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How do you improve a motorcycle that has repeatedly been acknowledged as one of the world\'s all-time best?
Check out the VFR800.
In New Zealand now is the year 2000 model, the latest in a direct line of V4 bikes named by leading bike media as \'simply the best\'.
The V4-engined VFR800 bristles with revolutionary features that have set new standards in motorcycling.
Consider: the same dynamic, high-tech fuel-injected engine package which powered Aaron Slight\'s famous RC45 superbike racer; a lightweight and rigid, pivotless frame: not to mention its aggressive, high-tech look providing an unmistakable forewarning of exhilarating rides to come.
The VFR800 comes from a long line of US-inspired machines which sidestep the hard-core, performance-first image of racer-replica superbikes with their accompanying discomfort, opting for a more mature, rider-focused approach to the joys of big bike riding.
It\'s a successful formula - the VFR\'s 750cc forerunner was voted by top US magazine Cycle World the best streetbike in its class ten years in a row.
The machine the Americans codename the Interceptor was last year named Motorcycle of the Year by another highly respected US journal, Motorcyclist. Here\'s what the editors said:
\"The new Interceptor is good enough to vapor-lock the auto-superlative function on the laptop computers of bike journalists everywhere ... This year it has no equal in motorcycling ... It is simply the best. And in an age where there are truly no bad motorcycles, that\'s saying a mouthful.\"
Features of the VFR800
Honda\'s proud and popular VFR has been renowned for years as a showcase for many of Honda\'s most advanced motorcycle technologies.
From its powerful DOHC V4 engine to its perimeter-style dual-spar aluminium frame and impeccable quality of craftsmanship, the VFR has consistently incorporated the best that Honda has to offer.
It was in 1998 the VFR was completely revamped with the high-powered new engine based on the one that carried Honda\'s famous RVF/RC45 to a long string of racing victories, while its innovative \'pivotless\' frame separated the steering head from the engine-mounted swing arm in an advanced and lightweight design.
Now those advances have been consolidated to extend Honda\'s lead.
Advances in aerodynamics permit the VFR\'s radiators to be mounted at its sides rather than in front, as in conventional liquid-cooling systems, for more effective cooling and a more compact design.
The VFR\'s new-generation Dual Combined Brake System is simpler, lighter and more compact than its earlier generations, offering refined braking control.
And now the introduction of Honda\'s innovative new HECS3 emissions control system provides irrefutable evidence of Honda\'s longstanding efforts to minimise the motorcycle\'s impact on our fragile environment.
As technological breakthroughs have risen to meet the challenges of the times, it was felt that the time was right to introduce the low-emissions VFR to a wider range of users.
But rather than simply swapping the new system for the old, the VFR\'s design team felt it important that the new low-emissions version provide all the power and performance of the \'standard\' version it would be replacing, while offering more on the side to further increase its inherent desirability.
The team set about to refine the VFR\'s HECS3 low-emissions system and explore further improvements to assure the VFR\'s place as Honda\'s technological performance flagship.
For the year 2000, the VFR further consolidates its position as the performance and technology leader of the 750cc class. Carefully conceived improvements made to its HECS3 low-emissions system ensure that the engine performance is strong enough to justify its inclusion in every version of the VFR to be made for the demanding market of Europe-as well as NZ and the rest of the world.
In fact the VFR\'s performance is not merely \'strong enough,\' but stronger overall, and with lower exhaust emissions and lower fuel consumption than the current model, never mind any other comparable sized motorcycle available till now.
The VFR also features such improvements as a new automatic bypass starting system that ensures quick and easy starts and smooth operation in even the coldest weather conditions, and a new Honda Ignition Security System (H.I.S.S.) to protect against potential theft.
As Honda\'s proud technological flagship, the VFR leads the way with an uncompromising concern for the environment, safety and all-round riding enjoyment.
Nothing else compares.
Specifications
| Model Name: | 2000 VFR800FY |
| Engine | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC 90 degree V-4 |
| Bore x Stroke | 72 x 48mm |
| Displacement | 781.7cm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.6 : 1 |
| Carburetion | Electronic fuel injection |
| Max. Power Output | 106PS/10,500rpm (95/1/EC) (78kW/10,500min-1) 110PS/10,500rpm (DIN) (81kW/10,500min-1) |
| Max. Torque | 8.2kg-m/8,750rpm (95/1/EC) (80Nm/8,750min-1) 8.5kg-m/8,750rpm (DIN) (83Nm/8,750min-1) |
| Ignition | Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance |
| Starter | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Final Drive | \'O\'-ring sealed chain |
| Dimensions | 2,095 x 735 x=B4 1,190mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,440mm |
| Seat Height | 805mm |
| Ground Clearance | 130mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 21 litres |
| Wheels Front | 17 x MT3.50 \'U\'-section 6-spoke cast aluminium |
| Rear | 17 x MT5.50 \'U\'-section 5-spoke cast aluminium |
| Tyres Front | 120/70 ZR17 (58W) |
| Rear | 180/55 ZR17 (73W) |
| Suspension Front | 41mm H.M.A.S. cartridge-type telescopic fork with stepless pre load adjustment, 109mm axle travel |
| Rear | Pro-Link with 7-step pre load and stepless rebound-adjustable gas-charged H.M.A.S. damper, 120mm axle travel |
| Brakes Front | 296 x 4.5mm dual floating hydraulic disc with Combined 3-piston callipers and sintered metal pads |
| Rear | 256 x 6mm hydraulic disc with Combined 3-piston calliper and sintered metal pads |
| Dry Weight | 210kg |
| Price | $21,000 |
Contact the online Honda dealers for more info:
Whitelock Honda
Langlands Motorcycles
Peter Glidden Honda
Freedom Honda
