Retrospective: 1998-2001 Honda VFR800Fi Interceptor

1999 Honda VFR800 Interceptor
1999 Honda VFR800 Interceptor. Owner: Emond Ling, Paso Robles, California.

This is the so-called fifth generation of the VFR—and it was essentially a new machine. The most obvious change was the slightly bigger V4 engine, enlarged from the 750’s 748cc to 781.7cc, just to be precise, and called the 800. The 750 figures were a bore of 70mm, stroke, 48.6mm, while the 800 had a 72mm bore and was mildly destroked to 48mm. No great change, really, with the shorter-stroke version spinning the dyno with 95 rear-wheel horsepower at 10,000 rpm. Nice torque, though not much in the lower revs, some 54 lb-ft coming on at 8,500.

1999 Honda VFR800 Interceptor
A tail only a mother could love?

As most of us have heard many times, Honda had high hopes for this V4 engine when it was first introduced back in 1982. Soichiro Honda was not noted for his modesty, although he was very polite, and was rightfully proud of his 1969 CB750 with its in-line four engine that set the example for the Universal Japanese Motorcycle. And though he had officially retired in 1973, he thought the company could do it again with this new engine, which was appreciably narrower than the in-line four—all the better for cornering purposes.

1999 Honda VFR800 Interceptor
Nissin calipers gripped petal-style rotors.

The initial V4, the 1983 VF750F V45 Interceptor, had serious engine problems, and Honda chose to regenerate customer confidence in the design by completely redoing the machine from the wheels up, coming out with the first VFR in 1986. Minor changes were made over the next dozen years (2nd, 3rd and 4th generations), and then the marketing boys decided that rather than promote this bike as a quasi race-ready machine, they should sell it as a superb sport-touring (emphasis on the sport) bike. Which it was, and instead of merely glitzing up the previous model, this revamp would be an expensive proposition—appropriate for celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Honda Motor Corporation.

1999 Honda VFR800 Interceptor
The single-sided swingarm carried the chain final drive.

For 1998 the other three of the Big Four all had serious 750 sport models, none of which could be ridden for more than a couple of hours before pain set in, due to ergonomics designed for going very fast rather than being comfortable. Honda understood well the narrow confines of combining a truly sporty motorcycle with a seating position that would allow for long trips. Of course, the ragged-edge kind of rider could spend money for a semi-street-legal RC45…which cost a whopping $27,000 in 1994, the only year it was on the American market. Many of the VFR800’s improvements came from the RC45.

1999 Honda VFR800 Interceptor
Dual analog dials were complemented by a simple LCD display.

The basic design of the wet-sump 800 engine stayed pretty much the same as the 750’s, with a 90-degree V4 having a 180-degree crankshaft. However, it followed the RC45 design by having the drive gears for the two overhead camshafts running up the right side of the engine, operating the 16 valves, which had a rather narrow included angle of 28 degrees. Valve adjustment was effected by shims in the time-consuming under-bucket system, but adjustment intervals were now at 16,000 miles. Brand-new was the fuel injection, with the control unit having eight feeds for very precise metering…controlling fuel delivery and ignition on each cylinder. This went through 36mm throats, injecting gas into redesigned combustion chambers with a compression ratio of 11.6:1. And a redline raised to a whopping 11,750 rpm…on a street bike! Apparently no journalist could find fault with the engine, as all the road tests were highly laudatory.

The chassis was all new for the VFR, but much was borrowed from the VTR1000F, the V-twin that had won all sorts of plaudits in 1997. The trick on the VTR was the swingarm pivoted from the back end of the crankcases, not the frame. The engine, a stressed member in the large aluminum box-section dual-spar frame, enjoyed “variable stiffness” motor mounts, all this serving to increase the rigidity of the chassis. Honda could not resist calling this a “pivotless chassis” with “Tuned Flex,” and its cornering abilities did impress all the riders; no mean feat.

1999 Honda VFR800 Interceptor
A centerstand was standard.

The Showa Corporation supplied the suspension units. Up front was a 41mm cartridge-type fork with adjustable preload, 25.5 degrees of rake and 3.9 inches of trail. At the back a Showa shock absorber, on a single-sided swingarm called Pro Arm, used Pro Link mounting and had adjustable rebound damping and preload. Travel at both ends was a little less than five inches. Wheels were 17-inchers, with a 120/70 tire at the front, a fat 180/55 at the back, and disc brakes all around…using a new Linked Braking System. The LBS is way too complicated to explain here, but even hardened pros who felt they could out-think any such device came to appreciate the system’s effectiveness.

Another little bit of ingenuity were the two small radiators, one on each side of the engine, which allowed it to be pushed forward for a little more weight up front and a wheelbase of 56.7 inches. With half a tank of gas in the 5.5-gallon reservoir the bike tipped the scale at 500 pounds. The look was good, with racy bodywork, but the ergonomics somewhat relaxed with slightly raised bars and a saddle suitable for long distances. Italian Red was the color for the first two years, followed by Pearl Shining Yellow for one year, and back to Italian Red for the final iteration.

The $9,500 price was right between the aforementioned VTR twin at $9,000, and the in-line four CBR900RR at $10,000, Honda covering all three engine designs, and the VFR800Fi’s price did not change in its four-year run. Then the sixth generation came along in 2002, with VTEC (Variable Valve Timing & Electronic Control) and tagged at $10,000. Honda was trying to keep a lid on prices, although a modest recession and immodest inflation were not helping.

49 COMMENTS

  1. I’ve been riding since 1979. I bought my first Interceptor in 2000. Had it for three years. Nothing I disliked about it, except that I had always hoped to get a GoldWing one day. I sold the VFR (taking a personal check from a stranger, who rewarded my trust (or stupidity) when the check cleared), and purchased a 2003 Wing. When I picked up my new GoldWing from the dealership, there was a next-generation 2003 VFR parked next to it. In silver. I thoroughly enjoyed the Wing for a number of years, but I developed issues with my right hip, and it became increasingly uncomfortable to ride. I sold it and had right hip replacement surgery. One year later, I couldn’t hold back my desire to go back to riding, and decided to start with a smaller used bike. I still have it. A 2003 VFR800. In silver.

          • I just picked up an ‘07 Honda ST1300. I’m close to 50 years old. I Love it and the powered windscreen adjustment at my left thumb control is very nice. Shaft drive, longitudinally mounted V4 1,261 cc engine, brand spanking’ new Pilot Road 4 GT’s mounted before I took ownership. This thing is quick and fun.

    • Coming up on 51k with nothing more than regular oil changes and water wetter.
      I did have to get a voltage r/r. ButI’ve had to do that for other bikes that are wrapped in plastic.
      I bought 2, so I have a spare (under my seat), everywhere I go now. Just plug and play!
      The fuel gauge is much appreciated, and so is the almost 250 mile range!
      I’ve owned and operated at least 100 other bikes, but this one is with me for life.
      Its faster than all of the carbureted bikes and inspires far more confidence than any of them
      (despite being heavier than many of them). It’s quieter, too (even with Delkovik slip-on.. which sounds sweet and breathes deeeep). Not only that, its more comfortable and far smoother, in motion.
      My girlfriend calls it “the Cadillac of crotch rockets”.
      The only other upgrade / modification that I made to it was to jack up the front of the seat, by adding foam under the factory foam, when it was time for a recover.
      The linked brakes took some getting used to, but now everything else seems inferior.
      It still looks great, at 20 years old. People who dont know bikes ask me if it’s brand new.
      Another cool thing: Center stand and elf swing-arm make for the easiest rear wheel swaps EVER!
      Remove 4 lug nuts and off it comes, leaving the brakes and chain drive uninterrupted.
      In fact, the final drive , brakes and tires all seem to last forever, because of how efficient and well crafted everything is.
      I have not yet needed to adjust my chain (or valves) after 3 years of riding with regular attacks of aggression and clutch dumping wheelies. First gear will loop right over, just from rolling on the throttle.
      It’s really deceiving, because you can have a chat, while drinking a martini, and the next thing you know, your doing 140 with 2 gears to go.
      I could go on and on, but you should read what other people have to say.

      • Water wetter or engine ice definitely help. I also installed a 12v cooling fan (intended for a desktop computer) on the regulator rectifier. Very easy job. But I still keep a spare r/r under the seat, for cheap insurance.

      • Update: stumbled back onto this article / thread in 2021. My 5th gen is at about 55k miles, still running and looking as good as ever. Better than ever, actually, because I’ve upgraded the seat. I bought a Sergeant split seat and also a leather Corbin GunFighter (one piece with backrest for passenger).
        Either one is a major improvement over the stock saddle. The split style is cool for running around town (the rear becomes an easy access glove box) and I leave my soft luggage attached to the the Corbin (including a trunk bag attached to the backbrest) ready for a quick swap.

    • Alot of the motorcycles I have owned that have fairings get hot in stop-and-go traffic in warm to hot weather..Most of the manufactures have the radiator fan turn on too late to cool the engine at low speed!!!!…The EASY,CHEAP fix!! Buy a simple on/off switch. I mount either on the dash near the gauges. or on the fairing next to the gauges. Run two wires from the switch down to the fan temp sensor. Connect on each side of the switch. This way the sensor will still turn the fan on and off as it always did..IE too late…..BUT now you can control in manually!!! JUST turn the fan on BEFORE the bike temp gets too high.and the fan WILL be able to maintain the COOLER temp..

  2. I still have a 1998 model that I purchased new. Other bikes have come and gone in the garage, but I’ve never let go of the VFR.

  3. I loved my 1999 VFR800. Road it for 13 years. Old age and a bad back forced me to add Genmar bar risers, then ultimately sell the bike for a bit more upright riding position (Ninja 1000).

    • I was actually looking at both bikes in terms of purchasing. I saw a ’99 with 1.4k miles asking $5,000 obo… and recently a 2012 ninja 1000 with 5.2k miles for $6,500. I was wondering which one you’d go for if you only had a sort of bad back

      • VFR. No brainer. My girlfriend (who has been on the back of many bikes) calls it “the Cadillac of crotch rockets”. Its that smooth and comfy.

  4. I still have my 1998 VFR 800 with a Two Brothers High Mount exhaust. There have been other bikes that have piqued my interest but I have to say that this bike will be staying around for a long time. I take my daughter to school (weather permitting) as much as possible (also makes her look cool when I pick her up on the bike as well.. lol). Overall, love this bike.

  5. There are not a lot of riders that go backwards in model years but that is exactly what I did in 2017. I had a 2014 Yamaha FJR that I rode from Washington state to Key West Florida and back on. It was a very nice coast-to-coast motorcycle but I always had a soft spot for the Honda VFR motorcycles from it’s inception through 2001 when , in my opinion, Honda made a big mistake and went to the VTEC engine configuration. Upon seeing a near showroom VFR 800 from 1999 on Craig’s list, I knew I had to own it. Out went the FJR and was replaced with the VFR. Who goes back 15 years to “old” technology, someone who is 74 years young and absolutely enjoys the relaxed sport touring (with emphasis of sport) ergonomics this motorcycle provides. This will be my forth VFR starting with a 1985 VFR 500. This was followed by a 1987 VFR 700 and then by a 1995 VFR 750 and again followed by a 2012 VFR 1200 (big mistake). Of the sixty nine motorcycles I’ve owned since my first motorcycle in 1961, These V-four Honda’s have always been my favorite, well, except perhaps my 2007 Bimota DB5R (but that’s a story for another day). This motorcycle will be in my garage till the day I go to the “big twisty road in the sky”. I love this bike!

    • Actually I guess it’s my 5th VFR, not 4th. The Bimota was too much “Italian Eye Candy” to actually be ridden on streets filled with crazy automobile drivers.

  6. I have been riding a long time on a lot of different bikes. I always wanted a Gen 5 and 2 years ago I found a nice black ’98 with a Staintune exhaust. I had to update the brakes, but I love this bike and as others have said, other bikes will come and go but I will never sell this bike. A sweet sounding power band from 4K to 12 K. Handles great, will go any chosen speed all day long. A complete and wicked sounding rocket ship. I can burn all over roads in BC and NW Wash, twisting the throttle at every opportunity. Gets hot in traffic??? Seriously, get as far from the cagers as possible. This is a thoroughbred, meant for wide open twisty roads. Love it so much. And yes I do have a bike addiction, better than heroin. LOL

  7. I also went backwards in time with a 800fi. when my daughter was born 12 years ago I decided( wife made me) give up biking and be a “safe dad. 4 years ago while chatting to a plasterer at work about bikes he said he would bring his bike (a blue 800fi) into work so I could have a go. He did, I loved it and I was back into biking. Only thing is I bought a blade, had that for a year then bought a tuono. Moving on, one of my crowd got knocked off his bike which was wrecked, so he was off the road, we had a whip round and bought a 91 vfr 750 of ebay so he could get “back on the horse”. I picked it up and realized how comfortable and easy it was to ride just like the plasterers 800 and totally unlike my angry Tuono. So I flogged my Tuono and bought an 18 year old red 800 fi and I and my 53 year old knees, wrists, back, belly and 11 year old pillion passenger daughter love it and I doubt I will ever sell it.

  8. It’s great reading all of your comments and stories about this phenomenal machine. I’ve had my 99 red since early 2000, when my 91 was stolen. Even though my 67 year old spine is in terrible condition and I need two new knees, I just can’t bring myself to get rid of it. It’s the only bike I’ve ever truly bonded with.
    Thinking that the matte black 2004 could be even better, I bought that too and ended up selling it to my brother three years later. Well I won’t bore you with details (even though I probably already did) but my nephew now owns it and loves it as much as we love our G5s.
    The poor bike hasn’t been ridden for years. 🙁

  9. Just purchased a 1999 vfr800 today. It’s the red, silver anniversary edition that people either love or hate. It’s got 49000 km on it and rides great. I’ve come off a versys 650 so it’s a big step up…even tho I love the versys….apart from the seat. Is there anything you can recommend that I should do straight away apart from change oil, filters, check rectifier, chain? It does have one issue, that is it will only start with side stand up, even in neutral. Must be a faulty switch so I’ll need to get that fixed.

  10. I bought a 105K mile yellow VFR800 a couple of years ago and have added another 15K commuting long distance once a week year round. It has let me down a couple of times. Once due to the idiocy of a previous owner that had left a brake pad shim out of a front caliper. The downside of a linked braking system is that when a pad drops out you lose pressure in the entire system! Fortunately I was able to bring the bike to a safe halt. The second major failure was a dead battery due to a failed reg/rec so I now have a voltmeter fitted. I might have the money to buy a new bike soon but can’t find one that would replace the VFR except for a lower mileage example.

  11. Owned my 1998 for three years, sold it to my son (cheaply), bought it back, still enjoying it…truly one of the best all-round usable and reliable bikes ever built.

  12. Just picked up a 2000 with 11,900 miles. Been sitting In a garage for a while and is a restoration project.
    I’ve gone through the brakes, working on gas tank and fuel delivery systems. Cosmetically, it looks great just needs some detailing. I’m almost finished with it, just waiting on new fuel pump and hope to be cranking it up shortly thereafter.

  13. my 5th gen has 39k. two brothers flapper and emissions model and fan switch, it’s stuck in SF toll o can liberate it!

  14. Yea, good hearing these stories from loyal and happy VFR owners. I just bought mine a year ago, 1999 with 33k miles for $1,600.
    It’s been a fun year. My bike looks its age but sounds and runs like it’s got something to prove! Nobody wants to race me at the red after they hear the roar of my 780cc…

  15. A college pal knew I was keen and offered his 96 with failed R/R for an attractive price, I recall nearly tripping on my shoes as I reached so quickly to shake his hand. In short I intended a quick flip but with Delovnic slip on it makes a wicked wicked song. The geared valve train makes my think Quaife limited slip diff. , more race track fantasy. Friends drool saying my approaches remind of a trip to the race track. At 56 seating posture is important. While more prone than my K75 and 1200 Wing/couch this is a very comfortable posture I can manage all day. Covid19 makes money tight- I think I’d sell anything else first to pay the rent.

  16. Love my ‘98VFR…fell off my ‘99 a few years ago, spent a couple years looking and found a ‘98 for sale about 50 miles away with 8700 (!!!) miles on it- first owner had a stable, 2nd owner rode it regularly for two years and installed 45 liter Givi sidecases and an unknown volume but huge top case that makes moto-camping a breeze. Fortunately for me his significant other found it too uncomfortable! Live in New England, commute on it year-round, has a VFRness so as of yet no typical r/r issues (the VFR’s only Achilles heel). It’s been said before, but I think it’s the best model of the most versatile motorcycle ever.

  17. It’s A great bike. I have my Red 1999 VFR since the day I bought it from the dealer. It’s been 21 years, and still rides great. Only have 5,600 miles on it. Most of the miles were put on before I got married. She wasn’t much of a rider so we drove the car every were. I did ride the bike for small trips like getting a hair cut or going to work if it was a dress down day. Now I am divorced and started to ride more.

  18. I love my 1999 50th Anniversary VFR. I have owned many bikes over the years but this is the one I’ll keep for all the reasons above and because it has an indefinable ‘something’ that the others lack, which is at the heart of the VFR.

  19. I have a 2000 yellow Honda vfr800 fi # 00415 it has a104.000 miles on it still does 160miles per hour no problem I take it for a scream whenever I can I just bought another one identical year color and everything #00023 with 31,000 miles on it in mint state it’s like a jewel I recommended VFR for anybody the only downside of the VFR is the rectifier going out but if you change your lights all of them over to LED it will solve that problem standard bulbs are just too hard on the system….FTW..
    ” forever two wheels” for those that don’t know…norman.p

  20. Some great tales of VFR 800 FI ownership there!

    My VFR *00 FI-W had a troubled upbringing early in its life being a Cat C write off in the UK. It was then purchased by a previous owner from the breakers who got it roadworthy and eventually it ended up in my hands. I have all its paperwork.

    Apart from the R/R, the bike has been very reliable and enjoyable, it has been in France, Spain, Ireland, the Scottish Islands many times and is a joy to ride and own. Turning circle could be better but that’s about it!

    Issues? Well the bugger could get hot even based in Scotland! So I fitted an override switch and if need be I can manually turn on the fan if I get worried. I also fitted a little red LED on the dash that lets me know when the fan has kicked in or I switch it on as you can’t hear the fan running above the engine. The oil cooler and steel chromed lines were in bad shape over the years and I fitted a good second hand VTR oil cooler, welded on some threaded outlet spigots and used AN fittings and stainless braided pipe – it gives me peace of mind and the thing I dread is oil getting onto the back wheel. An electric Scottoiler keeps the chain in good nick. Fairings can start to crack at stress points but this can usually be cured via the inside of the fairing by abrading the local area and a two part adhesive mix for reinforcement. The rest has just been regular items and various bearings etc.

    Now, I think this bike will be with me for some time to come as it does all I need and what more do I want! Ok the garage is full of old British and some Italian bikes as well – but nothing is such an all rounder and reliable as the VFR!

  21. I’ve owned a vfr 1999 anivesary model from new been all over europe with it now has 38,000 mls on clock up graded to maxton suspension (brilliant as its rider specific) had cobin styled seat fitted make all day riding a sinch fitted a computer cooling fan onto the R/R wierd into day time running lite and has since been trouble free change oil filter at start of each season

  22. Update: stumbled back onto this article / thread in 2021. My 5th gen is at about 55k miles, still running and looking as good as ever. Better than ever, actually, because I’ve upgraded the seat. I bought a Sergeant split seat and also a leather Corbin GunFighter (one piece with backrest for passenger).
    Either one is a major improvement over the stock saddle. The split style is cool for running around town (the rear becomes an easy access glove box) and I leave my soft luggage attached to the the Corbin (including a trunk bag attached to the backbrest) ready for a quick swap.

  23. I’ve owned my 2000 VFR since 2014 when it was time to upgrade from my 1970 Moto Guzzi Ambassador. Doing the on-line research beforehand, fell in love with the style, performance and design of the bike. Currently have 40k on the odometer. Looking forward to getting saddle time in as the weather gets warmer. Great bike, does everything I need it to do.

  24. Well I enjoyed reading all that , raining hard outside and I,m indoors waiting for the courier to deliver my new purchase which is a vfr800fi 1999 . passed my bike test way back in 1965 and have owned and rode several bikes , some good some awful always a sports , bike , cafe racer nut … I,m 72 now so need a good reliable, comfy , enjoyable mount . In my garage sits my baby , a rr7 hrc blade which is mint , bought it 2nd. hand 10 yrs ago with 1 owner . after about 100 mls. a fag break is required . so a red vfr800fi is on it,s way . always rated them . ss pipes are fitted full mot , needs a few bits , n, bobs will fit a gear indicator & voltmeter and check reg/ rect. full service . can,t wait happy rides to all.

  25. Fixed my charging system by replacing the total loss (non) regulator with one from a Yamaha bike that actually regulates. Great 98 VFR 800 with Supertrapp exhaust and white powdercoated wheels.

  26. GW if the gen5 vfr is the best bike honda ever built and honda build the best bikes in the world you do the math. they certainly are something very special.

  27. Picking up a ’99 with 20k on the clock. Always garaged, always covered in the garage. I’ve known this bike since new with three owners. Rarely saw it but knew they had it. It’s been sitting for 4-5 years so not sure what I’m getting in to. Change ALL fluids, filters, check brakes, cables, new battery and see what happens. I’m sure suspension will need some seals soon.

  28. Check front brakes very carefully, with time the top “stopper” preventing the brake falling out can wear away and doing some as simple as pushing bike backwards can remove a pad. Plus take care removing fairing as gets delicate with age and honda fastenings can seize up. Mines a 1999, bought 6 months old, beautiful bike

  29. Is $4700 for a 1999 VFR 800 with 12000K miles and in perfect condition a fair price for me to pay? Thinking of selling my 1993 GSX 1100G and buying the VFR.

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