2002 Hondas

The VFR800FI Interceptor is now simply called the Interceptor, and that's because the bike has been completely redesigned for 2002. The Interceptor has been one of the most versatile sportbikes on the market for years - with a strong motor a comfortable seating position and solid handling. The new bike promises to take this to an all-new level.

The 2002 Interceptor has a host of features that make it stand out as one of the most exciting new bikes of 2002, foremost among them the all-new VTEC engine, which is the first of its kind on a mass-produced motorcycle. The VTEC cylinder head gives the motor a split personality - acting as a two-valve motor below 7000 rpm which favors low and mid-range torque, and then as a screaming four-valver as it rips toward redline and top-end performance.

In addition to the revolutionary new engine, the Interceptor has received significant upgrades to the chassis as well; including an all new linked braking system (ABS is optional), new suspension and completely new bodywork. The dry weight of the new Interceptor is a claimed 490 pounds for the standard version, and 499 pounds with the optional ABS.

919 (Nine-One-Nine)

Honda hasn't really had a naked sportbike in its lineup since the '91 650cc Hawk GT, which the American market wasn't quite ready for at the time. Now with the popularity of the genre taking off in America, Honda has introduced the 919 (Nine-One-Nine).

The engine was inspired by the original CBR900RR's. It's a 919cc DOHC, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, and features Honda's latest fuel-injection system, with 36mm throttle bodies.

The 427-pound bike features an upright seating position, with upright, pulled-back handlebars. The frame is a steel mono-backbone design, which uses the engine as a stressed member. The swingarm is aluminum and is mated to a single rear shock that has provisions for preload adjustments. The forks are 43mm cartridge units and feature 4.7 inches of travel. Braking is handled by a pair of 296mm discs up front, with four-pistons calipers, and a 240mm disc and single piston caliper out back.