Project 23 Completed

Back in January this 2002 VFR800 Interceptor came to us from the original owner in suburban Chicago. Mike had used the bike as intended — a sport touring mount complete with Hondaline saddle bags, top trunk and a Honda extended service package. He racked up 36,000 miles, mostly on the beautiful roads of the Appalachians. Mike is done riding now, and his baby is ready for its next caretaker.
(click on the image for a hi-resolution photo gallery)

My approach to this project was to take the VFR back to its roots as a sterling first-year example of VTEC technology, still in use to this day. The luggage is gone and the bike is looking lean with its new, never mounted rear seat cowl in place along with the passenger peg brackets and handholds removed (easily remounted). This simple modification visually lightens the rear portion of the bike and emphasizes the trademark single-sided swingarm. Fresh iridium spark plugs and K&N air filter have this engine purring quietly in anticipation of the 11,800 RPM redline. Brakes have been treated to fresh EBC HH pads and the hydraulics flushed along with the coolant and fork oil. The Metzeler Z8 tires have most of their life left and the chain and sprockets are like new. In the comfort department, I've added heated hand grips and 19mm handlebar risers. The rest of the package is as Mike rode it off the showroom floor. This VFR800 is ready and waiting for its next chapter.