VFR1200F - Motor Cycle News - Input Requested

A reporter for a magazine?
We haven't seen the finished product yet. But release is very near indeed!

Honda VFR: coming soon


I'm still waiting to see what Mr Honda has come up with...

 

By the time all this speculation hits the presses, the motorcycle press, who for the most part are pretty savvy guys as opposed to ballet critics and weatherpersons will have had a go on the bike.

Anyone heard if a plasma Tee Vee will be an option?

 

Mr. Downes is not monitoring and following this thread? He should be. He can always choose to remain silent as long as he likes. (BTW, I'll bet that he really is watching this thread...)

Also, the first 2 questions he asks are simply premature and unanswerable until...

1) This new motorcycle arrives on dealer showrooms throughout North America, and prospective buyers have a chance to at least take one out for a brief test ride;

2) The most popular motorcycling enthusiast magazines (which are biased by ad revenues) have extensively tested it and published reviews;

3) Motorcycle Consumer News, which is of course the premier financially independent motorcycling publication, least swayed by advertising revenues, writes a comprehensive review of the motorcycle after extensive testing. In terms of reviews, this should be the acid test.

As for Mr. Downes' 3rd and final question for us (What excites you most about what you have seen and read about the new bike?) it seems to me that he's again asking us to comment on the rumor-mill we've been exposed to so far, including...

1) More than a year's worth of tantalizing "leaked" online conjecture, rumors, photochopped images, and other such scuttlebutt from Asia, Europe, and elsewhere.

2) Early last year Honda began a Web-based email and online campaign about the new VFR 'Concept' motorcycle, including a rather lengthy survey of our thoughts, wishes, and impressions of the variously pictured 'prototype', yet those online images were really nothing more than vague, abstract rough-sketches created on a computer. Excuse me, but those Honda-derived images didn't look anything like a real-world motorcycle. Moreover, these 'concept' images from Honda raised far more questions and confusion among many, rather than providing a clearer and more tangible vision of where they intended to take the next generation VFR.

In my opinion, Honda has thus far offered up a lousy pre-production advertising campaign, and to this day we still don't know what Honda is about to unveil with its new VFR. On the other hand, as a more leisurely sport-touring rider who is rather conservative, and as a previous owner of 2007 BMW K1200GT, I've long wished for a next-generation VFR that would be more like the K1200GT, combining the best of both bikes, while offering a much lower price- and wet-weight, along with shaft drive. (Sorry, but I think that chains are a major pain in the ass.)

I also welcome factory-options, a'la BMW, such as electronically adjustable windscreen; heated grips and heated front/rear seats; cruise control; Tire Pressure Monitoring; Electronic Suspension Adjustment, and partial-linked Anti-Lock brakes. A robust and highly reliable electronic system would also be really nice, as would a smooth-shifting gearbox, along with an excellent stock suspension which is easily adjustable. Excellent brakes in general would also be nice, not to mention a stock seat that doesn't leave you dreaming about an aftermarket saddle after riding only 200 miles. What a tall order!

Please note-- I do not want the new VFR to be little more than a repackaged Honda ST1300. Far from it.

I suspect that my post here will draw flames from some of the VFR purists here, but before you get too wound up, ask yourself how much money you may have already spent on endless trials of various aftermarket goodies (as I have done) such as aftermarket windscreens; electronic cruise control (or throttle locks); heated grips; aftermarket saddles... gearshift modifiers, etc.

 

I agree. For instance, a fuzzy logic ricecooker for my 91 is almost $250.00. I bet the Brit version will have a cooker for bangers and beans.

 

my e-mail

Hi, my name is Brian McKeag, and I am known as Keager on VFRWorld and VFRDiscussion. I am from East Moline, Illinois. I have always liked the VFR, but stuck with the CBR line due to the lighter weight and the current racing that was going on. I owned both a 1995 CBR 600 F3, then went to a 1995 CBR 900 RR.



to answer your questions:

1) Since this is my first VFR and have only had it about 2 1/2 years, it would seem to me that the new 1200 is losing some if it's small bike racing heritage. Honda may want to think about bring back just the VF, calling this bike the VF1200F or R, depending on which way the engine is geared. That way it could be determined what flavor of bike that the rider is interested in.

2) as for amount, I would say that, if given the circumstances above, that the touring side be higher than the sport model, but given different options. Like the touring would have the linked brakes, the ABS, shaft drive, standard saddle bags, factory cruise, the power windscreen, but somewhat of a de-tuned motor over the sportier VFR. I would say that the sportier version have the chain drive, no ABS, but more bhp than then cruiser, with no ABS, no linked brakes, no power windscreen, no cruise control. Given that, the cruiser would be more because of the options.

3) the most exitement is Honda stepping back into the big bike realm. I was disappointed when Honda dropped the blackbird (CBR1100XX) from the line, because that was to be my next bike that I went to because of the comfort that it had.

If I can be of further assistance or if you have any questions, feel free to send me an e-mail back.Again, thank you for asking those of us who ride the VFR's and love them.

 

new vfr

yes

yes

centralized weight, handling, new technology

 

UK version has cooker for bangers and mash? Will we get the fondue pot option?

 

If it is a VFR it's worth enough for me

Hello¡
My name is Enrique Cabrera, live in SAn LUis Potosi, SLP Mexico,38 years old and 20 motorcycles in my life since 1990. (18 Honda's).
The new VFR must follow the tradition of well done motorcycles, high quality and high technology.

The selling price should be affordable so the future owners can pay it and be competitive to another motorcycle brand in it's category.
I've read a little about the new VFR and hope in the future to buy the newest model I can get, If it will be sold in my country I'd buy it immediately.

To me a good sport touring motorbike should have decent brakes, a full inverted front adjustable suspension front and rear (spring preload and adjustments) and regulator/rectifier of high qualily not as the OEM used in 5th generation., at least 130 hp and easy access to adjust head lights.

I live in Mexico and the VFR is not selled here, so I had to import it from USA with high taxes, HONDA should considerate sell any bike any where if the client can afford and pay for it.

In VFRWorld you can find people who cares of motorcycles with passion and pride.

Saludos desde Mexico¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡:thumbsup:

 

+1 i think i agree with you on all parts, except you being a minority. i think that there are a lot of people that were hoping for a sportier vfr this time around...

 

1 Is the new VFR1200F a worthy successor to the VFR name? -
NO, NO, and NO! The VFR used to be a premier sportsbike, ie RC30\RC45, Freddie Spencer, Wayne Rainey, Fred Merkel, etc. The new 1200 is just a combination of ST1300 and the VFR. If I wanted a touring bike instead of a sportsbike I would buy a GW.

2 If the price is right would you buy one? Nope.

3 What excites you most about what you have seen and read about the new bike? No a whole lot, but the transmission seems intriguing. Also seems like it would be VERY expensive to work on should problems come up. Basically the whole bike from what I have read is going to be VERY expensive, likely in the 20k range. If I was going to spend that much it would be on a 1098 instead of a bike that appears to be FAR more touring than sport.

If they wanted to remake the VFR and make it a world class bike instead of a rebadged ST, they should have bumped it up to 1000cc, (1200 is ok), added FULLY ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION, gone back to gear driven cams, and dropped some of the fat from it.

 

Well my answer is to invite people to a Focus Group and offer some type of monetary payment or discount or something for the information you are tyring to solicit. I have nothing further to add. Good luck the job you get paid to do - it actually sounds like fun.

 

I could not care less about SSSAs or gear-driven camshafts, but I would have been interested in a new VFR with more horsepower, more torque, more sophisticated suspension, and less weight than my current VFR. Honda apparently has a different vision. So, I will continue to ride my current motorcycle, which suits me just fine. Sorry, Honda.

Now, I wonder how much weight my VFR would lose if I dropped that SSSA . . . ? :tongue:

 

Mr Downes,

To help decipher the answers to your questions, a bit about the rider; I have been riding for over 35 years, 27 on the street. I currently own my 3rd VFR and 5th Honda v-four. All of the bikes I have owned have been Hondas.

1 Is the new VFR1200F a worthy successor to the VFR name?

All I have seen and read indicate, NO! The VFR built its' reputation as a comfortable street performer. Later models leaned a bit more towards the touring side of the sport/tourer type but the all-round aspects were kept. All indications are that the F will be a BMW-style TOURER and not the SPORT/tour we currently enjoy. Leave the BMW's to BMW.

The original '86 VFR (which I owned) was a great performer on and off the track. The track option appears to have been taken away, at least with the F. I fear that Honda's attempt to display its' "Technological Tour de Force", it may take away the very reason we ride VFR's - options. A sport-oriented model better follow.

2 If the price is right would you buy one?

Not if the bike looks like what we have seen so far, we will have to see tomorrow. With all the technology, I doubt the price will be low. If the bike is the tourer I suspect it will be, I could not consider it as my only bike as the VFR can be for us now.

3 What excites you most about what you have seen and read about the new bike?

I am curious about the transmission, although I would never consider a bike without a standard motorcycle set-up. As I get older, I like the idea of the F as an updated ST.

I conclude this with about 12 hours to the reveal - time will tell.

Best of luck with your article.

 

I don't have the facts - that's never stopped me before! - but the VFR SSS and hub has gotta be way heavier than the Ducati SSS and hub. It sure LOOKS heavy! Anyway, I don't care whether the VFR has a SSS or not. A conventional swingarm would be just fine with me. But, doubtless I am in the minority among VFR owners on that . . . .

I just read that Aprilia is making a Tuono V4 along with its V4 superbike. Now, if Aprilia would only make a V4 sport-tourer . . . .

 

Sounds like I should keep my Gen5. An auto tranny sounds just awful! What are they thinking. I was stoked for a while but now I fear the VFR is dead!

 

1) Worthy successor? No. The bike feels like it should be a next-gen ST, no VFR.

2) Priced right, would I get one? Is it free? Because I need a compelling reason to change from my '07, and right now, I'm just not seeing it.

3) Currently, the only thing I like about the bike it the rumored horsepower and shaft-drive. But I strongly dislike the headlight, lack of undertail exhaust, and transmission that I know if going to be problematic and I will have to have a dealer service. I bought the VFR b/c I perceive it as a comfortable sport bike. If I wanted an ST, I would have bought a K1200 (No, I would not have bought a Honda if I wanted a touring bike).

I need to know more about the bike and touch/see one in real life. But if this is Honda's response to a long overdue next-gen VFR, way to kill a product line. I sincerely hope new riders are attracted to this bike, because I believe a lot of current VFR owners are not going to part with their current bikes for this bike.

 

The New VFR is up

I like it I need more details but I think its a worthy successor I love the exhaust although it will be interesting to see what the aftermarket will do.I think its a sharp looking machine !!!:thumbsup::thumbsup: Check it out everyone !!