So, what is it about the new VFR?

[Sprintboy]

Just reading through the posts, it looks like about a 70/30 split.  About 70% don't like the new VFR1200 and 30% do.  I fall into the "don't like the new VFR" camp, but I haven't been able to put my finger on exactly why.

Is it the looks?  Looks are subjective and people can get used to an "interesting" looking bike if the total package is there.

I don't think it's the motor - high-tech V-4 with plenty of power.

Could be the seating position - in the bike instead of on it.

Price tag? - pretty spendy for an all-rounder

Probably the weight - it is about 100 lbs heavier.

What say you?

[veefer800canuck]

Price and fuel range have been common complaints I have heard.

[Bryan217]

They can be had for reasonable prices now if you shop around.

The things that bug me, a 6th Gen VFR owner, is the smaller gas tank which limits range, and the smaller side cases. Why put a smaller tank and bags on a bigger bike?  

[scottzilla]

It doesn't fit a particular group.  It's too heavy to be a sport bike, not heavy enough to be a sport tourer.
Seriously, Like the original VFR, it's expensive too.
Motorcyclists love labels, so this is it's biggest flaw imo.

[Orson]

comparing the specifications side by side with the K1300S and it looks like a close match other than the lack of electronic gizmos.

Now that the VFRs are going for $12,000, I'm assuming all the hate will come to a stop  

[M.Brane]

 Reg Pridmore likes his DCT. I believe him too since the tires were worn to the edges with a blue tint. His wife said the pillion seat is quite comfy.

 His 6th gen had a lot of dust on it.

[zzrwood]

Probably the weight - it is about 100 lbs heavier.

100lbs heavier than what?  I think you'll find it's about 45lbs heavier than a VETEC VFR800 - and about 20lbs heavier than a K1300s...

Also, I would have thought that sitting in the bike is preferable, no?

I think most of the people who don't like the VFR1200 have never ridden one.  I have, and now I own one - brilliant bike.  I paid about 2/3rds of original retail and feel I got a bargain. It is the best bike I have owned by a long shot - and that list includes a new series K1200GT, R1200ST and R1150GS BMWs, a Ducati Multistrada and an ST4s as well as a VETEC VFR800r.

It has way better factory luggage than a K1300s (which is its obvious competition, even Honda admitted it was their development target) - not to mention a much nicer motor, IMO. It gets about the same mileage and has about the same tank size. To me, the VFR's build quality far exceeds the BMW.

I am continuously perplexed why people have a hard time figuring out what the new VFR is, yet seem to have no problem getting what the K1300S is...

Anyway, here's what Motorcycle.com had to say when they did a shoot-out between the K1300s and the VFR1200 (and preferred the Honda):

"Honda haters have derided the VFR as being too heavy and not attractive enough for serious consideration, but those people likely haven’t ridden it. Running the 1200F through a tank of gas is a sure way to win over the skeptics. Consider us converted."

Cheers from Oz

[kevin_stevens]

Do you have the super-slidy "Inertial System" trunk that slides back and forth an inch with an annoying "thunk" every time you change direction?

The VFR seemed a lot more like a K1300GT than a K1300S to me when I rode it.  But I did like the DCT.

KeS

[Sprintboy]

You are correct, sir.  I was thinking about the weight on my '98 VFR, which was about 490 if I remember correctly.

I guess I was looking for a replacement for my trusty Sprint and old Interceptor.  Perhaps a high-tech, updated version of the original with more power.  Instead, I got a completely different bike altogether.  Honda's answer to the K1300S that sat like a K1300GT with the pegs too high (thanks, Kevin).

I still haven't recalibrated my concept on what a VFR should be (or now is).  Maybe that is where my dissapointment is.  

[Jetpilot5]

I really want to like it and now that the prices are coming down that should make a difference but I just can't get past the way it looks.  With the short tail section it looks so front heavy, not balanced and sporty.  Even the styling of the bike makes it look heavy.  I should ride one and give it more of a chance.

I'm so superficial.

[Orson]

I am continuously perplexed why people have a hard time figuring out what the new VFR is, yet seem to have no problem getting what the K1300S is...

I scratch my head over that one too.

While the two bikes seem to be closely matched, the K1300S is lauded as a competent bike, while the VFR1200 is seen as a portent signaling the end of western civilization as we know it  

Maybe the years of anticipation and build up of hype led to a backlash.

[scottzilla]

The K1300S is an obvious rip off of the CBR1100XX.

[garry]

I will reserve judgement until (if) I ever get the chance to ride one, but it's heavier and more expensive than I want. The looks and technical complexity do nothing for me. What I want is a full on sportbike with slightly relaxed (but sporty) ergos and hard luggage.

Had Honda come out with a 1000cc V4 in a Kawasaki Ninja 1000-like package (weight, price, etc), then I'd be interested. Instead, the Kawi is at the top of the short list (pending a test ride).

[zzrwood]

I know we all like to defend our choice of bikes, but I've had heaps of bikes, a few which I could admit didn't suit me (R1200RT comes to mind).

The VFR could definitely do with a few more litres of fuel - and the panniers could be a bit bigger - BUT, every time I ride it I can't stop grinning like a fool and muttering how much I love this bike...  The only place I know how much it weighs is pushing it around the garage - after that it feels every bit as good on the road (if not better) than my old Ducati ST4s.

My wife and regular pillion, who has always hated Hondas (it's a MotoGP thing - she is/was a mad keen Ducati fan), has commented on how incredibly competent the bike feels, planted yet great handling.

These days I'm not all that fussed on how bikes look - but the VFR must look OK - I've never had so many people come up to me to look at it and comment positively (or else they are being polite!).  Here is a shot of ours when we were trying out a sheepskin seat cover.  We are setting the bike up for a tour of Europe next year so it has a Bagster tank cover and bag to add some more storage.

Cheers from Oz

[BamaBiker]

Looks
Price
DCT

[UFO]

I could see owning a 7th gen VFR (I bet it would have 0 problems compared to my MTS).  I hated it when I first saw it, but it's grown on me and has some features I like.

But I would never pay full retail for one.  Not even close.  Maybe a used one, or one marked down to $10-$12K.  I'm still a sucker for V4s, even if this one doesn't sound like a proper V4.  And it can't be red...so I guess I'm screwed.

[Rogue]

My main beef with it is weight.  600 lbs. +?  That's not a sporty bike.  I wanted one that weighed no more than 550 lbs. wet.  But I guess that's asking too much.

Price is an issue too due to the presence of the BMW K1300S.  

I need more time to justify replacing my VFR800 for a VFR1200.  

It's kind of like the US Army deciding on which new combat rifle to choose to replace the venerable M16/M4 family.  The current one is so good and very well developed, they can't decide which rifle justifies the cost of switching over.  So meanwhile they keep soldiering on with the M4.

[gritsngravy]

The VFR800 has so much going for it that it would be a tough sell to move on to the 1200.   Both are great bikes with hard luggage options.   Obviously there is a huge power difference but I certainly don't consider the 800 to be a slow bike.  The shaft of the 1200 is great but the center stand and SSS of the 800 make living with chain upkeep a snap.    It makes me wonder how many 800 owners have moved on to the 1200.  

[Joey Stalin]

ugly as sin front end. who thought up that trainwreck of a design that is the headlights?

[Blunder]

Looks good in that color. We only get the whore's lipstick over here.