VF 400 F

1987 Honda VF 400 F Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Honda's sport touring motorcycle platform, the 1987 Honda VF 400 F relies on a 399 cc (24.4 cu in) liquid-cooled v4, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 55 HP (40.1 kW) at 11,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 35 Nm (25.8 lb-ft) at 10,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 137.8 HP per liter and a 1,000 rpm working window between peak torque (10,500 rpm) and peak power (11,500 rpm), the engine character is reflecting a performance-oriented street tune that balances strong mid-range pull with an energetic top-end rush.

On the scales, the VF 400 F measures 193 kg (425 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.28 HP/kg (3.51 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 780 mm (30.7 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,415 mm (55.7 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 17-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.5 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 378 km (235 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 172 km/h (107 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Honda archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1986 to 1987, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.