First ride on my new Honda -

Discussion in '8th Generation 2014-Present' started by andy kingdon, Dec 20, 2017.

  1. andy kingdon

    andy kingdon New Member

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    To sum up my background - been riding motorcycles 25+ years, mostly dirt - but have always had a street bike around for carving up the back roads. Bought a VFR800 brand new in 2008 - kept it three years and loved every minute. At the time I wanted something faster to keep up with my riding buddies - so traded it in on a CBR1000RR and went from there. Moved, married, child - and ended up with a Ducati Hypermotard back in the South. To loud and hard to handle for 2 up riding and my wife misses the old days when we would ride the canyons and go out to eat. I started trolling the internet and bam - 2015 Honda Interceptor deluxe - 300miles on it... so I trailered the Ducati and went down and bought it.

    First impressions - the suspension is a little soft from the factory and I need to get used to slowing down a much heavier bike. I am not sure if it is just the new brake feel, or if I am accustomed to high end large MM Brembo's up front from my Hyper. Either way, I clicked of 200+ miles with no issues. Yes it will need a few mods to make it mine - but it is still the old VFR I remember - comfortable, fast enough, handles well, and can ride 2 up for half a day with no issues.

    I am looking forward to adding some new feature and getting back into the community - one thing I can say is that the VFR guys seem to have a better forum and support than any other group I have been involved in.

    Glad to be back on my interceptor again! almost 10 years later here we go.... :)
     
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  2. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    Welcome to The World! If you are interested in suspension upgrades, check out DMr ( www.daughertymotorsports.com ). Great suspension and great pricing.
     
  3. Thumbs

    Thumbs Member

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    Hi ANDY and welcome

    Good write up, I think you'll find if you grab a handful of front brake you'll instantly feel all 12 pots pushing on the pads and the brakes are finally up there with Brembo ...you'll be pleased
     
  4. Zeta

    Zeta New Member

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    Welcome Andy,

    I too am a new member and totally new to the VFR world. Picked mine up a week or so ago and have only ridden her a few times, but I like everything about her so far. The suspension can be tweaked and I find the brakes fantastic especially slowing down a 725 lb machine (bike and rider.) Spent a long day on her yesterday and nothing comes up I would change after the ride. My suspension seemed stiff at first but after yesterday's ride I'm happy with it. Mine came with Honda bar risers and wish I were able to ride one without for a comparison; however, I like the setup and zero wrist pain after 7 hours. The VFR is a compromise compared to all out street racers, but it will cover long distances and carve canyons over my "C" rider abilities. I have a feeling after a year and so many 1000's of miles most owners will appreciate her more than the day we bought her. Welcome and ride safe.
     
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  5. Thumbs

    Thumbs Member

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    Couldn't agree more Zeta, mines just about to turn 18k miles, the engine has loosened up noticeably since 12k, now it revs like a 2 stroke above 7,000

    Brakes are due new pads shortly at which time I'm putting stainless steel pistons and new seals in

    That's the only weak point that seems to have surfaced, the Tokico pistons rust at an appalling rate
     
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  6. andy kingdon

    andy kingdon New Member

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    I did a little back road run this afternoon - now that I am more accustomed to grabbing a good handful of the front brake, it is not nearly as bad. On my old Ducati that much of a squeeze would put you over the handlebars. For the suspension - already have made some minor improvements with the adjustment. Typically I start with the rear and then dial in the front based on my level of comfort Vs. performance. I cant say enough about my heated grips - OMG I use these things for any temp. under 60 !! :) I haven't installed my handles yet, still on the fence if I like them or not... especially since I will solo most of the time. Getting her up on the center stand wasn't as nearly as bad as I expected, even without the rear handles. Added a clear tank pad w/Honda logo, but don't think she needs anything but a few hundred miles on her. Will get the gopro out and get some canyon riding this next week or so.
     
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  7. amoreira88

    amoreira88 New Member

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    I agree best community out there. Only reason why I got the vfr


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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