The VF500F was derived from the Japanese market VF400F (0.4L engine). It is not simply an overbored and/or overstroked version of the VF400F. The engine as well as the cycle are entirely specific, with very few common parts.

 

Honda firmly believed in the 90 degree v-four, with its unique power delivery and narrow frontal area. The streets had already seen the V45 Magna, and the track had been dominated by the legendary FWS1000 the year before. The Interceptor hit the streets as a unique repli-racer.