VFR1200FD engine failure at 23572km

Discussion in '7th Generation 2010-Present' started by fotodaddy, Mar 8, 2013.

  1. dogFM

    dogFM New Member

    Country:
    United Kingdom
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2008
    Messages:
    48
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    8
    Location:
    UK
    Map
    Yup Honda left metal parts in my engine, fortunately just the correct parts in the correct places
     
  2. Berliner5000

    Berliner5000 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2014
    Messages:
    11
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Duesseldorf, Germany
    I havn´t been here for a while after my first VFR1200 vanished caused by an engine crush (I reported in this forum: only after 24.000 KM the engine was gone - BlowBy; after 4 month waiting of a positive feedback by HONDA I wrote to Honda-Japan complaining heavily.) One week after the arrival of my letter a new VFR1200 has been offered to me.
    Only after 6.400 KM and less than 12 monthes the failure occurred again and my trust in the Honda-quality has gone. Now back to zero I am waiting for the outcome of my warranty-case.
    Link to our german thread and photos which are self-explanatory: [​IMG]
    http://www.vfr-forum.com/index.php/Thread/2915-Kohleablagerungen-auf-den-Einlassventilen/
    Most of the VFR1200 drivers never look at the valves (from above via the airfilter)!
    Honda-technik wrote: This damage has been influenced by a extremly low row (less than 5.000). They recommended to drive the motor always above 5.000 ROW - LOL!
    I have a VFR800 and experienced the difference. In Germany Honda sold only 1.700 pcs. over the last 5 years - guess why?

    - too heavy
    - more than some engine break downs
    - thursty

    In our german forum the following engine problems were reported:
    Rainer A, 07.06.2011; 5200 km; strange sound from the engine; route couse unknown; new engine
    Andi 2009; 12.06.2011; 10900 km; strange sound from the engine; route couse unknown; new engine
    Heino; 29.02.2012; 23000 km; strange sound from the engine; route couse unknown; new engine
    Hans; 05.05.2012; 13000 km; strange sound from the engine; route couse unknown; new engine
    Arnitus; 25.05.2012;25100 km; 2010er Modell; Pleuel damage, engine broken, route couse: defect seals at oil valve, Assembling failure
    Pedro, 09.09.2012; Laufleistung 15000 km; Aluminum shavinges found in engine, new engine
    Seven; 30.12.2012; Laufleistung 6600 km; 2012er Modell; strange sound on the engine; defect bearing shells and Pleuel shells; new engine
    VFR Tino; 09.03.2013; 2100 km; Modell 2011; engine blocked totally; new engine
    Berliner 5000; 12.12.2013; rund 25000 km; 2010er: cole scaling on all inlet valves; damaged cylinders; defect bearing shells; new VFR
    Robert; 09.02.2014; 49888 km; 2010er Modell; similar to that reported by berliner.
    Heavy accident in Austria caused by defect engine.
    B. Engine defect caused by cole scaling on all inlet valves (VFR1200X) at KM 8.500. new engine
    B. cole scaling on all inlet valves after only 6.400 kM. case open
    Dieter: reported an heavy accident with his VFR1200F without finding the route cause. Heavyly injured (paraplegic)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3xOmFp0AY0&app=desktop

    I like this VFR1200F but I lost my trust in it!
    Greetins from Germany,
    Hans-Martin
     
  3. dogFM

    dogFM New Member

    Country:
    United Kingdom
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2008
    Messages:
    48
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    8
    Location:
    UK
    Map
    That's amazing, why so many problems I wonder. I had a manual one sold and replaced with a DCT one four years later ... No problems but the rear shock adjuster. Sorry you had the problems Hans, I had some bitching to do about Hondas price promotion giving away free topcase and panniers first time around so went second hand second time around- no complaints at all.
    I hope you find something you like to replace it
     
  4. sportcruiser

    sportcruiser New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2015
    Messages:
    117
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Lake Worth, FL
    Map
    Looks like an oiling problem. Make sure the old pump and oil sending unit are healthy in any rebuild, and I will hope for a new engine for you.
     
  5. Berliner5000

    Berliner5000 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2014
    Messages:
    11
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Duesseldorf, Germany
    Update:
    the oil-level was too high. My dealer took 80ml out but the level still is on "MAX".
    I will now look for an independent proceedings for the preservation of evidence after the official letter of Honda-Germany. They mentioned that the damage has been caused by driving extremley low rpm.
     
  6. sportcruiser

    sportcruiser New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2015
    Messages:
    117
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Lake Worth, FL
    Map
    Too much oil is also bad. The oil can get whipped into a froth and the foamy oil gets pumped through the system. In any event, it looks like an oiling problem cause by lack of oil flow (the bearings are scored).
     
  7. Berliner5000

    Berliner5000 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2014
    Messages:
    11
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Duesseldorf, Germany
    Update May 2015:
    For your Information: This is not a single case or failure! I experienced it twice with a new bought VFR1200! My first 1200f Engine said goodbeye after only 24000 KM, indicaded 3-5mm carbon deposit on all in-valves. My 2nd VFR (Model 2014) has trouble after only 6000KM -Same Diagnose. Honda did'nt even conduct an inspection After receiving my taken photos but wrote in their neglegtion of my requested warrenty: this trouble is caused due to extremly slow rpm of the engine. Honda-technical Dept. Called me up to anvice me to use Motul vent-cleaner and not to run the engine under 5.000 rpm. Can you imagine that? What a helpful advice! LOL
    I tried the cleaner 3 times without success. See the taken picture after usage of the cleaner and after 1300 KM. The in-vents did run less than 7000 KM and are 12 month old:
    url=http://abload.de/image.php?img=img_0198fixa0.jpg][​IMG][/url]

    The photo of the damaged VFR1200 Engine is not mine, but from another 2013-VFR1200.
    One of the indpendent german magazine which did not fear the consequence of loosing AD's of the marketing people http://www.motorradundreisen.de published the engine-problem in June 2015. and ask for a combined activity and Inspektion of the in-vents. Honda does does know more, but continue not to communicate this issue!!!

    The thing ist that you don´t feel anyting strange while the engine is saying goodbeye. Last time in 2014 my mech. told me that the engine is close to death. I felt nothing before the 24.000 KM Inspection. The mech. told me as well that looking on the vent´s is not part of any Inspection by the Honda-garage.
    This picture shows an engine run less than 10.000 km and less than 12 month old (2013):
    url=http://abload.de/image.php?img=vfr1200_motor_lkohle99uqf.jpg][​IMG][/url]


    Headline of Motorradrundreisen June 2015: Is the Honda V4-1200 hazardous?
    - This is not a single failure / case
    - Honda changed the shanks - but do not comunicate (communication is a lack)
    - Description of the Blowby
    - Recall action for VFR1200 - what happened.
    - More than 10 reported damaged engines; one fatal casualty reported from Austria on a crosstourer
    - Inspection of valves (from above to inspect the carbon deposit) is not part of any Honda-garage
    - Watch out for your valves and blue smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: May 31, 2015
  8. Rider14

    Rider14 New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2014
    Messages:
    31
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Location:
    Chicago
    Map
    Interested in hearing what that article actually says in English.

    Berliner - is it possible you screwed up both engines the same way, by filling with too much oil at each oil change?

    I'm genuinely interested in the article, but also curious as to why it's happened to you twice...

    - Dan
     
  9. Tpoppa

    Tpoppa New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2009
    Messages:
    77
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Location:
    44130
    Map
    80ml is not enough oil to be an issue. It's 2-3 oz. I've seen people over fill by over a quart without a problem.
     
  10. Joey_Dude

    Joey_Dude Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2007
    Messages:
    1,956
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    53
    Location:
    North Georgia
    Map
    Ditto, you'll know you have too much oil if you see oil in the airbox. I've made that mistake before of adding just a tad too much and it's not like I had to get a new engine.
     
  11. sunofwolf

    sunofwolf New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2013
    Messages:
    3,383
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    36
    Face facts the 1200 is a dud, the 800 is perfect, case closed,:spit:
     
  12. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2008
    Messages:
    9,239
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    O.C Suck
    Man that is SUCK.....Sorry about your :bs:
    Perhaps you should get a 6th gen :noidea:
     
  13. Joey_Dude

    Joey_Dude Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2007
    Messages:
    1,956
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    53
    Location:
    North Georgia
    Map
  14. sunofwolf

    sunofwolf New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2013
    Messages:
    3,383
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    36
    How come Honda didn't warn usa 1200 riders about this? Maybe they think usa riders will just put it in a barn and forget about it-Honda maybe right
    600 pounds is way too much.:pisser:
     
  15. swimmer

    swimmer New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2010
    Messages:
    21
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Because it was UK only issue.
     
  16. sunofwolf

    sunofwolf New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2013
    Messages:
    3,383
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    36
    Well its also a usa but for some reason people don't complain as much as uk riders who really pack on the miles. These bikes are so High tec is easy to make a mistake and it looks like a huge problem. Honda should redesign and reinstall new engines. That will cost a Big fortune.
     
    Last edited: Jun 4, 2015
  17. NormK

    NormK New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2012
    Messages:
    1,821
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Honda builds millions of motors that are on the edge of technology at the time, all manufacturers do, it is always a race to the top or you are quickly left behind, and every so often a motor can end up a dud once it is in use out there in the market place
     
  18. lear 31a

    lear 31a New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2007
    Messages:
    127
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Location:
    Bentonville, Arkansas
    Map
    Any approximation of how many engine issues we have had in the rest of the fleet?
     
  19. sunofwolf

    sunofwolf New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2013
    Messages:
    3,383
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    36
    sometimes you pay more and get less-one thing is for sure the 800 is a rolling M1 tank as far as engine's go-some 800's have hit over 400,000 miles
    that is unreal! It is likely it was just one big batch of rotten engines and other ones don't have that problem, but if its a major design flaw then you got the worst possible case of Bad BB ass.:whoops:
     
  20. Scotto

    Scotto New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    May 13, 2015
    Messages:
    39
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    8
    Dealer here in Ohio has a NIB '10 1200 for $9800, if anyone is interested. 2nd mill not included.
     
Related Topics

Share This Page