Considering an Interceptor

hey folks;

A quick post to introduce myself. Due to some unexpected medical bills I sold my '06 FJR1300A this last Spring. Gotta tell you it's killing me not to have a bike in the garage and on the road. I recently found a pretty good deal on an '07 Interceptor -- thinking this would be a good compromise to the feejer...

I'm 56 and wondering if there are any other members of the geezer faction out there riding an Interceptor. What are your thoughts about the bike? thanks for your thoughts.

Best regards to all
slainte

Patrick

 

Well I never rode an FJR, but my favorite bike used to be an FJ1100 that I had about 12 years ago. I have a gen 5 VFR now. It has about the same power, but it weighs about 100 lbs less. Of course, the FJR makes a lot more hp than an FJR and an '07 VFR weighs more than a '98, but still, when you are comparing it to bikelessness, how can you go wrong?

 

Well,Slide.... I'm on my 2nd VFR 08'... I've had it for 6 months new (13+k now) and love it. I had a VFR 99' I put 100k on before I sold it.... I've also had a couple of Beemers prior to thatOne of which I put another 100k on.... Point being, is that I like the VFR's better..... By the way I'm 64 "½"......

 

hey SlideSF... I sure can't argue your last statement. Thats definitely the case. I'm not terribly concerned about the difference in hp because I'm sure I never tapped the full power of the FJR, never really needed to. I have to believe that proper use of rpms and shift points will make that a non-issue. And the fact is -- I'm not an overly aggressive rider.

My biggest concern is whether riding position will be a lot more sport bike forward than the FJR. If it is I think I can work some of that out with heli-bars, bar backs, or something similar to bring the position a little more upright.

I've got a buddy who has one who says I can do a test ride tomorrow. I'm gonna take him up on it.

Thanks for the reply.

Patrick

 

I'm 53 and purchased the 07 in May of 08 and now have 11,500 miles on it. I have been riding throughout the year. I have a short commute to the train station but have ridden as far as VA Beach (250 miles each way) with my 160 pound brother on the back. Normally my passenger is my girlfriend who weighs much less. I know some on this site don't like ridding two up on the VFR but I barely know she is on the bike. I have the side and top Honda hard bags so it is great for commuting or travel. My guess is your seat will notice the difference from the larger FJR. I'm not sure the stock seat will be comfortable for trips longer than 250 miles but it has gotten more comfortable over time. I average better than 40 MPG with 48 my best for all highway riding. I am going to replace the stock tires this week so am pleased with them lasting almost 12,000 miles. I must admit that prior to this bike my first and only bike was a German Spec. Honda CB 400 that I last rode in 1983 so I don't have experience with other bikes. This has been a great first bike and suspect it will last me a long time. It is fast and maneuverable enough for my riding style and comfortable for the two of us for day/weekend trips. There are plenty of others on this site with far more miles than I that will tell you how great this bike is. Best of luck to you.

 

No truer words have been spoken! :thumbsup:

I am 44, sort of a mini-geezer and I ride a VFR and a CBR.

I have friend who's dad is 62 and rides a FZ6. I can't keep up with him on either bike. Personally, I like the 07. It's damned pretty and I did not find the VTEC annoying like some do. <shrug>

If you can test ride one you will probably be hooked. :smile:

 

thanks for the good info wscjr1! my wife rides her own so I'll rarely be in a position when I'll need to ride two-up, but its great knowing the bike can handle that. I'm not exactly slim and trim any more so it's good to know there's plenty of power to take care of that! :biggrin:

as for the stock seat -- I think every rider has been thru the pain of finding the right bucket for their butt. since finances are still a residual concern I'll stick with the stock at first, but may look at something else later. with Fall coming in on us I'll mostly be looking at commuting, close-in trips with the max being around 200 - 250 miles each way until we hit next Spring. what I do know is you can spend a lot of money very quickly searching for the right cush for your tush.

deadsmiley -- on target man, the bike I saw was very pretty. we'll see about the VTEC kick-in. from the outside that sounds like one of the more interesting aspects of the VFR.

test ride tomorrow morning. I'll let you all know how it goes. I really do appreciate the input. Thanks very much

Patrick

 

hey monk69. great hearing from you. I've owned two beemers in the past (a '94 RS and an '04 RT) and I really enjoyed both bikes. its encouraging to hear you say you like the VFR better.

now I'm getting excited.

Thanks!!

 

Woops.... I ment to direct my post to you(slide..Just kind of stuck in my mind)..... The one I put 100k on was a R 750/5 (72').... I also had a 02' RT...

 

No problem Monk, I understood. I'll bet that R750 was really quite a bike. terrific engineering for the time.

I really liked my RT and hated to sell it too, but my youngest daughter decided she wanted to go to school and there wasn't a good way to do the bike payment and help her out.

I see your in Danville... great part of this great commonwealth. I love Virginia and thats a beautiful part of it. We've got family in North Carolina and run down past Danville via Rt 29. I kind of miss running thru town now that the bypass is in place.

Thanks for your input.

 

I ride a viffer and I'm 51.
Guess that makes me part of the "geezer faction...":frown:


ace57

 

ah heck, I say that as a joke because I don't feel old at all. I think the more we keep pursuing life the longer we live it and do so to the fullest. riding is one of the best ways I know to do that.

having said that, I'm not 20 any longer and there are some things that don't operate quite as easily and some joints that don't take the same abuse without complaining. Confirming there are other people my age riding this bike comfortably and enjoying it establishes it's a realistic option and encourages me to keep moving forward in the process.

Thanks for your input, certainly helps.
cheers!

 

My group rides every Saturday for 6-7 hours. One rider is 70 years old. He did put heli bars on for a little bit more of an upright position.

I just wrecked my '08 and I'm itching to get it fixed and back on the road.

THe October Motorcyclist magazine has a write-up in the "Smart Money" section. THey call the VFR "THe light-heavyweight sport-touring champion of the world."

 

wow -- OK, I guess that pretty well says it. Thanks!!

very sorry to hear about the accident... never a good thing. I hope you came out of it all right. You can always fix or replace the bike. Here's hoping you get the bike back on the road very soon.

Thanks NOLA... I think think I'll see if I can pick up a copy of that mag. I definitely appreciate the input.

best regards

 

hey folks... thought I'd provide a quick update.

the test ride this morning was awesome. I truly enjoyed riding this bike -- was more than pleasantly surprised. Handling was precise and close to effortless -- look and go, the engine smooth and quiet, and the brakes were spot on. I felt part of the bike, not just a foreign object sitting on top of it. The ride was just a pleasure.

Certainly no power shortage and it's delivery was consistently present without hesitation or interruption. I didn't even mind the stock seat, though I'll say I only had a half hour on the bike.

I'm pretty encouraged to pursue it. downright enjoyable.

Thanks very much for all of your input and advice.
slainte!

 

Glad you liked it.

 

thanks for the encouragement Echo3Niner and thanks for your service to this country. I am the proud father of two US Marines -- both LCpls, one now deployed with the 3/9 in Iraq and the other assigned to 1st LAR in Pendleton. I'm grateful every day for the men and women willing to defend our freedoms and liberties. bless you sir.

OOH-RAH!

 

Thank you for your kind words. I served a long time ago, but thanks are always appreciated. My son is in Iraq right now, hopefully to return in a month. My daughter is actually in your neck of the woods, at Quantico, at least until mid December. When my son is home, he is stationed at Pen. also.

Are you on MarineParents.com? It's a good site for parent support. I'm Echo3Niner there also. Feel free to PM me if you ever want to talk about it.

 

Thanks Echo3Niner... yes, I've been on MarineParents as well, posting there as Old Dominion, in a reference to our home state of Virgnia. I've found that to be a very helpful site thats provided some great support from SOI thru the current time. And several parents from Sean's unit have continued to email each other since the 3/9 deployed.

The last word we've heard is that he should be coming home sometime towards the end of October. Not far behind your son. Here's hoping for a safe return for both of them.

For that matter, my best wishes to both of your children. If there is anything our family can do for your daughter at Quantico -- please don't hesitate to contact me.

I have never served so I've gone thru a real epiphany since our boys joined. Honestly, I continue to be impressed by the integrity and quality of individuals that have now become part of their lives. At the same time I've realized that so often so many of us take for granted the sacrifice required by service. Honor, courage, and commitment are far more than just a motto and I am very grateful we still have young men and women that are willing to be part of the warrior class in order for all of us to pursue the quality of life we enjoy here. It's been an eye-opener and every day I'm thankful for them all.

In any case, thanks again.
best regards

Patrick

 

You are welcome, and thanks for the kind thoughts and offer as well, it is appreciated.