Anyone made the switch from a Concours to a VFR12DCT?

Discussion in '7th Generation 2010-Present' started by On2wheels, Mar 1, 2021.

  1. On2wheels

    On2wheels New Member

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    I'm considering this change since there's a few annoyances with the Concours that I've put up with and a 2010 VFR at a dealer near me with only 25,000km on it. I saw the bike today and it looks to have typical things a used bike has: oily front forks, a mismatched screw on the muffler cover, a melted brake hose cover. But cosmetically it's nearly perfect, and has a Corbin seat, rear storage bin, both hard bags, and what looks like a higher windshield.

    I've had big bikes before, a Hayabusa, 4 years on the Concours, and I'm no speed demon, or canyon carving maniac. I actually prefer a laid back cruising style, hence why the DCT is so attractive to me. The weight people say the VFR has doesn't bother me, it still feels smaller than the Concours. My biggest fears are the issues a low production machine like this could have. Whether it's cars or bikes, if there aren't many out there it's usually for a reason. And my Concours is an 08 so I know full well what first year model problems can be like since 08 was the redesign year for it .

    Even if you didn't have a Concours I'd appreciate any insight on what to watch out for, or listen for once I can test ride this thing if our snow melts soon enough!
     
  2. VFRIRL

    VFRIRL New Member

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    All I know or have heard rather about the Vfr1200's is there was a recall on some 2010 bikes, not all of them had the recall done though so I'd avoid a 2010 if I were buying one and go up a few more years if you can, DCT? I test rode a bike with it and I did not like it but it was easy enough to get used to. I think the later model Vfr1200's might have a slightly bigger tank and traction control too, not sure. just my 2 cents as they say, good luck.
     
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  3. On2wheels

    On2wheels New Member

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    Yeah I can't find any ones other than 2010 models, which makes me even more suspicious about them.
     
  4. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    I've been poking around the idea of a VFR1200 and can't find anything other than 2010 as well. I know about the driveshaft recall and I'd want to know that has been done due to the expense. Wondering what other recalls were involved... ???
     
  5. VFRIRL

    VFRIRL New Member

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    Think it was something to do with swarf being left in the engine and the bikes were overheating/seizing. enough for me to avoid 2010's anyway if I was looking for one.
    https://vfrworld.com/threads/honda-vfr-1200-fd-engine-failure.54257/

    Being only able to find 2010's for sale reminds me that nearly every older vfr800 vtec I see for sale over here is around the 32,000 mile mark, I wonder why lol.
     
  6. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    If the engine issue was a recall, then there should be a record of it if you give the VIN to the dealer. If it wasn't, then..... I dunno what to think, except to look up the build or engine build date somehow.... but then how do we know how many (quantity) were affected/correction point? Admittedly, I haven't searched this in enough depth.
     
  7. On2wheels

    On2wheels New Member

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    I asked the dealer selling the one near me to call Honda and check the VIN for recalls, they said the driveshaft one was done but no mention of anything else.

    Back on topic, i did a search of this forum and saw a few posts back when the first 2010s came out, some people comparing it to the FJR and Concours, but overall not too helpful. I'm not disapointed, but I do know that coming to a fan site it's more likely to have good things to say about a bike. Facebook groups are the same way. But if someone were to ask me about a Concours I'd give an honest unvarnished opinion about mine, no sugar coating.

    So I can't complain about this forum, I'm not a hardcore rider than needs all the ability of the VFR and would notice something like 2psi less air in a tire on a corner doing 140kph. And the idea of an automatic clutch is great to me to give my hands a rest. You'd think the DCT is a nobrainer for me, so why can't I make my mind up? Fear of the unknown I guess.
     
  8. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    I'll try to put the VFR in perspective if you haven't sat on one. I had an ST1300 and 2 FJR's. The FJR is the sportier of the two and I'd put a C14 somewhere in between. HP-wise, C14 wins. These are true sport tourers. I downsized to a CBF1000, 100 HP very smooth, 150 lbs. lighter, not as "fat" fairing wise. Most of my riding is still in the ST/FJR crowd and I lead a lot of the rides. FJR's can likely beat me in a sprint if it came to that.
    I got a VFR800 and enjoy that bike... however, the ergonomics are quite different despite it being called a sport tourer... more lean forward, low non-adjustable windshield, it's just a different experience than the true sport tourers. If I'm going on a week-long trip, it will be the CBF1000. Don't know what your riding plans or style is..... Hope the VFR1200 guys don't flame me for having an opinion, but let's loosely say the VFR1200F to me is just a larger VFR800 with a shaft drive and more HP. My only reason for considering it is to see if it would replace the VFR800, the 1200 V4 is an amazing engine. I am on the fence. It will not replace my CBF1000, but that's me. You need to go sit on one and evaluate the ergos, check which handlebar risers you want, windshield, etc. Why not sit on a VFR800 as well.
    As for the DCT, I test rode a VFR1200X (adventure version) with DCT. Truly like an automatic, very initial impression wasn't necessarily fond of the shift points, played with drive modes a bit... different and I do believe one can get used to it all in a short while, but no real compelling reason for me to make that a priority. If you can test one, you will either be impressed or neutral is my guess.

    PS - whereya from... gathering you're not in Ontario.
     
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2021
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