Photo: Rainmaker47 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Honda VF750F
84/100 Overall
78 On the road90 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda VF750F vs Yamaha VMAX 1200
Honda VF750F scores 84/100 overall against Yamaha VMAX 1200 on 83/100. On the road: 78–75. As classics: 90–90. Overall result: Honda VF750F.
Photo: Alfredino 246 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Yamaha VMAX 1200
83/100 Overall
75 On the road90 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda VF750F | Yamaha VMAX | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 9 | 10 | Yamaha VMAX |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 9 | 6 | Honda VF750F |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 9 | 7 | Honda VF750F |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha VMAX |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 6 | 7 | Yamaha VMAX |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 8 | Honda VF750F |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 10 | Yamaha VMAX |
Choose the Honda VF750F if…
you want advanced Honda V4 engineering, strong performance and one of the machines that defined the move into modern 1980s superbikes.
Choose the Yamaha VMAX if…
you want immense straight-line performance, unmistakable muscle-bike styling and one of the 1980s' most memorable engines.
Background
History
Honda VF750F
The Honda VF750F was produced from 1983–1985 and used a 748cc liquid-cooled DOHC V4. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, performance, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Yamaha VMAX
The Yamaha VMAX 1200 was produced from 1985–1989 and used a 1198cc liquid-cooled V4. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for performance, character, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda VF750F
- Its production span in this library runs from 1983 to 1985.
- The recorded engine description is: 748cc liquid-cooled DOHC V4.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, performance, historic importance.
Yamaha VMAX
- Its production span in this library runs from 1985 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 1198cc liquid-cooled V4.
- Its strongest comparison scores are performance, character, styling.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda VF750F
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda VF750F. Its library score for styling is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Yamaha VMAX
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha VMAX 1200. Its library score for performance is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda VF750F
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Yamaha VMAX
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda VF750F
Rivals to the Yamaha VMAX
Final result
The verdict
Honda VF750F wins the direct on-the-road comparison. As classic motorcycles they also finish level. Honda VF750F takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.