919 vs vfr1200

I purchased slightly used (less than 300 miles) 2010 VFR1200 for around 10 grand (US$) last week. I feel like I saved a lot of money :biggrin:. I had Honda 919 (’07) before this VFR, so here are the comparison.
FYI - I am 5’6” and weigh 138 lbs.

1. Ride position – I am still learning how to ride this bike properly as I have not ridden sports bike for a long time. Initially my left wrist was in pain after couple hours of riding. I noticed my wrist was bent when shifting so I learned to bent my arms to align my wrist and my arm when shifting which alleviated the issue.
2. Ride Feel – 919 was A LOT smoother in city riding/low rpm. However once I got onto highway, VFR1200 was much smoother in general. It felt at home at around 80mph. I believe this is due to better suspension / aerodynamic / engine configuration (V4). My wife also commented VFR was much smoother on highway. Because it is so smooth, it felt like getting to the destination was much quicker than actual distance.
3. Wind Protection – Surprisingly as far as wind noise is concerned, 919 was quieter (I had bikini cowl F-18 from National Cycle) than VFR. However wind protection below the helmet is much better on VFR. I felt my body was well protected which was nice feeling. Also the bonus was that my feet did not get cold from riding 30 minutes highway below 50 degree weather. (I am not sure how hot it will get during summer though.
4. Pillion - Initially my wife complained because the seat was extremely slippery and leaned slightly forward and she was used to holding sissy bar in the back (919) instead of side. On the first day, she complained about the sore muscle in her arms and the legs in order to keep her stationed without banging into my back/helmet. I fixed this by wrapping the rear seat with kitchen drawer liner (which looked exactly like the non-slip seat cover from Triboseat which I placed order from EU). This has almost eliminated all the butt slips she was experiencing. She also learned that there was a little foot hold right behind the pillion pegs which she used as leverage to stabilize her lower body. These 2 little tricks really helped and now she does not mind doing pillion. In fact we did 2 hour ride and she enjoyed it.
5. Comfort - Because of the sports riding posture of VFR, I had sore wrist/arm on the first few days of riding. I like it though – it gives me a challenge. I like to work out so I am sure I can overcome these difficulties.
6. Engine Character – 919 is smooth and lots of torque all the way from idling to the top. VFR has weak torque below 3k and it will want to take off after 3k. I went to twisty and had some difficulties, but no problem, just slow down or keep the gear in 3rd. No need to do GP racing stuff on this bike even though I am sure it is capable.
7. Cornering – VFR is much better here. It wants to turn on the corners and once in the corner, the bike is very stable even in low speed. I feel much safer on this bike,
8. Engine sound – I think V4 sound is an acquired taste. When I first fired her up, my first impression was that the engine sounded kinda like a toy… but yeah, after 4-5k, this thing sounds like a jet engine. Cool stuff. 919 always had a sewing machine sound, but I was totally used to that.
9. Weight – I think Honda did a wonderful job here. I pushed my bike around in my apt complex garage, but it felt really light! I just cannot believe this thing weigh 600 lbs. Even in low speed riding, I do not feel this bike is any heavier than 919. It simply does not feel like 1200 cc bike. I really appreciate this since I am only 5 feet 6 and weigh about 138 lbs. Thank you Honda !

Overall, I am really glad I upgraded to VFR1200. There is no doubt 919 is a wonderful bike – it has a different purpose though. 919, super great in city/short distance. VFR1200 is awesome on longer distance and going on open wide highway with 2-up. Since I moved to California recently (San Jose) from NYC, this bike now is perfect for me. Back in NYC, 919 WAS a perfect bike.

Thanks for reading.

 

Interesting. I had an '04 919 with the Honda small windscreen and thought the wind protection was surprisingly good for a naked bike. I never had an incident on it but always felt like the 919 and FZ1 I had were out to get me in trouble with the law or get me to ride beyond my ability.

I'm considering a VFR, too, and appreciate the comparison. Now if only we could get someone that also rode an FJR1300, V-Rod, Nighthawk, Road King, and so on while also being 6'1" and 200lbs with my exact body type to review it...

Come to think of it, all the first year VFR idiosyncrasies and discounting sound more like the V-Rod experience.

 

I would have thought the two were not comparable but you have proven me wrong. Great write up.

 

My ZRX1100 had a amazing amount of wind protection given its tiny fairing. It's nothing like my VFR's have been (5th, 6th, & 7th gen's), but pretty good given my 5'8", 155 lb frame. Bikes are cool. All of 'em. Ride safe.

 

919 vs vfr

Great write up

 

I have a pristine 2004 green 919 with a color matching givi faring with 5000 miles. I am 5'7" at 155lbs so not a big guy and I have a short inseam so the 919 is a perfect fit for me. It has a lot of power , is very nimble but it could be better on the freeway when you might accidently exceed posted speed limits, it is great around town and is a .joy to ride axcept for the buzz in the handle bars.One of the great things about the 919 is that it is a great bike for people with smaller stature. I did buy the 1200vfr and have not ridden it yet (what an awesome bike),sitting on it it seems a lot bigger then the 919 but smaller then the vfr800 which is cool because I like it more then the vfr800. I have always liked vfr's they just seem pretty big to me.probably wont get to ride it until april due to weather in Michigan, It is nice to know the perspective of someone who not only is about my size but who also has had the same bike(919). I am debating weather or not to keep the 919 for around town and spirrited rides,but I will have to put some miles on the vfr before I make any decisions.The 919 is only worth about 4k and insurance is cheap so is it really worth selling, or will I look back and say wow that was one really great bike I wished that I had kept it.Any way I was just rambling. Nice thread.Mike

 

Regarding the pillion – I now installed OEM rear carrier (for top box) which came with handle. The original handles were “open” ended but the carrier came with “closed” handles. As per my wife, these new handles improved her riding comfort as she said the handles feel much closer to her and they came with anti-slip rubber at the bottom of the handle.

Top Box - I installed Givi universal plate on the OEM rear carrier and installed Givi Maxia 52. I was on the fence about this as the top box generally tends to degrade the looks of the bike. However it actually turned out pretty nice (in my eyes). I think it’s because the bike’s tail is raised with slight angle and the box is also aligned with this angle which gives a sporty look when viewed from the sides. I will try posting picture soon.
Other Mods so far:
- Battery harness for “heated vest”.
- Power cable for GPS
- GPS cradle/holder from RAM
- Bags connection gas cap bottom ring for quick lock (I transferred it from 919)
I still need to install OEM wind shield and center stand…

 

mkayserb - for colder climate, VFR1200 excels. You have better wind protection below the helmet so your body won't get as cold compared to 919. Also you will feel the heat generated from 1200cc engine on your leg when stopped at the traffic which will keep you warm. (dont know about the summer though...)
I think you will love VFR ~ it will be eating up miles easily with longer trips you now will be able to do.
Best,
Tom