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2014 Honda Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe

2014 Honda Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe Review

2014 Honda Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe on Totalmotorcycle.com

The waiting is over – the new Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe is here…

The VFR800 aficionados border on fanatical. They demand the very best in their machines and are reluctant to settle for anything less. This can make changing the VFR a risky proposition at best. Operational changes have to improve function while maintaining the delicate balance between performance and comfort that the VFR is so famous for. Similarly, changes to the styling have to respect the original while providing an elegant, contemporary look. Finally, the VFR has always been a technological leader, so cutting edge technology is an essential part of the VFR formula. Oh, and it has to be available in red.

VFR enthusiasts rejoice, the new 2014 VFR800F has all this and more.

The legendary and trademark V4 engine has been retuned for even more, low-end and midrange power, while the VTEC transition has been softened to provide strong linear power throughout the rev range. The twin-spar aluminum chassis features an all-new Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm as well as an all-new 43 mm front fork redesigned to accommodate radial-mount, four-piston brake calipers. Styling has returned to a more traditional VFR silhouette with a single, low-mounted muffler, replacing the twin under-seat exhausts. Considerably slimmer through the middle, the VFR is also a full 10 kg lighter than its predecessor, making it significantly easier to manoeuvre.

Retaining VTEC, Pro-Arm single-sided swing arm and ABS brakes, the new VFR adds traction control, LED headlights, sophisticated self-cancelling turn signals and an optional shift assist system to its technological credentials. Final touches include an adjustable seat and standard heated grips. And this time it’s available in red and in white!

VFR800F- the legend renewed

We know that the legion of Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe fans know exactly what they like about their bike and also what they’d like more – and less – of in a new model. They want a high-quality motorcycle with strong low and mid-range torque, light and slim but just as capable and adaptable, with a return to the evocative look and feel of VFRs of the past.

Model updates: The legendary Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe is completely updated with sharp, contemporary looks, a brand new telescopic fork, Pro-arm swingarm, wheels and bodywork. Plus adjustable seat height, standard-fit Traction Control System, ABS, heated grips and Honda’s unique new self-cancelling indicators. 10kg lighter than the previous model, with the engine re-tuned for greater low and mid-range torque.

The V4 engine configuration is a special one for Honda, going back nearly 40 years. A complex, yet compact unit, it has a unique power delivery and a soul all its own. Honda’s current RC213V MotoGP machine uses a V4, as does the flagship sport-touring VFR1200F. It’s a powerplant woven tightly into Honda’s engineering DNA.

And nowhere has the V4 engine been more at home than in the legendary Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe series – a truly all-round motorcycle that’s always done sport as well as it tours, and all areas in between, with or without a pillion. It has inspired huge loyalty among owners over the last two decades and it’s estimated there are still 75,000 VFRs in regular use across Europe.

The legion of Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe fans know exactly what they like about their bike and also what they’d like more – and less – of in a new model. With such an important model Honda has listened intently to customers’ views; in essence they want a high-quality motorcycle with strong low and mid-range torque, light and slim but just as capable and adaptable, with a return to the evocative look and feel of VFRs of the past.

Interceptor DLX

Base MSRP $13,499*

Features & Options
•782cc liquid-cooled 90° V-4 VTEC engine
•Pro Arm single-side swingarm with fully adjustable Pro-Link rear suspension
•Adjustable seat height, comfortable rider ergonomics
•Adds: ABS, traction control, grip heaters, self-canceling turn signals

2014 Honda Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Two factors were key drivers for Honda’s engineers in development of the new Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe – firstly, to retain and expand the essential VFR qualities that inspire so many, and secondly, to update the new model with modern features and technologies.

Starting with the 782cc V4-VTEC engine, bottom and mid-range power have been boosted, to strike the ideal balance of enjoyable sports riding and easy commuting. The VTEC transition has been softened and the resulting power delivery is smooth, strong and linear. Honda’s TCS (Traction Control System) has also been added.

Extensive work has gone into making the new Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe lighter than its predecessor, a whole 10kg lighter in fact. A single exhaust muffler has replaced the dual underseat design of the previous model and a host of detail changes save weight.

A brand new Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm, 43mm telescopic fork, radial-mount four-piston front brake calipers and redesigned wheels hang from the quintessentially VFR twin-spar aluminium beam frame. Seat height is adjustable by 20mm, ABS is fitted as standard and – for the first time – a Honda Genuine Accessories shift assist system is available to bolt straight on.

And then there’s the styling. Considerably slimmer in the middle than the outgoing model, the 2014 Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe mixes a sleek silhouette with crisp, contemporary angles – and more than an echo of classic VFR design.

Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe – Elegant Sport

 

 

 

2014 Honda Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Engine

The Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe’s 782cc, liquid-cooled 16-valve DOHC 90° V4-VTEC engine has received significant development – mainly focusing on cam timing and valve duration/overlap – to deliver the required increase in low-to midrange power and torque. Peak power of 77.9kW is delivered at 10,250rpm, with peak torque of 75.1Nm arriving at 8,500rpm.

VTEC valve timing still operates one pair of inlet/exhaust valves per cylinder at low rpm, and then switches to four as revs rise but the transition is now seamless. Combined with the uprated torque, the effect is a remarkably linear power delivery and effortless overtaking at highway speeds.

Bore and stroke is 72mm x 48mm, with compression ratio of 11.8:1. The PGM-FI fuel injection – with 36mm throttle bodies – has been remapped to suit the engine’s new performance parameters, and fuel economy is 50.3mpg (WMTC). The single exhaust design saves 7kg weight.

Honda’s Traction Control System (TCS) is fitted as standard. It’s operated from the left handlebar and a single mode covers a wide variety of riding conditions and situations.

Chassis

The diamond triple-box section aluminium twin-spar frame is unchanged; a revised die-cast aluminium subframe is 3kg lighter than the previous model. In total, kerb weight is reduced by 10kg to 239kg. Rake is set at 25°30′ with trail of 95mm and 1,460mm wheelbase.

Completely new are the aluminium single-sided Pro-arm swingarm and 43mm Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) telescopic fork. They feature stepless spring preload adjustment and 108mm wheel travel; the HMAS gas-charged rear shock operates through a Pro-Link suspension linkage with remote spring preload and stepless rebound damping adjustment.

The fork lowers have been redesigned in two pieces to accept radial-mount four-piston brake calipers. New Fine Die-Cast (FDC) hollow aluminium wheels employ dual 310mm floating discs up front and a 256mm disc at the rear. The front rim is a 17M/C x MT3.50, the rear a 17M/C x MT5.50 with 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W) and 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W) tyres. 2-channel ABS provides consistent and safe all-weather stopping control.

‘Elegant Sport’ is the essence of the Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe. Its stunning new bodywork provides a contemporary outline, with a mixture of sharp angles and soft curves it pays respect to design elements from the VFR’s history – details like the small air intake duct on the fairing’s flank.

The VFR-signature ‘X’ headlight shape is updated and now features LED lights – a first for Honda. Positional lights are integrated with the wing mirrors, just like the VFR1200F. At the rear, the wide, angular tailpiece offers plenty of room for a pillion and features an LED rear light unit with combined indicators for a clean look. With fuel economy of 50.3mpg (WMTC), the 21.5L fuel tank offers a 215 mile plus cruising range.

At 500mm the width around the middle cowl is reduced by 40mm giving the Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe a slim and compact feel. The seat is height adjustable (789mm or 809mm) using the tool provided and a handlebar height spacer, adding 15mm is available as a Honda Genuine Accessory.

The Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe will be available in the following colour options:

Pearl Glare White
Darkness Black Metallic
Victory Red

Equipment

Unique to Honda is the Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe’s self-cancelling indicator system. Rather than using a simple timer it compares front and rear wheel speed difference and calculates when to cancel the indication relative to the riding situation.

A new dashboard houses a digital speedometer/tachometer plus gear position indicator, ambient temperature gauge, fuel consumption information and clock. There’s also an indicator for the 5-stage heated grips, which are fitted as standard. A compact automotive-style ‘wave’ design key – with internal grooving – reduces the chance of breakage.

Accessories

For the very first time Honda Genuine Accessories are offering a shift assist system. Designed to bolt on and plug straight in, it provides race-style split-second upshifts with no need to use the clutch.

A new rear hugger protects the shock and Pro-Link suspension from water and the colour-matched 45L top box and panniers have been redesigned to accept the wave key. Other Honda Genuine Accessories for the Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe include:

Rear carrier
Colour-matched top boxes
Pannier and top box inner bags
Averto security kit
U-lock

 

 

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2014 Honda Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $13,499 USD

ENGINE

Engine Type
782cc liquid-cooled 90° V-4

Bore And Stroke
72mm x 48mm

Induction
PGM-FI Programmed automatic enrichment circuit, with 36mm throttle bodies

Ignition
Digital transistorized with electronic advance

Compression Ratio
11.8:1

Valve Train
VTEC DOHC; four valves per cylinder

DRIVE TRAIN

Transmission
Close-ratio six-speed

Final Drive
#530 O-ring chain

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES

Front Suspension
43mm with spring-preload adjustability; 4.3 inches travel

Rear Suspension
Pro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single spring-preload and rebound damping adjustability; 4.7 inches travel

Front Brake
Dual full-floating 310 mm discs; ABS

Rear Brake
Single 256mm disc; ABS

Front Tire
120/70ZR-17 radial

Rear Tire
180/55ZR-17 radial

DIMENSIONS

Rake
25.5°

Trail
95mm (3.74 inches)

Wheelbase
57.4 inches

Seat Height
31 inches to 31.8 inches

Curb Weight
536 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel-ready to ride)

Fuel Capacity
5.2 gallons

OTHER

Emissions
Meets current EPA standards. California version meets current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.

Available Colors
Red, Pearl White

Model Id
VFR800D

FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION

One Year
Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan

 

 

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2014 Honda Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Canadian MSRP Price: $NA CDN

See 2014 Honda Interceptor VFR800F

 

 

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2014 Honda Interceptor VFR800D Deluxe – Totalmotorcycle.com UK/European Specifications/Technical Details
European MSRP Price: £NA GBP

See 2014 Honda Interceptor VFR800F

 

Specifications, features and prices to change by manufacturer without notice. All information correct as of posted date.