Interceptor VFR 800

[1LIFE2LIVE]

Hi Everyone!

Just joined and am looking at getting this bike to replace my 07DL650ABS Wee Strom (20,000 miles & 1st bike ever) and have a few questions in no particular order if you please:

1. Two - up (pictures would be GREATLY APPRECIATED)!
a. Pillion feedback would be awesome
2. Cost of operation/maintenance etc.
3. Overall rider feedback (see below for riding style, etc.)
4. Must have farkles
5. Overall performance (ABS braking, handling, acceleration, reliability, riding position/upright, leaned over? etc.)
6. Any other information or question that I'm not asking

A little background: I'm 6'1" 195lbs. 32" inseam; her 5'6" 140lbs; riding style 90% commuter/around town (from/to work 50 miles round trip - City of Detroit, Michigan), long distance touring (1,200+ miles = round trip); 10% two-up, camping/fire trails and am looking to take the step up to the VFR!

This bike has won lot's of awards (11) can you tell me which ones and when - links would be great!

Will this bike do what I'm asking?

I've done lot's of online research, read lot's of articles and want to hear 1st hand from owner's like yourselves!

THANKS,

[SCraig]

Well, since I have both a VFR and a V-Strom I guess I'll take a shot.

First, keep in mind that there is NO comparison between the two other than they both have 2 wheels. If they were cars the VFR would be a Corvette. Not the fastest such as a Ferrari or Lambourghini, but a Corvette. The V-Strom would be more of a Jeep. A go anywhere, do anything type of vehicle.

1. Two - up (pictures would be GREATLY APPRECIATED)!

Can't help, don't ride 2-up.

2. Cost of operation/maintenance etc.

About the same as the V-Strom. Change the oil, lube the chain, and just ride it.

3. Overall rider feedback (see below for riding style, etc.)

I'm 57 and have done 600 miles in a day on my VFR as part of an 1800 mile trip.

4. Must have farkles

Plenty are available. Pretty much anything you want is out there.

5. Overall performance (ABS braking, handling, acceleration, reliability, riding position/upright, leaned over? etc.)

Can't say about ABS, I don't have it on either bike nor do I want it. Handling is great. The V-Strom is a little easier entering a corner but the VFR tends to be more stable in corners. Acceleration, compared to the DL650, cannot be compared except to that of a Corvette compared to a Jeep. Mine has 13k on it and has had nothing but scheduled service, a chain replacement, and tires. Riding position is not upright like the V-Strom but not laying flat like a sport bike either. I have Helibars on mine that are up and back compared to the factory bars. They make a big difference.

6. Any other information or question that I'm not asking

I'm glad I don't have to pick one over the other. Both are great bikes in their own way. The V-Strom is a little easier as a commuter bike due to it's upright seating position, but that doesn't mean that the VFR is bad it's just different. I really enjoy both of them and don't have an urge to trade either one of them.

[drewl]

Welcome aboard.
The bike should fit you fairly well. Bar risers are probably going to be your first choice and an after market seat might be a close second. Many members here are taller, like you, and have no complaints. Many members here are on the heavy side, like me(225), and have no complaints.
The VFR tours like a master, the VFR rips the twisties as well.
Two-up riding is quite comfortable for day trips, not so sure on longer adventures(passenger preference is subjective).
Off roading is pretty much out due to low clearance and street suspension. Dirt roads are traveled regularly by some of the members here, I would think the proper tires would be necessary for that.

There are over 10,000 members on this site and more on another VFR only site. I would think those numbers speak to the quality of this bike. There are differences of opinion on which generation is best, there are 6 now. The bike has been around since the 80s.
the Latest generation has been here since 02. The minor differences come down to owner preference.
Take the time and try one, see what you think.

[Hotbrakes]

I love mine. Definitely a do it all bike. I've got GPS, cig lighter outlet, heated grips, and fog lights farkle wise. Mine has taken me coast to coast, commuting, playing in the mountains, playing on the track, and to the store. She still looks brand new.

The GF is very comfy with the top case for a backrest and the seat is wide and adequate, not too big and not too small. Her first ride was over 300 miles with no complaints.

The engine is very refined and smooth, its not the fastest but it makes power everywhere you need it.

Cost wise- pretty much just oil and gas regularly. VFR's get around 40mpg and almost 200 miles to a tank. The smooth engine also helps with tire life. There is a $400 16k mile valve job that is recommended. In perspective Hardley's have a $500 checkup every 10k.

VANTRCPTR went from a Wee to a VFR recently. I think you will be happy.

Loaded down for touring.

Farkled

Tracktime

Pretty places

[xShadowrider]

I'm 60 and been riding since I was 16 and the VFR is far and away the finest of the fleet. My commute is 200 kicks per day and I have no complaints about the ride. I'm 6' and 180lbs. Can't comment on the two up as my wife does not ride with me anymore but put over 17,000kms on it this year on the stock saddle and set up without any issues. I hope to be riding the Veefer for a least another 10 years and then maybe "downgrade" to a Wing.

[whynot?]

had DL650K7 have VFR800K7A love the VFR .. chnaged from DL650 becouse my comute is 60+ miles mostly on the freeway 80+ MPH (GPS) and. DL650 engine is the most forgiving, love the twin 650 and I thinbk it is the best first bike. VFR is a gentlemn's sport bike, no problems 2 up and I love it .. just usual menatenace until 16K whwn the dreaded valve check will get to your walet. Most don't do it as the statiscs show that valves are not out of spec.. I am at 12K and happy as I can be....

[1LIFE2LIVE]

Thanks for the respones!

Any other input will be appreciated!

THANKS AGAIN,

[300shooter]

Beg , borrow or steal a ride on one and that will be the end of the road for you. This is by far the best all around bike I've ever owned. If you lived up here in Ontario I'd let you take mine for a whip, evryone of my buddies that has loves it, even the "harley dudes" who won't admit it in public...

[kingsley]

Definitely ride a VFR first to be sure.

I came off a V-strom 1000 and there's no going back for me. The strom was too top-heavy for off-road (and my fear of dumping it with all that expensive plastic) and had bad buffeting problems on the hiway, with the upright stock shield. It had some FI hiccups that were annoying too.

The DL650 would be a good commuter bike because of the up-right position (see over cars), smoother engine than the 1000, gear ratios and ability to take city pot-holes pretty well.

For me...it's the viffer, more power, more fun, sportier and looks a lot better IMHO.

[KC-10 FE]

VFR's are awesome. I couldn't imagine not having my Yellow Y2K. Anyhoo, here is my insight to your inquiries.

1) No matter what anyone here might post to the contrary, the VFR IS NOT an ideal choice for 2-Up. Why you ask? Simple, check the owners manual for maximum weight capacity. My 00 is rated to a maximum of 386lbs for EVERYTHING on the bike, the pilot, passenger, luggage, etc. So, lets do some math, shall we?

A rider in full gear (you say you're 195lbs) would be about 215lbs.
I'll be nice to your passenger (as long as you aren't into hoggin) & say with gear they come in at 140lbs.
A E46 top case with E36 side cases from Givi are 10lbs each.
Stuff in the bags we'll say 30lbs.
Tank bag stuffed with stuff, 5lbs.
What's that all add up to?

215+140+30+30+5=420lbs.

That would mean you are overloading the bike by nearly 40lbs. This is not good, I can assure you of that. If you are looking for a dedicated 2-Up bike, look for one of the larger touring type bikes.

2) I never ride 2-Up so I can't really offer any real advice other than take it slow & make sure you dial up the rear & check your tire pressure.

3) My VFR is cheaper to run than my 89 Hawk GT. The VFR gets 50MPG & the Hawk gets 35MPG. Since the tires for the two cost just about the same, the VFR is slightly cheaper to operate. I do know I've not had to do anything to the bike other than normal preventative maintenance in nearly 9 years.

4) Again, no matter what others post, the aftermarket is not very kind to the VFR after 98. There is stuff out there, but no dealer will stock any of it so everything will need to be sourced from the internet.

5) The VFR is about the whole package. There are plenty of faster bikes. There are plenty of bikes that tour better. There are plenty of bikes that handle better. Etc... There are exactly ZERO bikes that are the complete package the VFR is. The closest comparable bikes are things like the FJ1300 & Concours 1400. Both of those are faster but the VFR is cheaper & will slaughter both in a handling match. Both of those would be better choices for a dedicated 2-Up bike.

6) I am very close to your dimensions & I have NEVER piloted a motorcycle that fits me better or speaks to my soul the way my VFR does. When I am dragging a knee on a decreasing radius turn at 5000MSL on the Cherohala Scenic Skyway in TN, listening to the gear driven cams screaming thru a Staintune muffler, there really isn't a much better feeling if you ask me. It is truely like a good friend.

KC-10 FE out...

[1LIFE2LIVE]

Great Site = Thanks for the additional feedback!