Click on image for the eBay link. What: 1989 VTR250 Interceptor
Where: Allentown, Pennsylvania
Why: Hmmmm...
Price: Auction opens at $2499
The smallest bike to wear the Interceptor brand from Honda is this guy, the VTR250. While it's not V4-powered, the family resemblance to the bigger 'Ceptors is unmistakable, from the 3-spoke wheels to the shape of the seat. So, what is this thing?
The VTR was produced only for the U.S. and Canada markets from 1988 to 1990 (an updated naked model is still available in other markets). The engine is a 90-degree, DOHC, 4-valve V-twin, and is liquid-cooled. We don't often think of V-twins as high-revving engines, but this little guy has a lofty 14,000 RPM red-line. I couldn't find any horsepower figures, but with only 249cc's, there won't be a whole lot. There's no doubt lots of cool Honda tech hidden in that engine, but the most obvious talking point on these bikes is the inboard front disc brake fitted to the 16-inch wheel. Not sure about the thinking here, but it was discontinued for the final model year along with a change to a 17-inch wheel.
Small displacement sportbikes have always had a tough time finding homes in the U.S. and this was no exception. Our seller explains that it was made available to compete in production racing, but me thinks Father Honda would have utilized a more favorable engine configuration if that were the case. In any event these bikes are not common, but do come up on eBay occasionally.
The bike featured here is a very low mileage example, at only 1147, and the seller claims to be the original owner. The bike is stock, right down to the tires. This one could be put back on the road with some tires and maintenance brought up to date. He notes a few small blemishes, so this isn't a museum piece, but could be made so. The colors are hopelessly 80's and definitely period sportbike correct. I'm not sure who our buyer is, but I suspect he or she will expect to pay something less than the opening bid.
Where: Allentown, Pennsylvania
Why: Hmmmm...
Price: Auction opens at $2499
The smallest bike to wear the Interceptor brand from Honda is this guy, the VTR250. While it's not V4-powered, the family resemblance to the bigger 'Ceptors is unmistakable, from the 3-spoke wheels to the shape of the seat. So, what is this thing?
The VTR was produced only for the U.S. and Canada markets from 1988 to 1990 (an updated naked model is still available in other markets). The engine is a 90-degree, DOHC, 4-valve V-twin, and is liquid-cooled. We don't often think of V-twins as high-revving engines, but this little guy has a lofty 14,000 RPM red-line. I couldn't find any horsepower figures, but with only 249cc's, there won't be a whole lot. There's no doubt lots of cool Honda tech hidden in that engine, but the most obvious talking point on these bikes is the inboard front disc brake fitted to the 16-inch wheel. Not sure about the thinking here, but it was discontinued for the final model year along with a change to a 17-inch wheel.
Small displacement sportbikes have always had a tough time finding homes in the U.S. and this was no exception. Our seller explains that it was made available to compete in production racing, but me thinks Father Honda would have utilized a more favorable engine configuration if that were the case. In any event these bikes are not common, but do come up on eBay occasionally.
The bike featured here is a very low mileage example, at only 1147, and the seller claims to be the original owner. The bike is stock, right down to the tires. This one could be put back on the road with some tires and maintenance brought up to date. He notes a few small blemishes, so this isn't a museum piece, but could be made so. The colors are hopelessly 80's and definitely period sportbike correct. I'm not sure who our buyer is, but I suspect he or she will expect to pay something less than the opening bid.
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