Honda's V-Force

Honda’s V-Force

IF THERE IS AN ENGINE DESIGN THAT IS NEAR AND DEAR TO Honda's corporate heart, it is the four-stroke V-Four. And Honda's V-Force, written by motojournalist/race commentator Julian Ryder, is a balanced tribute to the Japanese company's long-standing commitment to that particular engine configuration.

Following a brief overview of Honda’s early years, the book quickly shifts into racing gear and covers the early development of the fabled NR500 oval-piston Grand Prix bike. Ryder does an excellent job of charting the development history of the NR’s engine and chassis, while addressing both the highs and lows of the bike’s spotted racing career.

A chapter on Honda’s earliest V-Four streetbikes-the shaft-driven V45 Sabre and Magna models-keeps pace with references to the NR500 and FWS1000 racing programs. Much is also written about the V45 Interceptor, which rewrote the sportbike standard it was introduced in 1983.

Midway through the book, the NR is sited, this time in its ultra-exotic 750cc road form, indeed, the VFR800,

30, RC45, VFR750 and RVF750 models are all discussed thoroughly, as are Honda’s impressive achievements in fielding these machines in Superbike, endurance and Isle of Man TT competition. Containing more photos and diagrams than an NR750 service manual, Honda 's V-Force is a worthy addition to any Red Rider race fan’s personal library. -Don Canet

Honda's V-Force, The Four-Stroke V4s on Road and Track, Julian Ryder, 160pages, $24; Haynes North America, Inc., 861 Lawrence Dr., Newbury Park, CA 91320; 805/498-6703