Considering a VFR1200DCT

Hello all,

Just joined the forum as I'm considering purchasing a new VFR1200 DCT and wanted to canvass opinions from those who've owned one for a while.

I'm still in two minds about the DCT as opposed to the standard manual box, but as I'm one who loves new technology, I don't have an issue with not having a clutch lever. I'm sure, after 38 years of riding, that I won't forget how to change gears manually.

I'd really be interested in responses to the following:

• Ergonomics
• Handling
• Low speed manouverability

The other bikes I'm considering are the new BMW R1200R (yes, I know it's quite different but it's a sweet handler, if perhaps a little old-fashioned looking), the Ducati Multistrada, which is a lot more expensive here and the Kawasaki 1000 Ninja. I've also been a fan of the BMW K1300S for some time but the cost and the more "sporting" riding position, are swaying me to more comfortable mounts.

Would really appreciate any feedback.

Thanks,

Clinton.
NSW, Australia

 

which bike?

I traded my Multi 1200 on the standard vfr; the multi sits really tall and has FI issues.
you can get a nice discount on 2010 VFRs; I like the standard, and the magazines show it's faster than the DCT. But if that isn't a big deal to you, go for the DCT. I also looked at the Ninja 1000. The mirrors looked like they were 3 feet ahead of the bike, and the windscreen looked strange. That said, I'm sure it's a great bike and a lot lighter than the VFR1200. I'm 6' with 34" inseam (86cm), and anyone shorter might not like the Multi 1200. The VFR being fairly low isn't to hard to manuever, but it is about 100 pounds heavier than the Multi. Another negative is the ducati dealer system; most are either snobs or just don't know about the bike. The full Termi and race ECU for the Ducati was $2400. The Leo Vince slip-on for the VFR was $249 delivered to my door. See the pattern? Now, the BMW may be nice too, but sitting on a GS1200 I felt like I was operating an old farm tractor.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yea, I get the thing with Ducati but luckily our local guy is very good. Really knows his stuff and is well regarded here.

However, I certainly understand how expensive Ducatis are to own and service. It is one of the things that bothers me.

Cheers,

 

not sure how qualified I'm to answer your questions but after 500 miles on my 1200vfr coming from riding a 95 flstn I love the way the vfr handles at all speeds. At slow speeds the balance of the vfr feels like a 250 dirt bike seems most of the weight is down low and the bike sits very narrow while ridding; it tracks great when doing the 180 turns but I had problems doing a slow turn in gravel but I was able to put my foot down and hold up the bike. Not many high speed turns here in the lower AL \ FL Panhandle area I ride in but it's all good. The seat is very good even after many hours of riding. so far I'm getting around 34 mpg but I'm not trying to get good millage. I think this bike would be fun with the auto shift but everything about shifting is the smoothest I've ever ridden. I don't have the Honda bags just the basic 1200vfr can't wait SAT & SUN look like ridding days.

Jeff

 

One of the USA magazines just did a comparison of the VFR DCT against a few other bikes (Triumph and Kawasaki). One thing worth knowing about is that the automatic clutch can disengage/engage during slow speed maneuvering, such as making a U-turn, which almost caused a few riders to drop it. The only other "negative" that was mentioned was somewhat wallowy/soft handling in the corners with all the luggage compared to the model they had previously tested without luggage. Just something to know about.

 

The seats are really comfortable. There are several reviews here attesting to that.

I like my 1200. Auto trannys in bikes take the fun out of riding IMO and cause one to be shiftless.

 

Well...as a fellow Aussie, I can tell you the 1200 DCT is a damn good motorcycle, I've done just a tick over 4000kms on mine and have had zero issues. With a gentle throttle you'll be able to get close to 300kms out of a tank, generally I look for fuel at the 250-260km mark when riding normally, even then there's two or three liters left.

Once run in the engine is a gem, stupid amount of torque available too. Slow manouvering is not a problem, it's a little strange at the start if you're used to a normal manual box... but you'll get used to it, I did. You'll also have a few airswings on the non-existent clutch and gear lever every now and then, but this too will pass..!

Handling for such a "heavy" bike is pretty damn good, I find the rear shock spring and damping a little soft for me (100kg) once the heat gets into it but for most it's fine. The bike holds a line in corners very well and changing lines mid corner is never a drama unless going in too hot.....don't ask me how I know..! High speed stability is second to none IMHO.

Cheers,
Smithy.

 

Welcome aboard

 

Thanks

Thanks for all the comments. Very helpful. Seems a nice group here.

Looks like I get to test ride a DCT this weekend so will report back. I will definetely do some low speed stuff, just to make sure I'm comfortable with it

Have now narrowed my bike purchase options and it's now down to the Kawasaki and the Honda. I intend to ride the Kawasaki too as a mate, whose opinion I respect, has just ridden one and loved it.

Cheers,

 

Have now had a test ride on a DCT. Covered 140kms over a variety of roads from mountainous twisties to freeway and in town.

In a word - brilliant! I had no issues with low speed manoeuvring and negotiated several roundabouts with ease. A found a little bit of drive-line snatch at very low speed, partial throttle, but no big deal.

The gearbox is simply amazing although I found myself using manual mode most. I wasn't sure how I'd go with up and down changes using buttons but the way the buttons (paddles?) are arranged, they full to hand easily and a very intuitive to use. D mode is very lazy and changes happen at very low revs and I actually thought it caused the engine to labour a bit. Best for freeway cruising.

Sport mode is far more aggressive and I can see myself using this once the motor has run in as it holds the revs too high for a new bike. Pretty useful in slow traffic where the D mode changes up into too higher gear, in my opinion.

The chassis feels really good and the ride and handling were ideal for a sport/tourer. As others have mentioned, brakes are superb.

I found the ergos about right for my 179cm (5'11") frame and I was really comfortable, with just a slight forward lean. The seat seemed a little hard, but not bad.

The bike appears smaller than it seems in pictures and I didn't feel the weight at all. And the motor is soooo smooth and quiet.

Overall, a great ride and a perfect compromise for sport and touring. I think I'm sold.

Cheers,

 

As you say you can get used to the auto box very quickly. However when returning to a manual box after riding the DCT for a few weeks it is very easy if not concentrating to forget to pull in the clutch. Believe me I know!

 

Vfr dct

Hi, I've had a VFR1200FD for a little while now. I must say, it was odd leaving the dealership without a clutch lever. But now, it's really the most fun I think I've had on a new bike. I was worried how I would do on the low speed stuff, but it is actually very easy. I guess I'm the poster child for the market. I'm late 40's, experienced with sport bikes and have had several bikes and have been riding for a while. I'm still riding a Wing, the bike I traded in on the VFR1200FD was a 07 ST1300. Like night and day. I used to have to really hustle to get the ST to move down the canyons, but put the Viffer in S mode and wow, I just ride. The bike takes care of everything and is so smooth to transition. If you like to shift, you still can, but the way I look at it, why would I pay extra for a DCT if I wanted to shift. D mode is great for around town, plus if you twist hard it drops gears and holds it down until your finished playing. The fuel mileage is not great. I do run a little fast, but with the small tank I get the little fuel warning flash very early. I think it comes on too early, still almost a gallon of fuel left, but it is a thirsty beast. I got a really good deal from my dealer, and 20% off the bags and center stand (I had to have). The center stand makes it easy to work on, and I like to be able to take my stuff with me. The bags do change the look of the bike. It gets really big with the bags on, and I think keeps me off Barney's radar.

 

I bought it!

Well, I'm now officially an owner of a new VFR1200FD and I took it for its first real run this morning.

Fantastic. I'm very happy with my purchase. Mortrude, I agree it is a thirsty beast, at least compared to my 1050 Triumph Sprint but unlike you, I prefer to change gears manually. It gives me more control and makes the experience similar to a regular clutch model but with lightning fast, smooth changes. Love it!

I did around 260kms today in 33 degree heat and I was more comfortable than I've ever was on the Sprint. The suspension is great and the ergos suit me perfectly.

Can't wait to finish running her in and doing some longer rides.

Thanks again to all for comments.

Oh and I can't help myself, pic attached.

Cheers,

 

I'm glad that you are enjoying your new ride. I envy you great riding weather as I look out of the window on a damp 6 degree Sunday afternoon here in the UK.

 

Welcome to the club!

 

Congratulations ! I am afraid to try one, I feel if I do I will want one and its just not in my budget right now !!

 

Tuk - I'm in a similar situation as when you wrote your post. I am considering a VFR along with the other bikes you mentioned.

I'm wondering if you had a chance to ride the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 and what you thought of it?

Did you have a chance to ride the VFT1200 non-DCT version, and if so, did the acceleration seem any different? An online review (that I can't find now) said the DCT had slightly slower acceleration because it didn't let you bring in the revs high before engaging first gear. Does the DCT seem slow off the line (zero to sixty)? How about mid-range (from 40 - 60)?

 

Hi Russ,

I didn't get to ride the Kawasaki but two of my friends did. One liked it - he comes from riding a Ducati Monster and the other didn't like it at all. I valued the latter's opinion as he was looking for the same things I was. That is, something that was a little "sporty" and something he could tour on two-up when necessary. The Kawasaki, in his opinion, was far more to the sporty side and the pillion seat was really quite small and both seats he said were hard.

No, I didn't ride the non-DCT version of the VFR but from what I've read and from what I know of Hondas, the clutch would be smooth and easy to use. I like the fast change and smoothness of the DCT. It really is awesome. The DCT version is slightly heavier so it stands to reason it may be a fraction slower, but I reckon that'd be it.

I found it extremely easy to get off the line as it slips the clutch when necessary, just like you would do with a full manual change. I've seen video of the DCT version lifting the front wheel under acceleration and whilst I haven't put enough kms on it yet to try accelerating that hard, it feels like it would launch well. Mid-range, 40-60 (which is 60-100km/h for us) is has plenty of torque. Once again, a little early to tell but it did seem like it prefers to be above 4,000rpm before it gets really moving.

I'll report back in the next week or so when it's run in a bit more and I'll pay attention to the questions you raised.

Cheers,

 

Russ IMHO the acceleration off the line in sport mode is fast enough for normal use. Unless of course normal use is on the drag strip