Honda VFR 800 (Interceptor) thoughts?

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Indred · #1 Unread post by **Indred** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 5:39 am

Hello,

I’m looking at upgrading my 06 Honda Shadow VLX 600 to a version of a sport/standard bike. I’ve looked at the SV650S and its nice (after I add the front faring) but have heard that on the high ways it could lack some power at times. I’m not looking to kill my self as I only have 2300 miles on my Shadow and it has been my first bike. The closest I’ve come to laying it down was not putting the stand down in the garage… Ooops. Ok so, I’ve went to the bike shop yesterday and found the Interceptor. It looks like it has the best of both worlds comfort and still sporty. Doesn’t have a super aggressive riding position but still sporty and it has a small wind shield (some thing I’ve never had) and I know that will help with the ride. How does it handle as far as power on the high way? Is this a smart move? Any other thoughts or suggestions for other bikes are welcome as well. Thanks.

DivideOverflow · Fri Mar 02, 2007 5:59 am

VFR800 is an excellent bike.

It handles great for a bike its size, has great power (about 100hp to the rear wheel, and 58ft-lbs), and it is comfortable for long rides.

I have a VFR750, and my roommate has the VFR800. It has a LOT more power htan your shadow. It is smooth, the fuel tank is big (5+ gallons), good wind protection (and you can get aftermarket windshields for more protection if you want).

Overall, I think it is one of the best all around bikes there are. Also, on the VFR800, once V-TEC kicks in, hold on! It is nice and smooth in the low RPMs, but if you want a nice boost in power, you can rev it up and it opens 2 extra valves per cylinder in V-TEC... then it really flies.

The bike goes up to about 150-155mph. Highway cruising is not a problem. You will not have an issue with power on this bike.

JCS · #3 Unread post by **JCS** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 7:20 am

The Interceptor is a very good bike. The only major drawback is the labor involved with the V-tech system to adjust the valves. It takes a while.

Indred · #4 Unread post by **Indred** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 6:53 pm

Thanks for your comments. I am use to not having any wind protection so I'm sure even the smallest shield will make a world of difference. One of the other things i noticed about my shadow is its a 4 speed so while I'm cursing at high way speeds it has to rev the engine up higher the if it had 5 speeds which creates more vibration, after a while it makes my hands and feet tingle LOL. The labor you are talking about is that more of a user level or maintenance shop area? I don't mind working on my car because i know how they work. Bikes I'm not comfortable enough to do it. Its good to know that it has the capability to go that fast but if I ever get it over 90 I'll be surprised. At least for some time that is.

DivideOverflow · Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:19 am

The valve adjustment is probably something you would have the shop do. The good news is that VFR valves rarely move much after initial break-in. You get em checked at 600 miles, then you are pretty much good for the next 25 thousand.

alrick · #6 Unread post by **alrick** » Wed May 02, 2007 11:29 pm

I had the '84 VF1000 interceptor, it was one of the best bikes I had ridden until the day I tried the 2006 VFR800. I know technology changed since '84, but man! What a nice difference!

Randy · #7 Unread post by **Randy** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 12:00 pm

VFR 800s are awesome bikes. Single sided swing arm, tons of power, nice high windscreen (for a sport bike) good neutral riding position.

They are quiet a large power jump from the VLX.

I ride a SV650 (04) and at 90-100mph I have no problems with power at all. How fast you looking to cruise?

mgdavis · #8 Unread post by **mgdavis** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 12:42 pm

The person that told you the SV lacks power has never been on a SV. My V-Strom 650 has a de-tuned version of the same engine, and it hauls "O Ring". The Interceptor does sound like a nice bike, just don't discount the SV.

HYPERR · #9 Unread post by **HYPERR** » Wed May 21, 2008 12:41 pm

I had a 1998 VFR800FI. To me that was the perfect Interceptor. It had the great 800 engine without the VTEC and it had the gear driven cams. I had a Two Brothers high mount exhaust and the bike sounded awesome, like and Indy Car!

It did pretty much everything well. It was fast, handled well, was comfortable and looked good and sounded awesome with the V4 rumble and the cam gear whine.

High_Side · Wed May 21, 2008 3:17 pm

I've got an old '96 Viffer and it is a great bike, in every way. The first time out it was pretty tame compared to what I was used to but it feels better and better the more that I ride it. I swear that it was 15 years ahead of it's time.
I'll probably keep it so I have something I can tour on and count on while I play with other not-so-practical bikes that pass through my garage