2014 Honda VFR Interceptor: All-Day Sportbike Designed for the Road
The 2014 Honda VFR Interceptor is said to be the all-day sportbike designed to hit the road. It is a lightweight motorcycle built for touring. It is a sport touring machine. It is not a superbike but it definitely can be compared with other big bikes like Aprilia and Ducati. But this lightweight big bike is just the right size for an intermediate bike rider. If you are not yet ready to handle superbikes this is the bike for you. At 800cc it boasts of power and handling.
It is also known as VFR800. This 2014 Honda Interceptor was called VFR800 but it is now more famously known as the Interceptor. Why the name? If you are a fan of its first generations, you should have anticipated its arrival. This lightweight of the big bikes makes the lightweight-ST category back on track. The last generation of the Interceptor was released last 2009 and it is about time that they release a new version for the Honda fanatics out there. The 2014 Interceptor has a lot of notable upgrade from its 2009 model. This new Interceptor is definitely a good upgrade that can match the speed and looks even of superbikes.
2014 Interceptor Noticeable Upgrades
Honda’s engineers have designed this machine with considerations of balancing cost of the bike and the power of the bike. It is quite an affordable big bike because it is in the lightweight category but it also still revs up power even if it is affordable. What is noticeably improved in this bike does not necessarily mean that power has decreased nor style has diminished. Beneath the stylish frame it boasts a powerful 782cc, 90 degree V4 engine. Because of this, the rider will feel its power and torque best at low RPM. The VTEC on the engine makes the performance during low RPM possible, one of the best features of this Interceptor!
This has more running gear as compared to the earlier versions. The Radial-mount Tokico calipers do the job in making braking precise when needed and tweaked with an unlinked lightweight ABS. Unlinked ABS to brake is much preferred by mechanics. Another great feature is the Showa shock absorber at the rear with its adjustable preload and rebound damping. This 2014 Interceptor has a newly designed 10-spoke aluminum die-cast wheels.
The fairings are not just the new upgrades on the 2014 model. It has an LED headlight. It has narrower flanks because of the upgraded position of the radiator which is now in front of the engine. The earlier models had the radiators on the side. Radiators are still split though, positioned high and low. On the dashboard is a combination of the digital readouts with an analog tachometer. Just like other luxury big bikes it has a gear indicator, air gauge, clock and fuel indicator.
Technical Details of the Interceptor:
It has an l-c 90° V4 engine with a 16V DOHC Valve train. The 800cc bike is still fuel efficient because Honda boasts of its EFI fuel system. You can shift gears from 1 – 6 and you will feel the rev and the overdrive of the engine if you crank it up.
The suspension is also to brag about since it has a Showa adjustable front suspension and a
Showa adjustable suspension as well. It can carry up to 21.5 litres of petrol for all day ride wich means less stops for refueling. It comes in both red and pearl white.
The Interceptor Experience
If you are looking for a lightweight stylish big bike, this is the bike for you. This is not an entry level big bike, it has power, especially felt at low RPM because of the technology Honda has put into it. Its low to midrange power can give a run for the money of superbikes. It is not as powerful as BMW S1000R nor a Ducati 1200S, but it can outrun any other bike at low RPM. The 2014 Interceptor truly has been worth the wait from its previous generations. It not just boasts of style but comfortable ride for an all day tour.
It weighs close to 14 kgs lesser than its previous model but it still has the power of its predecessor plus a lot more upgrades. You don’t feel the engine complain at prolonged high speed. You also don’t feel delay at low RPMs. It is a great light weight bike for intermediate motorcycle riders.
Over all experience of the Interceptor, this is a great bike to upgrade your entry level bike with or replace your 2009 Interceptor model. If you would want to replace your Honda CBR650 or your CB500, then this is the perfect bike for you to level up. You will certainly feel the difference in power, torque, weight, features and style. It really is a good buy. Powerful and smooth ride ahead!