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Harley1
Forum Moderator

Date Joined Dec 2006
Total Posts : 247

Posted 6/16/2008 9:55 AM (GMT -8)

With a ride on the back of the 2008 Honda Interceptor on the line, the desire to ride this sport-oriented motorcycle inspired our contributor to get his taxes done early this year.

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 6/16/2008 10:32 AM (GMT -8)

I dunno, that dyno seems a tad optimistic. Those numbers are about 10 % higher than any others that I have seen.
I've ridden these bikes, and came away with the feeling that there's nothing wrong with them that a diet, 20hp gain and decent suspension could fix...

And after all these years of electrical problems, Honda still hasn't fixed the R/Rs.

p.s. Freddy Spencer could make any bike look good!

http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_weights_measurements/index.html#honda

Børk! Børk! Børk!

GAJ
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 4763

Posted 6/16/2008 11:10 AM (GMT -8)

Well...I thought a VFR might make a good replacement for my F800ST (if it fails to start one more time due to key recognition problems), especially next year if they do a major redo and dump the VTEC...but like Desmo says, it weights 80lbs more than the 800ST, will likely still have a chain and Honda is threatening to put ABS on all its sport bikes, which would be a mistake. Your tester's comments about Honda ABS don't make me feel ANY happier with my less than stellar moto BMW ABS experience when I read this in your review:

"under heavy braking the feel of the front brake is inconsistent. This is due to the ABS erroneously trying to regulate pressure and wheel speed, misinterpreting the aggressive braking as wheel spin. It's quite common with ABS systems and, again, this is somewhat of an unfair criticism as this only occurred when flogging the Interceptor very aggressively."

I'm sorry but I read that as an indictment of moto ABS for an aggressive rider and that tells me that I am destined to keep the non ABS F800ST which I'm almost completely happy with, (except for the 'minor' issue of leaving you stranded).

Maybe Kawasaki will make a light ST version of their Versys without ABS...or better yet, BMW will figure out a key recognition system that actually works and fit it to my bike.

flickmeister
Registered Member

Date Joined May 2004
Total Posts : 1021

Posted 6/16/2008 11:41 AM (GMT -8)

This thing is an over-priced, over-teched waste of money. The original 1998 VFR 800 was ten times the machine this is. I really can't see why you are testing a five year old design that hasn't been worth it's asking price since it's inception. If Honda had done it right, instead of this beast, with a worse than useless VTEC and a 2 valve swap that doesn't help a pitiful low-end one iota, they should have done the following if they wanted a truly great sport-tourer: 1) KEEP the gear-driven cams, it is a sacrilege to abandon one of the great noises past VFRs possessed; 2) A V-4 that had 1000 to 1200cc for REAL low-end and mid-range torque; 3) Keep that gorgeous single-sided swing arm; 4) NO under-tail exhaust system, one or two of the old-fashioned kind will do fine, thank-you very much; 5) Ditch the linked braking system and all 200 yards of tubing; 6) Offer ABS as an option with the ability to switch it off and on; 7) Have a well designed adjustable windscreen as standard equipment (save weight, make it manual); 8) Offer good-looking saddlebags and a top trunk as optional equipment and have the bike look good when it's removed; 9) Adjustable handlebars and footpegs as standard equipment; 10) Two USEFUL pockets in the fairing, one lockable; 11) Gear position indicator and slipper-clutch; 12) A STEEL gas tank for tank bag mounting (there outta be a law.....); 13) Knock off about 80 pounds and weigh in wet at 480; and of course, 14) Make it a cornering fool and gorgeous babe-magnet.
Talk about missing the boat.....jeez.

Post Edited (flickmeister) : 6/16/2008 7:45:32 PM GMT

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 6/16/2008 12:02 PM (GMT -8)

I agree with Flick but my requests would have been simpler:
1/ Lose 80lbs
2/ Bring back the gear driven cams
3/ Up capacity to at least 1000cc. Whatever it takes to get at least 125rwhp and 70lbft.
4/ Decent suspension
5/ Dump vtec
6/ Fix the electrics. I mean how many recalls has this edition of the VFR had already? 5? And it's now in it's 6th year of production and it is STILL getting recalls! Last one was a few months ago for the wiring loom?

When a Busa (another ST) weighs less, costs about the same and makes 60hp more, ya know the VFR is lagging.
I woulda also mentioned the ZX14 but seeing that that just got recalled for snapping frames...
Makes the rusty gas tank issue on my SS seem pleasant!

Børk! Børk! Børk!

bob234
Registered Member

Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 1

Posted 6/16/2008 4:25 PM (GMT -8)

I would have liked a picture of the gauges

Nodian
Registered Member

Date Joined May 2008
Total Posts : 18

Posted 6/16/2008 7:35 PM (GMT -8)

"The VFR was put on the dyno at Peak Performance Motorcycles in Simi Valley to get a true horsepower rating".

Yeah, a truly erroneous rating. Try maybe...maybe 97hp and on a good day 54 ft.lbs. of torque.

I am surprised MUSA would even post such a BS number. At least MUSA was accurate with its weight, unlike the inaccurate weights of the 600cc bikes in the middle weight shootout.

While we're at it, lets do a first ride on a Suzuki Katana 750 (I know it is discontinued...sarcasm) at Simi Valley it should make what, 110-115 hp at the rear wheel.

Well I guess if Honda only offers three sporty bikes for the street and something like 43 different flavors of shadows and VTX, then Honda has no choice but to overlap their PR with a bike that makes good sense to nobody.

Ace!
Registered Member

Date Joined Feb 2004
Total Posts : 159

Posted 6/17/2008 9:15 AM (GMT -8)

I like the idea of a small(er) ST in the sub-1000cc range, but not at that price. I don't think Honda hit the ball out of the park on this one (more like a grounder to the short stop). I want an 800cc ST for $8000 - $9000.

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 6/17/2008 9:30 AM (GMT -8)

Man, it's sad to see how low the VFR has sunk. It used to be the crown jewel in Honda's range. They used to race it in Superbike and it was the leading edge sport bike. Last year they had the 25th year anniversary. You think they woulda done something to honour the legacy of such a great bike. Ya know, like revamp it, give it back it's glory. What did they do? Anniversary paint job.
zzzzzzzz.

Børk! Børk! Børk!

Ace!
Registered Member

Date Joined Feb 2004
Total Posts : 159

Posted 6/17/2008 2:40 PM (GMT -8)

The Interceptor is the first Japanese street bike I can remember being interested in...I can't believe they are already 25 years old, and that I'm even older.

jon
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4569

Posted 6/17/2008 3:26 PM (GMT -8)

i rather pick up a used fj or connie for the same price.

96sp
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2008
Total Posts : 1

Posted 6/17/2008 5:19 PM (GMT -8)

Dam this group is harsh. The VFR is a great bike. Sure it is heavy, but at speed it is one of the most stable and planted bikes I have ever ridden. Never felt any hesitation in the ABS under 9/10s effort. It always seems like the people bagging on this bike are either Geeked out pimple-dicked Ricky Racers who think it is a track bike or Arthritic retired Grand Canyon mule harness salesmen who can't leave the house without the 280 lb wife snailing towards the garage with her own set of arm-fat pucks. There is a world in between and there this bike still shines and hauls major ass.

Post Edited (96sp) : 6/18/2008 1:23:01 AM GMT

hipsabad
Registered Member

Date Joined Dec 2006
Total Posts : 29

Posted 6/17/2008 6:05 PM (GMT -8)

Nodian, Flickmeister, you speak the truth. With bike journalism, if it's not the squids it's the whores.

hipsabad
Registered Member

Date Joined Dec 2006
Total Posts : 29

Posted 6/17/2008 6:36 PM (GMT -8)

OK, now that I've got that out of my system... I don't understand why MUSA is bothering with such a superficial review of a familiar bike. How about some long-term testing? With all due respect to 96sp and other VFR owners, Hey Honda, why the KLR650-like delay in an upgrade when we get sportbike improvements every two years. The Europeans are gonna catch your engineering asses if you're not careful. That goes for Yamaha too, with their failed attempt in 2007 to fix the FZ6 throttle issues.

Nodian
Registered Member

Date Joined May 2008
Total Posts : 18

Posted 6/17/2008 8:48 PM (GMT -8)

96sp,

The VFR is a good bike, just not at 11k and with no revisions in six yrs.

The VTEC is garbage. It does not add low or midrange torque and slightly takes away from the top end. And yes I have ridden one many times. Why does Honda not see this????

Honda has more money and resources than one can imagine; if they wanted to they could buy Kawasaki and I mean all of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and give it to Miguel Duhamel for a retirement gift. So why can't or why won't Honda address some of the many issues or wants of prospective buyers of this bike.

If Honda wants to keep the bike the way it is, fine, just don't gouge us for 11k. With the bike's tooling paid for sell it for $8500. Then maybe Honda will sell more than 8 of these bikes a year. Or simply drop the model like they have done with every other sporty model in their line up. Either of these options would be better than asking the Moto Journalist to parade this bike around with absurd HP and torque numbers that this bike has never made before, at least not on this planet.

GAJ
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 4763

Posted 6/18/2008 1:16 PM (GMT -8)

96sp said...
Dam this group is harsh. The VFR is a great bike. Sure it is heavy, but at speed it is one of the most stable and planted bikes I have ever ridden. Never felt any hesitation in the ABS under 9/10s effort. It always seems like the people bagging on this bike are either Geeked out pimple-dicked Ricky Racers who think it is a track bike or Arthritic retired Grand Canyon mule harness salesmen who can't leave the house without the 280 lb wife snailing towards the garage with her own set of arm-fat pucks. There is a world in between and there this bike still shines and hauls major ass.

Don't get your panties in a twist; the non-VTEC VFR's are icons...each and every one of them.

The VTEC VFR is a failed experiment that a rider has to "workaround" and, evidently, so is the ABS.

I love my F800ST but I've had NOOOOOO problems pointing out its flaws...I'm not married to it...it's just a flipping machine.

Getagrip.

Sport Tour
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2008
Total Posts : 4

Posted 6/18/2008 1:18 PM (GMT -8)

"Talk Back" - Requested Feedback for the Article

First, I am very very interested in buying an interceptor after spending 1992 to 2004 on a ST1100.

That being said you would think this article would be very interesting and infomative, downright motivating to me.

But the only part of the article that made sense and was worth reading was the end of your second last sentence.

"Pointless Wandering"

I am assuming your talking about the pointless wandering of your story. At least we did not have to read about your childhood, you know where many motorcycle test writers like to start off talking about Ma and Pa and aunt bell and don't forget uncle Jeb who dropped you on the garage floor while sitting on his motorcycle which gave you your start.

Being a writer or editor for a magazine should be more than acting like a goof ball teenager that just got his first B-job. Reader's who are slaving away in factories all day are relying on you test riders/writers to help them pick a bike.

What little time we have off the factory floor we look to your articles for help in deciding where to spend $ 12K or more.Do you really think anyone cares about the 107 hp at 10,800 rpm's ??

No one on the street winds this bike out like that, if they did they would be going well over 150!! Likewise most daily commuters would not even get over

the 6,500 rpm's to open the second pair of valves?? Was that mentioned?

Test riders need to be more responsible in the writing of information so please get together with your colleagues and supply info pertinent to helping us make purchasing decisions This is especially important in this day and age with rising fuel cost, rising insurance, rising food cost, motorcycle are no longer toys but a necessary option to many so help us. Such as:

1. What RPM is the bike running at when going 65mph? 75mph maybe 80 The reason that is important is I bought a low rider in 2002 that at 65mph felt like

it was searching for a gear, so I sold it.

2. How are the ergonomics for riders over 6' tall or smaller riders or heavier riders, etc.

3. Of most importance is what kind of fuel economy are you actually getting for a tank full of city driving less than 45mph, than a full tank on the highway at

65mph, ect.

I could go on but you get the idea and you guys are the experts so realize the fun and games are over, many americans are losing jobs and taking lower pay or selling the truck and looking for a motorcycle so the wife and kids can have the car. Times are tough so please rethink your foramat especially on head to head comparisons of possible commuter vehicles like the Yamaha XT250 VS Honda CRF230L that you have coming soon. Anyone intersted in buying either of those is not going to care how the coffee tasted they are going to want to know the mpg in real world driving and can I ride this in front of a semi on the highway.

Post Edited (Sport Tour) : 6/18/2008 9:31:48 PM GMT

Nodian
Registered Member

Date Joined May 2008
Total Posts : 18

Posted 6/18/2008 2:05 PM (GMT -8)

Sport Tour,

There are about six years worth of reviews for this bike, both in print and web pages so you should have no problem finding one that does interest you. And if you are thinking of using this bike for commuting and you won't rev this bike up to 10800 rpms then maybe this is the wrong bike for you.

I would suggest Kawasaki's EX650 great commuter, good on gas approx. 50 mpg, and costs half the price of the vfr and will do everything just as well as the vfr.

This bike (EX650) might be very different from a st1100 and a low rider you owned but the vfr would be just as different and still not give you what you want in a bike.

ccrider
Registered Member

Date Joined May 2006
Total Posts : 18

Posted 6/18/2008 3:31 PM (GMT -8)

Sport Tour: Don't let these boy racers talk you out of an Interceptor if thats what your interested in. It is a great all around bike. One of the best seller in Europe for years. I have an '02 with 30,000 miles and not one problem. Gets about 40 mpg in a sport riding mode & maybe a little better commuting. I bought mine new but but I wouldn't buy new again; there are good buys on VFRs of all years if you look around. Check the VFR Disscussion forum for some good info. on these bikes.

Sport Tour
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2008
Total Posts : 4

Posted 6/18/2008 3:54 PM (GMT -8)

Thanks for the responses and help, but there was a bigger message here. It is vvery difficult to get good test information including mpg for motorcycles. Go ahead and try to find what the MPG is for the new 2008 Ninja 250? Some say it should get 80 mpg, others say taht was the 07 and now with the full size faring I thought I read it's less than 50mpg which would explain why so many with a few hundred miles are for sale. I think magazines need to start giving us more info like car test reports do since our motorcycles once considered only a sport and built mainly for performance are now transitioning from a sport to a necessity. I am thinking of a commuter bike but the typical nighthawk 250's or rebels or viragos are small for my frame of over 6'-1" and would probably cause me to become bored and sell it. What does anyone think about maybe some of the new dual sport 250's like Yamaha's XT250, Honda's CRF230L or the 2009 Kawasaki KLX250?? The thought is they stand taller than a small street bike for my height but retain the economy of operation??? I looked at the Yamaha WR250R but was concerned that the motor might be a HOT ROD four stroke like their full blown four stroke motocross bikes which in my experience are expensive maintenance wise. So I am leaning towards the XT250 or CRF230L or considering a smaller road bike but data is scarce???? Ideas??

Post Edited (Sport Tour) : 6/19/2008 4:46:02 AM GMT

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 6/18/2008 4:24 PM (GMT -8)

ccrider said...
I have an '02 with 30,000 miles and not one problem.

So how many problems have you had? Really?

You've never had a problem with the RR? You have not been affected by any of the recalls?

Not the one for the brake hydraulics? Or the wiring loom? (there are at least two for that) Or the alternator? Or the rear subframe?

Here's the latest one, as discussed on VFR World...

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
HONDA / VFR800 2002-2005

Manufacturer : HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V359000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 14, 2007
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 6952
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE FRONT FAIRING SUB-HARNESS (SECTION OF THE WIRING HARNESS) TRANSFERS THE ELECTRICAL GROUNDING LOAD OF THE HEADLIGHTS, FRONT TURN SIGNALS, INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND VARIOUS RELAYS TO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS VIA AN 18-PIN CONNECTOR. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE GROUND WIRE TERMINALS INSIDE THE CONNECTOR CAN OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN MELTING OF THE CONNECTOR AND A LOSS OF POWER TO VARIOUS CIRCUITS.
Consequence:
AS A RESULT, A LOSS OF CRITICAL LIGHTING OR ENGINE POWER COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RE-DESIGNED SUB-HARNESS. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND, THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Børk! Børk! Børk!

ccrider
Registered Member

Date Joined May 2006
Total Posts : 18

Posted 6/18/2008 5:05 PM (GMT -8)

Nope, not a single problem. I received the recall letters and although I wasn't experiencing any issues, took the bike in & the recall item was taken care of. The bike has run flawlessly; I was a little reluctant to take the bike in because I was afraid they might screw something up. I know some owners that did have problems but personally I did not.

YellowDuck
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 4130

Posted 6/18/2008 6:15 PM (GMT -8)

GAJ said...

Don't get your panties in a twist;

I disagree. Please DO continue to get your panties in a twist, because that rant was a frickin' HILARIOUS bit of creative writing. Keep 'em comin'!

"Grand canyon mule harness salesman....arm-fat pucks...." You're killing me.

Cynicism is what passes for insight among the mediocre - Joe Klein

Black Shadow
Registered Member

Date Joined May 2008
Total Posts : 103

Posted 6/18/2008 7:27 PM (GMT -8)

Sport Tour, welcome, great post, IMO. I thought that was a well put critique of the motojournalist industry as it relates to your needs. I enjoy MCUSA's write-ups but my hard-earned paycheck won't be going to any new bikes anytime soon. But yeah need facts for today's rider, worker, economy.

If a sport-oriented, touring capable machine has your interest, check out the new Bandit 1250, which is ~$3,000+ less than the VFR, has more power, torque, and less weight. (I didn't read the specs, just going by this thread). I see your looking at dualsports which will probably be my next bike in a few years. Good luck.

'99 Bandit 1200S

'83 Shadow 750

'82 GS550E

'81 GS450L

Post Edited (Black Shadow) : 6/19/2008 3:34:24 AM GMT

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 6/18/2008 9:47 PM (GMT -8)

ccrider said...
Nope, not a single problem. I received the recall letters and although I wasn't experiencing any issues, took the bike in & the recall item was taken care of.

So, you received several recall letters. You're right, that would be not a SINGLE problem!

Ah, I'm just bustin' on ya. I've recently had a fun little experience getting a gas tank repaired by Ducati under warranty...

Børk! Børk! Børk!

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