1985 V65 Sabre or 1987 CBR1000 Hurricane?
 

The bike I ride right now, a 1976 Yamaha XS500, is a typical mid 70s Jap. bike except for one interesting fact: it's one of the first production motorcycles with a DOHC and 4 valve per cylinder head (it's an aircooled parallel twin). Well I figured it's time for an upgrade, as 50 hp in a 450 lb bike just isn't cutting it any more. The local craigslist has some interesting additions as of late:

1984 Honda VF1100s (V65 Sabre): 25k miles, seems well maintained going by what the ad says. Price: $1500obo

1987 CBR 1000 "Hurricane": mileage not mentioned, but is ridden daily and is also in good shape. Price: $1900

1991 Kawasaki Ninja 600R: custom paint (bleh), aftermarket exhaust and other parts, which lead me to believe that it's been beaten on, but is claimed to have never been laid down. Price: $1800obo

I'm used to a traditional "upright" seating position and I do some touring, so I was leaning towards the Sabre, but I also like the notion of riding a lean sportsbike for a change. I'm also concerned about insurance, as my rate for the XS500 is only $85 a year right now, and I'd prefer not to pay over $200 a year. What are your thoughts? Anything to look out for in terms of engine/suspension problems that can arise? TIA https://honda-tech.com/forums/images...es/emsmile.gif

Re: 1985 V65 Sabre or 1987 CBR1000 Hurricane? (CivicWagonRUS)
 

id go for the hurricane. my dad had a 93 and said it was one of his favorite bikes. there fast, great for touring, and its a honda. https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emthup.gif

Re: 1985 V65 Sabre or 1987 CBR1000 Hurricane? (The Hooligan)
 

How about insurance? It'd seem that the Sabre would be cheaper since it wouldn't send up red flags for having "CBR" as part of it's name. Also, I looked up online, and it seems like the Sabre was the fastest prodction motorcycle (quarter mile wise) in 1984, running it in low 11s. Is the Hurricane as fast/faster?

Re: 1985 V65 Sabre or 1987 CBR1000 Hurricane? (CivicWagonRUS)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CivicWagonRUS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How about insurance?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Old bikes are dirt cheap to insure, no matter what they are.

Re: 1985 V65 Sabre or 1987 CBR1000 Hurricane?
 

+1 for the Hurricane if it is in excellet condition. Old crotch rockets are cool to have IMO.

I'm checking out the Sabre on Saturday, I read up on it and it seems like a really cool "muscle bike." I'm also looking into the Hurricane, but the whole fairing thing doesn't appeal to me that much.

Re: (CivicWagonRUS)
 

well the sabre has a really nice engine but id rather ride the hurricane.

Going from memory here....

IIRC, that year Sabre still had the older V-motor from Honda, which had major problems with cam oiling. The top end would self-destruct. It was a very common problem and prompted Honda to redesign the motors for future V's (which I think was debut'd in 1986).

If it has a decent amount of miles on it and it still has a quiet top end, then I wouldn't sweat it. It it is a bit noisy upstairs, though, I would stay away.

My vote goes for the Hurricane. There's that exact same model for sale locally here and I've had my eye on it for a while.

Re: (LudeyKrus)
 

What Ludey said. You might not have problems, but why take the chance.

Re: (The Hooligan)
 

Hurricane FTW https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emthup.gif

I love my 600. It's great for an old bike. Somewhat comfortable riding position too.