Hello, I just purchased my first VFR (VFR 1200F) and I love it. You will all chuckle when I tell you I traded a Harley Electra Glide in on it. I've had it for one week and put 700 hundred miles on it so far. I have to give it up for a few days for the 1st oil change next week. I love everything about this bike and when I'm not riding it I'm thinking about riding it. Question for everyone; do you notice a small clunking noise in the driveshaft when cruising at constant speed and torque on the driveshaft is "floating"? I had the dealership check it out and they said it was okay and that I should not cruise at low rpm's (below 3000). I don't mind the noise but I just want to be sure I don't have an issue.
Coming off of a Harley you aren't accustomed to the higher reving engine of the VFR1200 I am sure. Below 3,000 RPM you are lugging the engine of your 12000. Don't do that. Your new bike will be much happier above 4,000 RPM in anything beyond 1st gear. These bikes are built to be reved, don't be afraid of doing so. When I first got my VFR800 (1998) I bounced it off the rev limiter all the time because I came off of an inline 4 (CBR954) and it just sounds different. Enjoy your new ride!
coming off a HD Vtwin with a redline somewhere around 6-8k, you're used to riding in the 2500-3500ish rpm range, which is virtually idling for our V4's. honestly, keep it above 4k, you're set. you're simply so familiar with the V twin having so much off idle torque, and not having to really get UP there to ride it.
Thanks for the advise! I never touch 3rd gear in town now and I'm getting used to the higher revs. I still hear/feal the clunk in the driveshaft when torque is floating at a constent speed but it's much less noticable at the higher rpm's. it think it's just part of the new driveshaft system designed on the 1200. I'll keep the revs up and won't give it a second thought. I love the VFR. Thanks again!!
Twist the wrist and dont shift till you pound her off the rev limiter!. Seriously though, everyone is right. Rev it up and enjoy it. I "cruise" at 4-5k on my 6th gen and when I want to have fun I regularly stay between 9-10k. It won't hurt it one bit. I have ridden my dad's Street Glide a few times and every time I want to go fast I always find the rev limiter and it hits before the majority of my power even kicks in. It is just something you have to adjust yourself to. If you really want to break the habit, force yourself not to get out of 3rd gear for a day. Third should be more than plenty to exceed any posted speed limits in the USA yet keep your rpms up enough to force you to get used to the sound and feel of a high revving engine.
Mearloaf, I noticed you are from Peru and it's funny to note that I almost ran out of gas on my first trip on the VFR but was able to coast into Peru on fumes. I was on US 24 heading to Logansport. Went thru Wabash and next thing I know the low fuel light is flashing and there ain't crap in between those two towns. I was praying all the way to Peru! haha. The V4 is great but is sucks the fuel.
Yeah, it is a dead zone between Wabash and Peru. The good news it is only about 12 miles so even on fumes you should be able to make it. Glad to see there are a few VFR1200's starting to show up in the state. I know Kokomo has sold a few and now I know of yours.
