On the roads and trails of 1986, Honda offered a wide assortment of bikes that still turn heads today—practical commuters, dual‑purpose machines and serious off‑roaders. Whether you’re restoring one, checking specs for maintenance, or just exploring the lineup, the year’s models tell a lot about where Honda was heading.
There are 23 1986 Honda Motorcycle Models, ranging from CB450DX to XR600R. For each entry we list Model code,Displacement (cc),Class so you can compare engine size and intended use at a glance; that layout makes it easy to spot street, dual‑sport and off‑road variants — you’ll find below.
Which 1986 Honda model is most practical for daily riding?
Look for mid‑displacement street or standard classes in the list—models with moderate Displacement (cc) and a street Class are typically best for commuting; the Model code lets you verify exact trim and equipment, and the table below helps you compare fuel economy, maintenance simplicity and road comfort side by side.
Are there market-specific versions or rare variants in this 1986 list?
Yes—some models had regional trims, different carburetion or accessories depending on market; use the Model code and Class from the table to match parts and identify rarer variants, and cross‑check with service manuals or VIN details if you need absolute certainty.
1986 Honda Motorcycle Models
| Model | Model code | Displacement (cc) | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| VFR750F | RC24 | 748 | Sport |
| GL1200 Gold Wing | GL1200 | 1,182 | Cruiser |
| VF1000R | VF1000R | 998 | Sport |
| VF750F Interceptor | VF750F | 748 | Sport |
| VF1100C Magna | VF1100C | 1,098 | Cruiser |
| CB750 Nighthawk | CB750 | 749 | Standard |
| CBX750F | CBX750F | 747 | Sport |
| VT700C Shadow | VT700C | 700 | Cruiser |
| XR600R | XR600R | 591 | Dual-sport |
| XL600R | XL600R | 598 | Dual-sport |
| XR250R | XR250R | 249 | Dual-sport |
| CR125R | CR125R | 125 | Off-road |
| CR250R | CR250R | 249 | Off-road |
| CB450DX | CB450DX | 447 | Standard |
| SL350/XL350 variants | XL350 | 346 | Dual-sport |
| NT650/PC800 precursor scooters (region dependent) | PC800/NT650 | 249 | Scooter |
| MBX/NSR small-displacement sportbikes (Europe/Japan) | MBX/NSR | 125 | Sport |
| CBX550F/CB550 | CBX550F | 572 | Sport |
| FT500 Ascot | FT500 | 498 | Standard |
| GL1100/Aspencade (carryover markets) | GL1100 | 1,089 | Cruiser |
| XL125/XL185 small dual-sports | XL125 | 124 | Dual-sport |
| ST1100 precursor/large tourers (market-dependent) | ST1100 | 1,057 | Cruiser |
| FMX/Competition and mini/trials models | Mini/Trials | 50 | Minibike |
Images and Descriptions
VFR750F
The VFR750F (RC24) debuted in 1986 as Honda’s new V4 sport-tourer, sold in Europe, Japan and North America. Notable for its modern chassis and distinct V4 character, it became a high-profile addition to Honda’s 1986 sport lineup.
GL1200 Gold Wing
The GL1200 Gold Wing was a top-tier touring cruiser in Honda’s 1986 lineup, available in Aspencade and Interstate trims in North America and Europe. Known for smooth flat-four power and touring comfort, 1986 models continued feature-rich long-distance focus.
VF1000R
The VF1000R remained Honda’s liter-class sport offering in 1986, sold in key markets including Europe, Japan and North America. With aggressive sport styling and V4 power, the VF1000R represented Honda’s high-performance, track-biased model of the era.
VF750F Interceptor
The VF750F Interceptor was part of Honda’s mid-1980s sport range and was sold in 1986 across Europe, Japan and North America. The V4 sportbike combined sporty handling with everyday usability and was a fixture of Honda’s 1986 sport catalogue.
VF1100C Magna
The VF1100C Magna was Honda’s big V4 cruiser offered in 1986 in North America, Japan and Europe. Blending musclebike performance with cruiser styling, the Magna continued as a popular 1986 model for riders wanting power with a cruiser package.
CB750 Nighthawk
The CB750 Nighthawk (common U.S. name) was a practical standard in Honda’s 1986 range, sold in North America and other markets. Known for its reliable inline-four and approachable ergonomics, the 1986 Nighthawk served everyday riders and commuters.
CBX750F
The CBX750F appeared in Honda’s 1986 sport-street offerings in Europe, Japan and selected export markets. A middleweight four-cylinder with sporty ergonomics, the CBX750F appealed to riders wanting strong performance in a street-friendly package in 1986.
VT700C Shadow
The VT700C Shadow was Honda’s mid-size cruiser sold in the U.S. and some export markets during 1986. With V-twin character, cruiser styling and accessible power, the Shadow filled Honda’s 1986 lineup for riders seeking classic cruiser appeal.
XR600R
The XR600R was Honda’s large-capacity off-road/dual-sport available in 1986 in many regions, prized for rugged single-cylinder torque and long-travel suspension. Popular with trail and adventure riders, the 1986 XR600R reinforced Honda’s off-road credibility.
XL600R
The XL600R was Honda’s dual-sport endurance machine offered in 1986 across global markets, known for a torquey single-cylinder engine and capable off-road chassis. The 1986 XL600R appealed to riders wanting competent on- and off-road performance.
XR250R
The XR250R was a lightweight, versatile off-road/dual-sport sold in 1986 worldwide, favored for its nimble handling and reliable single-cylinder motor. In 1986 the model remained a popular choice for trail riders and commuters seeking modest displacement flexibility.
CR125R
The CR125R motocross machine was produced and sold by Honda in 1986 for competitive off-road use in many markets. Known for its high-revving two-stroke performance and race-focused chassis, the 1986 CR125R was a staple of amateur and pro motocross.
CR250R
The CR250R was Honda’s premier two-stroke motocross model in 1986, available in international motocross markets. Renowned for its powerful 250cc two-stroke engine and lightweight chassis, the 1986 CR250R was a top choice for motocross competition and enthusiasts.
CB450DX
The CB450DX was part of Honda’s mid-1980s standard/street range and was available in select markets during 1986. Offering a middleweight twin/four character (market dependent) and practical ergonomics, the 1986 CB450DX served commuters and casual riders.
SL350/XL350 variants
Honda’s 350-class dual-sport models (XL/SL family) continued to appear in various markets in 1986, offering approachable displacement, light weight and on/off-road capability. These 1986 models were popular in regions favoring smaller-displacement, versatile motorcycles.
NT650/PC800 precursor scooters (region dependent)
Honda offered small-displacement scooters and urban commuters in many regions in 1986, focusing on practicality and low running costs. Specific model availability varied by country; 1986 lineups emphasized accessibility for urban riders.
MBX/NSR small-displacement sportbikes (Europe/Japan)
Honda’s 125–250cc sport models such as MBX and NSR-series machines were sold in Europe and Japan during 1986, catering to beginner and sport riders. These models provided lightweight handling and race-inspired styling in 1986 regional lineups.
CBX550F/CB550
The CBX550F and similar middleweight sport-standard models featured in Honda’s 1986 European and Japanese ranges, offering four-cylinder refinement and sport-oriented ergonomics. In 1986 they appealed to riders wanting performance without liter-bike size.
FT500 Ascot
The FT500 Ascot, a single-cylinder standard with retro-sport character, appeared in various markets in the mid-1980s and was part of Honda’s 1986 small touring/standard selection in regions where sold. It blended simplicity with usable midrange power.
GL1100/Aspencade (carryover markets)
The GL1100 was largely superseded by the GL1200 but remained noted in some markets’ histories; by 1986 Honda’s touring focus centered on GL1200. Where present, earlier GL models were recognized for smooth touring capability and luxury features.
XL125/XL185 small dual-sports
Honda’s small-displacement XL series continued to serve entry-level riders and markets with licensing restrictions in 1986, offering light off-road-friendly chassis and simple engines. These 1986 models were common in Europe, Asia and other regions needing economical dual-sports.
ST1100 precursor/large tourers (market-dependent)
Honda’s larger touring concepts and models were represented in 1986 by the Gold Wing lineage and select large-displacement bikes; specific large-tourer model availability varied by region. 1986 buyers could choose fully equipped touring options in major markets.
FMX/Competition and mini/trials models
In 1986 Honda sold various minibikes, trials and youth models across regions for off-road training and fun. These small-displacement, lightweight machines were part of Honda’s youth and competition support presence in 1986 markets.
