VFR 1200 Test Ride - My Thoughts

Test rode the new VFR 1200 yesterday and thought I'd post my thoughts. The test ride was about fifteen minutes long, so this wasn't really long enough to comment fully on the bike, so anyone wanting to substantiate/antagonize my opinion is welcome.
Although the bike is 50lbs heavier, I really didn't notice it all, even at low speed. Maneuverability was just fine, even when plodding along in the parking lot, turning out toward the road.
The engine note was definitely different from the 800, but not necessarily better! As far as sound goes, the VTEC on the 800 seems to kick in at lower revs than the 1200, so I am more likely to get that RRRRROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRR on the 800 than on the 1200. I tried this right off the bat, and my first thought was that my 800 sounded just fine!!
The seating position almost seems identical to the 800. I don't find the 1200 any more "upright" than the 800, so I can't imagine it would be any more comfortable for long hauls. In fact, I found the notch between my thumb and index finger getting a little bit stiff, but this might be just because I'm in a slightly different overall position that I'm not used to while riding. Along with position, the wind protection doesn't seem to be any better at all - it's the same. However, I find it adequate, as I do on the 800.
As for power, the 1200 demonstrated more power at each rpm level in each gear, but I find that giving the 800 a little more throttle while shifting will accelerate you at the same rate throughout that 0-60mph range. HOWEVER, when the powerband kicks in, the bike really takes off!! To me, it seems like the 1200 goes through this strong power surge a little late in the rpm range, even if you are in second gear! I'd rather have that power lower in the torque curve (does this make sense) ie. closer to speed 0. However, I do suspect that this extra power might be nice if you are passing a semi-truck on the highway. I also suspect that the extra power on the 1200 is nicer if you have a passenger.
I noticed little difference in terms of suspension function. I did hit a few bumps, and the bike sailed over them, but so does the 800.
Braking was nicely controlled through the hand and foot controls, felt solid but not twitchy.
I noticed that a paint scuff was developing on the tank - it was about 2 inches in diameter, right about where your belly button would be touching the tank. Obviously, this happens with sport bikes, but the Honda organizers really should have put the carbon fibre protector pad on there. This was a new bike, and it was "wearing in" quickly!
As for the transmission, it seemed really really smooth. It wasn't really noticeable on the upshift, but it was on the downshift. This is because of slipper clutch, and it is a nice feel compared to any other bike out there, including the VFR800.
On this track day, I also rode a CBR1000RR, and I have to say that the slipper clutch on the 1000RR functions much more smoothly than on the 1200. For what reason, I cannot say.
Being a non-CBR rider, I thought I'd post a few more thoughts comparing the 1200 to the CBR1000RR:
First, the VFR1200 is NOT the CBR1000RR in terms of overall acceleration. I don't think anyone that knows anything about motorcycles does not understand this. When I rode the 1000RR, it soon became obvious that I could get the front wheel in the air quickly and at any speed up to about 80mph. This is an exhilerating feeling. It's also exhilerating going from 0mph to 100mph in seconds, which I have never experienced until yesterday. I do not get this same feeling from the 1200, but I don't think anyone is buying the 1200 for this type of feel.
The brakes on the CBR felt too twitchy. It required only a small lever pull to generate a lot of stopping power, and I really felt like I could launch myself over the bars with a slightly too forceful lever pull.
As for driving feel, the 1200 feels more like you are driving a motorcycle - ie something that requires control and balance. The CBR feels more like an extension of your body - if you look in a certain direction, the bike will go in that direction.
Really, we've got three distinct bikes here. I've tried to describe how I felt on the two new birds compared to the VFR, but, in the end, I was EXTREMELY HAPPY:biggrin::biggrin: to get back on my VFR 800. I'm not sure if it was because of my familiarity with the machine, but I do have to say that my instincts told me that the VFR800 was the right combination of power and handling for me!! It wasn't really anything objective, it was just my gut feel.
My feeling is that the 800 may become a bit of a novelty/collector's item in 15 years due to the unique VTEC motor. If you've got a 2007 anniversary edition, I think the collectors/rebuilders may be after it in the future.

 

really informative review, thanks