|
|
 
 Rider
Review: 2003 Honda VFR Interceptor |
Submitted
by: djmtwist
First
ever post to this web site so I thought I'd do a review of my
bike. I've only been riding for the past 3 weeks (I can hear the
boos now) but it has come very natural to me. Great site...so
now on to the review.
Quick
Overview:
781cc
VTEC V4. Fuel Injected, Linked Braking System, Single Swing
Arm, 6spd
Pros:
LBS
that's pretty transparent to me, power, comfort, and damn sexy.
Oh, and it's a Honda.
Cons:
Maybe
too much power for a beginner (I got used to it). Throttle is
very touchy...almost on/off like. Heavy compared to most bikes.
Oh, and it's a Honda(?)
Ownership
Experience:
4
weeks
Introduction:
I'm
very particular when purchasing motor vehicles so my research
was extensive prior to my purchase several weeks ago. I bought
my BMW 330i, Nissan Maxima and Acura Integra with the same approach
and have been very pleased with the results except for the Acura
(high demand for stolen parts). I finally arrived at the VFR
because it made a lot of sense and seemed to fit my tastes and
personality well. Intimidating? Yes. But the idea of a reasonably
powered and good looking sport touring bike was all music to
my ears and the rides I've been on since delivery have almost
abolished all doubts in my mind.
The
Good:
Did
I mention how good looking this bike is? A subtle but significant
departure from the previous model (2000) with little mechanical
tweaks here and there. Other bikes I considered were the R1,
R6, CBR954, CBR600 and the CBR600Fi but they were not as comfortable
and were too focused in their purposes. Engine is healthy with
plenty of up and go in the low area (below 5K). Since I'm still
in the break in phase, the upper echelons of the tach and the
VTEC point (7K+) are still uncharted but if it's anything like
my integra was, I'm sure I'm in for a treat. The riding position
is comfortable too compared to sport bikes. I don't really have
the expertise to comment on things like ride comfort, steering
and the like since I'm relatively new to bikes but I have nothing
but confidence from when I first fire her up till the time I
reach my destination, which is mostly going to be back and forth
from the office along with the occasional late night booty call
to the girlfriend's house. Love the easy ignition. God bless
a digital fuel gauge too!
The
Bad:
HEAVY!
I'm no slouch (tipping in at ~230lbs, 6'1") but the size
of the bike doesn't make me feel too naked (?!). 460lbs plus
of dry weight is significantly more than other bikes from what
I understand. I haven't dropped it (knock on wood) but for some
reason, the fact that I can squat 800lbs isn't very comforting.
Throttle is really touchy with the engine wanting to brake hard
when you're in gears 1-3. 4 jerks a little but 5 labors the
engine in normal city traffic. I wonder if it's like that with
most bikes? Engine was made to rev really high which could cause
concern for beginners. Virtually no seat storage space but hard
luggage is available from Honda and other manufacturers. My
last complaint isn't from experience but from what I understand,
seems to be important to some experienced riders I've talked
to, especially chronic traffic splitters. The engine is silly
quiet. The dual exhausts are awesome to look at but believe
me, it's all show (the top of the pipes are the only ones that
function, the bottom two are dummies). Also, the center stand
is a pain to operate with one person.
The
Verdict:
I
plan to write a follow up once I break her in (which could happen
this weekend...hahaha) so I'll keep you guys posted. Again,
wonderful site with wonderful people. You guys have helped me
out a lot.
[return
to the top]
|
|
