Interceptor/VFR800

[1LIFE2LIVE]

This bike is on my short list to replace my 07DL650ABS.

I've done some online research and read lot's of articles and am looking for some feedback from real owners of this bike and or someone who has made this switch on the following:

1. Performance
a. Handling
b. Brakes
c. Speed
2. Commuter Capabilities
3. Touring (300+ miles)
4. Two-up
5. Camping/Fire Trails

My V-Strom is my 1st bike and has been Great! I am looking to take the next step up in overall performance based upon the above criteria without getting into the more heavyweight bikes.

Me, 6'1", 195lbs, 32" inseam; Her 5'6" 140lbs; Riding style 90% street with the balance two-up and trails.

Thanks,

[markjenn]

Anything against a BMW GS? It's lighter than a VFR, has good ABS options, is better on tight roads, has better luggage options for your camping gear, is a nicer two-up bike, and would be much better for the occasional fire road which the VFR is remarkably ill-suited to.

VFR's are very nice bikes, but they're pure pavement bikes and don't have the overall versatility that it sounds like you want.

- Mark

[Rad]

Originally Posted by 1LIFE2LIVE

This bike is on my short list to replace my 07DL650ABS.

I've done some online research and read lot's of articles and am looking for some feedback from real owners of this bike and or someone who has made this switch on the following:

1. Performance
a. Handling
b. Brakes
c. Speed
2. Commuter Capabilities
3. Touring (300+ miles)
4. Two-up
5. Camping/Fire Trails

My V-Strom is my 1st bike and has been Great! I am looking to take the next step up in overall performance based upon the above criteria without getting into the more heavyweight bikes.

Me, 6'1", 195lbs, 32" inseam; Her 5'6" 140lbs; Riding style 90% street with the balance two-up and trails.

Thanks,

I made the same type of switch, 1150GS to a 05’VFRA. I will take a quick stab at your questions.

Two up; not very good

Fire roads; sucks

touring, 300+ rocks!!! OK, to be fair, I did put Heli-Bars and lower pegs on mine

Handling; very good for a stock bike

brakes; one of the best linked ABS brake systems in production, you never know it is there.

Speed; depends on what you are after, lots of bikes are faster. For me, 110 hp, 150 mph and 0-60 in just over 3 seconds is fast enough for me

Commuter; what kind of commuting? Freeways, highways, mountain roads, great! Surface street city traffic, not fun on a bike with semi sport ergos.

If you are going to ride trails at all, don't buy the VFR; replacing the plastics is expensive

[kawalaser]

Originally Posted by markjenn

Anything against a BMW GS? It's lighter than a VFR, has good ABS options, is better on tight roads, has better luggage options for your camping gear, is a nicer two-up bike, and would be much better for the occasional fire road which the VFR is remarkably ill-suited to.

VFR's are very nice bikes, but they're pure pavement bikes and don't have the overall versatility that it sounds like you want.

- Mark

+1 the VFR is not great for 2up or DS as it is a sport tourer with the emphasis on sport. That said, I still challenge you to find a stock bike as capable and balanced in the twisties that you would rather spend 300+ miles days on.

I went from a KLR to a 98 VFR in May and haven't looked back in 7,000+ miles.

[Moto_Muffin]

I have a VFR in the stable -- was an '05 leftover we bought in 07. Pricewise it was a steal.

It's my husband's commuter. He likes it well enough. He's done some roadtrips on it with plenty of dirt; it handles the dirt as well as any heavy street-oriented machine would.

It's comfortable, the engine is smooth like butter, the transmission is compliant and not clunky, once you get used to the VTEC it's quite a lot of fun to squeeze your eyeballs into the back of your skull with it. The sum of the parts is a rather fantastic, smooth, mind-reading, responsive and quick motorbike. Heavy for what it is, but with hard bags makes a good tourer and gets ~45mpg. Comared to a lot of other bikes I've ridden, it's nice in that Everything Just Works. Some people complain it has no character. It is an appliance. Depends on what you want out of a motorcycle.

I enjoy riding pillion (when I have to ride pillion) and he doesn't mind carrying a passenger on it. The nice thing about the stock seat is that the material they used to cover the seat is grippy. He loves to really take off from a stop, the hoser, and there were a few times I'd'a been off the back if not for that grippy seat.

Doing any repair or maintenance on the thing is a steel-plated bitch. Even oil changes are a hassle. It's coming up on needing its valve clearances checked and HOOOboy that's going to be un-fun. (I ride a boxer Beemer, and valve clearance checks/adjustments are a freakin walk in the park on that thing. The VFR's v-four plus VTEC means valve jobs are an all-day (if you've had experience doing it) or a multi-day (if you haven't) affair).

The ABS on the Honda is SUCH A BETTER SYSTEM than the ABS on my BMW. The Beemer's ABS acts a lot like the ABS on my first-gen-ABS Geo Prism. You hit the brakes and they go Ka-KLUNK-a-KLUNK-a-KLUNK. I mean, they work, don't get me wrong, but they feel like they were made by John Deere. The Honda's ABS says "'bppppt!" And that's it. And you've stopped. No drama. Awesome.

I'm so used to grabbing my bike by the scruff of the neck and stuffing it into corners, that the first time I hopped on the VFR and stuffed it into a corner I said "Oh, baby. You've done this before, haven't you." She's a mindreader. All the weight of the bike evaporates when you're on the throttle in the twisties.

I'll give the VFR a big damn thumbs-up. If you can do fire-roads on your v-strom, you can do packed dirt on the VFR with zero issues. We've taken our bikes camping and dirt camp roads are no problem. I would not take a VFR down a single-track. It's made for pavement.

[dynamos2000]

Originally Posted by 1LIFE2LIVE

1. Performance
a. Handling
b. Brakes
c. Speed
2. Commuter Capabilities
3. Touring (300+ miles)
4. Two-up
5. Camping/Fire Trails

Hi, I had both stroms and an 07 VFR. Didn't keep the vfr long.

1.
a. Handled really well, extra weight gave it a luxury sport ride, silly term but thats how I describe it that said, its heavier than it should be
b.Brakes (had abs) were awesome
c. Good performance, should be great for 800cc V4 so I was left a lil disappointed.
2. Good commuter but better bikes out there in my opinion (weight moving her around the garage, not as comfie as other bikes
3. sport touring would be fine (I put LSL bars on mine but still wasn't totally happy)
4. n/a
5. I wouldn't do it, just me (heavy bitch to pick up)

Also, this thing really put the heat out, especially on my right foot. Traded for a sprint ST which was a horrible experience (mechanical issues off the bat). The short time I had the Honda, it was Honda reliable.

[a1fa]

Triumph hater.

[dankatz]

Dynamos, what year was your Sprint? I have an '08 FZ6 and was thinking of the VFR or the Sprint ST as my next bike. But, mostly commute in the city and really have no need.

The DL and VFR are very different bikes. I really like the VFR, but occasionally it is hard to get over the price. Is it really worth it? Ist he GSX650F only 7/11th of the VFR? I am not sure what I would do in your place. I agree with the previous posts that the DL is probably better two up and around the city. The VFR is no off roader. The DL650ABS is one of the best deals in motorcycling out there with huge range, small but torquie engine, available hand guards and ergonomics for a larger person. If you want something sportier yet still comfortable, how about the Tiger? Also, the F800GS looks really good.

[Twohondas]

Have had my VFR since 99. Talked 3 folks including my bro into a DL650. I have toured the Sierras several times with folks with DL650s.


VFR comments:
1. Performance
Enough beans for everyday use. Compared to a DL650 much better ....can actually do a 100 pass. Very stable. Better for sustained mile eating warp cruise. In the really tight stuff the DL is quicker.........otherwise the VFR rules.

2. Commuter Capabilities
I think a DL650 would be better. More upright riding position.

3. Touring (300+ miles) - my choice for tours...unless you do dirt or really rough roads. 6th generation VFRs have OEM hardbags. Great range but not what a DL650 can do. I have upgraded seat but that is it on the comfort side.

4. Two-up
Barely OK............but I have a Wing for that.

5. Camping/Fire Trails. I camp with the VFR almost every tour.......not sure the DL would be any better for that. Have had no problem navigating campgrounds with the VFR.


Why ride a VFR on a dirt road unless you really have to?

[duckbill]

Originally Posted by 1LIFE2LIVE

1. Performance
a. Handling
b. Brakes
c. Speed
2. Commuter Capabilities
3. Touring (300+ miles)
4. Two-up
5. Camping/Fire Trails

Prefer the pre V-Tech only because I love the gear noise. 2001 model with 50K on the clock.
1. Lots of power for one up.
a. The front end is a bit vauge when the road surface is wet or loose but everything else is good. Not much suspension adjustment though.
b. I had to learn how to brake all over again. The intergrated system works better when the rear brake is used to get the most out of the two front disks, (Freddy Spencer helped me here).
c. You have to use the transmission more then a litre bike but it can still tarnish your licence.
2. I take the long way in to work with this one.
3. I agree with everybody on touring, one up is just fine, 500 mile days are not an issue.
4. Short trips only for two up.
5. When out discovering new roads I always seem to find gravel which the VFR does fine in a straight line but tip toe through the corners.

The v-four is very reliable, as smooth as any bike out there, almost boring.
I will not trade mine but rather have other bikes in my stable that are more fun to ride but not near as practical, but if I had to pick just one the VFR would be at the top of the list.
Good luck in your choice.

Bill.

[dynamos2000]

Originally Posted by dankatz

Dynamos, what year was your Sprint? I have an '08 FZ6 and was thinking of the VFR or the Sprint ST as my next bike. But, mostly commute in the city and really have no need.

I bought a leftover new 07 earlier this year. If most of your riding is commuting, I'd shy away from either since you have THE commuter :) Seriously though, you couldn't go wrong with the VFR but its not near the bike yours is if you mostly ride to work at sane speeds, etc.

I trade and buy and sell all the time (this is bike 21 I think) but the FZ is gonna stay a good while and I'm actually adding a 2nd bike ...or scooter actually to keep the FZ company. Change oil and tires, ride. Bad ass bike you have there.

[leeinmemphis]

I have had four vfrs over the years and they are a good all around bike for me. The last vtec I had I was not very impressed with. The vtec just didn't engage and have the hit that alot of people talk about. With that being said I recently picked up a cbr1000f 1993 model. It reminds me of a bigger bore vfr. It has linked brakes, relaxed ergos, and alot of motor. I bough the bike for $2400 with less than 9k miles on it and put about another $1k in getting it into top running condition(new tires, carb clean/synch, new thermostat, oil, etc). Craigslist regularly has them listed. Just a thought.

[1LIFE2LIVE]

Thanks for the feedback!

Any other owner experience that you are willing to share about your VFR800 will be Greatly Appreciated!

Thanks again,

[Solace]

I've owned 7 different VFR's and rode them a combined 250,000 miles. Loved them. Now I'm on an F800S and it, to me, is a better bike. Equal if not greater power-to-weight ratio (much lighter), smooth, torquey power, better brakes, belt drive, under-seat tank all with a nearly identical ergonomic setup make for a fun bike that has good functionality. The 800S gets over 60mpg in touring mode and is plenty fast on trackdays and in the twisties.

I liked VFR's. I like the F800S a bit more.

[Rad]

Originally Posted by Solace

I've owned 7 different VFR's and rode them a combined 250,000 miles. Loved them. Now I'm on an F800S and it, to me, is a better bike. .

Ya, I have been on an F800ST three times, it is a sweet bike that really does the "VFR" thing well.