VFR 1200 Fixed!!!!

I had the exact issues reported re surging / caughing and stalling on my vfr. I got my spark plugs changed and the bike runs perfectly. Over 600 kms with no issue. They did the ECU electronic update also. Feel like I got my bike back. Markham Power Sports. Dan and the boys did a great job. I had one dealer tell me bad gas. I had more then a few opinions thrown at me. Including many forum guys telling me not to ride the bike at lower then 5000 rpm. I'm back!!!!

 

Can you elaborate? Is this the same sort of ECU update they is available in the UK?

Cheers!

 

My fingers are crossed hoping this is so. Are the dead spots in first and second smoothed out?

 

Is this ECU update available in US? If this fixes the surging problem, I might be able to pickup a new 1200 for cheap..

 

I emailed Alex (alexdig) regarding his post:

Hey Alex,

Could you clarify your comment regarding your post that said in part:
"They did the ECU electronic update also."

Is this the same sort of ECU update they is available in the UK? Does it
match the ECU programming for the 2012 model? Does it remove or improve
the power dips in 1st and 2nd gear?

Cheers... David

Here's his response:

Hey David.
Not sure man.
I took the bike to Honda Canada head office and I was informed they
completed the ECU update.
They also adjusted the throttle on the bike.
We replaced all the plugs on the bike.
I have not had an issue ever since.
You might want to call Markham Power Sports.
These guys were champs.
They might be able to share the details with you on their interface with
Honda Canada.

Let me know if I can help.
I love the bike.
This issue would have resulted in me selling the bike if I had not
remedied the problem.

Alex


As I don't yet own a VFR 1200F, I thought it might be odd for me to contact the service department regarding an issue for a bike I don't own. If someone else wants to dig a little deeper, here's the contact info I found:

Markham Outdoor Power
Dan Lawrence (Owner)
(905) 294-2355

Honda Canada
Auto, M/C, P/E & Marine
Customer Relations

180 Honda Blvd.
Markham, ON
L6C 0H9

Toll Free: 1-888-9-HONDA-9 (1-888-946-6329)
Hours: 8:00 am to 7:30 pm Mon to Fri (EST)

 

Just called the dealer above, sounds like their doing something, the mechanic that specializes in it is off today but is supposed to call tomorrow. Will update when I hear.

 

Thank you!!

 

I've checked with just about every dealer service dept here in town about an ECU update. Most of them look at me like I am a two-headed cowl that spoke French. Do let us know what you find out. I don't want to go ask again unless I've got some leads to go on.

btw, I don't really find the stock mapping all that terrible. Still, it would be nice to get rid of the 1st-2nd gear retard without using the Z-bomb.

 

Above dealer just called, they said they changed the plugs and Honda Canada reflashd the ECU. At this time the dealers don't have the update. They're waiting on a call back from Honda to find out if dealers will be getting what they need to do it themselves.
They said they'd call when they hear.

 

I wrote Honda USA a letter asking about the ECU update for the American vfr1200 the same time Europe was getting their ECU update. It was more than a year ago, but they called me back within a week.
Was told the European bikes have a different ECU program than the American one. Also, that the American bike won't support the European ECU update and that there wasn't going to be an update for the American ECU.

 

Wonder where Canada fits in? Hopefully we'll find out soon...... God safe the Queen.

 

I'm having the same surging/stumbling problems with my 2010. Its documented in another thread.

We have a ton of snow where I live so I'm hoping by the time spring rolls around the dealers have been informed and have some sort of action plan.

With any luck my bike will go the the local dealer in April. Weather permitting.

 

The Bramptom dealer called today and said Honda is sending them a hand held unit with a software update for the 2010's, should have it very soon. They understand it's supposed to get rid of the flat spots in first and second but are not sure if it's the 2013 mapping. I'm hoping it's what they did in Europe, I've seen a couple of their posts and they seem happy with the reflash. Can any of you bloke's with DCT's from the other side of the pond explain how the reflash changed things? Pints will be on me.

 

That is great news. I can't wait to get my bike in to be flashed with the latest update!

That seriously just made my evening/weekend.

 

Talked to the Ottawa service manager today about the update. He wasn't aware of anything so I asked him to check with Honda Canada to get the details. He got back to me with .............
Since some are noticing issues with smoothness, power restriction, ect. they came out with an update to fix it. It's not warrenty work and Honda is not reimbursing labour but is providing the update.
There's nothing posted for the dealers to know about it, sounds like it's left up to the owner complain about it.

 

Our more then likely their lawyers just want us to ask and pay for more power

 

Talked with my local dealer today. Described my problem, along with the fact im hearing reports of an ecu reflash to address the issue. I also explained my warranty is up mid May.

They contacted Honda canada and confirmed that an update exists.

Once the snow is gone i'll be making an appointment to get the work done.

 

Did they say it was under warrenty? Or will you have to pay for the labour?

 

They didn't say if it would cost me anything.

I mentioned that I wanted to get it done prior to my warranty expiring.

To be honest I would be shocked if I was charged to fix a bug/etc on a bike that's still under manufacturers warranty.

Either way guess ill find out in the spring.

 

I am still battling with Honda over this issue; no resolution as of yet. They did supply a new ECU to someone in the US. When I asked them about providing the same courtesy they told me they just had one laying around. I have contacted NYS lemon law and they said I have enough for a case. This saga will continue once I roll the bike out in the spring and if I don't get any co operation from Honda I will be left with one option. Extremly disapointed with Honda as I explained there are six cases in the US that people have reported on this forum and at least a couple in Canada that I have heard of. There are also complaints filed with NHTSA.