Best Motorcycle Exhaust

Best Motorcycle I Ever Owned

In 1986 I purchased my last motorcycle. A 1984 Honda VF700S Honda Sabre. By far this was the best motorcycle I have ever owned for a number of reasons.

The Sabre was a bike one could ride 100 miles a day without feeling fatigued or sore at the end of the day. Sporting a center shock absorber rather that the twin rear shock system, the Sabre had the feel of a big road cruiser while having the sport bike handling of the smaller Honda Shadow. With a top of speed of only about 120 miles per hour the Sabre still had enough power that earned respect from the rider. Not as quick from a dead stop as the Shadow, the Sabre still was an exciting machine to ride.

The bike was a shaft driven water cooled motorcycle that was reliable and effecient. I never had a mechanical issue that crippled the bike along the side of the road. The 699cc 4 cylinder engine produced 76 HP at 10, 500 RMP's compared to it's forerunner the 750cc which produced 82 HP. The 43 miles per gallon would be welcomed today as would the average price of around $3300. I was able to purchase the 1984 model still in the crate in January 1986.

Painted black with red striping and lettering the Honda Sabre was an eye catcher. Honda has always offered accessories for their bikes and the Sabre was no exception. Saddle bags and a front windshield gave the Sabre the storage of a larger bike while keeping the wind off your chest adding to increased fuel mileage. At around 515 pounds the Sabre was light enough to handle safely at low speeds and stops, while still providing enough weight not to be blown off the road from car drafts. The Sabre was very smooth with little vibration. I installed foam grips which helped hand cramps that I personally have a problem with. The bike did not have cruise control so I was not able to rest my right hand on long highway runs.

Passenger room was adequate and the Honda handled extremely well with the added weight. The center shock design was responsible for this in transfering the weight more to the center of the bike rather than the rear as in most models of the day. I had a sissy bar installed that I designed and had welded to the seat support for passenger comfort.

Having no mechanical issues while I owned the Honda I cannot comment on the maintenence or repairs that most do-it-yourself owners would encounter. Oil changes and routine maintenence I do not do but have the professionals at Honda take care of. I am able to look a the assembly of the bike and notice that most parts would be easy to access.

Technology has taken over what we buy today. Automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, and just about anything that runs on fossil fuels have EPA emmission standards that require computers and exhaust components that add to the initial cost and maintenence cost to the consumer. Fortunately in 1984 I did not have such costs. This is why I believe the 1984 Honda Sabre will remain the best motorcycle I have ever owned.