Why did you choose the 1200?

What is the allure of the 1200?

Younger guys tend to go for the pure sport bikes. As we get older and things like bad backs and aching muscles become part of the equation, we shift to the sport touring bikes. Is the next logical step in the progression a pure touring bike? It seems like like it's pretty much it's only the Graybeards riding the Goldwings.

With the 1200 is it the HP and if so do you need it to ride double or just like the extra grunt? Is it more comfortable than the 800 for long trips? Is it the technology? Is it the styling?

I'm in no way putting down the 1200, just curious as to what lies ahead...

 

I wanted more power than my VFR800 ('98). I wanted proper USD, current front brake calipers (better brakes in other words), in a package that could still be a sportbike. The VFR800 is akin to a 600 power wise, and I wanted literbike power. I see the 1200 as the current Blackbird.

I already have a literbike that I ride regularly so I wanted something sporty, with a more upright riding position and factory mounts for luggage to use as a sports tourer. The 1200 checks all the boxes.

 

In my case was mainly looks, power, great brakes and how unique the bike is.
I still crave super sports (I don't care about comfort) and will probably sell my 1200 in the spring to get a new/different bike. But again that's just me since I can never settle on a bike LOL

 

Mine is a long convoluted story, but one that may help anyone on the fence in the future, so I will tell it. I started out on 250 thumper to learn HOW to ride. Then I moved up to a UJM 750 to learn WHAT kind of ride I enjoy. (Commute, bike night socials, and touring) This is when I got my '99 VFR800. I loved this bike. It was gobs more powerful than my old Nighthawk and smoother because of the V4 engine instead of the buzzy I4.

After I learned more about riding technique and what I wanted to change on the bike, I decided that it might be better to update/upgrade my ride to the 6th gen. I love VFR's and I wanted a more modern bike so this made sense. Well, turns out I hate the VTEC. Yeah, I am one of those guys. I really didn't think it would be an issue when I was looking for one. I mean there are many people that have better skill than I or ride more miles than me on them, so the bike has to be good, right? Well, no... not really. It just wasn't any fun to me. On paper, they are identical in HP and torque, ergos, blah blah blah, but the butt dyno told me it was a dog and no fun to own. I just never smiled on the bike.

So I still love VFR's, just not the 6th. I still want modern technology, so I can't go back down to the 5th gen. The "8th" gen is still the same bike as the 6th, just a different skin IMO, so that puts it out of the running. That only leaves one place to go. The 7th gen. The jump in power from the 6th to the 7th felt very much like the Nighthawk to the VFR. I wasn't looking for more power, I was just looking for bike that would give me grins. The 7th gen does that easily! I didn't really care for the looks of the 7th gen in pictures, but seeing it in person is so very different. Now that I can look at it at any angle, I am amazed at how good looking it really is.

I find so many comparisons to my 5th gen that I truly believe that it is the better successor to the VFR name than the 6th gen. Almost everything I loved about the 5th is better on the 7th gen. The only - and I mean ONLY - thing I like more on the 5th gen so far is the engine & exhaust sound. With the different firing order and lack of gear driven cams, there is just no way the 7th gen can sound as good as the 5th gens. The trade off is drive shaft though. Never clean or adjust a damn chain again? Awesome!

So that is what the allure of the VFR1200 to me. Modern tech but still a real VFR.

 

Maybe you should try a Hayabusa. I have a friend that went from a 6th gen to a 7th gen to a Multistrada to a Hayabusa. He still has the Busa and loves the mind numbing power and surprisingly comfortable riding position (his words). I've never ridden either, so I can't really say if it's better or worse than a 7th gen.

 

Having owned both the 6th gen and 8th gen, I would have to disagree...granted, I really liked my 6th gen, but my 8th gen is quite a different animal. Same power and speed (no VTEC transition, other than sound) but much sportier in the turns. It just feels smaller, lighter, and more flickable. I'm definitely having even more fun on the 8th gen.

 

That is a really awesome story.
Thank you for sharing.
I guess my problem is (and I really think it's just me) that the bike doesn't put grin on my face lol.
I think I'm looking for something that scares me... I really don't know.
Do I like my VFR? Yes. Would I trade it? In a heart beat.
Maybe I haven't had enough bikes to really appreciate the VFR?!

 

Ewww.... no thanks. If I rode a 'busa I'd have to kick my own ass!

I jest, I have actually seen one that was set up for touring while I was down in Tennessee, but even then that bike just does nothing for me. I find them ugly in the extreme. I don't usually like to bash on anyones bikes, but I make an exception for the Harleys & Gixxers!

I did consider the ZX-14 at one time though. I'd take one of those over a 'busa anyday. But even then, it's an I4 and inherently buzzy plus traditional swingarm+chain.

 

It seems like the deciding factor is raw horsepower. The thread about 1/4 mile times confirms it. I haven't ridden a 1200 so can you use the extra hp in a corner or does is simply "beam" you from turn to turn?

 

I feel like you can. It is very smooth when you open up the throttle in the corners.

 

I bought a V65 Sabre back in 1986 and have been on it ever since. I've taken many bikes out on demo rides but always looked forward to getting back to my Sabre. As the Sabre aged and parts became harder to find, I started to wonder what I could replace it with. I wanted to stay with a V4, at least 1000 cc's. My sabre is shaft drive, water cooled, 6 speeds and I wanted to stay with that stuff also. A few years back I got a 2000 Super Hawk and it was fun but ended up in my brothers garage when I decided to keep the Sabre. When the VFR1200 hit the streets, I was very interested and kept my eyes open. A super deal on a 2010 presented itself this year and I couldn't resist. The Sabre went to my sisters in Pa. and I'm loving the VFR. I find it more compact than what I'm used to, but I'm able to ride all day with no problems.