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What's your take on the Honda Interceptor? Not a part of the CBR line as far as I can tell..is it sort of a crossover sport/tourer? a teacher at my school has one and I was wondering...I'll be attending UCSD next fall, and I'm wondering if an interceptor might be a better match for me as a student than a toy-only bike like an F4i. That is, if I can afford the insurance for an S2000 and a bike....dont think i can hack it. *shrug* even if I can't, I'll at least be informed. what do you guys think? anyone have any comparison specs between, say, an interceptor 800 ( i think that's the model designation) and a CBR F4i? what about a GSX-r 600 or R6? too extreme for a first time rider?(I've never thrown a leg over a bike...interested in it though, and I'd certainly take the MSF course and be a safe and resposnible rider-i have no interest in dying or doing anything that would increase my risk-factor)
Sorry, lots of different questions, let me know if you want me to clarify.
Quick2K
**edit**
Sorry about the title, i mistyped it..."Honda Interceptor: where's it classified" is correct.
We may be talking about two different bikes here but as I understand it, the "Interceptor" was sort of the precursor to the VFR. The Interceptor was both a 500 and a 750 cc bike and I think they even made a 1000cc. Some of these had problems with disintegrating cam lobes. When they faded away, the VFR came into being. The first one being a 750. Then they also had a 700. Today, the current variant is a fuel injected 800cc and is classed as a "sport tourer".
The 600cc F4 boasts just a bit more HP than the current VFR and weighs much less. It is classed as a "sport" bike.
The VFR is a better "all round" bike IMO and in the eyes of many bikes mag writers. The F4 is geared more toward the "buzz bomb" street racing style set.
Oh, here's a pic of mine (sold now) - '98 VFR 800:
The newer VFR's, 2002 and 2003, are actually listed as Interceptors now on the Honda website. I have found nothing that refers to them any longer as VFR's. From what I have read the 1998-2001 models were the best years because the 2002-2003 models now have VTEC which many have expressed dissatisfaction in. I too am currently looking at an 01 VFR locally that has 2,200 miles on it but the owner wants $7,500 for it. I don't know if that is a legit price for an almost three year old bike. Seems like I could go get a new F4i for just $1,000 more.
Originally posted by honda606 The newer VFR's, 2002 and 2003, are actually listed as Interceptors now on the Honda website.
You are right. I'm going to have to pay more attention from now on. Around here, very few people call them Interceptors. Most still refer to them as VFR's.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by gfacter
Great bike, maybe a bit heavy for a newbie and very expensive to drop.
gfacter;These days any bike draped in shiny plastic is expensive to drop!
Quick2K, I owned a 99 VFR since it was new and it's a great all round bike. I am not sure I would describe a F4 as a "toy only", but I think I get where your coming from. I got off a "quick 6" (ZX-6) Kawasaki before taking on the VFR. It is a bit heavier and not as nimble as quick 6's, but it has been a joy to own. It will provide good service and comfort in the saddle. What more can you ask? Well in the case of the VFR I could ask for 1000cc's Hey Honda, paying attention?
As someone who came from a 94 CBR600F2 to a 99 VFR800, I can perhaps shed some light.
First off, yes, they have always had the Interceptor name, although so did my first bike; a 1989 VTR250.
I always loved my 600 and still long for it some days. The 600's are so flickable...they inspire quite a bit of confidence and are an overall blast to ride. Always keep in mind that a good rider on a VFR can smoke a squid on the latest and greatest 600...it is not about the bike...it is the rider.
I bought my VFR because it gives you a ton of sportiness, along with serious all day comfort. I had been doing some 500-600 mile weekend trips and the 600 was getting tiresome on the long trips. This bike is the best all around bike I could have hoped for. It is nice to relax on a 200 mile Friday ride and then go hit the twisties on Saturday.
There is a huge difference between a really high revving inline 4 and a V-4 like the VFR has. Luckily I feel the V-4 is the best of both worlds...the low end grunt and cool sounds somewhat reminiscient a V-Twin, but with the higher-end HP and feel of an inline four. Not to mention the really cool gear whine (the newer models have a chain driven cam rather than gear.)
I would say, first off, if you are new to bikes...don't get either. Find a decent 95-97 600 and grab that as a first bike if you have to have a 600. I honestly woudn't change a thing if I had to go back and do it over. The VTR250 was plenty of bike...I spent countless days over a two year period riding that bike and I was much better off when I hopped on the 600.
Enough rambling for now...here is a pic of my '99.
Personally, I think the VFR is one of the most under appreciated (outside of the mag's anyways) bikes out there. For me at least, it has all the performance I could possibly use in a street bike in a far more comfortable package than the avg. 600 crotch rocket. I never tracked my bikes and am stuck with horrible CA traffic so in my reality, the VFR is a much better answer to my needs.
If I were to get back into riding, the VFR would be at the top of my list of bikes.
I have a 96 VFR750, it is a GT bike vs. full-out sportbike. Also called the " Old Mans Sport Bike". At some point there are diminishing returns and a good rider can make up the difference. It's interesting to note that Freddie Spencer rides a VFR while his students ride CBR600's.
04-28-2003, 04:15 PM
Hey Honda, paying attention? 
