Should I BUY????

I purchased a 2010 ex Honda demonstrator DCT model, having wanted one since launch. It took a few months to fully master the DCT and 'unlearn' the lack of a clutch and gear lever :courage:

My previous bike was a 5th Gen which I found to be slightly nimbler handling as I owned both for a short while and could make a direct comparison. Riding position was remarkably similar and the 1200 did not make the 800 feel like a dog either...



All in all, I am happy with the 1200 as the shaft drive and dual clutch setup were the reasons I bought it.

As many have posted here and elsewhere, I have found the rear suspension tricky to set up (correct tyre pressures are critical on this bike), the seat to be so-so, the 1st & 2nd gear power limiter puts a dampener on quick getaways, fueling on stock early bikes to be a bit erratic and the 1200 is a bit on the heavy side.

The front brake pads can be pricey unless you shop around, main dealer servicing has been quite reasonable especially given the long(ish) service intervals. I have found the build quality to be below par though in some areas (corroding bolts and easily breakable or cracking plastics).

Despite the minor failings of the 1200, perhaps my only real concern, is that the 1200 can be a slow seller in a showroom (despite it being a great bike) which may affect the resale/trade-in value or time it will take to re-sell so this is a bike best bought to be kept for a good while...

...I have a feeling that way off in the future they will be held in high regard!

 

I agree, like wine, appreciation will increase with time. It's such a nice bike.

 

I think the problem is the bike doesn't really appeal to people who want a lighter sport bike, such as the R1 or CB1000. Why pay more and get a heavier, slower bike?

So that leaves really the sport touring market. There are at least 2 things wrong for Honda here,
1) us sport tourers all have bikes already. The VFR800s, FJRs, STs, R1200RT, and K1300S's are out there by the bazillions, and we tend to keep them for a long time. So the market for the VFR1200 is left to the people who need a new one when they get to 50k or 100k miles. That's kind of a smaller market.
2) the bike, like the K1300S, has a riding position that is too aggressive for the vast majority of the sport tourers. They want a bike that they can do 350-450 miles, all on 2 lanes, each day, day after day for a week. And sport tourers are most likely between 30 and 60, not young kids. The K1300S has always sold in low volume, and I suspect the VFR will too. I hope they don't change it though, we already have plenty of good bikes for the more relaxed sport touring ( FJRs, STs, R1200RT), and the BMW is overpriced, and there are too few dealers across the country. I hope the VFR1200 keeps this niche for a very long time. Hopefully the crazy Brits and Europeans will buy lots of them, a lot more people over there would consider the VFR1200 a good vehicle to commute to work and vacation on.

 

You make good sense Kurt.

 

I agree. Once they stop importing them, and dealers stop discounting them the resale value will go up. The VFR12 will be a cult bike for a long time.

 

If your looking for a Gran Touring Sport machine then you should consider the 1200 for sure just because of the power. That is if you want power and the power to pass at speeds like 80/90+ miles per hour in top gear. The power to roll the throttle open and pass without even having to think about it. If you want the power to pass quickly drop it down a gear, to rocket by drop it 2 gears or if you want to just appear in front of what your passing drop it down three gears. Or just cruise at 80/90mph without even thinking about it.

I bought a Super Blackbird for just that reason. Gran Touring Sport. You can put 80lbs of luggage on, and or a passenger too and still have the power to pass without having to row thru the gears. If your not in the right gear corning you still have the tq/hp to pull thru it without a problem. The weight can be your friend for comfort against, big bumps, ripples and wind. Once moving the weight is of no concern to speak of. Plus the bike is basically the same size as the 800 but with 2/3'ds more power. That's if you like power. If you do, it will be intoxicating and something you'll never want less of.

The only thing I have against the 1200 is the small fuel tank. I would have been screwed a couple of times on my trip to CA from OH with that small of a tank. Though you only need a small 1 gal tank or so to carry with you may be in remote areas.

Otherwise get the 800 cause it looks better. To me the black 1200 is the best looking.

 

Whew! This thread is not where I should be since I found out I can't outride my 1200. Too many fast dudes here. I bet those other fast guys are crapping their pants too.

 

Yep. Better take Code's school or you'll be eating shit. VFR1200 owners are good enough to race IOM. Damn, get a clue!