Why did you choose your Honda Interceptor VFR800 and how did you get into riding?
I got into riding out of necessity. Although I had contemplated it several times, I ruled it out as unnecessarily risky. Ironic coming from a US Army infantry veteran lol. This August my car had been needing too many repairs and it was beginning to cost too much. I had to sell it. I knew I still had payments on repairs and parts from the car so I couldn’t budget another payment. With the money from the sale, my only option was a bike.
I looked online within my budget, which was under $4,000, and my selection was very limited. Small bikes, some dirt bikes, groms, none of which I wanted. Then I saw the 2005 Honda Interceptor VFR800. It only had 8,500 miles on it, was $3,500, and garage-kept. It was fate. I immediately bought the bike, did the MSF course, and got my endorsement. After feeling what it’s like to be in control of the throttle of a machine like this, there was no going back. I was hooked. All I have is my bike now so bikelife 100%.
Why did you start your account? (passion project or full-time)
My Instagram account has been a vehicle page for a long time. Every car I owned was the respective owner of my page. It’s a habit of mine to give my vehicles personalities and bring them to life. At one point I was president of a car club with over 30 cars in Miami. Who knows, maybe I’ll start a bike club in the future.
What would your top tip be for someone getting into riding?
My top tip for someone getting into riding is the cliche advice you hear: start with something small. Because of the way I got into riding, I didn’t do as much research as I should have and I just went with the best looking bike I liked. The Honda Interceptor VFR800 is a 782cc beast that weighs about 550lbs wet. A massive difference from the tiny nighthawks we used in the MSF and, to be honest, the first time I got on the throttle, she scared the life out of me. It could easily be enough to ruin the experience or cause someone to stop riding. Luckily at 34, I had the maturity to be patient and thorough. I practiced close to home and didn’t venture into traffic until I felt somewhat comfortable with the bike. It took a few weeks but well worth the wait. If I could do it again, I’d have gone for a 300 or a light 600 class. At 3,000 miles riding I am now fully comfortable with my bike and I love the v4 sound, especially when the VTEC kicks in!
Tell us about the most exciting adventure you’ve taken on your bike.
I got my bike in August, so I haven’t gone on many adventures, but if I had to share one I’d say my first long ride in the rain. Do not be scared to ride in the rain. Like everything else on a bike, have respect for it, but not fear. Definitely wear something to cover your skin because raindrops can sting at high speeds, but unless it’s a monster storm, skip the rain gear. In South Florida, you’ll get to your destination just as wet sweating under it anyway.
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