2007 Honda Vfr800 Interceptor
Honda's VFR800 has long been labelled the perfect Gentleman's Express. It's a motorcycle that maintains the creature comforts a man of means requires, but can go like stink when His Lordship is late for the regatta.
The first VFR hit the ground running 25 years ago as the aggressively named 500 cc Interceptor. With a steel perimeter frame and a unique V-four engine layout, it was basically a racebike with mirrors and set the sportbike world on its ear.
Over the years, the keen sporting edge of the VFR was tempered as Honda groomed it more towards being an excellent all-round motorcycle with a sport-touring slant – even offering colour-coded hard bags and top box as an option. In 2002, Honda installed a version of its V-Tec variable valve timing on the VFR, giving it a definite Jekyll and Hyde personality.
Below 7000 rpm, only two valves per cylinder were operational and the VFR was silky-smooth and well mannered. Spin it to the magic number and the hydraulically operated second set of intake valves kicked in.
Personally, I loved the siren song and turbo boost of the original V-Tec but some riders complained that it was a bit abrupt and out of character for such a sophisticated machine. So, for 2007, Honda smoothed out the V-Tec transition while lowering the moment of truth to 6400 rpm.
At 218 kg (481 lb.) dry, the VFR is a little on the lardy side, but if you think all sporting aspirations have been cast aside, you are incorrect, sir. None other than three-time world champion Freddie Spencer uses a VFR as his own personal track vehicle at his high-performance riding school in Las Vegas.
I've ridden pillion with Mr. Spencer three times now and can testify that the VFR is capable of incredible cornering speeds and pretty quick lap times – even two-up. Of course, you've got to have Freddie's copious talent to exploit these limits.
Handling in daily use is exemplary. The 43 mm front forks are extremely rigid with good spring and damping rates while the single-sided swingarm is rigid, allows for easy wheel changes and looks pretty cool.
The ride is comfy and well damped on choppy pavement, but when the asphalt gets twisty, turn up the Sport-O-Meter and the VFR happily complies. Really aggressive riding will have the centrestand and exhaust collector touching down, but that should only occur during track days.
In case His Lordship is detained at his broker's or Sotheby's, the VFR's multi-reflector headlights ensure that his nighttime ride back to the estate is adequately illuminated. The low beam was exceptionally bright with a good, sharp cutoff, while I'm sure the high beams could blister paint at 100 metres.
The cockpit is a wonderful place to spend a day. The instrumentation is thorough and logically laid out with an analogue tach and LCD readouts for speed, fuel, coolant temperature, odometer, two tripmeters and ambient temperature.
The riding position is comfy and an excellent compromise between touring and sporty. The screen and fairing combine to provide good wind and weather protection while the saddle is wide and well-padded.
My test bike was tarted up in drop-dead gorgeous, limited-edition 25th Anniversary Interceptor colours. The red, blue and white colour scheme pays homage to Honda's rich racing heritage with VFR-based machines.
And, following Honda's worldwide "green" commitment, the VFR meets stringent Euro and California '08 emissions standards while averaging 5.6 to 6 litres of gas for every 100 km. The 22-litre tank means you can dispose of a lot of asphalt between fills.
If a Gentleman wishes to go, at some point, he will need to stop, and Honda's linked ABS brakes ensure this function will occur smoothly, competently and with no fuss. The linked system is fully transparent to the rider and, while I never had the opportunity to activate the ABS, normal braking is accomplished with excellent feel and feedback.
The VFR's only downside is the fairly steep purchase price, as well as service costs, as the V-four packaging is tight and the V-Tec system fairly labour intensive when valve adjustment time comes around.
The VFR800 truly is the modern day Gentleman's Express – appropriate transport for the experienced, mature rider who recognizes that true sophistication still requires some degree of substance.
Source: https://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/2007-honda-vfr800-518/
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