I own an 04 Ceptor (asphalt black non-abs model) and 07 FJR (black cherry clutch model)
If I had to have one
bike to do it all it would be the FJR. But I still
love my Interceptor and have no plans to sell her.
Of the two, the Interceptor feels much lighter, much
more flickable and "one" with the rider - more
connected to the road. You can "read" turns easier by
way of feedback through the front wheel. It is also
easier to handle at slow speeds, around a parking lot
and on uneven surfaces like a driveway, because my
feet are much more firmly planted on the ground (I am 5'11" and have a 32" inseam). This feels like its due to a
narrower tank and lower seat height. It also is two
notches closer to a sportbike riding position, canting
you forward on your wrists a bit more. While this
probably contributes to feeling one with the machine,
this combined with slighly less leg clearance makes
longer treks a bit more achy on the knees and wrists.
Hardbags are optional - and stick out like Ross
Perot's ears, and are far less integrated into the
design compared to the standard bags on the FJR.
Those underexhaust pipes look cool, but you pay a
price with how the bags have to sit next to them. I
have a Cortech bag mounted on the rear saddle and that
suffices for short trips, but would not be adequate
for weekenders - for that you'd likely need the bags.
Chain drive is smooth but higher maintenance compared
to the FJR's clean, easy to maintain shaft drive.
Also, if you do get the bags for the VFR, when you
take them off you see the brackets. When you take the
bags off the FJR, you'd never know it even came with
bags. Again, better integrated on the FJR.
The FJR is and feels much larger. Even in the lower
position the seat and wider tank make it more
cumbersome to move around at slow speeds. But...
It has full instrumentation including a gear
indicator, it's bags are much better integrated, it
has a glove box and power port, it is rock solid
stable at all speeds (not that the Ceptor isn't mind you) and provides the ability to
adjust how isolated you are from the freeway by way of
a slick electrically controlled windscreen. It is
definitely the bike of choice for longer trips, but
still offers a great dose of canyon carving ability,
ground clearance and awesome power. The engine is
beyond marvelous. You feel like you can cruise all
day at 100+ mph in complete comfort and relaxation.
Not so on the Ceptor. It feels overall more plush and
luxurious to the Interceptors more visceral rawness.
While both are tourers, no question to me that the
Interceptor is dialed two notches closer to a pure
sportbike and the FJR two closer to a
trans-continental steed.
Beautiful thing is you can't go wrong with either.
Both are proven, both are truly world-class machines.
Both have center stands and ABS (optional on the
Interceptor). If you're just going to do shorter
trips with the occasional longer trip and value having
people think you bought an exotic sportbike, the
Interceptor's your bag but forgo the hardbags. But if
you like the looks of the FJR, and don't care if
people know you're on a tourer, and put higher value
to comfort - go FJR. Either way, you'll have the
ability to own the road and you'll feel a lot more in
control of your steed compared to the V-Rod.
Note it seems the Interceptor doesn't quiote hold it's
value as well. If considering used, may be a good
chance on getting a slightly used VFR for cheap...
Hope this helps.
MA