Rolling Thunder High Performance Toys: Test Rides: Honda VFR 800 Interceptor

Past Months Archives:

		Honda RC-51
		Triumph Speed Triple
		The Harley's Buell Cyclone vs. Triumph Speed Triple
		Honda VFR 800 Interceptor
		Suzuki SV650

		Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter

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Spotlight This Month: Honda VFR 800 Interceptor

by Randy Montgomery

Many motorcyclists are fortunate to have several mounts from which to choose in their stables. Some are lucky (wealthy, addicted, silly, broke, foolish... insert the word that works for you) enough to have different motorcycles for long distance touring, cruising, sport riding, exhibition, racing, dual sport, off-road, or decoration. Others of us can only justify one motorcycle that has to do it all. For those of you who want one motorcycle that works really well for almost every road riding situation...jump on the Honda VFR 800 Interceptor. I think it has the best price/value/performance ratio of any road bike.

Motorcyclist magazine's 1998 Motorcycle of the Year, the $9,499. Honda VFR 800 Interceptor covers the sport riding end of the spectrum superbly. It is a perfect day ride motorcycle, able to run all day in canyons, on freeways, in traffic...all without complaining. The VFR 800 is also decent touring bike. Fitted with an expandable tank bag and a duffel or soft saddle bags, you can travel comfortably for on even long distance tours. The 5.5 gallon tank will give you a 200 to 250 mile range at 40 to 50 miles per gallon. I have ridden the VFR on a couple of 10-hour, 650 mile days without too much fatigue.

Power delivered from the race-bred V-4 motor is strong, smooth, responsive and linear. The motor makes a really sweet sound, especially if the exhaust system is fitted with an after-market slip-on canister. The British Micron carbon-fiber oval canister at $400 adds power, style, and a throaty bark. One of the other great features of the VFR is the single-sided swingarm. The linked-braking system activates both front and rear disk brakes by applying either brake lever (hand or foot) provides for precise and smooth braking. This linked-braking system also just happens to be a whole lot safer than manually manipulating how much stopping power is to be applied to each wheel. In America, the VFR is available only in red, a very nice deep red. Black, silver, yellow, and red are available everywhere else. Styling and graphics are simple and understated...not too embarrassing for a 30, 40, or even a 50-something rider like me.

You may not have previously thought of yourself as a potential "bullet bike" rider. Think again. The VFR has rider-friendly ergonomics. Riding position is only slightly inclined forward and footpeg height is comfortable. Wind protection is fairly good. You feel firmly planted on the bike and nimble handling is one of this motorcycle's strongest areas. Honda moved the radiators to the sides of the motor for 1998, which allowed the wheelbase to be shortened for even quicker steering.

Do you want to learn how to ride the VFR 800 (or any other motorcycle) really well? Take (three-time AMA Superbike Champion) Reg Pridmore's CLASS Motorcycle School, or son (current AMA Superbike competitor) Jason Pridmore's STAR Motorcycle School at a race track near you. These schools will help you to become a smoother, safer, and quicker rider on any motorcycle after a day or two of learning how to become one with your motorcycle. All the details are available on their web sites: www.classrides.com (tel. 805-933-9936) or www.starmotorcycle.com (tel. 805-658-6333). Coincidentally, the Honda VFR is the official motorcycle of the CLASS Motorcycle Schools. It was my desire to get the max out of the VFR that convinced me to go to school with the guys who earn their living on today's high tech, high performance sportbikes or racing versions of the VFR's used in CLASS.

The VFR is simply a joy to ride. Regardless of what you currently ride, you owe it to yourself to take the Honda VFR for a ride. Go ahead, go for it. No one is going to know who you are anyway if you always wear a full-coverage helmet and leathers.

Technical Specifications:
Engine: 781 cc liquid cooled 90 degree V-4. Bore & Stroke: 72mm x 48mm Compression Ratio: 11.6:1
Fuel Induction: Digital, computer-controlled 36mm programmed fuel injection
Transmission: Close-ration six-speed
Suspension: Front: 41mm HMAS cartridge fork with stepless springs. Rear: HMAS gas charged shock with 7-position spring preload and stepless rebound damping adjustability.
Brakes: Front: Dual 296mm disc with LBS 3-piston calipers. Rear: 256 mm disk with LBS 3-piston LBS capliper.
Wheelbase: 56.7 inches
Dry Weight: 458 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gallons
Seat Height: 31.7 inches

Publisher Comment: Randy virtually lived on his Honda VFR last Spring, Summer and Fall. His travels took him to Canada and the 10 western states of the USA and he always came home happy! This year Randy has taken it one step further by actually taking the VFR onto the race track - Willow Springs, Laguna Seca, Sears Point and Pahrump to mention a few. These race track ventures were in conjunction with Randy's attendance at the Pridmore schools. The way Randy uses his VFR for everything except off-road riding is a real testimony to the versatility of this great motorcycle. Look for more test rides and rider evaluations from Randy in the months ahead. We hope to turn him lose on the one of the new Wild West motorcycle creations by Paul Seiter to get his opinion on this new style cruiser.

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