Hi there all, I joined the forum here because I'm considering buying an '08 Interceptor. I currently own a 2003 YZF600R. I bought it with 1,200 miles on it and put 42,000 more on in the first 2 years I owned it. The last two years my job has taken me away from home 11 months at a time, and the ol' Thundercat has been sitting. First off, are there any major issues with the VFR? I know the YZF model I own has a bulletproof engine but the transmission could be tricky sometimes- shift drum and fork wear, etc... I personally haven't had any major problems with it, but many others did. Secondly, how is the ride and handling? Any problems with long distances or freeway riding? On the YZF my longest ride in a single day was around 800 miles. Although sitting anywhere for 800 miles can get uncomfortable, I could've gone farther if I'd needed to. Third, aand finally, are there any "must have" mods that folks do to the VFR? Not sure if this one makes sense, but for the T-cat a shift kit and jet kit completely changed the bike for the better. I know it's all about personal taste, but those were two things everyone needed. I've read quite a few reviews and such from motorcycle mags and in online articles, but I'd rather get opinions from folks who put more than a day or two worth of riding before judging the machine. Thanks!
major issues? 6th gens had a wiring harness recall, but that's about the worst I've heard. If you buy from a dealer that will already have been taken care of. I don't speak from personal experience with a 6th gen, but... Long distance - If you can do 800 miles on a YZF, VFR you could double that! Ride is very comfortable and mostly upright. Although the bike is hefty in terms of weight it's very compliant to user input and nimble. Freeway riding is probably where it's weight comes best into play, VFRs feel VERY stable at freeway speeds because of the weight. Must have mods? A lot of people throw on aftermarket exhausts to emphasize the V-4 roar. Heli-bars raise the handles for an even more comfortable position. The stock seat is a source of grief for many riders, who often choose to go with an aftermarket sergeant seat or similar. Just go ride one, you'll sell the bike to yourself.
If properly maintainted, most V-4's will long out last any inline 4's. The VFR is a great all around bike. Hard to beat a bike that does nothing wrong, and everything pretty well. Shifting might be a tad notchy on some (lots of Honda's are), but my 5th gen shifts pretty well. An aftermarket shift kit is always an option if you are not satisfied. Welcome to the forum btw!
No major issues to speak of from the 06 and on as the wire harness recall doesn't apply. I would say that the fuel delivery of the 6th gen can be improved from stock and you will benefit greatly if you take advantage of the mods and tweaks available to improve it. Other than that get on her and start rackin up the mileage. Get the matching hardbags now if there available to you. The 6th gen suspension was designed for around a 175lb person. If you like a stiff and aggressive suspension setup and weigh more than 175lbs expect to upgrade the springs at the least.
