Honda Pumps Up Vfr
HONDA PUMPS UP VFR
IT WAS ALREADY ONE OF THE best all-around motorcycles known to man; now, Honda’s V-Four sportbike promises to be even better. New-for-’98 is the 800 Interceptor, a slimmed-down, powered-up VFR complete with redesigned frame and revamped engine.
Motor work included moving the geared cam-drive system from its previous location in the middle of the engine outboard to the right side, a move that got rid of one crankshaft journal (from four to three), which in turn meant the powerplant could be .6 inch narrower. Also new are cylinder sleeves highpressure-formed from sintered aluminum powder impregnated with ceramic and graphite. The claim is lighter weight, better wear and superior heat dissipation compared to the usual steel sleeves.
Fuel injection is standard, shooting the air-fuel mixture through 36mm throttle bodies to redesigned combustion chambers. Output is said to be increased by 10 percent, which would give the Interceptor an honest 100 bhp at the rear wheel.
Besides furnishing forward motion, the new motor pulls double-duty by providing a home for the swingarm pivot and lower shock linkage. This allows for what Honda is calling a “pivotless” frame design-because the swingarm axle pivots through the engine cases, traditional frame sideplates are unneeded.
Twin side-mounted radiators, a la the VTR1000, make room for the wheelbase to be shortened 1.2 inches compared to the VFR750. Claimed dry weight has dropped 6 pounds to 459.
Another feature of note is the inclusion of Honda’s Linked Brake System, claimed to be simpler in design and more attuned to sport riding than previous LBS setups. Suggested retail for the Interceptor, which should be in showrooms in January, is $9499. David Edwards
