$15,999 for VFR1200

[14kmtnman]

That is what the EU mag MCN says...
"Honda has set the US price of the new VFR1200F at a level guarantee to raise UK buyers’ eyebrows.

The new sports-tourer will sell for just £9,782 in the US – almost £2000 less than in Britain.

The $15,999 US price compares with £11,596 in Britain and is the same as Honda charges for the Pan European in America.

However the Pan suffers a similar mark-up in the UK, where it costs £11,670."
"

[chornbe]

That is what the EU mag MCN says...
"Honda has set the US price of the new VFR1200F at a level guarantee to raise UK buyers’ eyebrows.

The new sports-tourer will sell for just £9,782 in the US – almost £2000 less than in Britain.

The $15,999 US price compares with £11,596 in Britain and is the same as Honda charges for the Pan European in America.

However the Pan suffers a similar mark-up in the UK, where it costs £11,670."
"

People *seriously* need to quit comparing prices in the absolute from one market to the next.

UK != US != IT != CA != ... ... ... ...

[Snowbird]

Yeah,but the price is still $16k in the US. I'm no longer interested.  

[xsrider]

I'm planning to get new bike next year, something with ABS.  I have just ruled out the VFR due to it's price.

[olderigetfasteriam]

Isn't that pretty comparable to the FJR and Concours?

[2006FJR]

This looks like a great bike but it seems to be lacking storage for that price.

[Rabidsnipe]

2010 Yamaha FJRA $15,190
2010 Kawasaki Concours $14,599
2010 BMW K1300S $15,550
2010 Suzuki Hyabusa $13,199
2010 Honda VFR $15,999 (???)

All prices are base model.

Looking at that list and those prices really makes you wonder.  I know that Honda charges a premium but more than the K1300S?  Man that seems steep.

The other thing that jumps out is what $1400 buys you when comparing the Busa to the Concours (I know the ZX is the competition but still, shaft drive, hard luggage, adjustable windshield).

[Professor ST]

Here's a post from the "price point" thread...

16,999 as shown (manual tranny)
17,999 with dual clutch
18,999 with bags

... at least !!!

also, prepare for a +/- $30K wing next year.

The yen is strong and the dollar is weak

The bike has come in $1,000 under my prediction, although I'm hearing that the upgrade to the automatic may be more than $1,000.

As blasphemous as this sounds, I think I'd rather keep my '06 paid for VFR or even pick up a <2 year old ST1300 with low miles for $10K before I would pay $16K and more for this.

[swimmer]

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,45274.850.html

[JReazor]

As blasphemous as this sounds, I think I'd rather keep my '06 paid for VFR or even pick up a <2 year old ST1300 with low miles for $10K before I would pay $16K and more for this.

Blasphemous? That sounds pretty sensible to me.

[XLR8]

If only the ZX-14 had ABS...sigh...

[kevin_stevens]

If only the ZX-14 had ABS...sigh...

It has a little cutout under the seat where the ABS unit fits for the rest of the world.  

KeS

[spitfiremk21]

Yeah,but the price is still $16k in the US. I'm no longer interested.

Same here. Hey Honda....

[Neub]

Had been waiting a couple of years for the new VFR to come out, when it did I put my name in and was second on the list from the local dealer.  When the price of $15,999 !!!!! came out started looking at other options and checked out a left over new 2009 BMW K1300S.  Dealer knocked $2000 off list plus BMW kicks in low financing or $1200 rebate....net $3200 of list - deal done.  Would have went for the VFR at 14,999 (max) but Honda has overpriced the bike and lost a loyal customer (last three bikes where all new VFRs and a couple of other CB's before those).  Honda will figure it out eventually like their DN-01 fiasco but how many potential VFR buyers will they have driven to the competition by that time.

[scottzilla]

The magazines are loving this bike.

[Snowbird]

2010 Yamaha FJRA $15,190
2010 Kawasaki Concours $14,599
2010 BMW K1300S $15,550
2010 Suzuki Hyabusa $13,199
2010 Honda VFR $15,999 (???)

The FJR has gone up $1700 since 2006? This is going to absolutely kill sales of J-bikes.

[dorklord]

Isn't that pretty comparable to the FJR and Concours?

The price of the VFR1200 is comparable to the FJR or Connie , unfortunately the bike is more comparable to the ZX-14 or K1300S (although with a significantly lean towards comfort compared to the ZX-14).

With the fjr you get ABS, side bags, (large) adjustable windshield, considerably more generous pillion accommodations, and a much bigger tank.

I think the VFR is a great concept, although the looks don't appeal to me. Looks are subjective, so I can shrug that off, but the price...well, actually, that's what pushed me to the FJR. When I was looking, the price of the VFR was so close to the FJR that a set of hard bags and mounts put the VFR at a higher price. Then I was offered a heck of a deal on the FJR.

[Will_Munny]

The FJR has gone up $1700 since 2006? This is going to absolutely kill sales of J-bikes.

How much has the US Dollar gone down since 2006?

[TuffguyF4i]

Looks like it's in the price range of the others.  

Who pays MSRP anway?  I've always paid thousands less.  

The msrp on my F4i was $8900.  I was able to get one for 7500 and one for 6500.  On a bike with a $16k msrp in a bad economy, i'd expect to get $13-14k OTD + some accessories.  

[Snowbird]

How much has the US Dollar gone down since 2006?

I'm not sure it matters whether or not it's justified. It matters whether or not a potential buyer wants the bike at the price. I do not. I expect few will.

[Snowbird]

Looks like it's in the price range of the others.  

Who pays MSRP anway?  I've always paid thousands less.  

The msrp on my F4i was $8900.  I was able to get one for 7500 and one for 6500.  On a bike with a $16k msrp in a bad economy, i'd expect to get $13-14k OTD + some accessories.  

600 cc super sports are produced and sell in large volume. The VFR won't and you will not see such large discounts on them.

Was your F4i a current model year bike when you bought it? Not that it matters; you've demonstrated that there is little if any profit.

[sammyseaman]

Looks like it's in the price range of the others.  

Who pays MSRP anway?  I've always paid thousands less.  

The msrp on my F4i was $8900.  I was able to get one for 7500 and one for 6500.  On a bike with a $16k msrp in a bad economy, i'd expect to get $13-14k OTD + some accessories.  

  Funniest! Post! Ever!!!

[XLR8]

Looks like it's in the price range of the others.  

Who pays MSRP anway?  I've always paid thousands less.  

The msrp on my F4i was $8900.  I was able to get one for 7500 and one for 6500.  On a bike with a $16k msrp in a bad economy, i'd expect to get $13-14k OTD + some accessories.  

Completely different market segment.

While the market for ST bikes is growing, in the U.S. it's still small in comparison to sportbikes and cruisers. You'll pay close to retail if you want the VFR.

[UFO]

Yep, if you want a heavily discounted VFR you can get leftover 6th gens for a song now.

[MadMax96]

The magazines are loving this bike.

Why shouldn't they?  Those guys don't pay for the bikes or for the gas....

[scottzilla]

Yep, if you want a heavily discounted VFR you can get leftover 6th gens for a song now.

Ewwww.  Vtech.

[scottzilla]

Why shouldn't they?  Those guys don't pay for the bikes or for the gas....

   Rare to meet someone more cynical than me.

[atadaskew]

The magazines are loving this bike.

Magazines love every new bike that they are flown out to 'review'.

Still, motorcyclist magazine only seemed to gush about the auto box.  They said they'd have to wait until they test it on the road as on the track it felt heavy and did not handle so 'well'.  Which makes sense, it's a street bike.

[Will_Munny]

I doubt anyone will get any big discounts on the 1200... Most dealers will only recieve one or 2 of them.

[dorklord]

And lets keep in mind that you'll be able to get bigger discounts on 'not new' model bikes than you will on a new model, at least while the model is still new and cool (how long that is depends on how well the bike sells).

So, if you can get the VFR for under MSRP, you can surely get an FJR for way under MSRP. And, again, with the FJR you get ABS and bags in that price. Comparing the VFR to the FJR or Connie isn't a straight up comparison, which is what makes the price seem so high.  

[scottzilla]

Magazines love every new bike that they are flown out to 'review'.

Still, motorcyclist magazine only seemed to gush about the auto box.  They said they'd have to wait until they test it on the road as on the track it felt heavy and did not handle so 'well'.  Which makes sense, it's a street bike.

The other guy said that already.
We'll see.  The motorcycling media will love this bike and it will be favored over the K1300S.  That's my prediction.  
I could care less really.  I'm not buying one.

[scottzilla]

Sure is an awful amount of discussion for a bike nobody likes.

[chornbe]

Sure is an awful amount of discussion for a bike nobody likes.

Yeah, like it was made by harley or something...  

[atadaskew]

Sure is an awful amount of discussion for a bike nobody likes.

I like it.  I'm gonna rent one to see how much I really like it.  But this is the interwebs so we also like to bee-yotch.  What am I supposed to be doing right now, my work?..

[scottzilla]

I like it.  I'm gonna rent one to see how much I really like it.  But this is the interwebs so we also like to bee-yotch.  What am I supposed to be doing right now, my work?..

Heavens no.

[DogBoy]

What am I supposed to be doing right now, my work?..

If you want to fit in, you'll tell everyone else how to do their jobs.

[atadaskew]

If you want to fit in, you'll tell everyone else how to do their jobs.

Currently I'm using the George Costanza (Seinfeld) method of not getting disturbed.  I just look at the monitor all focussed and angry when someone comes by, and they think that means I'm hard at work.

[Giaka]

Sure is an awful amount of discussion for a bike nobody likes.

I like it, I just cant spend that much money on it, I don't think.......  

[XLR8]

The other thing to consider in the pricing of the new VFR is that Honda may have temporarily priced it high to stimulate demand for older models still at dealers and move old inventory.

[rodm850g]

Guys,
I've tried to like this bike in fact I want to very much ....The price came in way under where I thought it would though....even with that a new ST1300ABS model is the same price...and as one poster put it who pays retail any way.....They may not be plentiful early on but every stand alone dealer WILL get all he or she orders..... and the ones that typically discount heavily and we know who they are....will be selling below retail...how much IS going to depend on the TERMS he or she received from the mfg{Honda}......
terms mean how long it will get floor planned before they got to pay interest on it....but most likely it will sell quickly......
A tid bit that surfaced on another site was in reference fuel economy...if that beastie only gets 31 mpg I know I wont be buying one at all...I'll just be happy with my paid for ST1300 and my VFR both getting better range than that.....let the rant carry on.....
Rod

[TuffguyF4i]

  Funniest! Post! Ever!!!

Maybe you just can't negotiate

The f4i's that I bought where current model.  
I always baseline my barganing from lake hill motors, which is where I bought my f4i for $6,500.  They have rock bottom prices and deal in volume.  

I've never really thought about the different market segmentation within a certain type of bike, sportbike vs. S-T.  The ST market still has to be huge.  There are a lot of different bikes that appeal to that market.  

[Busy Little Whiner]

Yeah, like it was made by harley or something...  

At least Harley is still making the only bikes you can leave out in the rain...

[chornbe]

At least Harley is still making the only bikes you can leave out in the rain...

Well, when the frame is made of 386 lbs of thick walled steel, there's plenty of material shedding and rust to flake off.  

[sagerat]

Now,  I'm doubly not going to buy one!  Seriously, the looks threw me off; I'd stick with 6th gen Viffer or else get an ST13 for that kind of money.  Honda continues to perplex me with their model offerings and their pricing.

[chornbe]

Now,  I'm doubly not going to buy one!  Seriously, the looks threw me off; I'd stick with 6th gen Viffer or else get an ST13 for that kind of money.  Honda continues to perplex me with their model offerings and their pricing.

I'd guess that the VFR1200 has a noticeable and measurable edge in sporting ride, handling & performance over both those bikes once you breach the ceiling of "legal road speeds". For point-a to point-b and "legal speed" riding, especially where 2-up riding is key, I agree with you. The St1300 wins. For the money.

Where transportation is concerned.

If the VFR1200 lights a fire within you, then discussion over. The St1300 can't hold a candle to just about *any* other bike when the "soul of the machine" or visceral enjoyment is a key factor. The ST is a wonderful bike... but it's rather soulless.

[sammyseaman]

If the VFR1200 lights a fire within you, then discussion over. The St1300 can't hold a candle to just about *any* other bike when the "soul of the machine" or visceral enjoyment is a key factor. The ST is a wonderful bike... but it's rather soulless.

Oh shit...... wait for it..... wait for it....  

 

[Morgan]

The problem I see is with the idea of financial reality.  I may have been able to somehow justify telling my wife I wanted to buy a VFR if it cost less than a CIVIC.  But I suspect that many people will have a hard time buying a Honda motorcycle (with no bags or heated grips) that costs more than the same company's nicely equipped sedan.  At least with BMW, I can buy a well equipped K1300S for $17K and have the ability to reassure my wife and friends that I'd not touch a BMW car for twice the cost.  I have owned 5 bikes now and still haven't come close to a cash outlay of $16K.  

[Busy Little Whiner]

Well, when the frame is made of 386 lbs of thick walled steel, there's plenty of material shedding and rust to flake off.  

You can leave HD out in the rain because shit don't rust...

[atadaskew]

You can leave HD out in the rain because shit don't rust...

See now, maybe back in your day that would work.

But nowadays when us kids say stuff like "dat's da shit!" it means "that's the best" etc.

[chornbe]

You can leave HD out in the rain because shit don't rust...

Thank God... There for a minute I thought you were gonna have an open mind or think about something other than jerking off all over your bike. *whew*

[Will_Munny]

Thank God... There for a minute I thought you were gonna have an open mind or think about something other than jerking off all over your bike. *whew*

The unhealthy lust for his RC45 and the fact that he personifies it as a male "Mr" makes me wonder about some latent homosexuality. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[atadaskew]

Back on topic.  I think Orson makes a valid point as to whether the experience of this bike transcends it's price.
Say I rent it (I will).
And I love it.  And then I realise that why yes, there are other 'better' performing bikes for less.  But I love this one, the others do not do 'it' for me.
Then yes, I'd pay the extra to own one.

Like Goot-zies.
 

[Baz]

Does this list price include accessories such as bags?

The old VFR here in Canada had an insane MSP once you added all the accessories to it. (I actually bought my new year old FJR for the same price I was quoted for a VFR).

I wonder if Honda plans on using this game with the new VFR. If so, it could end up being a pricey bike.  

[Justin]

The unhealthy lust for his RC45 and the fact that he personifies it as a male "Mr" makes me wonder about some latent homosexuality. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

And your point is? I refer to my bike as a "185 HP steel penis".. does that make me.. nm ..

[gritsngravy]

Yep, if you want a heavily discounted VFR you can get leftover 6th gens for a song now.

Best get to steppin' if you want one, couple of shops around here in nor cal have been selling the hell out of left-over vfr's.  

[2wheels4me]

I currently have an '07 VFR and love it, think it's a great all 'round bike. I love the new VFR and was hoping to go for it but the price is just to high for me. If they at least threw in the hard bags it might be tempting, maybe when they aren't selling I'll find a nice deal on one.

[spitfiremk21]

You can leave HD out in the rain because shit don't rust...

 

[ninegear]

heres a question. how many miles do you think that engine could take

[chornbe]

Probably a truckload and a half... barring rev-1 recalls and such. Modern engines rules.

[Busy Little Whiner]

What??? bike lust is unhealthy... since when???

[Busy Little Whiner]

Modern engines rules.

No when T shirt sales are more popular...

[Baz]

Hey Folks:

I was just doing a little digging on the Canuck Honda site and the new VFR comes with nothing (they appear to be working on the accessory page)

The new VFR (as pictured below) will cost an estimated $20,000.00 CAD. (I estimate $18,000.00 in the USA) once you add bags, bag liners, trunk & mounting hardware, using the pricing from the old VFR accessory page.

 

[chornbe]

That luggage is hideous and the tail setup looks cheap as hell.

[chornbe]

No when T shirt sales are more popular...

 

[JReazor]

That luggage is hideous and the tail setup looks cheap as hell.

To be fair, that's true of almost all luggage.

[chornbe]

They shoulda oughta just bought it from Givi.

[swimmer]

That luggage is hideous and the tail setup looks cheap as hell.

Have you seen the side cases in person?  I  really don't understand how you can say they look bad.  Appear to be some of the most nicely integrated  ones out while still being of decent size.  Plus, once removed there is no sign of a rack.  I've got the GIVI V35's on my VFR which are probably the most stylish GIVI cases and I think the new VFR ones are better.

[Busy Little Whiner]

 

Instead of modern engines this is what rules HD... T shirt sales... this one is for your dog...

[chornbe]

At what point, Larry, did I mentioned Harley-Davidson at all in this context? A made a blanket statement about modern engines. Just because you can't take a deep breath without thinking about the one and only bike in your universe doesn't mean that's the same case for the rest of us. Seriously man... open your eyes and horizons a little.

Instead of modern engines this is what rules HD... T shirt sales... this one is for your dog...

[Baz]

They shoulda oughta just bought it from Givi.

They probably did...  

[cjgauthier]

Hey Folks:

I was just doing a little digging on the Canuck Honda site and the new VFR comes with nothing (they appear to be working on the accessory page)

The new VFR (as pictured below) will cost an estimated $20,000.00 CAD. (I estimate $18,000.00 in the USA) once you add bags, bag liners, trunk & mounting hardware, using the pricing from the old VFR accessory page.

 

         I guess not every bike can look like an FJR.    Honda ought to put their V4 under some FJR Tupperware and call it a day. That thing looks like the proto-type artists lost their detail brush and substituted a spatula instead. Seriously, I've seen better looking plastic come out of my microwave.  What's the weight on that thing? Too bad for Honda that The C14 got updated for the first time in twenty years.

[falconati]

You're right, not everything can look as exciting as an FJR.  

[cjgauthier]

You're right, not everything can look as exciting as an FJR.    

        FTFY

[keepergale]

The VFR is heavy. It is barely lighter than the FJR.

[Busy Little Whiner]

The VFR is heavy. It is barely lighter than the FJR.

True.... but the Fruit Juice Reconstituted don't have the secret anti weight switch...

[egslowride]

You're right, not everything can look as exciting as an FJR.  

Nor as goofy as the new vfr  

[nwconk]

I don't think I can really see this as an ST replacement with a 150 mile range.    Maybe in Europe or the East Coast, but out West, I don't think so.

--chris

[marc11]

Yeah, here on the East Coast, you know from ME all the way to FL, passing such great riding states as ME, VT, PA, VA, GA and NC to name a few, we only ride max 75 miles before we fall into the ocean.....sorry, we have no use for a long range touring bike like people in "the west coast"....

[chornbe]

Yeah, here on the East Coast, you know from ME all the way to FL, passing such great riding states as ME, VT, PA, VA, GA and NC to name a few, we only ride max 75 miles before we fall into the ocean.....sorry, we have no use for a long range touring bike like people in "the west coast"....

BWAHAHAHA AHAHAHAHA AHAHAHAHAHA AHAHAHAH

That's some funny shit right there.  

[cjgauthier]

BWAHAHAHA AHAHAHAHA AHAHAHAHAHA AHAHAHAH

   

         I've always wondered how to spell that.

[Orson]

I remember trying to get across a stretch of Nevada with my chin on the tank, at 55 mph hoping there was a gas station on the horizon  

lookin' at a night time satellite photo of the U.S. confirms my suspicions.

Nevada lies in pitch darkness  

[TuffguyF4i]

Yeah, here on the East Coast, you know from ME all the way to FL, passing such great riding states as ME, VT, PA, VA, GA and NC to name a few, we only ride max 75 miles before we fall into the ocean.....sorry, we have no use for a long range touring bike like people in "the west coast"....

Well, thats true, if you only travel east.  

The east coast really is populated enough so that you really would have to work to find 50 miles between stations.  I have ridden and driven well over 200,000 miles in 'these parts' and very rarely have had to worry about gas at all.  I've lived 6months to a year in ME, NY, CT, SC, NC, GA, and PA.  

[marc11]

Well, thats true, if you only travel east.  

The east coast really is populated enough so that you really would have to work to find 50 miles between stations.  I have ridden and driven well over 200,000 miles in 'these parts' and very rarely have had to worry about gas at all.  I've lived 6months to a year in ME, NY, CT, SC, NC, GA, and PA.  

I can easily put you in places in ME, NY, GA and NC where you can ride 100 miles with no gas station, do it at night on a Sunday and that goes up even more.  I think we are over generalizing things, no?  And I think your statement is true for the West Coast too, it is pretty damn populated, if you stick the the word "coast".  I just found the OP statemet a bit funny, even the Europe comment, those boys travel pretty long distances, the point about the tank range is not so much worrying about finding fuel every 150 miles, it is more about having to stop every 150 miles whether you want to or not.  Where that happens in the world is rather moot IMHO.

[chornbe]

Well, thats true, if you only travel east.  

The east coast really is populated enough so that you really would have to work to find 50 miles between stations.  I have ridden and driven well over 200,000 miles in 'these parts' and very rarely have had to worry about gas at all.  I've lived 6months to a year in ME, NY, CT, SC, NC, GA, and PA.  

Yeah, but it's not about "have to". If I'm in a groove in the mountains, the last thing I wanna do is screw my mojo by stopping if *I* can go another hour or another 50 miles of twisties or whatever the case. *I'M* good for between 2-3 hours before I *want* to stop and 3-4 hours before I *have* to stop. Depending on fuel range and riding style, that's totally doable. I'd *prefer* the bike to be that flexible.

However, in all fairness, if I wanted this bike, I wouldn't let the range be a deciding factor on anything but bottom line price. I'd add a way to carry more fuel if I were heading across the open stretches and I'd likely *NEVER* take it on the highway, where 3-hour stretches is the norm.

[maddjack]

heck there were sections in in the dacks where Fuel was tight after 6pm,you need range period,east ,west whatever,the US is big ,not Euro sized

[marc11]

heck there were sections in in the dacks where Fuel was tight after 6pm,you need range period,east ,west whatever,the US is big ,not Euro sized

That's what I am saying, heck, you can get into parts of the Catskills and need 50 plus miles to find an open gas station at times.

[scottzilla]

150 miles is OK for me.  Frankly, I think if I owned a C14 or FJR I would still be hitting reserve at about the 150 mile mark anyway simply because I ride like a maniac.

[nwconk]

I can easily put you in places in ME, NY, GA and NC where you can ride 100 miles with no gas station, do it at night on a Sunday and that goes up even more.  I think we are over generalizing things, no?  And I think your statement is true for the West Coast too, it is pretty damn populated, if you stick the the word "coast".  I just found the OP statemet a bit funny, even the Europe comment, those boys travel pretty long distances, the point about the tank range is not so much worrying about finding fuel every 150 miles, it is more about having to stop every 150 miles whether you want to or not.  Where that happens in the world is rather moot IMHO.

I could put you on some interstates in the West where it is over 200 miles to the next "service".  You may not want to stop in the East, but you usually can.  There are places in the West where you run into pretty long next service signs.  

I guess comprehension sometimes suffers.  It's not that you, or the Europeans, don't ride long distances, it is that you usually don't have long distances between services.  This is not an attack on your manhood, or p*** length, it is about population density and geography.

--a bemused chris  
 

[marc11]

I could put you on some interstates in the West where it is over 200 miles to the next "service".  You may not want to stop in the East, but you usually can.  There are places in the West where you run into pretty long next service signs.  

I guess comprehension sometimes suffers.  It's not that you, or the Europeans, don't ride long distances, it is that you usually don't have long distances between services.  This is not an attack on your manhood, or p*** length, it is about population density and geography.

--a bemused chris  
 

Seriously, this is the pissing contest you want to make here?  Which state has areas with the furthest service stations?  Clearly a new low for STN, can we somehow spin this into a HD bash to bring it full circle?

[chornbe]

Seriously, this is the pissing contest you want to make here?  Which state has areas with the furthest service stations?  Clearly a new low for STN, can we somehow spin this into a HD bash to bring it full circle?

My 'Glide had a 6-gallon tank and before I wasted money (yes, wasted!!!) putting on the stupid pipes and powerpak thing (to cool it down) from whoever it was, I got ~50 MPG. That's 300 miles bitch!!! BITE IT!!!

(I had to work really hard to get 200 miles from a tank after that bullshit mod and ya know...? It really didn't run all that much cooler anyway.)

[marc11]

My 'Glide had a 6-gallon tank and before I wasted money (yes, wasted!!!) putting on the stupid pipes and powerpak thing (to cool it down) from whoever it was, I got ~50 MPG. That's 300 miles bitch!!! BITE IT!!!

(I had to work really hard to get 200 miles from a tank after that bullshit mod and ya know...? It really didn't run all that much cooler anyway.)

   My question about turning it into a HD bash was rhetorical of course...

[chornbe]

It's gonna happen. Might as well jump start it.  

[scottzilla]

I could put you on some interstates in the West where it is over 200 miles to the next "service".  You may not want to stop in the East, but you usually can.  There are places in the West where you run into pretty long next service signs.  

I guess comprehension sometimes suffers.  It's not that you, or the Europeans, don't ride long distances, it is that you usually don't have long distances between services.  This is not an attack on your manhood, or p*** length, it is about population density and geography.

--a bemused chris  
 

He showed me his penis and it's OK for a little white boy.

Let's face it: I find it hard to believe Honda's marketing scheme is to cater to people who live 200+ miles between gas stations, simply because if you live in this sort of place it's what's generally referred to as a "Small town" and doesn't have enough population to warrant aggressive marketing or advertising.
99% of the people buying a VFR will have less than 200 miles between gas stations.

[marc11]

Hey I prefer off white in the summer, brite white in the winter!

[Aero]

According to today's MCN there will be a touring version of the VFR with a 25 litre tank which will give a much better range. I got the impression that this is not the new ST though, I guess that will have more touring farkles. I just hope that the much talked about variable cylinder cutout system will give better mpg than I've heard of so far.

[nwconk]

Seriously, this is the pissing contest you want to make here?  Which state has areas with the furthest service stations?  Clearly a new low for STN, can we somehow spin this into a HD bash to bring it full circle?

I didn't even realize it was a pissing contest.  I just don't like the range.  YMMV    

By the way STN can go much lower than this.

--still bemused by the controversy

[Rambler]

According to today's MCN there will be a touring version of the VFR with a 25 litre tank which will give a much better range. I got the impression that this is not the new ST though, I guess that will have more touring farkles.

This is something I'd like to see.  

[Rogue]

Be careful what you wish for.......

I seem to remember so many members here whining about the shortcomings of the previous VFR's.  Now that Honda has stepped up to the plate and given the market what they supposedly where whining about, now people have found something else to bitch about.  Like the price!  

What the heck do you guys expect?  

You wanted more power and torque.  You wanted hard luggage.  You didn't want the chain maintenance.  Must have ABS.  You wanted something all new.  Well now you got it!  Did any of you REALLY believe this bike would come in at $11999 or something?  That was circa 2000.  It's 2010 ladies!  You got everything you've been asking for!  

If $18k is too much, then it's time to get a used bike, or look into a 6th Generation VFR, or better yet the Triumph Sprint ST.  

[Rambler]

Yeah, but we wanted it in the same body style.  

[UFO]

Be careful what you wish for.......

I seem to remember so many members here whining about the shortcomings of the previous VFR's.  Now that Honda has stepped up to the plate and given the market what they supposedly where whining about, now people have found something else to bitch about.  Like the price!  

What the heck do you guys expect?  

You wanted more power and torque.  You wanted hard luggage.  You didn't want the chain maintenance.  Must have ABS.  You wanted something all new.  Well now you got it!  Did any of you REALLY believe this bike would come in at $11999 or something?  That was circa 2000.  It's 2010 ladies!  You got everything you've been asking for!  

If $18k is too much, then it's time to get a used bike, or look into a 6th Generation VFR, or better yet the Triumph Sprint ST.  

6th gen had bags
6th gen had ABS

Only thing the new VFR offers is more power and a shaft drive (which wasn't huge on most owner's list).

The price in itself is fine by me (bikes are getting expensive all around).  But the value sucks.  The K13S is the better value by far.

[Rogue]

I haven't priced the VFR1200 side by side with the K1300S.  I have glanced at the K1300S and yes, that is one kick ass bike and it's not bad looking either.  You can also load it up with all kinds of luxury items that the VFR doesn't offer.  If the K1300S, similarly equipped, comes in at least $2k less than the VFR1200 then Honda will have some problems and/or they need to adjust its price.  

My thinking is Honda is pricing the VFR1200 as a totally brand new machine with all the R&D costs right up front.  There is no "aggressive pricing" involved.  They are that confident.  BMW meanwhile has had a few years of amortizing many of the development costs of the K1300S so they can come in under the Honda price.  Now we will find out if Honda's reputation for building very reliable machines (for the most part), as well as their superior number of dealerships will be enough to overcome any price difference.  

As for "value".....that depends on who you ask.  I think the value is in the 6th Generation VFR800, the Sprint ST, and the BMW F800ST.  These bikes are in the $10k range, have hard bags, plenty fast enough, and just as much fun without the weight.  I'm not complaining about the price of the VFR1200S.  It is what it is because that's how much it costs to bring such a model in with all the stuff everyone thinks they must have on a bike.  However, $18k for a motorcycle just so it can have hard bags, shaft drive, and lots of power?  That kind of coin has crossed over to new to Certified Used Car pricing.  Okay they won't be really fast cars but close enough.  Personally I would rather just get a Mini S or a Mazdaspeed 3.  They are more $$ but they are all weather, all the time, lots more comfortable, no need for hard bags, and none of them can split lanes!    I prefer my motorcycles to be relatively lightweight, can split lanes even in touring mode, and doesn't have car-like monthly payments (preferably paid off).  Honestly, I try not to expect my motorcycle to be as comfortable and convenient as a car because it isn't one.  If I must have all those comfort and convenient items along with the high price and weight, then it becomes harder to justify why I'm riding a bike in the first place.

[Busy Little Whiner]

VFR1200 pork is only $26 per pound...

[aks801]

I haven't priced the VFR1200 side by side with the K1300S.  I have glanced at the K1300S and yes, that is one kick ass bike and it's not bad looking either.  You can also load it up with all kinds of luxury items that the VFR doesn't offer.  If the K1300S, similarly equipped, comes in at least $2k less than the VFR1200 then Honda will have some problems and/or they need to adjust its price.  

My thinking is Honda is pricing the VFR1200 as a totally brand new machine with all the R&D costs right up front.  There is no "aggressive pricing" involved.  They are that confident.  BMW meanwhile has had a few years of amortizing many of the development costs of the K1300S so they can come in under the Honda price.  Now we will find out if Honda's reputation for building very reliable machines (for the most part), as well as their superior number of dealerships will be enough to overcome any price difference.  

As for "value".....that depends on who you ask.  I think the value is in the 6th Generation VFR800, the Sprint ST, and the BMW F800ST.  These bikes are in the $10k range, have hard bags, plenty fast enough, and just as much fun without the weight.  I'm not complaining about the price of the VFR1200S.  It is what it is because that's how much it costs to bring such a model in with all the stuff everyone thinks they must have on a bike.  However, $18k for a motorcycle just so it can have hard bags, shaft drive, and lots of power?  That kind of coin has crossed over to new to Certified Used Car pricing.  Okay they won't be really fast cars but close enough.  Personally I would rather just get a Mini S or a Mazdaspeed 3.  They are more $$ but they are all weather, all the time, lots more comfortable, no need for hard bags, and none of them can split lanes!    I prefer my motorcycles to be relatively lightweight, can split lanes even in touring mode, and doesn't have car-like monthly payments (preferably paid off).  Honestly, I try not to expect my motorcycle to be as comfortable and convenient as a car because it isn't one.  If I must have all those comfort and convenient items along with the high price and weight, then it becomes harder to justify why I'm riding a bike in the first place.

That is a GREAT take!  

[Will_Munny]

6th gen had bags
6th gen had ABS

Only thing the new VFR offers is more power and a shaft drive (which wasn't huge on most owner's list).

The price in itself is fine by me (bikes are getting expensive all around).  But the value sucks.  The K13S is the better value by far.

The BMW definitely gives you more for your money.... but I still don't want one. A lot of people who bought them seem to be pretty pissed off.

The European manufacturers are sure coming on strong though... and currency exchanges weigh heavily in their favor for pricing right now. Prices of Jap bikes are going to have to go up.