, Suzuki dropped the Madura, and the production of the Yamaha V-Max was continued for over 20 years.
Technology
The Sabres, especially the V45, were technology showcases for Honda. Not only did they feature revolutionary water-cooled, DOHC, 90-degree-V four-cylinder engines, but they also featured hydraulically-actuated, one-way clutchesSlipper clutch
A slipper clutch is a specialized clutch developed for performance oriented motorcycles to mitigate the effects of engine braking when riders decelerate as they enter corners....
, TRAC anti-dive front suspension, Pro-link rear suspensions, and electronic speedometers and tachometers.
The original V45 came with a fibre-optic anti-theft system, self-canceling turn signals, built-in lap timer, and an electronic instrument cluster that included an LCD gear indicator that doubled as an electrical fault display.
Many of these electronic features were dropped from later V45s, and the VF700, though most of the mechanical features remained.
Brethren
Honda introduced the V4 engine in three motorcycles, representing the three types of street bikes. The InterceptorHonda VF and VFR
The VF and VFR series was a motorcycle made by Honda and had a V4 engine. The bike was also the first to utilize a Sprag clutch.-V4 engine:...
was a sportbike, the Magna
Honda Magna
The first generation 1982 V45 Magna had chrome headlight and fenders. The front disc brakes have straight grooves, dual piston calipers, and TRAC anti-dive. The speedometer reads 80 mph. The redline is 10,000 rpm. The engine is a 748 cc DOHC 16-valve liquid-cooled 90 degree V-4...
was a cruiser, and the Sabre a standard.
Both the Interceptor and Magna continued in production for decades after the Sabre was discontinued.
Speed
In 1983, Cycle magazine reported that Jay Pee-Wee Gleason made a 10.92 second, 124.82 mph (55.8 m/s) quarter-mile run with a V65 Magna, which had the same engine as the V65 Sabre.The V65 Magna appeared for several years in the Guinness book of world records as the "fastest production motorcycle" with a calculated (but not real) top speed of over 160 mph (71.5 m/s).
According to Honda: "the mighty V65 Sabre could launch from a standstill to 50 miles per hour in just 2.31 seconds!"
V-twin Sabre
Honda resurrected the Sabre nameHonda Shadow Sabre
The Honda Shadow Sabre refers to a cruiser-type motorcycle, that is part of the larger family of Honda Shadow. It was introduced in 2000 replacing the earlier Shadow A.C.E. It was retired after the year 2007. The Sabre name is being used again in the new 2010 Honda 1300 custom line.The Shadow...
for a model of their Shadow
Honda Shadow
The Honda Shadow refers to a family of cruiser-type motorcycles made by Honda since 1983. The Shadow line features motorcycles with a liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin ranging from 125cc to 1800cc engine displacement...
v-twin cruisers. Inside the context of motorcycles, the v-twin Sabre has nothing in common with the V4 Sabre.