Honda VFR 800 Interceptor

SuprSi

Anyone own one of these, or have any experience driving one? I think it's a gorgeous bike, and in the summer or shortly afterwards I'll be buying myself a proper bike (and restricting it, of course). I am in two minds about buying a new or 2nd hand bike, but if I were to go 2nd hand I could probably afford an 02 or 03 version of this.

Any opinions?

Here's the best picture I could find

http://www.photoblog.be/photoblog.php?nickname=dioguinho&action=view&id=798981&category=78711

madrab

its a nice bike alright, something about single sided swing arms & under seat exhausts always look good

i would think the insurance would be pretty high on one of those

pbergin

Nice bike, but servicing is vvvvv expensive, I have heard of crazy quotes for the 20k service, even normal servicing is quite expensive due to the vtec engine.

SuprSi

I'm still a little confused about the insurance. I'm going to call Aon and CN today to check, but despite this being an 800cc and probably quite quick in unrestricted format, if I restrict it to 33bhp surely the insurance couldn't be much higher than one of the new Suzuki 600's or the Kawasaki's. I know it probably has more power, but restricted it's a heavier bike and would probably have a smaller p-t-w ratio.

I'll ask the insurance companies anyway. Has anyone seen any of these 2nd hand? Any idea how much they cost?

madrab

they only take into account factory restricted bikes, not one that are restricted yourself afaik

SuprSi

Yeah seems that way. I got a quote of €1600 Third Party F&T for a 30 year old with a provisional licence. I can't find any 2nd hand in the south but there are a few for sale in Down for around 7 - 8k, all with low mileage.

Interceptor

You are going to restrict a VFR800 to 33bhp? Methinks you will make it unrideable. They are a gorgeous machine and I've driven several VFR750's but the thought of only 33bhp in one makes me sad. Oh well, horses for courses. Main course.

'cptr

SuprSi

I don't see how it would be unrideable, but I agree I'd rather not restrict it. Still, these bike laws, despite me not really agreeing with them, are here to stay and I'd rather buy one bike with a view to unrestricting it than 2 different bikes.

bbbbb

Interesting article on choosing a bike
http://www.motorcycle-training.f2s.com/guide.html#Restriction

Me thinks a VRF 800 is a little big to restrict also.

Interceptor

Thats a good link with some common sense - they even paraphrased my earlier point;-

'Design - The manufacturer may have designed the bike with a lot more power in mind, so when restricted, you could be lugging a lot of tolerance that you simply don't need. A recent review of a Suzuki Hayabusa restricted to 33 BHP, described it as a virtually unusable.'

What are you currently riding SuperSi?

'cptr

SuprSi

Well that's the thing, I'm not driving a 'proper' bike at the moment, just a Honda Shadow scooter. My original plan was to get a Hyosung Aquila in restricted format as it's a stunner of a bike, but having always admired the VFR and recently hearing one of the lads on here restricting an FJR1300, I got the idea that I could go 2nd hand and buy a more expensive (when new) bike, restrict it, and unrestrict it after my 2 year sabatical. Hence my choice, as I love the VFR.

It's not a definite thing yet as the insurance is quite high, and it's entirely dependent on me getting adequate training beforehand.

Interceptor

VFR's are gorgeous but for small money you will get a 250cc 'sports' bike with better power to weight and more suitable gear ratios. Spend two years on one of these instead and save for a low mileage second hand VFR?

'c

SuprSi

It's not really the performance I'm after, more the appearance. I know I could get a smaller bike, but the problem is that those small bikes look, well, small. I have yet to see a bike below 500cc (some cruisers excepted) that actually looks like a decent bike. That's why if I buy a bike, it'll be a full 600/650, restricted.

These are only thoughts though as it's going to be nearer the end of the year before I go for it due to tight finances, but I'm trying to cover all the options and I've always loved the look of the VFR. Even the older model is lovely looking!

madrab

400cc transalp, it aint no small bike

Krusty_Clown

How about a Suzuki sv650s?
Great learner bike, not small, still very useable when restricted, and can be picked up for great prices (both the newer and older models).

Have a look here.

omb0wyn5ehpij9

Krusty_Clown wrote:

How about a Suzuki sv650s?
Great learner bike, not small, still very useable when restricted, and can be picked up for great prices (both the newer and older models).

Have a look here.

I'm going to agree with Krusty on this one. I have a sv650s, thinking of selling it soon tho, so if you're interested gimme a shout. 2000 bike, 15k miles, red, full fairings, twin high level renegade cans, rear hugger, fender extender, black screen, front braided lines, and data tool alarm!