BMW K1200S rider considering a VFR1200

Hey Guys,

I am an experienced BMW K1200S rider considering switching to a VRF1200...has anyone ridden both, and have comparison comments?

(I have read the literature, but am more interested in your personal experience.)

Also, other than the limited recall, have there been any other issues with the VRF1200?

Thanks.

 

Unfortunately have only ridden a K1300S back to back with with my VFR800 Gen 5 so cannot comment directly on your question, did enjoy riding the K13 with its stonking mid range and only minor negatives were its slightly vague front end and found myself missing the VFRs lovely V4 sound. Suggest if possible try and test ride one back to back with your K12.

The only negatives I've heard directly from local owners of the VFR1200 are, ECM upgraded to latest map or PCV installed and tuned, the rear spring needs to be upgraded for those a little on the heavier side and ditch the OEM end can for something lighter, better looking and fruity.

 

From what I understand about that limited recall was that it was a quality control problem and it was only with a very specific lot of motors. Honda knew what bikes were affected and either fixed or replaced motors as necessary. It was an isolated problem as opposed to a design flaw. I wouldn't be too concerned about that and I am not aware of any "real" problems. There are a number of VFR1200 owners on this forum, so hopefully they will chime in soon.

 

Thanks guys, appreciate your comments.

Sorry for asking probably the same questions already answered somewhere else in the forum since I am new, but what were the issues and improvements with PCV and ECM?

Btw, will demo the VFR1200 next weekend. Would you guys be interested in my back to back comparisons to the BMW K1200S? (Essentially, the same bike as the K1300S, inline 4).

 

Some have complained of VFR1200 having minor low speed FI jerkyness, have a look at below VFRWorld link and the embedded UK VFR site link for details on the ECM upgrade:

VFRWorld "New ECU map" Linky:
http://vfrworld.com/forums/7th-generation-2010-present/36465-new-ecu-map-vfr1200f-states-yet.html

 

Thanks John.

 

A guy I used to ride with had a 2004 K1200GT. He was jealous that there were some things that I had that he didn't. like a digital speedo, and the undertail exhaust which made his bags smaller. His bike was more comfortable on the long haul than mine. He also had more giddy up, more top end, and lot of things came standard that I didn't have. (cruise, heated seat & grips, power windscreen) but that can all be added down the road. Not selling the VFR short, but just letting you know what the biggest differences are.

 

That's a question only your test drive will answer. Don't make your decisions based on our biased opinions.

What's wrong with the Beemer?

 

I have only experience of a k1300s vs a vfr12f since I was really up in the air between the two when i was buying. I ended up buying my Honda used with 500mi on it at a BMW dealership so I got to ride both of them back to back. Dont really know many of the differences between the 1300 and the 1200 though.

 

I have ridden both the BMW K1200S and the later K1300S quite a bit and a friend of mine owns a new K1300S. It is a beautiful bike and in many ways, better than the VFR1200.

Having said that, I bought a VFR1200 mainly because it was very similar to the BMW but significantly cheaper and I don't regret my decision. The longer I live with my 1200DCT, the more I like it. You will not be disappointed.

Ergos on both bikes are very similar as I've ridden both back to back for a direct comparison. The BMW has a little more horsepower and it is quicker and the unique front end, which takes a little getting used to, is superb. There are more rider aids available with the BMW, which gives it the edge in safety, but the two bikes really are similar.

I have now fitted Pilot Road 3's to my VFR and it has really made a difference in my opinion. The OEM Dunlops were OK but I really like the feel of the Michelin's and I have a lot more confidence on the bike.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,