2008 Middleweight Sport-Touring Shootout BMW F800ST vs Honda VFR800 Interceptor - Motorcycle Review

2008 Middleweight Sport-Touring Shootout BMW F800ST vs Honda VFR800 Interceptor - Motorcycle Review

Motorcycle.com rode from Los Angeles to Monterey, CA on a BMW F800ST and a Honda VFR800 Interceptor. After more than 900 miles of twisties and fast pavement, we compare these two middleweight sport tourers. Competitive in price, performance and comfort, it's in the details where these bikes differentiate from each other.
Read the full comparison at Motorcycle.com. http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2008-middleweight-sporttouring-shootout-...

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• bmw
• f800st
• Honda
• vfr800
• interceptor
• sport-touring
• motorcycle
• review
• shootout
• comparo
• comparison

[ShamanWS6]

I've gone 15 hours on a GSX-R 1000. Honestly, everything is uncomfortable after 15 hours.

[jorgensen8]

I rode both and am much more impressed with the F800ST. The VFR felt heavy, it has a chain, no ABS, and doesn't come on unless you wind it out. Besides, how much over 140 mph do you want to go? This is personal, but I enjoy a bike that's a little different.

[996artichoke]

Bmw 800 should not be allowed to compare to vfr it is so ugly and inferior in nearly every aspect

[MisterPeetBull]

@jorgensen8 I ride a VFR- and they have ABS, dummy...not that you really need it if you know how to ride. Plus my Honda is much, much prettier.

[skakisla]

@Martian74 Don't be offended about your bikes engine, I was just speaking my mind. But fuel prices is a growing burden for all of us. So my comment was about the things you have to compare when bying a motorcycle (or even a car these days) and that fuel consumption should be one of them. That makes an allaround comparison. I drive in Europe I own four motorcycles and I hate scooters.

[Martian74]

@skakisla Why don't you just get a scooter then and stop watching comparos on sports tourers. Here in Australia we need bigger bikes as the distances are much further so a bike that can cruise along at 110km/h is necessary, that is why I went for the VFR800. The VTEC is there when I want to use it otherwise it doesn't hurt anything just having it.

[Jim21680]

Owning the F800ST has been a regret. It's a great-riding bike...it really is. The power is ample, and the handling is just plain sweet. However, everything else about the bike is just one big headache (or, a bunch of big headaches)! It's poorly built, especially for something wearing a BMW badge. Then comes rear wheel bearing issues, piston slap (yes, PISTON SLAP!), grip heater failures, dead batteries, and an idle that just never seems right no matter how much you get used to it. BMW FAIL!

[daemontrym]

I've never ridden the latest gen VFR800s but I do ride a 95 VFR750F. I love this bike and playing with the tire choices make for a great handling bike. I run a Pilot Power front with a Pilot Road rear and the bike transitions very well. I used to have an 07 R6 before I became a full time student. They are great bikes I just don't like the super man seating position. Either one is uncomfortable after 15hrs but the VFR doesn't make u sore for days.

[skakisla]

Nice review but you could have mentioned how many times did the bikes stop for fuel, or their overall fuel consumption. Please bear in mind that the VFR in order to keep up (when at high speeds) it has to operate all valves and that is a very important factor when you have to compare it with the BMW in terms of fuel consumption. Also bikes are mainly used inside the city and occasionaly for touristic reasons. I still don't understand why one needs a 4 cylinder 16 valve VTEC engine for a bike...

[agilestyle73]

A Rotax 2line VS an HONDA V4 VTEC? No match pals!

[Wabbit1961]

I've owned a 2006 Honda VFR INterceptor since 2008. I bought it on consignment with only 734 miles on it. No ABS. It came with hard cases and case liners. I put O2 sensor elliminators, K&N air filter, and a Givi Touring screen. This bike is fantastic. So smooth. It eggs the rider to test it and themselves everyday. I put Pirelli Angel ST tires on it and it makes a HELL of a difference in handling and front end heaviness. It's like a new, way more nimble bike! A shame they dropped it in 2010.