Almost a VFR 1200 owner

Hi everyone, this is my first post. I've owned several VFR's in the past and noticed the price reductions going on with left over 2010 models and am seriously thinking about purchasing one soon. After spending some time lurking around here in the forum it seems that the biggest issues with the 2010 models can be rectified with a Guhl re-flash or the Bazzaz. Please correct me if I'm missing something here. Also, I was leaning toward the DCT however I couldn't help wondering what the costs may be if something goes wrong with the DCT once the bike is out of warranty. Also I heard one reviewer state that although the DCT was very smooth with upshifts that downshifting, when coming to a stop, sounds like the bike is grinding gravel. Is there any truth to this? Anyway....thanks in advance for any advice. I'm very excited to own another VFR and be a part of this great little forum you have here.

 

Sorry I have no comments for you. I'm sure someone will come along with some advice.

 

Hello Frank
:welcome: to the madness :wave:
Hope some of the 7th Gen owner chimp in shortly
Just want to welcome you to our Friendly forum

 

The Bazazz won't work with the DCT models- it de-restricts 1 and 2 by fooling the ECU into thinking it's in a different gear. I have a manual and the Bazazz which works fine. I think a DCT bike could be cool, but I'm happy having gotten the manual, and they do usually cost less. This is my second VFR, also having '98 800. The 1200 is a very different animal- one I'm quite pleased with!

Welcome to VFR madness...

 

as jonmarsh said, a bazzaz or Guhl reflash will fix the 1st and second gear restricition. I just traded my cbr1000rr for this vfr1200 and i dont miss the power at all. the handling is good on this vfr but not scalpel like, such as a sport bike. but that is fixable too. there is not as big of an aftermarket support for the 12 as there is for the other generations but there are plenty of hard working individuals here who have come up with things to help out.

welcome and post up pics when you get it!

 

Thanks for the quick replies. I didn't realize that the Bazazz didn't work on the DCT model. It does make sense though. I just got a reply from Guhl earlier this morning confirming that he does have a re flash for both models (2010 DCT and standard). Price isn't too bad at $375 and the turn around time looks good.

Anyone with a DCT experience unusual noise when the bike is down shifting while coming to a stop. Perhaps the journalist that I mentioned above was riding one of those few 2010 units that Honda noted had engine problems from metal particle contamination during assembly.

 

from what i read that was only with UK models for some reason.

 

Robco got DCT model, he should stop by anytime now....!
Paging Robco

 

Apart from the potential that there may be issues with the electrics and switches years down the road, the DCT mechanically is pretty straightforward. 2 sets of clutches to replace.

Yes all the above is correct if my 2010 is anything to go by. Does cause alarm at first but it's the sound of the clutch and gear selectors doing their thing and only really noticeable between 1st and 2nd especially when downshifting. I have gotten used to it. Bike control on the DCT takes more consideration especially right turns at low speed. You have to get used to using the rear brake a lot more to balance the bike during low speed turns. As there is no clutch to slip, it takes a while to get used to it and also 'forget' that the DCT has no clutch or gear lever.

I love mine despite its minor quirks

 

Does anyone regret buying the DCT over the manual? I'm in really torn between the two. Local dealer has both models.
Any input is appreciated...

 

My thoughts are this... if you're looking more for a Gentleman's Express, don't plan on modifying the bike much or at all (other than things like the flapper mod or handlebars or a taller screen), then the DCT might be fine, as it should give a smooth and unobtrusive and fast shifting experience- allow you to concentrate more on the rest of the ride, or just relaxing? One place it's not relaxing is low speed parking lot maneuvers, though, as using the clutch and throttle seems to be second nature to making them work, and the big VFR is a bit long in the wheelbase. I actually find my Yamaha GTS1000 easier in the parking lot, though it was criticized for that.

now, OTOH, if you want to unleash the inner hooligan in your VFR, and not spend a ton of money, then you need the manual transmission version and a Bazazz Z-Bomb (liberates the power and torque curve below 5K RPM in 1st and 2nd). Heck, I bought my Bazazz before I bought my VFR! Guess that says a bit too much about me... in spite of being 60+. That part doesn't work on a DCT version- the only path I know of for liberation for it is a reflash from Don Guhl. And that's about 5-6 times pricier.

Sorry, my post is somewhat redundant to many above, but that's how you do a survey- collect a lot of data points. Good luck with either one you pick!

 

Thanks for the specifics. Very helpful....
I'm leaning towards the DCT. It's has 15K fewer Miles and comes with additional storage. I'll have Don Gohl flash the ECU to deal with that annoying low spot in power in 1st and 2nd...

 

Hey Racer,
How does the power compare to your 1000RR?
I'm about to trade in my VFR 1200 for a supersport like CBR600RR, GSXR 750, or 1000RR just because I'm looking for that explosive power when you take off...