By the 2005 model year, the Interceptor sport bike from Japanese manufacturer Honda was in its sixth production cycle and now bore the VFR800 to represent its engine displacement. In addition to the regular model (Interceptor Base), Honda provided a variant with a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) called the Interceptor ABS. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the 2005 Honda Interceptor are $10,499 for the Interceptor Base and $11,499 for the Interceptor ABS.
Each 2005 Honda Interceptor is powered by a four-stroke liquid-cooled V-4 VTEC® engine that displaces at 781 cubic centimeters. Four intake valves go on each of the engine’s four cylinders for a grand total of 16. It has a bore and stroke of 2.84 x 1.89 inches (72 x 47.7 millimeters) and a compression ratio of 11.6 to 1. Each 2005 Interceptor engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. For fuel, each bike has a 5.8-gallon (22-liter) tank.
Braking on the 2005 Honda Interceptor is enabled by a pair of disc brakes, consisting of a front 11.7-inch (296-mm) dual disc and a rear 10.1-inch (256-mm) single disc. The added ABS on the Interceptor ABS variant prevents wheel lock-up during braking. The suspension on the bike consists of a thick 1.7-inch (43-mm) telescopic fork at the front and a light twin-sided aluminum swing arm with shock absorber at the back for absorbing bumps on the road. Each 2005 Interceptor rides on large 17-inch aluminum wheel wrapped in tubeless tires.
Honda used aluminum to construct the frame of the 2005 Interceptor, making it lighter than if it was using steel. A spoiler is added for an aerodynamic look and feel, and the bike is available in Light Silver Metallic or Red. Digital instrumentation on the 2005 Interceptor consists of a clock, tachometer, trip odometer, speedometer, and temperature warning and fuel level warning gauge. The bike also has a tinted windshield, under-seat storage, halogen headlight, and a pair of rearview mirrors.
The models of the 2005 Honda Interceptor share a wheelbase of 57.4 inches (1,458 mm). However, at 472 lbs. (214.1 kilograms), the Interceptor Base weighs more than the Interceptor ABS, which has a dry weight of 483 lbs. (219.1 kg).
With the VFR800 introduced in 1998 and offering fierce competition for Ducati and Triumph, the Interceptor had hit its stride with the 2005 model year. Perfect for casual riding, performance-oriented cruises, or both, the 2005 Interceptor is lightweight, provides awesome performance, and has great stopping power.