Should I BUY????

I'm about to complete the restoration of a 1986 VFR750F and just to have a look see went to the local dealer to sit on the new 2014 VFR800 and see if I liked it.

However......................


While there out of the corner of my eye I saw a NEW...LEFTOVER....2010 VFR1200.

Walked on over and had a sit and the 1200 and was impressed by the fit and finish but NOT the weight--seems HEAVY. Research at home confirms this initial feeling at 550+ pounds full of gas and fluids.

Back to point.


After spending about an hour reading over the postings it seems the 1200 needs, in no particular order, suspension recalibration/rework, reworked or replaced seat(for long distance comfort) and REFLASH of ECU to correct fueling and "Honda limiting" issues (top speed, first and second gear etc). Should I figure about $1000 or more for these corrections??

Back to the bike in the dealership.


Price Out The Door would be:
















$$9600:00:hss:





That's a BIG savings from the original list price of about $15K.




Yes I know this is a VFR forum board and we ALL LOVE our Interceptors --BUT---If you had the chance to do it all over again would YOU buy one at that price knowing what you know now??


OR


Just choose the 2014 VFR800??


Please be brutally honest and give me your opinions.

Thank you.



Rick.


P.S. Sale ends Aug 30th.

THX

 

To be honest, the 1200 did nothing for me styling-wise and I didn't like the feel of it when I sat on it, and I buy a bike for looks as much as performance. However the 2014 is, IMO, a worked over 6th generation. Neither one of them trips my trigger like the original 5th gen. In all likelihood if I were definitely going to buy a new bike, and it had to be one or the other, I'd get the 2014.

OTOH if I were definitely going to buy a new bike and was free to choose, it would probably be neither of them. But, hey, that's just me.

 

I bought one in 2010, sold it mainly to find house, just bought another- DCT version . I think you might want the suspension reworked but ride it awhile first. The power restrictions and other things that seem to trouble forum subscribers don t worry me; power restricted in first couple of gears ... It takes off fast enough for me - I d go for it if I was you. The changes between 2010 and 2012 are slight; it has a powerhouse of an engine excellent brake etc. just been round France in a week on mine - loved every minute- even In the rain

 

I just traded my 2007 for a new 2014 800 (yesterday!) and I'm quite happy so far. It feels noticeably lighter and smaller (officially, it's about 22lbs lighter than the 6th and close to 70lbs less than the 7th gen). That is a pretty great price for the 1200, but I would recommend test riding both before making a decision.

 

Really depends on what you're looking for. I have a 5th gen, bought new in 1998, and taken care of - it's lots of fun under the right circumstances. But I just recently bought a 2013 7th gen, after doing a lot of review like you're talking about, and it's a blast and a completely different kind of bike, especially once you start addressing the classic issues, even in a moderate manner- no ECU remap yet, just a Bazazz Zbomb to de-restrict 1st and 2nd. Helibars, new foot pegs, new levers, a center stand, a Corbin seat, and a rear carrier bracket and the flapper mod, and I'm most of the way there- a Leo Vince exhaust is in the near future, compatible with the OEM panniers.

It is heavier, but it's like an excellent handling GT car compared with say, a Honda S2000. Not quite as quick in transitions, but very easy to ride fast; very predictable and steady. It will benefit from an Ohlins shock and some work on the front, but so would the 800. When you walk on the throttle a bit in 4 th gear it will leap forward in a way that the 800 can only dream of.

So, it just depends on what you want- and at the price you've been offered, it's likely a no brainer.

 

Buy the 1200. I've never owned a bike, period, from anyone that the suspension was sorted for my weight and riding style off the showroom floor.
The stock suspension is fine for most people. If you are track experienced and like to hammer on your bike in the twisties, well those people are going to jack with the suspension on any bike they buy to make it perfect for them. So this issue, overblown. The 1200 forks area also proper USD forks.

The ECU. Most newer gen bikes have restrictions built into the ECU's. My 2009 R1 did, and I had to flash it. The VFR1200, you can buy a Bazzaz unit for $50 or so or you can flash the ECU to remove OEM restrictions, dealers choice. Again, a very minor thing many people have overblown. And again, an issue that most new bikes are going to have. The day of cutting a wire here or there, or removing some flapper, well those days are over. In the sportbike world, flashing ECU's is already common. These things are just filtering into the other types of bike types.

Same thing with the seat. Most change it. I don't care if it's a 98 VFR800 or a 2010 VFR1200. Corbin, Sargent, repad/regel it, etc. It's common, has been common for decades. Ride it, and if you find you don't like the seat, change it, or have it redone. The choice is yours.

Cost on this stuff really depends on you and how little or how much you are willing to spend. The weight on the 1200 completely disappears once you are up to 20-30 MPH. Only at parking lot speeds or moving it around in the garage does it feel heavy. Mass centralization is better on this thing than any VFR before or after it. It's also got 50-60 more HP than any of the 800's.

After owning a '98 VFR800, I can say the 1200 blows every single thing on the 800 to shit. It's just a better bike in every single area. Some just don't like change.

 

If that's the worst of your problems & you have that much money burning a hole in your pocket, send some my way~

 

I love my 1200f and it is bone stock. I tip the scales at 300# so the rear shock does leave a little to be desired (as has everything else I have ridden except Ninja 1000). The only time it feels heavy to me is pushing it into my garage or backing up an incline. I will probably get around to the ECU reflash eventually, but it has more than enough power for me as it sits, I don't tend to want to wheelie anyway. Shaft drive is a nice change. I have had it a month, rode a little more than 400 miles, and I have very few complaints. Most are more me than the bike. I'm tall, fat, and I have carpal tunnel.

 

+1+1+1.... in violent agreement with all points from cornerexit- very well said. Especially the last paragraph.

Something to keep in mind- like most other VFR's, this is a road bike- and intended to be a fast road bike par excellence, not a track bike or super bike/motogp racer. Another point- just compare the insurance cost on a VFR1200 compared with something like a Ninja 1000.

 

I have some seat time on a demo 2010 VFR1200. I think it has been said before but my impressions are: heavy, but not unmanageable, powerful and fun, seems to turn a bit slow and is kind of a handful in a parking lot. They are a good buy as most dealers have one on the floor that they are trying to sell. If I had the scratch I would buy one and keep it forever. (I would want the hard bags though.)

 

Hopefully ZenMoto chimes in....I know he has done a lot of mods and would love to hear his take on the 1200. I think he has a 2010. Or shoot him a PM----I'm sure he would be willing to answer any questions you have. Good luck deciding.

 

bought my 2010 vfr1200 5 weeks ago! My suggestion is buy it but don't change anything ride it as it is, an excellent machine and excellent at what it was built for, a fast comfortable mile munching ROAD!! bike... if you want sports buy sports! but it will cut it with all but the fastest riders if you want it too....

 

I've got a little over 30K KM's on my 2010 and I hope I get another 200k. Love it as much today as I did 2 seasons ago.
Pull the trigger.

 

Individual check I guess, but a year ago I was in the same position and picked up a 2102 1200 for $10K. Never looked back, phenom handling, comfortable riding, Power brakes, stomping engine. For me the greater bike weight helps the planted feeling on the road ... If you're looking for a lighter weight bike perhaps the VFR isn't the best choice ... I added a Bursig-type center lift stand and I'm really happy with the ride. With my VFR800 I was always yearning for a bit more grunt, hated getting effortlessly dropped by Blackbirds and the like ... No more of that! Buy the 1200 ... You won't regret it!

 

I am a newer rider and I bought a 2010 VFR 1200 in May this year with 2000 miles on it.
It has 4500 as of today and I love the bike.

Even with the ECU issues (before the re-flash) I was happy but especially after it's even better.

Suspension is just fine unless you are going to race or drag knee...Just adjust it to your weight.

New seat? Every new bike needs a new one.

If I was buying a new bike today I would get the exact same one just maybe a DCT version.

Riding 2 up? No problem. It has lost of power. You will never say "I wish I had more power"...

 

Hi guys
I am reading your post as I am planning to get one VFR1200 soon. Perhaps fall will d better for me and I might get 2015 model then.
I had Suzuki M109R2 cruiser before. Nice bike by all means but somehow I am done with cruisers and that deep da-da-da-da sound of engine.
My son has Ducati and he put forward to my attention VFR1200 as the best two wheels on the market (looking as engineering and design)
all I read about this bike is nothing less of perfection.
I understand personal preferences of each of you but it is all common and equal when I was in Suzuki forum too.
I am sure that Honda or any other company can put better this and that. but it all comes to a final cost at the end. Who would be able to put down that much money down
and if so how many VFR would be sold.
Lets be realistic !!! any one can spend another 5K and add Ohlin shocks if prefer, but why? as someone mentioned here. Use it as is STOCK and enjoy the day.
Yes it is heavy bike but not as heavy like my previous Suzuki 740lb without fuel.
Yes we can flush ECU but like1200ccm with 170HP is not enough.
I am personally amazed with this bike look, engine, gearbox, and handling. It is all great to me for many years to enjoy.

Anyhow this was my observation and I am looking forward to sitting on my new VFR1200 soon.

cheers

Bob

 

I bought the VFR kinda on a whim as a second bike. I was worried about the weight as my main bike weighs around 400lbs. Honestly, the weight is a non-issue once in motion. The chassis is stellar and the bike feels well balanced.

The 1st & 2nd gear restriction might keep you from spinning a cold tire in the morning, but it's annoying. Z Bomb for $50 solves it.

The rear shock is truely my only disappointment with the VFR1200. It deserved better from Honda. They designed the rest of the bike quite well. If your riding doesn't involve scraping hard parts in turns at max lean angles (mine does) the shock may not be an issue for you. The shock is definitely the limiting factor when it comes to corner speed.

 

Woooooooooo!

 

I love mine.

I traded in an 06 cbr1000rr for it. I now have an exhaust, z-bomb, and cet delete and itruns hard up top. A small loss of low end but a pc or bazzaz will fix that. Yes its heavy but not that bad once its moving.

Just look below at this thread to see ho she handles with stock suspension.
http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/46422-deals-gap?p=452571&highlight=#post452571

 

The rear also sits too low. Thankfully Ohlins has a solution and it works. Ohlins/Jamie forks, wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! handles amazing now....