Honda has finally given us the long-awaited V-4 in the form of the VFR1200F, and we're all rushing out to sell our GSX-Rs and place deposits at the local Honda dealer, right? No, of course we aren't. We need more than a bulky sport-touring motorcycle to light our collective fire. We want something mid-sized that will eat corners and have ground clearance to spare, an alternative to the current sportbike market while still being mainstream and reliable. In fact, Honda built such a V-4 sportbike all the way back in 1984-the VFR500 Interceptor, which came full or half-faired. It was a lean, mean, nimble machine capable of 135 mph. Replaced after a three-year production run by the CBR600, we think it's time for a revisit. How does a VFR600 sound? Yeah, we thought so too.
Engine
At the heart of our VFR is a sleeved-down version of the new generation V-4 motor. While the VFR1200 makes 170 HP, our 600 makes do with a more modest 125 HP, but with considerably less weight and a healthy 55 LB-FT of torque. Performance is similar to the class-leading Triumph Daytona 675, and leagues ahead of the current CBR600RR. Are you imagining the bark from the 4-2 underseat exhaust system yet?
Chassis
With a fusion of CBR600 and 1000 technology in the frame, the handling is always going to be a strong point. Showa forks mated to VFR1200 brakes and wheels provide overkill on the stopping front and a VFR800 single-sided swingarm may be more complex and add a touch more weight than is strictly needed, but hell, it looks so damn nice we couldn't resist. Mass-centralization plays a key role here and it's helped by the V-4's engine layout which results in the sweetest-handling chassis and most drivable motor in the class.
Bodywork
The underseat exhaust uses outlets in the tail unit to keep groins from cooking, and the main fairing also uses extensive venting to move air through and around the compact 'V' of the motor. With styling cues from bikes as far afield as the Suzuki GSV-R, Ducati 1098 and RCV MotoGP bike, we feel it's a fitting and worthy update to the humble VFR500 Interceptor. And we love that it reminds us a little of a hammerhead shark too.