Honda Interceptor (VFR800FI) reviews

I've owned this bike for three years and it's been amazing. I added the Corbin saddle to an already comfortable bike and long trips are a blast. The only thing I might otherwise add are a set of handlebar risers and a cheap cruise for a break every once in a while, because with the large tank you don't have to stop very often. I've never had any problems other than those that were operator induced (dropping it in the garage!). My wife loves it as well and is fairly comfortable on the back; only thing more comfy would be a Gold Wing or similar on long trips, but they can't do what this will in any other situation. Last year I put 18,500 miles on it because of a long commute and I couldn't be happier with the low maintenance that this bike requires, even being chain driven. I use Royal Purple oil and have found that to work best overall in extreme highs and lows (Corpus Christi, TX and Amarillo, TX -100+ to 20 degrees - far too cold to be riding). I get about 42 miles a gallon on average and about 45-48 if it's all highway. I could see how this bike could get uncomfortable for the legs of a taller person. This bike will truly do it all and everyone who has ridden mine definitely agrees that this bike is an awesome ride. Downside: insurance companies classify it as a sport bike. Show less

I have owned this exceptional bike for four years now and it is still my favorite. I have only had two problems. One was an electrical recall, and the other was my left fork seal busted. Other than that the bike has been perfect. It is great for long rides and great in the curves. My Interceptor and I have spent many days at the Dragon's Tail in Tennessee/North Carolina (318 curves in 11 miles). I would recommend this bike to anyone. 17,500 miles and counting! Show less

I have had the "Vifferfor about a year now, and I absolutely LOVE this motorcycle! I have owned CBRs in the past and this bike blows them away for my needs and expectations of a great bike. Awesome cornering, acceleration and braking all exceeded my hopes. The VTEC is so much fun; it's like riding an 800cc two-stroke with a power-band! I put almost 13,000 miles on it in 10 months. It is my daily driver and I have NO complaints with anything except the usual - wish she had more power! Just buy it - don't think about it. The bike sounds like an F-1 car at 11,000 rpm! Show less

I used to ride a scooter in high school some 20 years ago. Once in a while I would get on my friends Ninja 250. Last month I went all out and got an Interceptor. Let me tell you this is the first Sports Bike that I ever owned. The size, the weight and speed of this monster compared to a scooter is not comparable. For someone who is a starter after 20 years is unheard of and people tell me WHY such a BIG FAST BIKE TO START OFF WITH? But what's even more amazing is that this is the most comfortable and easy going as it gets. The ride is smooth and handles great. The power is great and despite its size and weight, it's like riding a big scooter. SO SO simple and smooth. Deadly as it looks and IS, but it rides like a pussy cat. After 20 years of jumping on something like this it took me no more than 20-30 miles to get the full hang of it. don't BE INTIMIDATED BY ITS LOOKS AND POWER. IT'S AN EASY BIKE TO RIDE YET WITH AN amazing V-TECH 16V to give you that extra kick. AWESOME bike for SPORTS and TOURING...and for GODS SAKES STOP COMPLIMENTING AT EVERY RED LIGHT!! IT LOOKS AWESOME TOO. Show less

I love my Interceptor. I have two bikes (the wife's rule is no more than 2, so...) and just traded my 1997 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe for a new Roadliner. When I'm in the mood for more spirited riding, my Interceptor does the trick. I replaced the pipes with Scorpions, installed the fender eliminator kit, exchanged the levers (I din't like the wimpy aluminum levers that came with her), exchanged the stock seat with a Sergeant, put on a tank bra, and removed the passenger foot pegs and grab rails. In asphalt black, she looks sinister and exotic - especially with the single-sided swingarm and those 2 big polished cans jutting out from under the seat. Many stares on the road. And no one can figure out what it is. Very cool. I'm no track racer, but this bike is fast and stable. In fact, I'd say the best feature of the bike is the chassis balance. It soaks up bumps and inspires confidence both going super fast on the highway and on the sweepers - so much that I have to really remind myself to cool it when I'm riding fast. The engine sounds more like a car than a typical sport bike - very throaty and substantial, especially with the Scorpions - and just plain screams when the VTEC kicks in. I love the lights - on a dark road at night the brights light up the planet in front of you. Also the center stand makes it a snap to top off the tank when refueling and lubing the chain. Also when stored for extended periods the rear tire is off the ground. Just another neat perk that I've come to really appreciate it as I've owned and lived with her. Then there's the user-friendliness - versatile and reliable, you just can't go wrong with the bike. AND, I nabbed her for much less than sticker about a year ago now. So...I love my Interceptor. I know this is a transition bike for me, and the next one isn't a sportbike - as I get older I find myself liking more legroom. So the next one would probably be an FZ1 or FJR. But for now, I'm loving the expensive look and feel and the more reasonable, less extreme and race dedicated ergos compared to sport bikes. It's like one step between a sport bike and an FJR. The only gripes are... The speedo which is ridiculously optimistic. When the speedo indicates 80, the GPS actually reads 72! Also, I have to consciously work to keep my hands and wrists from cramping - but I don't blame the bike for this...it's actually more comfortable to me than a more dedicated sportbike. I could just be getting old! Show less

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

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

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