Input on Honda Interceptor wanted

[RussD]

OK.......don't drag me out & shoot me for mentioning one of the "H" words in here ?;), but thought I'd use & abuse some of your guys knowledge & experience, since I know a lot of you own several other bikes as well as the Vision. Any of you familiar with the mid 80's version of the Honda Interceptor? Seems to have come in a 500 & 700, & I believe it's a V-4. I've been perusing their board (which is like being in Bizzarro World.......'cause it's eerily similar to ours. Kinda like that episode of Seinfeld where Eilane has that 2nd set of friends that are like clones of Jerry, Kramer & George....Not sure who their Lucky is yet though ?;D).

Anyhooow........thinking of picking one of these up, as they seem to be in my price range, but don't want to inherit a whole new set of problems on a different bike. I've asked them this same question, and they've provided me with some answers, but I also know they're going to be a little biased towards their favorite brand.

They say there was an oiling problem which could lead to valve failure, but they also claim the fix is pretty easy with an adapter. They also say if the bike's been beat on, you might end up losing 2nd gear, which is a more involved fix.......have to take the motor out. So far though, that's all they've really alerted me to. I figured you guys may be a bit more impartial. Thanx in advance for anything you can share!

[GAJim]

The Inerceptor was Hondas flagship up until the CBRs came into existance.  Other than knowing It was the basis of the Freddie Spencer roadracer that is all I know.  I never consider Hondas when it comes to purchase, but grew up a Yamaha brat.

[RussD]

Thanx Jim.

Another one of my rookie questions coming in 3..2..1.......What was the big deal about the V twin, and what are the advantages/disadvantages of a V-4? Is it just the old addage of "if 2 is good, then 4 must be great"?? I'm assuming more power.....right?

[Walt_M.]

The later versions, called VFRs, came in 750 and 850 versions are some of honda's better bikes. Not the fastest but better all 'rounders. A friend of mine just got a '95 and got a really good deal on it, $3900. They're ok bikes but my big ol' butt just won't sit on a honda!

[jason]

If the interceptor was the same as the VF750 here in Oz (circa 83) they had notoriously soft cam shafts, and gained a very bad reputation here. So much so that the excellent early VFR's (85) had a difficult time beating the bad reputation

[Humber]

....if someone says bad words about vfr, that means the guy has no idea about bikes at all...


As for VF750.. cams were the problem at the beggining of production and they were replaced later on within the confines of warranty. (At least here in EU).. secondly VF1000 was mechanically perfect bike and they last long....

VFR is actually a completely different bike... a new construction... a longlasting engine, geardriven cams... I can only speak highly of it.....

gives a real boner and may compete with other bigger bikes of 1100 class...., suspension works perfeclty.. u won't get any wobble regardless of road condition and speed...

U WILL ENJOY THIS BIKE

There is only one fault I am aware of... no matter what year u gonna buy... u will always have problems with RR failure.... always carry a new one.. just in case....

I have done about 1200 miles on this bike... on an '86 as well as on a '95.... they are almost identical, enigne responses quckly... just buy one in acceptable condition and u will never forget about it...

it's GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rick G]

The early ones had  real problems with premature  cam wear  and second gear failure. If you can find one  with documentation that both issues were  addressed , then its an ok deal.
I have  a friend who has  a 85  VF1000 R  (which is  a tad different from a VFR, it has gear driven cams) he has restored it and it seems  to be a neat bike(its worth about $4000.  , but he hasen't put many miles on it. Personally I wouldn't have a a 4 cylinder bike I like a VERY torquey ride , that will rev , not a  rev happy bike with a high rpm buzz. You havent lived untill  you  have to pull the carbs on a 4 or paysome on  to do it!
For 4 grand, you can get a 99 Suzuki SV650  which will be reliable as a stone,  has great brakes and handles like it was on rails!

[Lucky]

and I would be the soup nazi
NO CARB REBUILD FOR YOU!! NEXT!
lol

[RussD]

LOL......Good one Lucky! That was another CLASSIC episode!   ;D  Oh how I miss Seinfeld!   :(

[Rick G]

You had me confused there , but then I never watched Seinfeld. Then later  he admitted that it was about nothing, so i didn't feel so bad.