2009 Honda Interceptor

I'm disappointed, very disappointed.

I was sure looking forward to see the new VFR 1000 that we've been hearing about.

why would I buy a 09 when I can buy a 06, same color, just few cosmetic things different.

 

If they're going to murder out the 09, why not do the cans too? It's a nice looking 6th gen - just like the rest of 'em.

 

they look like there mz4 original OEM tires my bike came with.crap tires if u ride hard your asking to go down on those. they are great high mileage tires

 

LOL thats a great way to look at it. the way things are going gen6 is going for a decade long run. how many more colors are left before Honda red again

 

Areas that I noticed changed:

- Forks are Black
- Bar Ends are Polished
- Nissin Calipers are Black like the '06
- Master Cylinder and Clutch Resevoirs are Black like the earlier 6th Gens
- There seems to be more Black around the handles and triple-tree, but from this angle it is hard to tell
- Wheels of Course are Black
- Front Rotor is completely Silver, not partially gold anodized in the center section like the '08
- Frame is Black - makes me wonder if the Triple-Tree and Handles are Black as Well?
- Oddly enough, Passenger Grab-Handles are not installed, looks like a blanking plate of some kind?
- Same Decals as the '06

 

Let me just start by saying I bought and tuned an '08 with the thought it would be in my garage for a while serving as my sport tourer, regardless of a future 1000 model. I did go into it knowing however that if a full blown supersport or moto gp version came out that I would buy one of those as well. With the '09 seemingly set to come out with no major differances than any other 6TH GEN one has to wonder if Honda won't blind side everyone with a moto gp RVF 800 in the next season or two. Sign me up if they do!!

Never to early to start the rumor gears running!!

 

I kind of like the faux-murdered-out look. I too am disappointed that all the talk of a V5 VFR1000 was just that--talk. There's always next year

 

It's kind of interesting that Honda didn't replumb the '09 with the Electronic Version of Combined ABS that the CBR1000RR ABS and CBR600RR ABS Models just got. I understand the CBR1000RR is brand new this year, but the CBR600RR - isn't - yet it still got the Electronic Combined ABS! And all the current Honda ABS Models will (should) receive this because it is a lot lighter, more responsive, cheaper to produce and much easier to maintain. So to me, it just says that the Interceptor is just being recycled another year or two to get through a bit longer for a major redesign - that would effect the braking system - I mean why revamp the braking system on a model that will be redesigned the following year or two? And changing to a different motor would effect the braking system entirely. Or you could take it as an indicator - if the other models that have ABS receive it and the VFR isn't - what is being said about the VFR. Margins probably account for this - the Penny Pinchers might think the margins are too small for the upgrades, and/or it is possible the VFR will be redesigned here shortly. One thing that has always seemed to happen for certain - and I say this because I followed the Honda Civic's for a long time - with the introduction of Catalytic Converters, displacement always jumps. I know honda held onto the D15B and D16A Civic Motors forever and the Increasing Emmissions Requirement, NVH Reduction, and Automatic Transmission Refinement just sapped every bit of power and responsiveness out of those engines. They bored out the motors all the way to 1700cc from 1500cc (originally 1300cc back in the 80's) - these motors all shared similar blocks and heads and retooling the lines didn't require a lot of overhead costs. And the increasing of CC's was all because of increasing body weight, addition of power accessories, power assist, increasing compartment sizes, then crush zones were introduced, increasing body stiffness, etc. They went to larger displacement, lighter motors with a lot more technology, consistently (something in line with the VFR). I see a trend on the 800cc V-4 as well - ever since the introduction of the VTEC and Catalytic Converters. Honda will probably use this motor to the point it just is obvious that it is bleeding for a major upgrade. I think that has been pretty obvious for a while. But you introduce a new motor, and with Honda, the entire package changes as well - they are extremely finite! Don't be suprised if in '10 the VFR goes through the same metamorphisis the CBR1000RR got for the same reasons - but in a VFR Sense. The VFR has a mission - a Sportbike that you can take distances and remain comfortable, yet carve and attack corners with, and still carry a second person and/or luggage on a different trip. So your looking at a Bike that is extremely versatile and capable of performing in several modes, as well as possible. And this takes a lot of engineering, knowledge and testing. And it says to me, an Emphasis on: a Motor that can produce torque - yet produce horsepower, be competitive with most Sportbikes, and yet be extremely efficient - a suspension set that works very well for a good range of weight differences and weight bias (2-up / Cargo) - Braking system that is transparent with the ABS - etc. The Interceptor is an amazing Bike when you take it all in. With the way Honda took the RR's, I am really interested in what they are going to do with the VFR.

...one last bit - I think more and more people today expect more out of there motorcycles - especially as a primary means of tranportation, and with the higher costs of gas, pricing on cars, and car maintenance. The VFR fits this more and more. That's why I purchased one. And I wanted a sport bike that was comfortable and "useful" - most Sport Bikes are not! Hopefully we see more and more VFR's on the road in the near future. And hopefully Honda gets a better package out the door this next round and not another re-hash.

 

Black bikes suck at night, at least another color option would be nice. I almost got creamed on a black bike once. A flat Grey would kick ass if you ask me!! and you would never have to wax it... LOL

 

I wonder if the main frame spars will fade like the subframe does after a while........

 

If you look that picture of the comparison you can see it says metzeler ME z6 on the 09' rear tire. Save it to hard drive then zoom in on the top part of the tire. definately z6. Redesigned possibly. My z6's don't look like that either.
:wink:

 

The Spanish scheme is a little different.

 

Yeah, I'm curious about that myself, my sub is starting to look like :bs: , I was thinking of getting it powdercoated flat black in the future. Unless of course an RWB jumps into my toy shed when I'm not looking:unsure:

 

Where did you get that pic from? I checked the UK Honda Powersports site and couldn't find it.

Honda (UK) - Motorcycles

 

LOL I just like an hour ago posted that up in another link, guess great minds think a like No?

 

Click the VFR Banner off the below link, it also cycles through the other '09 colours:
Nuevos Modelos Honda 2009 | Web Oficial de Honda Motos | Montesa - Honda

 

new vfr

hi, found this on the web..
they say this is, maybe, the new VFR....
Uhmmmmm...
Lamps, Carmine

 

Honda V-Four | Gallery | Moto | VIRGILIO Motori
see this link....

 

Good god, with all that technology it's no wonder it took Honda so long for the redesign. Can't wait to go pick one up! I wonder what it's 0-Jupiter times are like!!!

Thanks for the laugh!!!

 

Went to the Intermot show in Cologne Germany,no news of a new vfr
but ther was this new Aprillra v four on display.No pricetag yet.