Year 2002 Interceptor reader feedback
1 - 20 of 116 Posts
The VFR's reputation will be enough to sell a few of these. From the sound of it, Honda kept the VFR a jack of all trades motorcycle. That best fits how I ride some commuting, sport riding and occaisional touring. The optional hard bags were WAY overdue. The styling may be out there, but isn't time Honda tried to give their bikes some more personality?
I absolutely love the VFR, especially the 800s. Almost all journalists do: They're torquey and have a very distinctive, alluring sound that's like nothing else.
But they're generally derided by bikers, and do relatively poorly in the sales room. It baffles me...
But they're generally derided by bikers, and do relatively poorly in the sales room. It baffles me...
I've owned an original 600 Hurricane, a BMW R1200C, and a Ducati Monster, I've ridden the big Harleys, and I've been on a '99 VFR quite a bit. I love riding all the above, but every time I look to buy a different bike, the VFR always finishes second or third, and I can't figure out why either. It's always almost the bike I want. I guess it's just that old "jack of all trades, master of none" thing.
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1 Posts
yep and it is heavier, has the wrong type of v-tec in it, has a chain driven cams and not the nice sounding gear driven ones. But it does come with new luggage system that looks and is a lot better than the old crap plastic buckets that you had to have before but not for me will look at something else.Maybe honda will see the light and update there new update!
I'll have to agree with Blip here, and not just because he's my boss.
As moto-journalists, we get to ride nearly everything that comes of an assembly line with two wheels affixed to it. This affords us the offortunity to be *****y little girls about what we like and what "just doesn't fit our tates."
The Interceptor, by some magic through guys like Doug Toland and Kurt Risic, manages to emilmate any sort of point us journalists can nit-pick at. Sure, the VTEC system is more of corporate Honda's "technology for technology's sake" ideology, but the bike still manages to produce enough power so that you're never wanting more, while never over-stepping its boundaries.
It handles well, it's got good wind protection, ergonomis, and it looks absolutely tits. Sure, it's got competition in the form of Aprilia's RST Futura and Ducati's ST4s, but there's still something about Honda goodness and that V4 sound that generations of journalists have found hard to overcome.
Rest assured, though, we're on the lookout (somebody say Shootout?) for the next best thing. But right now, it seems as though the new Interceptor has things locked down tight.
As moto-journalists, we get to ride nearly everything that comes of an assembly line with two wheels affixed to it. This affords us the offortunity to be *****y little girls about what we like and what "just doesn't fit our tates."
The Interceptor, by some magic through guys like Doug Toland and Kurt Risic, manages to emilmate any sort of point us journalists can nit-pick at. Sure, the VTEC system is more of corporate Honda's "technology for technology's sake" ideology, but the bike still manages to produce enough power so that you're never wanting more, while never over-stepping its boundaries.
It handles well, it's got good wind protection, ergonomis, and it looks absolutely tits. Sure, it's got competition in the form of Aprilia's RST Futura and Ducati's ST4s, but there's still something about Honda goodness and that V4 sound that generations of journalists have found hard to overcome.
Rest assured, though, we're on the lookout (somebody say Shootout?) for the next best thing. But right now, it seems as though the new Interceptor has things locked down tight.
Maybe it's the size and relative cost of the bike that depresses sales - at least in the US. In Europe it's been a favorite for years. I think the problem in the US is one of expectation. Just as cruisers sell on some level of emotionaly irrationality - how else can you explain Harley's success over the years, other than the possible resale factor which is just bull chips anyway - high performance bikes come under the same pressure, especially with the younger generations. To me the VFR is a great, if not the best, all round bike you can buy, but also think Honda would sell a lot more of them if they were at least 150cc bigger. It doesn't really need it, but for it's all round street mission it's probably a factor.
Joined
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2 Posts
Dear Mr Honda,
What are you doing with the VFR?! You need to take notice of what VFR
owners are doing with their bikes in order to improve them to a standard
we expect them to have when they leave the Honda factory.
Appearance:
The new VFR is ugly. The best looking VFRs were the 1986/87 and the
1998-2001 models. From front to back it looks disjointed, it does not
flow. The mounting of the exhaust system under the tail looks like an
after thought for marketing purposes. It lacks the grace and elegance of
the 1986 model. It would be better to either hide the mufflers
completely or have them exposed below the bodywork.
Engine:
It is more complicated than it needs to be and reliability and
maintenance have been compromised to save weight for the unnecessary
VTEC system. Engine performance could have been more easily improved by
increasing capacity to 900cc. Please restore the gear driven camshafts
which are part of the heart and soul of the VFR. The 1986 VFR is still
the fastest of all the VFRs. After 15 years of development I would
expect to see the horsepower between 120 and 130 and a similarly
significant increase in torque. The 1986 model could accelerate well
from 2500 rpm in 6th gear. The 1996 model needed at least 3500 rpm.
Weight:
The VFR has become unnecessarily heavy. I wished that I had kept my 1986
model instead of trading it in on a 1996 model. The 1986 was more
comfortable over long distances because the handlebars were closer
together and higher. The 1996 model was a lot more top heavy and
difficult to do U-turns on. The time and money spent on developing
linked brakes and the VTEC system would have been better spent on making
the bike lighter. Weight can further be reduced by returning to a normal
swing arm.
Brakes:
Linked brakes are unnecessary and just add weight to the bike. Most VFR
riders have many years of riding experience and can ride quicker and
better without the linked brakes. Improve the brakes by giving them more
power and feel.
Suspension & Handling:
We want to have fully adjustable and better quality suspension with
upside down forks. It needs lighter wheels. Add a normal swing arm that
is braced like the CBR954RR and return to a full frame like the pre 1998
VFRs but improve it. Lower the centre of gravity. Lighter wheels will
help improve suspension performance.
Aerodynamics:
The aerodynamics are one thing that have improved over the years
offering better weather protection and efficiency through the air but
the new model is UGLY. All that was needed to improve the last model was
a better screen to deflect the air over the rider.
Ergonomics:
The 1986 was more comfortable to ride because the handle bars were
closer together and higher than current models.
Other Features:
Install the passenger grab rail like it was on the 1986 model. Make the
wheels easy to clean. Give customers the option of a lighter and more
performance oriented exhaust system at a reasonable price.
The ideal VFR:
-------------
Horsepower: 130
Torque: 100Nm or greater
Weight: 190kg or less, Lower centre of gravity.
Engine: Gear driven camshafts, Fuel injection system that is ultra
smooth especially at a constant speed.
Engine Capacity: 900cc
Fuel Capacity: 21 litres is fine.
Appearance and Aerodynamics: Make it more appealing without losing the
aerodynamic efficiency of the 1996-2001 models.
Lighting: broad spread with excellent depth of penetration.
Brakes:
Improve the brakes by giving them more power and feel. No linked brakes
or make it an option.
Drive Chain:
Install the highest quality chain suitable for the bike's performance.
Ergonomics: Fully adjustable handlebars to suit the rider's mood or
situation. Keep the current seat.
Suspension & Handling: Fully adjustable with upside down forks. Lighter
wheels that are easier to clean. Lower centre of gravity. Swing arm
similar to CBR954RR. Compared to the 1996 model, ensure the weight bias
on the front wheel is increased. Full frame like the pre 1998 VFRs but
improved.
Other Features: Allow passenger hand rail and the seat cowl to be
installed together. Integrate the the front indicators with the mirrors.
Performance exhaust kit. Make it very easy to remove the tank for
replacement of spark plugs and air filter. Optional panniers. Power
outlets for aftermarket accessories such as rider to passenger
communication kits and radar detectors. The ultimate VFR should have
sports handling capability but still have rider ergonomics suitable for
long distance touring.
What are you doing with the VFR?! You need to take notice of what VFR
owners are doing with their bikes in order to improve them to a standard
we expect them to have when they leave the Honda factory.
Appearance:
The new VFR is ugly. The best looking VFRs were the 1986/87 and the
1998-2001 models. From front to back it looks disjointed, it does not
flow. The mounting of the exhaust system under the tail looks like an
after thought for marketing purposes. It lacks the grace and elegance of
the 1986 model. It would be better to either hide the mufflers
completely or have them exposed below the bodywork.
Engine:
It is more complicated than it needs to be and reliability and
maintenance have been compromised to save weight for the unnecessary
VTEC system. Engine performance could have been more easily improved by
increasing capacity to 900cc. Please restore the gear driven camshafts
which are part of the heart and soul of the VFR. The 1986 VFR is still
the fastest of all the VFRs. After 15 years of development I would
expect to see the horsepower between 120 and 130 and a similarly
significant increase in torque. The 1986 model could accelerate well
from 2500 rpm in 6th gear. The 1996 model needed at least 3500 rpm.
Weight:
The VFR has become unnecessarily heavy. I wished that I had kept my 1986
model instead of trading it in on a 1996 model. The 1986 was more
comfortable over long distances because the handlebars were closer
together and higher. The 1996 model was a lot more top heavy and
difficult to do U-turns on. The time and money spent on developing
linked brakes and the VTEC system would have been better spent on making
the bike lighter. Weight can further be reduced by returning to a normal
swing arm.
Brakes:
Linked brakes are unnecessary and just add weight to the bike. Most VFR
riders have many years of riding experience and can ride quicker and
better without the linked brakes. Improve the brakes by giving them more
power and feel.
Suspension & Handling:
We want to have fully adjustable and better quality suspension with
upside down forks. It needs lighter wheels. Add a normal swing arm that
is braced like the CBR954RR and return to a full frame like the pre 1998
VFRs but improve it. Lower the centre of gravity. Lighter wheels will
help improve suspension performance.
Aerodynamics:
The aerodynamics are one thing that have improved over the years
offering better weather protection and efficiency through the air but
the new model is UGLY. All that was needed to improve the last model was
a better screen to deflect the air over the rider.
Ergonomics:
The 1986 was more comfortable to ride because the handle bars were
closer together and higher than current models.
Other Features:
Install the passenger grab rail like it was on the 1986 model. Make the
wheels easy to clean. Give customers the option of a lighter and more
performance oriented exhaust system at a reasonable price.
The ideal VFR:
-------------
Horsepower: 130
Torque: 100Nm or greater
Weight: 190kg or less, Lower centre of gravity.
Engine: Gear driven camshafts, Fuel injection system that is ultra
smooth especially at a constant speed.
Engine Capacity: 900cc
Fuel Capacity: 21 litres is fine.
Appearance and Aerodynamics: Make it more appealing without losing the
aerodynamic efficiency of the 1996-2001 models.
Lighting: broad spread with excellent depth of penetration.
Brakes:
Improve the brakes by giving them more power and feel. No linked brakes
or make it an option.
Drive Chain:
Install the highest quality chain suitable for the bike's performance.
Ergonomics: Fully adjustable handlebars to suit the rider's mood or
situation. Keep the current seat.
Suspension & Handling: Fully adjustable with upside down forks. Lighter
wheels that are easier to clean. Lower centre of gravity. Swing arm
similar to CBR954RR. Compared to the 1996 model, ensure the weight bias
on the front wheel is increased. Full frame like the pre 1998 VFRs but
improved.
Other Features: Allow passenger hand rail and the seat cowl to be
installed together. Integrate the the front indicators with the mirrors.
Performance exhaust kit. Make it very easy to remove the tank for
replacement of spark plugs and air filter. Optional panniers. Power
outlets for aftermarket accessories such as rider to passenger
communication kits and radar detectors. The ultimate VFR should have
sports handling capability but still have rider ergonomics suitable for
long distance touring.
I went to a dealership today. Had a terrible day. I went to a dealership called rice honda, in west covina, California. I wanted to just see how much it was gonna go for so i can save up a rough estimate. I was asking about deposits. they said if we talked about a set price and someone offered them a better price, even a lil bit more, there was no deposit, there was no paper, and it would be ripped apart, and i didnt want a vfr. and that i was the one without a vfr. i complained to the sales manager Ed. and he gave me a higher price. $13, 000 was what the other guy offered me. then he said $13,500. lolz. the other guy also kept telling me 15grand is what i should pay for. he said well he had other bikes that are very popular and that he wont let them go for anything below 6 grand of profits. i dont know much about the other bikes. but their model is we are a retailer store we are about profits. they even kept telling me to show them my [email protected]#[email protected]#[email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected]$. my dad was there too!. and he just been in an accident hit by a druken driver who tried to run from cops. while knocking my dad uncouncious. AFASDFASDFAE%[email protected]#%@#% anyways.... thats another issue. i'm so pissed off so bad at the time i was gonna say screw honda and screw their motorcycles. but i really do like them at heart. so i wish honda would not continue to use their name on that store. when i mention service they almost ignore it. they said yea service is important to the buyer. and as a retail store money is what they are about. geeeeez. there is more, in fact a lot more. but i rather say more while i can write a good email to honda. so if anyone knows where i can complain to honda about this, plz let me know at [email protected]
Joined
·
53 Posts
f*ck y'all. I have done nothing but support MO. Now that you have cut me out, i'll live without your service. Quit sending me emails.
I can't understand why MO ended there excellent review with the statement "it's not the bike we expected". What, more motor or fully adjustable suspension! Unnecessary! Ninety-nine percent of motorcycle riders won't be able to use over 75% of what the VFR is capable of delivering. Believe me, focus on riding skills and not on the hardware. If you want a grunty sportbike, buy a Busa. If you desire nimble handling, get an R6. But if you want a the best all around motorcycle ever made, get yourself a VFR. . I believe this VFR, like its predecessors, will rock with the best of them.
Honda, you are out of touch.
At least with me anyways. I would like to buy a new motorcycle this year, but I don't think it will be the new VFR. Maybe last years bike if I can find one.
I might sound like a broken record, but could you build a new motorcycle with the VFR ergonomics, single sided swingarm, etc. and the RC51 engine/transmission geared for sport touring i.e. close ratios with a tall 6th gear? It will need to be fuel efficient to the tune of 200+ miles on a tank of gas (5 gal. min.) and it should be absolutely bulletproof mechanically. I should never be stranded because of the motorcycle, only my own stupidity and ignorance. And bring the weight down to 400+ lbs. dry without using any exotic materials. Just get rid of any excess matter. Remember form follows function. If it isn't doing anything, then it doesn't belong. This bike doesn't have to be a wheelie machine or a hypersensitive canyon carver, but I should never forget that it is a motorcycle. It will have to get me from point A to point B, meaning around the block, to work or across the country, quickly, cleanly and efficiently, without drama and I should feel as fresh at the finish as when I started my trip. And so should my passenger. It should not require a lot of maintenance or trips to the dealer for service. In fact is should be as simple to maintain as the Honda Accord. Are bags a requirement? Yes and no. If you choose to supply them, then they should function to the same degree as the motorcycle, I should not even know that they are there until I need them. Have I described motorcycles built by manufacturers like BMW, Ducati and Aprilia? Yes, and that brings up a very important point. Sell it at a price I can afford. I don't think I am asking for much. You might have to fire a bunch of the Yuppies you have working for you at corporate Honda to get the price down, but I won't mind. If you can deliver this motorcycle, I will buy one. Heck, I'll buy two. And so will my friends. And so on. And so on. And so on. I hope you get the picture.
At least with me anyways. I would like to buy a new motorcycle this year, but I don't think it will be the new VFR. Maybe last years bike if I can find one.
I might sound like a broken record, but could you build a new motorcycle with the VFR ergonomics, single sided swingarm, etc. and the RC51 engine/transmission geared for sport touring i.e. close ratios with a tall 6th gear? It will need to be fuel efficient to the tune of 200+ miles on a tank of gas (5 gal. min.) and it should be absolutely bulletproof mechanically. I should never be stranded because of the motorcycle, only my own stupidity and ignorance. And bring the weight down to 400+ lbs. dry without using any exotic materials. Just get rid of any excess matter. Remember form follows function. If it isn't doing anything, then it doesn't belong. This bike doesn't have to be a wheelie machine or a hypersensitive canyon carver, but I should never forget that it is a motorcycle. It will have to get me from point A to point B, meaning around the block, to work or across the country, quickly, cleanly and efficiently, without drama and I should feel as fresh at the finish as when I started my trip. And so should my passenger. It should not require a lot of maintenance or trips to the dealer for service. In fact is should be as simple to maintain as the Honda Accord. Are bags a requirement? Yes and no. If you choose to supply them, then they should function to the same degree as the motorcycle, I should not even know that they are there until I need them. Have I described motorcycles built by manufacturers like BMW, Ducati and Aprilia? Yes, and that brings up a very important point. Sell it at a price I can afford. I don't think I am asking for much. You might have to fire a bunch of the Yuppies you have working for you at corporate Honda to get the price down, but I won't mind. If you can deliver this motorcycle, I will buy one. Heck, I'll buy two. And so will my friends. And so on. And so on. And so on. I hope you get the picture.
Why in the world would you buy a Honda from this dealership? Just use your email and find a dealership in Omaha Nebraska, or Dothan Alabama, or Waco Texas, or who knows where that will actually DISCOUNT the bike. Try LA Cycles, they are extremely aggressive with their pricing. The transport would be like $500, max, to get the bike all the way from the other side of the country, it sounds like this dealership needs some competetion.
I had the opportunity to ride a friend's 2001 VFR this past summer, while he was on my '97 CBR1100XX. I thought the feel of the VFR was superior to my bike. It had a very smooth ride with nothing to complain about for handling. The controls were all slicker than mine (maybe a difference of 4 years age has something to do with that), but there was one thing missing: torque. As soon as I tried to pull away from a stop, I stalled the engine 2 or 3 times at first. The VFR is a great bike, but the last thing it needs is more weight with the same power. I loved the sound of the V-4 and gear valve drive, but there was no propulsion from that beautiful sound. If Honda would quit screwing around with bullsh-t gimmick technology, and make the VFR a 1000cc V-4, I'd make it the next bike I buy.
Re: Honda, you are out of touch.
Yeah Honda, get with the program. All I want is a Rolls Royce interior with the ride of a magic carpet that costs $50 and has two wheels. Is that so much to ask?
Yeah Honda, get with the program. All I want is a Rolls Royce interior with the ride of a magic carpet that costs $50 and has two wheels. Is that so much to ask?
All you read in this article is going away from gear driven cams saves 6lbs. But
the new VFR weighs 18lbs. more than last years, whats the deal.
the new VFR weighs 18lbs. more than last years, whats the deal.
The bottom line is there is no significant increase in power or torque. With each new incarnation of a model, these things should marginally improve. 145 RWHP no, but how about 110-115 at least. And how about trimming some of the fat, this is getting ridiculous. A 929 is much larger in displacement but weighs nearly 100 pounds less. Honda don't you think you could have shaved 50 pounds of fat somehow? I still think the VFR is the best all rounder bike. I had a 98 and loved it but it felt heavy and slow at times. The alluring thing about this bike is the V-4. That motor sounds better than any other configuration. They should have made 2 models of this bike. A touring model (which they did) and a sport model. If Honda would make the VFR with 115-120 RWHP or more, 50-75 pounds lighter, you might have one of the best selling bikes on the market. For the money they are asking it's not worth it. If your thinking about this bike, pick up a 98-01 model instead. Put an Ohlins on the rear, new fork springs, an aftermarket exhaust system, it will make more HP and cost thousands less. The new VFR is good but not great, hence it's a letdown. Honda next time improve the model instead of just changing its' skin.
yea thanxs they are being really helpful. so much nicer. and i'd probably pick one up. hopefully i'd feels like riding one.
I really don't care what the "moto-journalists" say, I have a brain and am able to make up my own mind about what I like and dislike about a bike. I will be adding a 2002 viffer to my garage. 100 ponies is still plenty enough for me to have a blast on...and you can't beat the v4 engine. Price? Screw it...if you're worried about prices and you're into biking it's time to change your hobby.
Sounds, power, and VTEC
MO,
Everybody keeps talking about the great sound after 7000 RPM's, but after watching all 3 of the videos on the site (they had pretty scratchy sound), I could tell no difference as the bike swept up through the 7 mark. The dyno speaks all about the VTEC power, in what way did you guys mean the real world is different than the dyno? You say that you can't discern whether or not you're making more power, but it sounds like it. Well, let me clue you in. You're NOT making more power, and IT DOES NOT SOUND LIKE IT. I miss the sound of the gear driven cams too...
One other thing, something has been bothering me. How well can one trust VTEC? From what I gather, you have a cam spinning fast enough to turn the motor at 6999 RPM's and it senses a 1 RPM increase, and uses a solenoid (or something) to pop a pin into a hole to get the rest of the cam turning, and operate the other valves. Sounds prone to breaking down to me. What kind of pin can take that abuse without shearing (even though the cam doesn't have a huge torque load, it's got to have some load, just seems too Mickey Mouse), and what happens when you're popping in and out of the 7000 mark, to hear the "VTEC waaaah at 7,000 RPM"? It will be interesting to see how many people have to get their motors worked on because they're V-4 audiophiles. I guess only the future will tell, all I can say is I definitely do not like the new VFR, and am happy as a clam to have my 99 VFR. Glad you guys liked it, and that other people like it, I just hope they that buy get an extended warrantee, until we know how this thing handles lots of real world miles and real world idiots.
luvmyvfr
MO,
Everybody keeps talking about the great sound after 7000 RPM's, but after watching all 3 of the videos on the site (they had pretty scratchy sound), I could tell no difference as the bike swept up through the 7 mark. The dyno speaks all about the VTEC power, in what way did you guys mean the real world is different than the dyno? You say that you can't discern whether or not you're making more power, but it sounds like it. Well, let me clue you in. You're NOT making more power, and IT DOES NOT SOUND LIKE IT. I miss the sound of the gear driven cams too...
One other thing, something has been bothering me. How well can one trust VTEC? From what I gather, you have a cam spinning fast enough to turn the motor at 6999 RPM's and it senses a 1 RPM increase, and uses a solenoid (or something) to pop a pin into a hole to get the rest of the cam turning, and operate the other valves. Sounds prone to breaking down to me. What kind of pin can take that abuse without shearing (even though the cam doesn't have a huge torque load, it's got to have some load, just seems too Mickey Mouse), and what happens when you're popping in and out of the 7000 mark, to hear the "VTEC waaaah at 7,000 RPM"? It will be interesting to see how many people have to get their motors worked on because they're V-4 audiophiles. I guess only the future will tell, all I can say is I definitely do not like the new VFR, and am happy as a clam to have my 99 VFR. Glad you guys liked it, and that other people like it, I just hope they that buy get an extended warrantee, until we know how this thing handles lots of real world miles and real world idiots.
luvmyvfr
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