Honda VFR800FI Interceptor reviews

This is my first real bike. I am just becoming comfortable with it and I can tell that we are coming out of the break-in period. It is pretty easy to shift and accelerates well. The brakes are thus far reliable and reassuring. Sometimes I think I want a "sportier" bike, but then the comfort level (and less expensive insurance) brings me back to my senses. This is all I need, at least for now. I am very pleased with it. Show less

Well, really started to feel that the bike is broken in after 3000 miles, and I love the Interceptor. This is one of the best street bikes in the world, very good in traffic, perfect for weekend rides, stable in every weather condition, above average suspension and brakes. Saddle is a bit cheap, replacement is recommended and do not fool yourself, it is not 1000 cc sport bike, not Busa ether. I can keep up with any aggressive 600 cc, but not with 1000rr. But the riding position is very comfortable and the bike is confidence expiring. Please not that you cannot compare this to cheap bikes like Bandit or Sv by Suzuki -the smoothness and quality of VFR is not matched by any bikes in this sport touring category! Show less

I read many articles on the bike before selecting my 2004 Interceptor. After consideration of many models, nothing comes close in my opinion in offering the balance of characteristics I was seeking. I love the look -the single-sided swingarm, front fascia, montone paint and beautiful underseat dual exhaust make for a very expensive looking and almost sinister looking package. Honda build quality is apparent, although to be fair, the Kawi's, Yammie's and Suzook's also all rate high in my opinion in this area. I ride a 1997 Yamaha Royal Star as my other ride, so there are no problems with "overweight and underpowered" for me. I'm just nearing the end of the break-in period, and I have yet to feel the need to rev it higher or visit full throttle (although you can bet I'll enjoy getting there!) - granted, I may be gettin' old but the Interceptor feels more than fast enough for me. The v4 provides nice low-end grunt for around town stuff, and if you're into engine technology like I am, you'll love the vtec system - both the power surge and sound. The tranny has well-spaced ratios for me - good launch but also a relaxed top gear. The bike is well composed on all street surfaces and always feels planted - at high speeds and mid-corner road bumps. It feels like an extension of my body, and is comfortable enough for long Sunday morning rides. All-in-all, you can say I'm extremely pleased so far... Show less

60+ years young, Harley rider for 10+ years got interested in sport bikes hanging out at the Hess station during Bike Week in Daytona. After a Keith Code cornering school at Mid-Ohio, started looking for something sporty that could also tour with some comfort. Spent time on friend's HondaRC51 --loved the v-twin and the power, but the position was a little uncomfortable. Found used 01 VFR 800 w/ 12,000 miles, Heli Bars (HB9801), M4 Pipe, Cheetah SST sportbike bubble shield, Nelson Rigg tank bag and new Avon Azaros-- all for $5,500.00. What a deal compared to a$16-17,000 H-D Deuce (which I still ride -- some). The VFR is a great performer. The V-4 has plenty of power (100HP) and reasonable torque (55#/ft) although the real power band comes on over 6000RPM. This is a good-looking, very stable bike that inspires confidence. The "squirt-factor" TM from 6K in 3rd or 4th gear is a rush and the exhaust is a memorable melody for enthusiastic bikers. Try it. Show less

This is my fourth bike. Also owned a YZF600R, cbr954rr, and tl1000r. First off, I must admit I'm biased towards Honda's because my car (Prelude) runs problem free with just oil changes and required service maintenance. With their motorcycles, the build quality is top notch...even better than their cars. So go with any Honda motorcycle and you won't regret it. Now if you're looking for an all around bike, this is it. The riding position is perfect (for me), the power is adequate, the range is good, the looks are killer, and it's a Honda so it'll run forever. If this is a weekend bike to go canyon blasting, probably not the best since you don't want that vtec kicking in during a corner. On a straightaway, though, it's a blast. I usually get bored of a bike after 3 months, but I'm keeping this for the long haul as my utilitarian vehicle. Show less

I've owned a '96 VFR750 since new and absolutely LOVED it. Then when my wife expressed interest in wanting to be a passenger with me and we began doing a lot of mountain riding (10,000 feet above sea level), I was finding myself shifting all of the time and it was wearing on me. After tossing around the idea of purchasing pre-owned '98-'01 models, a friend convinced me to purchase the '02-Current style. I noticed a flat spot around 7K RPM's, but it wasn't so noticable that it ruined my experience. The headlight low beam pattern is MUCH better than my '94-97 styled Interceptor (always a complaint I had when riding dark roads at night). I've recently added Sylvania Silverstar H4 bulbs to the low beam and have a nice clean white light for night riding--which for me greatly increases visibility. So if you want a good reliable-sexy looking, all day comfort (for a sport bike), check out the latest Interceptor! Show less

I admit to being bias towards Honda, although I have converted hardcore Yamaha riders into admittance. I get it from even them on how well the bike handles, and mostly the comfort. It could use some more acceleration power but I'm not riding wheelies with it anyway. I am a big guy and this is about the right size for my comfort zone, especially with tank bags that you can rest your chest on. TWO THUMBS UP! Show less

I've had a number of different rides, and I currently ride a BMW 1150GS and the Honda--bought used in perfect condition. It is a very reliable, fun fast ride. I wish the rider position was a little more adjustable, but this is the best all around package I've ever ridden. Excellent bike. It is very fast. Show less

It's sad to see some people reviewing this bike as heavy and slow. This is NOT a hard core super light weight performance bike, nor was it designed to be as such. It's a great overall sport bike for someone who is as tall as myself, doesn't want to lie on the tank, wants to have fun in the twisties, but wants to be able to ride all day comfortably. I've owned 929RR in the past, and thought it was a light racing machine and is a blast to race. However, it's uncomfortable for all day riding. My wife and I have enjoyed this for the past several years and have a great time with it. Happy Riding! Show less

I purchased the bike with 2300 miles on it and have ridden it 1100 miles in the last 2 months. I ride 90 miles a day and do an occasional weekend road trip with other riders. I've owned a sport bike (1999 ZX-9R) and other sport touring bikes (1986 CB700SC, 2000 Katana 600 & 750 both models, 1986 Interceptor 500) over the last 20 years and this one is a keeper. It's slightly heavy (500lbs +) but the V4 VTec 780cc engine makes up for the weight. The 180/55 rear tire makes for a fun ride on the twisties and I'm very confident when taking them because you feel the tire do its job. It is comfortable to ride and has a great resale value. The bike is worth the money you spend on it when buying USED like I did, in my humble opinion they are a bit expensive new. If you are in the market for a high-end sport/touring bike that can hold up against the sport bikes in the twisties and still allow you to enjoy a comfortable ride (for 4 hours or more Go VFR. If you want light weight (i.e. around 400lbs or less) and super fast (i.e. 115HP+ don't go VFR Show less