Superbike Honda VFR800 VTEC Commercial Video

The sixth generation VFR (for the first time marketed only as the "Interceptor" in the USA) was introduced in 2002. For the first time it featured dual underseat exhausts, an optional anti-lock braking system (ABS) in addition to the DCBS, and optional hard luggage. It featured chain-driven cams rather than the traditional VFR gear-driven cams, and was the first motorcycle to have Honda's VTEC valve-actuation technology. The implementation of VTEC was seen as a bid by Honda to meet tightening noise and emissions standards in Japan and abroad while improving the peak horsepower of the engine. Similar to the automotive version of VTEC-E the simplified motorcycle version of VTEC employs only two of the four valves per cylinder when operating at lower engine speeds. All four valves per cylinder were engaged above 6800 rpm. After some criticism of the abruptness of power transition, Honda lowered the VTEC activation rpm threshold to 6400 rpm in 2006. The VTEC disengages two cylinder valves when the engine speed drops again below 6100 rpm.