Article: A VFR 1200 in my garage

She looks (surprisingly?) very good in white, when seen for real.

 

Well, I have yet to see the new Viffer in person, and I think I need to do so to verify my comments. At first blush, however, it appears that the VFR has really moved over into the touring side of things, as it has lost its sport bike appearance. Second, it really looks a little too space age for me from the front. The rear end looks really sporty, but it doesn't appear to mesh well with the rear end. As much as Honda makes the best motorcycles on the planet, I really think they need to ditch the style guys and pick up some new ones. Like, who's up there designing these things anyway? Herb Tarlick from WKRP in Cincinatti?

 

LOL need photos for proof they exist. I've only seen reprints from a newspaper. but did hear the Europeans are to get white ones

 

My local Honda shop is having it's spring open house this Saturday. Rumor has it they will have one new VFR for sale.

 

Saw a red one in the flesh in my burg. Local Honda dealer brought one down as a teaser, and someone walked in, laid down the (steep) asking price and rode out with it the next day. Personally, the design sucks and that exhaust!!! For the same price the BM K1300S is a foregone winner, looks- and performance-wise. The VFR1200 has become a tourer but the stiff seat and small tank take it out of the running in that class. It doesn't seem to fit anywhere. Neither sport nor touring. I'd rather upgrade my current 6th Gen with a 2009 black n white, tyvm.

 

Couldn't you have picked a different thread to dis it in ?

 

Congrats. I can't wait to see one up close:thumb:

 

thanks mr stuka!

I think power wise, i would describe it in one word.....FAT! this bike would be absolutely happy running at 80 to 100MPH all day, and that is certainly where it feels at its best.
super sports bikes like the blade and R1 have a very busy and demanding feel compared to this bike, which is a match power wise to them, but much more laid back in its delivery.

the centre stand is an interesting one. they are designed to have one, they are just not fitted with them here as yet. i suspect that when they launch the next version here it wiill have one. in the mean time i will have to buy one as an 'extra'!....

accessories, first up i have a saddle issue and the exhaust to deal with. Heart says exhaust head says seat.....hmmmm. but really im still gonna experiment with te whole seat comfort issue to see if this is a consistant problem for me. i note that aussie dude riding around australia is getting thru some big mileagewith out comment on it so maybe its an individual choice.

that cans definatly gotta go.

but the first thing i will buy for it is an additional tank pad that runs higher up the tank.

 

I am Happy for you Dude!! The power sounds like the old V65 Magna electric smooth. I bet with a new Under muffler set up it will sound sweet!!

 

Went down to the dealer today to have a look at their first VFR1200. I really want one. But then I've got to give up my RWB. In the US, only the Honda Red is available. I really like white though.

 

great write-up. but... i've owned VFRs all the way back to 1985, and the 2010 just rubs me the wrong way. just doesn't look like a VFR.

 

Nice write-up. I saw the VFR 1200F for the first time today. It looks good to me except for that monstrosity of a muffler. Whoever designed that thing should be fired. And the manager who approved its design should also be fired. It will be the first thing I replace when I get my new VFR. The local dealer is supposed to have a demo bike in a few weeks, so I'm really looking forward to riding one. Just wish they hadn't made it so damn heavy. Think about how much better the bike would handle and accelerate if it was 100, or even 50 pounds lighter.

 

I have reserved making many comments other than to tease those that loved or hated it. Now that people are starting to ride some miles, I have a few opinions.

It's a big ole cruise missle and it grows on you. Apparently the motor in it kicks ass.
I'm the only person on the planet that likes the muffler.
I'm very interested in DCT version, just from the gadgetry aspect alone.
If you live on a island, who cares about gas mileage?

 

god i wish you had not posted that picture, now you have me thinking. great review

 

Thats because it ain't a VFR.. well as we all know em, it's a whole new breed they just happen to badged VFR. Yea, where the H are the white ones hiding? before you know it this will be the common VFR, but like VFRs of the past that slowly fade away, they will never be forgotten.

 

Not to rain on anyone's parade, esp. the excitement of a new bike, but I think Honda is going in a direction completely opposite to my way of thinking. Don't they already have two big sport touring, or touring bikes? Let's see, it's heavier, no center stand, bad horn position, heavy, did I say that already? Plus it is more expensive...... Aside from the power and looks, I can't see a single reason to recommend it. All they had to do was to massage the existing model a bit and put it on a diet.

 

You're entitled to your opinion, but just because you don't like it, doesn't mean Honda got it wrong.

 

Well, those are two fairly decent reasons to recommend it right there!

It is not my cup of tea - I already could have had a FJR or a K1300 before this 1200F came out if I had been looking for this kind of bike. Instead I ended up with a 6th G on a weight reduction/suspension upgrade program. Still, the 1200F seems like a solid entry in its class . . . .