Honda VFR800 Interceptor Sport Touring reviews

2015 is the 'Last Call' year for the Honda VFR Interceptor. Many years of refinement with a bullet proof 800cc V-4 Vitech engine. This Sports Bike does everything well, from regular pump gas to the wine of its Vitech enhancement. After 10 years of ownership, this bike never let me down or disappointed. Show less

I have an '03 Honda VFR800 Interceptor. I have owned it for fifteen years and I love this bike. I had a '84 V-65 Magna for about 10 years, a super bike to go riding with my guys around So. Cal. I went to a dealership to look at bikes and the salesman just happened to be the owners son who directed me toward the VFR, to give me the sport ride but not the crouch rocket bundle. It has the dependable 800 cc engine solid construction and awesome styling from Honda. I took it for a couple of test rides and that sold me. Solid, dependable, durable bike that is between a slightly faster 1000cc crouch rocket and a cruiser. Try one! Show less

Seems like there hasn't been a review of the VFR on this site in 15 years, so I thought I'd add my thoughts. Considered by many as the best all-around street bike, and almost certainly the best hybrid sport-touring bike, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with my 6th-gen 2008 VFR “Interceptor” and never regretted buying it from the moment I drove it off the lot. Whether commuting in heavy Los Angeles traffic, leaning it way over on Hwy 2, or cruising the wide open highways on long road trips, it just delivers no matter what I ask of it. Yes, it sits taller than pure sport bikes, so the weight doesn't flip side to side quite as easily. But if that's what you need, then you're probably not looking at this bike. So maybe you won't be first up/down the mountain, but I didn't feel left behind, never felt like I was on a Goldwing trying to make the bike do something it wasn't meant to do, and a more competent rider could push it more than I. There's PLENTY of "sport" in this sport-tourer. And that surge of power when VTEC opens all 16 valves...man, I love that moment! I heard earlier generations had an almost dangerous kick, but this definitely never felt unsafe. And its completely predictable, so I relished in the exhaust note and power boost! I rode many freeway commuting miles and it’s steep front fork angle makes it easily maneuverable, despite its size and weight. And the linked breaking system (LBS) helped me quickly stop in some "oh s#%t" moments (LA drivers are not the best). You sit more upright than a sports bike, which puts less weight on your wrists. And the foot pedals also don't sit as far back, so you don't feel all folded up and is comfortable on even long rides. Part of the reason you're not folded up is because the bike is taller than some others. I tightened the adjustable suspension to reduce the height, but I still could barely touch the ground (or maybe that's only an issue because I'm 5'7"), which unfortunately resulted in me dropping the bike a couple times when there wasn't even and stable ground under me. I could have tightened the suspension more to lower the height more, but since it was mainly a commuter bike, I didn't want to be too bouncy. But long rides is where I loved this bike the most. I took a couple multi-state trips and one 15hr ride and the VFR was an absolute joy. It took about 5 hours before the stock seat started getting a little uncomfortable, but the same is true even in my car. I don't have saddle-bags, but I used a tank bag and another big bag on the pillion seat (it has rear-handle bars convenient for tying bags down). And the large 5.8 gallon gas tank let me go and go and go. I never got up to the 150mph max, but I cranked it up pretty high on long straightaway back roads and this is where the long wheelbase and extra weight and power of the V-4 really help - it is SO stable at high speeds, you feel completely confident and the only fear is police or your head being ripped off if you pop up from behind the windscreen at that speed. This was my 2nd bike and a nice step up from the Suzuki SV650 I had before. They're different in almost every regard, but with the Honda I noticed that every button, switch, clutch, and lever is buttery smooth and felt so much higher quality than Suzuki. I always got tons of compliments on the look of the viffer. I like the sharp angles, dual-under-seat exhaust, integrated turn signals, and the single-side swingarm looks hella sexy. I did add HID lights, but otherwise never felt the need to modify anything. After about 5 years I started to feel like I wanted a little more oomph than the 781cc's. But I was looking at the Honda VFR1200 because I still love this platform so much. This could definitely be a first bike (its smooth and tame enough). As fast as an R1? No As comfortable as a Goldwing? No But anyone trying to choose the "one bike to rule them all, and on the pavement bind them" will find this to be a worthy and enjoyable steed in your stable - especially if you have to choose only one. So be comfortable on your daily commute, join the boys on a fun weekend ride, and take that long road trip you've been talking about...all on your VFR. I have, and I highly recommend it. Ride safe. Show less

I have owned many bikes in pretty much every category. I have a sickness...I always want the bike I don't have. That said, I think I'll be sticking with this one (at least until the VFR 1200 is deemed reliable). I have the absolutely gorgeous pearl white VFR. Compared to my last litre bike, this bike is slow. Compared to most vehicles on the road, it's fast. For real world riding, i.e. public roads with speed limits and day dreaming cagers, this bike has just the right amount of power. It's riding position isn't all-day comfortable without quite a bit of stopping but for a mid-weight sport-tourer I think it is a great compromise. The V-Tec is a fun addition. I don't really feel a huge power surge when it kicks in but it sounds upset and ready to rumble when it growls. You have to ask yourself what you want from your machine and for my needs (daily commuter, occasional 1-3 day trip) this bike is perfect. Show less

This is probably the best overall bike ever built. It excels in the twisties. It's all-day comfortable and has Honda reliablilty. It has brakes that stop now! It just does not get any better. Show less

This is a great bike. It's very fast. I think it is the best all-around bike you can get. Show less

After reading numerous reviews and test riding a few times, I bought my 98 VFR with 9500 miles in March of 2008. I must say it is one of the best things I have done! It's reliable, comfortable and looks great, even for a bike that is 10 years old. After 5000 miles this summer, I can't wait until next spring! I would suggest this bike to anybody! 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 have the 2006 in Pearl White. I'd been out of riding for a few years and at 45 just wasn't ready to join the cruiser crowd. I love my VFR. It has incredible power and handling. Great brakes tho could do without linked setup. Only complaint so far is my hand goes numb after about an hour of riding, but hopefully that will be fixed soon with Heli bars. Other than that, comfort is good, plenty of legroom for my height and good wind protection from fairing. Nice features include outside temp gauge and dual trip odometers. Factory hard saddle bags are gorgeous (but expensive). Also getting good gas mileage, from low of 38 to high of 46. Bike attracts attention, and I'm enjoying being back on two wheels! I expect to get many thousands of miles of enjoyment out of my VFR! PS: The Two Bros exhaust and P.C improved an already impressive throttle response and oh what sound!! Highly recommended. 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