Honda Interceptor reviews

I traded in an XB9SX Buell in on my VFR at the dealership, and rode away a very satisfied owner! This bike is a fantastic 2nd bike, or maybe that elusive "keeper" bike. For me, it lacks power a bit, but it's not pokey. No wheelies from a throttle wack though, so keep those thoughts out of your head! Where this bike shines so well is riding for hours on end to wherever you want to go. I think it loses some of its charm when you go 2-up on it, but it can still be fun. One-up though, this bike is a great daily rider, and shows its handling, braking, and power to anyone that wants to flog it. I think it likes to be punished, honestly! The exhaust sound is wonderous, and completely different then the I4's. Even if you aren't hauling it, it sounds like it! Turns more heads then any other bike I've been on, and its likely the engine sound. The intake also growls with it, and the whole symphony is just amazing. This is STOCK too! Show less

Recently did a trip on the Blue Ridge Pkwy TN - DC and back. No problems, I used to have a CBR F3 and after an hour my lower back and wrists used to hurt but on the VFR I have stayed on for 5 - 6 hours with no problems. Show less

I have ownened the VFR800 for just over one year. I ride the bike 365 days a year. It has to be raining or have ice on the roads before I will take the truck. I ride two to five hours each week east of Beaver Lake. I love to push my riding skills on the twistys and test the bikes limits. I have been using Pirelli Diablo tires and averaging 3,000 miles each set. The bike has been very dependable and trouble free. I prefer the sport touring posture and find it easy to take long rides without back or wrist problems. Show less

The bike itself is awesome; it handles the curves nice, has a good roll-on power acceleration, the abs brakes are way overdue for this application, and it looks incredibly sleek going down the road. The only shortcoming is the seat; as it is not very comfortable, nor does it keep you from sliding around during canyon runs. I have solved this with a Corbin "Gunslinger & Lady" carbon look seat with detachable backrest for the wife. Having ridden several bikes over the years from a little honda cb 400 to a goldwing and a "gsxr"; the VFR is the best overall bike I have ever ridden. Yes, it doesn't match the gsxr 160 horses or the goldwing's comfort level, but it is a pure joy to ride both to work and for the canyon runs on the weekends. Congrats Honda, you did well!! Show less

Well it was this forum that inspired me to get a VF750F and after just two days and some pretty full on country touring I must say I am thrilled with the new beast. Mine has just had cam chain fitted, new tensioners, new diaphrams on the carbs, new tyres and full service. She runs very well, has heaps of power, and can cruise along nicely. Thanks to the guy from Canada who helped me make my mind up. Show less

I just bought this bike from a dealership in Durham, NC. To be honest, I bought this bike as a "comfort" bike for the 20-mile trek to work everyday. This is not just a sport-tourer though. As of now, it seems to do everything. Immediately after buying the bike, I hit the interstate in route to the coast. The bike is just smooth. It met every expectation on the highway. Wind protection is great. The bike absorbs most bumps with ease. I was surprised at the low RPMs at high speeds. I never broke the 6000 mark, but still hit 90 with ease. Upon exiting I40, a respite at a buddy's house was much needed. As much as I loved the bike, the seat will definitely have to go. Now for the fun part. After a two-hour rest, I hit the back roads. On the interstate, the bike felt big and solid. On the back roads, the bike was nimble and quick. Forget what everyone else is saying about the bike being too heavy. The bike was just fine through the turns. It grips very well and felt like it would turn on a dime. Put simply, I was in awe of how well the bike did going in and out of the turns. As far as complaints, there are none except for the seat. It's not a softy. Other than that, I love the looks of the bike. The exhaust sounds great, though I never got on the throttle hard enough to get the full effect. Show less

I got my 2004 to take advantage of the carpool lane as an alternative to the (more expensive) ST1300 for commuting and have been nothing but pleased. It is nimble, quick, stable, comfortable, with better than expected wind protection. I have put 23,000 miles on in 18 months while getting 40+ MPG and with only one change of tires and a new chain. The Corbin saddle made a huge difference in comfort, and the bike has even held its own on a 1200-mile tour with 50+ BMWs. I had one mechanical problem with an intermittent thermo switch (sometimes no radiator fan) which took five trips to the dealer to diagnose and repair. Not a confidence-builder when doing stop and go riding on hot summer days. Not sure if this is an Achilles heel for the VFR, and was covered by (extended) warranty but should never have taken so long to get resolved. Show less

My previous motorcycle was a 1996 Honda VFR750, which I regretfully traded in on this '04 Interceptor. So far, I'm not as happy with it as I had hoped I would be--but then again I've heard it takes a good 3000 miles or so to break her in. The VTEC isn't all it's washed up to be. Hopefully Honda has worked the bugs out and got it right. The VFR800/Interceptor is a wonderful motorcycle, but has a few shortcomings. The saddle for one is terrible. Get an aftermarket Sergeant. The tune up is WAY too expensive. My gripes aside... she rides very well in the twisties and you don't notice the massive weight of the beast. Overall, she's a beauty and sexier on the road than previous years. But us taller folk enjoyed the original chain drive lifters of the past. :) Show less

You know the old saying, "don't knock it till you try it". This would best describe my thoughts to any and all sport riders out there. No, the VFR800 is not a CBR1000RR, ZX10 or a GSXR 750/1000. It is in a class of its own! Many riders like to talk about performance... 0-60 etc. Well, many of you can go zero to sixty for about an hour with the quickest time then get off and rest while the VFR800 rider is still quick and riding much longer with unmatched style and comfort. The VFR800 is the least compromise of any bike out there! It does it all and has it all for the guy who appreciates a quality sport tourer that can run with the best out there even those speed demons on a CBR, ZX10 or GSXR, I know first hand. Yes, 0-60 times and top speed don't compare exactly but coming in at 3.2 seconds to sixty and 150MPH on the top end, VFR's are not giving up much in the performance bracket. I'll take a world-class street bike over a single function street burner any day. When Honda does decide that it is time to go all out with a 1000cc model, watch out! Show less

I have previously owned two Gold Wings, a 954 RR, and a CBR 1000 RR. I also currently own a Harley Road Glide. I can say this without hesitation, the Interceptor is the best all around bike I have ever owned. The bike just plain old does everthing it should do. Perhaps the only negative would be the LBS "Linked braking system". Not nearly as good as the 954 or the 1000RR brakes! Show less