The 1986 Honda VFR750F from Japan was powered by a 748cc DOHC V-4 producing 105hp at 11000rpm. Weighing 209.0kg (461 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 748cc of OHV V-twin power, delivering 90hp at 8000rpm. Tipping the scales at 145.0kg (320 lbs) with a top speed of 210km/h (130 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
Specifications Comparison
| 1986 Honda VFR750F | 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 748 cc | 748 cc |
| Power | 105 hp | 90 hp |
| Torque | 66.0 Nm | 72.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/h | 210 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 209.0 kg | 145.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 228.0 kg | 158.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.0 L | 10.0 L |
| Gears | 6 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1986 Honda VFR750F is built for aggressive cornering and track-day performance, while the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 targets outright circuit racing performance. On paper, the 1986 Honda VFR750F's 105hp trumps the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750's 90hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1986 Honda VFR750F if you value aggressive cornering and track-day performance; pick the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 for outright circuit racing performance. Parts availability is good for the 1986 Honda VFR750F and very difficult for the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1986 Honda VFR750F
A sport bike from 1986, the 1986 Honda VFR750F delivers 105hp from its 748cc DOHC V-4 engine.
Full 1986 Honda VFR750F Profile →About the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750
Born in 1970, the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 is a 748cc twin-cylinder racing machine producing 90hp from Harley-Davidson.
Full 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 Profile →