[Sabre Cafe]

This might be something to not let go. It's a two hour drive from here. Perhaps a winter engine swap project for my current work in progress. Hmmmmmm

1984 Honda Interceptor VF700 (Frame & Engine)

Discussion points:
Weight savings
Engine swap issues
HP rating increase at the wheel (i.e. no shaft drive)
What to do with the frame which has the no title serial number.

 

[WERA689]

Jeez...what condition is the motor in?

 

[Sabre Cafe]

I did a bit of internet research and found these specs:

VF700F : 81 HP @ 10,000 RPM / 44.8 ft. lbs. torque @ 8,500 RPM

VF700S: 76 HP @ 10,500 RPM / 43.3 ft. lbs. torque @ 8,500 RPM

Same compression ratio for both, 10.5 : 1

Not sure if those specs are at the crank or the wheel, but it's at least baseline data.

 

[Sabre Cafe]

Jeez...what condition is the motor in?

No idea until I call and ask some questions, but even as a "core" if it turns over seems like it would still be worth it. Switching to chain drive would be a considerable performance upgrade.

 

[Tanshanomi]

I did a bit of internet research and found these specs:

VF700F : 81 HP @ 10,000 RPM / 44.8 ft. lbs. torque @ 8,500 RPM

VF700S: 76 HP @ 10,500 RPM / 43.3 ft. lbs. torque @ 8,500 RPM

Same compression ratio for both, 10.5 : 1

Not sure if those specs are at the crank or the wheel, but it's at least baseline data.

I'm not sure how much that would help you with a Sabre. The Sabre and Interceptor motors are two different designs. The Interceptor's cylinders are at a different angle (rotated about 10 degrees rearward). Crankcases are different, and who knows what else inside.

EDIT: If I'm correct, the Interceptor's 5-speed gearbox and slipper clutch are also different from the Sabre's.

 

[Geeto67]

if you really want an upgrade why not try to find a V65 Sabre mill? Those are like 121hp but I think the rest of the bike is the same. 1100ccs is hard to argue with.

 

[bmartin]

Personal opinion, there is not that much difference in the performance aspects to the engines. There would be a big difference between the frames BUT there is a ton of needed parts to get the F frame and engine in running form - looks to me like all the good parts were ebay'ed and what's left is the carcass this guy is trying to sell. I'd take a pass and keep going with your current project - that's almost ready for the street.

 

[Joep7]

Seems the only real benefit is the switch to chain drive. Are there any other ways to accomplish that part of it using the interceptor for parts?

 

[Sabre Cafe]

if you really want an upgrade why not try to find a V65 Sabre mill? Those are like 121hp but I think the rest of the bike is the same. 1100ccs is hard to argue with.

Now there's something to chew on...

 

[Dean]

Now there's something to chew on...

If that's not enough.... thrown on a Turbocharger with microsquirt EFI

 

[Acemon]

Seems the only real benefit is the switch to chain drive. Are there any other ways to accomplish that part of it using the interceptor for parts?

The Sabre's output shaft spins in the wrong direction.

 

[Sabre Cafe]

I like Geetos idea. I did a quick search for V65 engines and they can be had for $500 or less. No hurry to do this, just thinking out loud and thought it might be a good topic for discussion.

 

[Sabre Cafe]

The Sabre's output shaft spins in the wrong direction.

I believe the drive gear under the gear case does indeed spin clockwise. However, the gearing might be a lot different than a chain drive Interceptor transmission.

 

[Tanshanomi]

I like Geetos idea. I did a quick search for V65 engines and they can be had for $500 or less. No hurry to do this, just thinking out loud and thought it might be a good topic for discussion.

Again, different engine dimensions and a bear to adapt to your running gear. Why go through the pain of adapting a V65 motor to a wimpier chassis? Why not just go get a V65 or an Interceptor if that's what you want? It's not as though there's a shortage of cheap Honda V4s out there.

 

[Sabre Cafe]

Really... well, there goes that idea. The Craigslist ad just got me brainstorming, which I'm prone to do. I'll be happy to ride the shit outta the Sabre as it's built for now.