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Motorcycle review: 'Lost friend' Honda VFR is back

William M. Welch
USA TODAY

The Honda VFR800 Interceptor. This is a revival of a once-popular V-4 powered sport touring motorcycles that doesn't have the most impressive performance numbers yet is an attractive combination of handling, comfort and sportiness for all but the most aggressive riders.

LOS ANGELES — For its many devotees over the past two decades, the latest version of the VFR sport and touring motorcycle from Honda is like the return of a long-lost friend — one that's come back a little slimmer, sleeker and smarter, but with the same engaging personality.

Reintroduced as a new model in 2014 and back unchanged in 2015, the latest version is called the VFR800 Interceptor, and it is powered by a 782cc liquid-cooled 90-degree V-4 engine. The motor is similar but significantly more refined — and fun — in comparison with the V-4 that powered Honda's previous generation VFR motorcycle when it was discontinued in 2009.

The VFR has had a loyal following for more than two decades, and for good reason: It sits right in a mid-size sweet spot between hard-edged, track-focused and unforgiving race-replica motorcycles, and the heavier, more powerful and comfort-oriented sport-touring motorcycles.

The Interceptor's specification sheet — power, speed, weight and technology — don't make it stand out as the latest and greatest in any category. In fact, some critics complain that for all the sophistication built into the new model, its performance envelope isn't much different from its discontinued predecessor.

But that view misses the point. The new Interceptor is a highly refined package that is at home in the twistiest mountain roads or gobbling up miles on the highways. It's more comfortable than a race-replica screamer, but still looks to most people like a fast sport bike with striking good looks and a Ducati-like nose.

2/16/15 3:04:35 PM -- Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.: The new Honda VFR800 Interceptor. Photo by Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Staff  -- Motorcycle review video, this one on the new Honda VFR800 Interceptor. This is a revival of a once-popular V-4 powered sport touring motorcycles that doesn't have the most impressive performance numbers yet is an attractive combination of handling, comfort and sportiness for all but the most aggressive riders. --    Photo by Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Staff ORG XMIT:  RH 132500 Honda Intercepto 02/015/2015 [Via MerlinFTP Drop]

Peak power was rated at just over 98hp at 10,000 RPMs by the folks at Rider magazine. That may be a bit down compared to competitors such as the popular Ninja 1000 sport-tourer from Kawasaki. But the VFR provides real usable power throughout the tachometer's range — and it's as much power as most street riders are capable of using. The engine is loaded with character and very responsive.

Equipped with optional color-matching hard saddlebags, this Interceptor can be a do-anything bike, from long-distance touring to canyon carving or commuting.

It features Honda's VTEC variable valve technology: It operates two valves per cylinder up to about 6,400 RPMs, when two more valves open up to deliver more high-end power. They are fully engaged by 7,000 RPMs.

In earlier versions of the VFR, that transition could deliver an abrupt and upsetting surge if it came at the wrong time, such as leaned over aggressively in a curve.

With this Interceptor, Honda has updated cam profiles and fuel management software to smooth out power delivery and transition to four valve operation. You will still feel the extra power coming on, though, and the motor delivers a gratifying intake roar as those extra valves open up. It really renders moot the longstanding debate about VTEC technology, a staple of VFR owners' après-ride conversation.

The engine is economical in use too. It easily gets 40 to 45 miles per gallon — more with a light throttle hand — and runs on regular unleaded gasoline, unlike most bikes in its class. Its gorgeous sculpted metal fuel tank holds 5.6 gallons, allowing a range of well over 200 miles on a tankful. The motorcycle weighs 532 pounds when loaded with fuel.

The Interceptor's riding position is somewhat aggressive but still humane. Honda and the aftermarket offer optional bar risers for those who like to ride more upright rather than putting their weight over the bars and front wheel.

The V-4 motor is narrower than an inline-four cylinder motor by its very nature, and Honda has slimmed the VFR down further by moving twin radiators from the sides on previous versions to the front on this one. That gives the bike a narrower profile that's great for slipping through traffic or leaning over in tight turns.

Honda offered us the chance to try the optional hard bags, but we think this bike looks so beautiful without the bags that we opted to ride it like a sport bike during our test period. If you add bags, they need no brackets and have concealed attachment points. the Interceptor comes with both a rear seat and a cowling for a sleeker look.

On board, the rider confronts one of the best digital-analog dash combinations around, with a big round center tachometer flanked by digital readouts. Miles per hour appear in a large, easy to read white-on-black LCD display. The information center gives you all the needed data, from radiator temperature to the active transmission gear, though thumbing through the options can be difficult while moving.

The version we tested was the Deluxe, which provides anti-lock brakes and traction control, two technologies that are becoming expected in modern, powerful motorcycles.

The new Interceptor comes with a premium price. Its base price is $12,500, but most buyers will spend an extra $1000 for the Deluxe model. That not only gives you the anti-lock brakes and traction control but also some nice extras like a center stand, heated grips and self-canceling turn signals.

The Interceptor's price means buyers will be looking at some stiff competition, including offerings from Europeans like BMW and Ducati.

The Interceptor comes in red or white, and it makes a bold statement without any garish graphics. It's a sporting bike for the rider who doesn't need the ego stroke — or the back ache — that comes with hard-edged sportbikes. And it's a touring bike that's sportier, lighter and maybe more fun than most sport-touring bikes in production today.

2/16/15 3:04:35 PM -- Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.: The new Honda VFR800 Interceptor. (For USAT's Bill Welch review.) Photo by Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Staff  -- Motorcycle review video, this one on the new Honda VFR800 Interceptor. This is a revival of a once-popular V-4 powered sport touring motorcycles that doesn't have the most impressive performance numbers yet is an attractive combination of handling, comfort and sportiness for all but the most aggressive riders. --    Photo by Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Staff ORG XMIT:  RH 132500 Honda Intercepto 02/015/2015 [Via MerlinFTP Drop]
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