VFR1200 for sport-touring?

[retro]

Has anyone looked at the new Honda VFR1200F as a S-T ride?

Are the engines reliable over the long haul?  Ergonomics for a tall rider (I’m 6’2”). Cruising range on a tank of gas?  

I’m also looking at the new 2012 Ninja 1000. Is one clearly better than the other for  sport-touring? Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Retro

[gradus]

You're better off asking this question at vfrdiscussion.com.  

[Giaka]

Has anyone looked at the new Honda VFR1200F as a S-T ride?

Are the engines reliable over the long haul?  Ergonomics for a tall rider (I'm 6’2”). Cruising range on a tank of gas?  

I'm also looking at the new 2012 Ninja 1000. Is one clearly better than the other for  sport-touring? Any comments would be appreciated.

4.9 Gallons and the Average on Fuelly looks to be 33 mpg. Looking for fuel at around 130 miles is way short on range for me. Too bad I think it could have been the best ST bike Honda has ever made.  Ninja 1000 makes more sense to me (but it has a small fuel tank as well) but the VFR1200 is a nice bike from what I have read.

[TriumphTiger1050]

Yeah, I looked at the VFR1200 just out of curiosity.  I like the looks.  But that is a rather expensive Honda to me.  Call me a cheap ass but if that bike had been around the $12k price I believe it would be a better seller.  If memory serves me, doesn't that bike cost upwards to $16k give or take????

That bike needs a 5.5 to 6 gallon tank too!

Just can't see them selling like hotcakes myself!

[wynterwolf]

For what it's worth, there is a discussion happening on the Futura board of apriliaforum.com.  It's a revived thread about the VFR and a guy who bought it as a replacement for his Fut.  He seems to think the VFR is a nice Fut replacement, but the biggest complaints most people seem to have is the cost of the VFR and the smallish range.  I think the VFR is sweet looking, and it would probably be a nice bike to have as an ST.  You can get hard bags for it, and it's supposed to have a good neutral seating position.

I could see ST'ing on a Ninja 1000.  The seat worries me, and I would want a little more wind protection up top, but I think it would suit just fine.  Depends on how hardy/adaptable you are, how far you plan on going, etc.  I don't have a lot of information about the Ninja 1000, so thats about all I can offer.

Given a choice between the two, I would probably choose the VFR with side bags and a potential top case, and some kind of external fuel cell.  Maybe a fuel remap would solve its poor fuel economy and remedy the need for an extra fuel cell, but I haven't looked that much into it to know for sure.  So, now I've resorted to speculation.

My first question would be, have you thrown a leg over either yet?  How do they fit?

[retro]

For what it's worth, there is a discussion happening on the Futura board of apriliaforum.com.  It's a revived thread about the VFR and a guy who bought it as a replacement for his Fut.  He seems to think the VFR is a nice Fut replacement, but the biggest complaints most people seem to have is the cost of the VFR and the smallish range.  I think the VFR is sweet looking, and it would probably be a nice bike to have as an ST.  You can get hard bags for it, and it's supposed to have a good neutral seating position.

I could see ST'ing on a Ninja 1000.  The seat worries me, and I would want a little more wind protection up top, but I think it would suit just fine.  Depends on how hardy/adaptable you are, how far you plan on going, etc.  I don't have a lot of information about the Ninja 1000, so thats about all I can offer.

Given a choice between the two, I would probably choose the VFR with side bags and a potential top case, and some kind of external fuel cell.  Maybe a fuel remap would solve its poor fuel economy and remedy the need for an extra fuel cell, but I haven't looked that much into it to know for sure.  So, now I've resorted to speculation.

My first question would be, have you thrown a leg over either yet?  How do they fit?

At 16k throw me in the cheap-ass camp. I like to ride in southern Utah where distance you can go on a tank of gas is definitely an issue. But to address the question, ho I haven't thrown a leg over either yet, just read the reviews. But a few dealers are offering test rides on the VFR so I'm thinking of heading down there and see how it feels. Thanks for the info!

Retro

[Giaka]

At 16k throw me in the cheap-ass camp. Retro

Actually with all the goodies I think we are talking closer to $19k for a VFR1200.

[wynterwolf]

At 16k throw me in the cheap-ass camp. I like to ride in southern Utah where distance you can go on a tank of gas is definitely an issue. But to address the question, ho I haven't thrown a leg over either yet, just read the reviews. But a few dealers are offering test rides on the VFR so I'm thinking of heading down there and see how it feels. Thanks for the info!

Retro

I agree.  They're pricey.  I'm a used bike kind of guy.  The problem there is there just isn't any used VFR1200s yet.  I would definitely jump on a test ride.  I'm guessing if you are looking to buy a new one, there is probably going to be a chance to get some cheap as dealers try to get them off the floor.  Maybe you can get them at 12k.  (Laughs to self at the absurdity of it all.)

Come back and give your impressions after your test ride.  I'd be interested in hearing what you have to say.

[Justin]

There is a good review from a test rider in this thread - http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,62825.0.html

For me, the small tank and large price means it will never be in my stable.

[Kneescrubber]

For the life of me I can't figure out why anyone would buy that pig. The Viffer faithful were screaming for years to give them just a little more displacement (most wanted 1000cc) and upgraded suspension. That's all. Honda certainly punted on this one. It's destined for the PC dustbin. Epic  

[MisterSmooth]

Does anyone on this board have one?     16,476 STN members and no VFR1200's?  Ouch!  Fail.  

[Cvergi01]

At 16k throw me in the cheap-ass camp. I like to ride in southern Utah where distance you can go on a tank of gas is definitely an issue. But to address the question, ho I haven't thrown a leg over either yet, just read the reviews. But a few dealers are offering test rides on the VFR so I'm thinking of heading down there and see how it feels. Thanks for the info!

Retro

meow that's just not nice  

[chesthing]

Honda dealers are currently in VFR heavy discount mode - $16k just isn't gonna happen. The going rate for a leftover '10 is $13k+ tax http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-2010-Honda-VFR1200F-VFR-1200-Motorcycle-/230635311585?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item35b2ef91e1
I'm seeing another Rune-type flop, what Honda lists isn't meeting what buyers will pay.
What VFR buyers wanted was a 1kcc v4, 500 lbs wet, CBR1k suspension for $11k. Again, Honda shows they don't listen.

[Justin]

Does anyone on this board have one?     16,476 STN members and no VFR1200's?  Ouch!  Fail.  

There were one or two that made a few posts in the Honda forum defending their fine steeds.

[Frankienuckles]

Don't have one, but I agree that honda seems to have missed the mark with this bike. For what they are asking there are a few other choices that do more for less $. Myself, if I were to go looking for a big gt style sport tourer I'd probably buy a used zx-14 and throw some convertibars or lsl bars buell pegs and a better seat ,givis too. I think I'd end up with a better bike (in that class) for less $.  

[falconati]

As previously noted, they are selling for less than MSRP; so the real issue is the range.  If you can live with stopping before 150 miles each tank, I believe it would be an excellent sport touring machine.  However, there are many other excellent alternatives (a VFR 800 being one of them), so I would recommend looking around before making a decision.

[Espada]

OP: It seems you have new bikes in mind, but I would like to make one quick suggestion out of left field for you consideration.  If a bike as costly as a VFR 1200 is in contention, perhaps a used BMW K1300S may also fit the bill.  It too is a comfy large displaccement sport bike that can double up on light to medium duty touring.  It probably stacks up favorably against the VFR 1200.

[gritsngravy]

3 absolute truths in life.

Death

Taxes

Honda is not gonna build a bike for broke whiners.

[Kraz]

If the VFR12 wouldn't be for ST riding... then I don't know what else it'd be good for.  

WTF were they thinking with that tiny tank?  What is ANY mfgr thinking with the tiny range these days?  Want less weight?  Put in less fuel, at least give me the OPTION to go AT LEAST 200 miles... more for a touring/ST bike, please.

And 33mpg??!?  I thought the new wave of FI and the such is supposed to improve fuel economy?

[jfurf]

I fail to see how $14k for a brand new big sport-tourer is all that expensive. In terms of what you're getting, you're up in k13000S territory in terms of refinement and in Hyabusa territory in terms of performance. And having seen it in person, the VFR is absolutely gorgeous and looks like it's about a generation and a half newer and more evolved than any other bike on the street.  

Haters.

[Justin]

I guess you know a sport-touring bike was a failure when people have to post and ask if it's good bike for sport touring  

[Espada]

I guess you know a sport-touring bike was a failure when people have to post and ask if it's good bike for sport touring  

Not to point out the obvious or anything, but, yeah... what he said.  

[retro]

After searching the web for reviews I found one positive one. I agree with what a few others have said, it seems like a niche bike but I'm not sure what the niche is. I was really hoping for a new and slightly improved Blackbird with a V4. No such luck. The search continues...

[Justin]

I was really hoping for a new and slightly improved Blackbird with a V4. No such luck. The search continues...

ZX-14 perhaps? I know a few people who have owned them and likened them to an improved Blackbird. Very smooth with gobs of power. For me, my new XX was a Busa.

[atadaskew]

After searching the web for reviews I found one positive one.

 

[jeepinbanditrider]

meow that's just not nice  

The "H" and "N" are pretty close on the keyboard.  I'm sure that was just a fat finger mistake and he meant "no".

[hovmaven]

Has anyone looked at the new Honda VFR1200F as a S-T ride?

Are the engines reliable over the long haul?  Ergonomics for a tall rider (I’m 6’2”). Cruising range on a tank of gas?  

I’m also looking at the new 2012 Ninja 1000. Is one clearly better than the other for  sport-touring? Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Retro

The manufacturers' forum, Kawi, has a pretty good thread going, referencing this blog, where the rider has the Veefalo and the new Ninja:

http://www.cycleworldkawasakininja1000experience.com/ninjaexp_Rosenblog.html

[dankatz]

Haven't ridden the new VFR. Own a 2007 VFR setup for touring (full bags, sargent seat, MRA vario screen, Helibars, etc..). I rode it about 1000 miles when I went to Americade. Test rode the Ninja 1000 and was disappointed. Engine is very good and more powerful than my 800cc. Overall refinement lacking. Also, felt more like an upright sports bike than a sport touring bike. Seat not great. Overall, a little boring (I test rode KTM, Triumph, etc..., so maybe that's why?). Now, boring coming from my VFR...that should mean something. ;-)

[Mastros2]

The "H" and "N" are pretty close on the keyboard.  I'm sure that was just a fat finger mistake and he meant "no".

That is what I understood it as.  

[tigertom1965]

I am sorry but 33 mpg (<150 miles per tank) out of a motorcycle is a big turn off for touring, sport or otherwise!
A sport touring bike should have at least 200 miles for a range, otherwise you are not touring you are just riding from gas station to gas station.
There is no fun in that.

[Tpoppa]

So...it's either an overweight sportbike with OK handling, or an ST with limited range and bad ergo's?  For some reason they're not selling...hmmm.

[DosEquis00]

I still like that it does fit between a sportbike and ST. Looking forward to riding one over the July 4th weekend for a few hours and then I will have a much better idea of the bikes capabilities.

[Orson]

My 1984 FJ1100 had a 5 gallon tank and, I crossed Nevada on that thing.

well there was that one time I wuz running on fumes but, all in all, I managed.

A few months ago, BIKE magazine compared the VFR1200 against the top sport bikes of the past 15 years to see how it stacked up.

It came out equal to the top-rated sport bike of 10 years ago.

Not too shabby.

[Justin]

My 1984 FJ1100 had a 5 gallon tank and, I crossed Nevada on that thing.

Ahha! So you have owned an inline 4!    I am letting the Guzzi club know about this.

[Orson]

I know of at least two members (maybe 3) over on the V11 site who came from FJs  

some sorta natural progression I guess

[Castaway]

One of the Ninja 1000 test riders who has been reporting here owns a VFR1200 ... maybe that says something.

[gritsngravy]

I am sorry but 33 mpg (<150 miles per tank) out of a motorcycle is a big turn off for touring, sport or otherwise!
A sport touring bike should have at least 200 miles for a range, otherwise you are not touring you are just riding from gas station to gas station.
There is no fun in that.
[/quote







If you're getting 33 mpg out of the vfr1200 then you definately aren't gently touring like one would on a boxer twin.   Folks seem to forget that the new vfr is hella quick, nearly as quick as my mighty Bking!   Definately in a different class from a more sedate bike like yours.   Hell yeah it's gonna burn some fuel but we live in America, despite all the hybrid green movement we continue to use fuel like crack which means there are more than enough fuel stations out there to service any riders beast of choice for transcontinental journeys.    

For me, I find stopping often is the reason for getting out on a bike in the first place.    My vfr 800 can easily do 200 miles between fuel stops but I find myself now stopping every 125 miles or so on a long ride just to enjoy being out, talk to folks, buy some toffee peanuts, fruit etc.    I can travel  all day like that and end up feeling much better at the end of the day.  

Of course that's me but for the distance Nazi's there are the ready made tourers like the st 1300, various BMW's , FJR's etc.    

In fact I'm not so sure why folks are so in need of an ass analgesic when it comes to the new vfr 1200.   To me it looks more like a comfy sport bike for adults to go blasting along for a couple of hours then stopping for a cuppa with their riding buddies.    

[NickR]

Clearly being biased as I have VFR1200(!), i'm just back from a touring trip of just over a couple of thousand miles to the south of France and back in just over a week.  I'd classify the trip as high speed touring too i guess in general  - much of the motorway mileage in France is at a speed significantly higher than is legal in other countries

My best tank on the trip was 47.7 US MPG (over 57 UK MPG!) according to fuelly, and the average tank was around 42-43 US MPG I'd guess.

My average over more than 5200 miles is over 38 US MPG

[sammyseaman]

I know of at least two members (maybe 3) over on the V11 site who came from FJs  

some sorta natural progression I guess

Somehow I missed that memo  

[Giaka]

My best tank on the trip was 47.7 US MPG (over 57 UK MPG!) according to fuelly, and the average tank was around 42-43 US MPG I'd guess.

One more gallon of gas and it would be the perfect sport-touring rig!  

[NickR]

Lol ..maybe.  Although i've never been willing to go that long without some time off the bike looking around as one of the prior posters have mentioned (and that includes prior bikes too - its not a VFR phenomenon

[Giaka]

 - its not a VFR phenomenon

Very true, 5 gallon tanks are the new rage.

[Justin]

Very true, 5 gallon tanks are the new rage.

You didn't here? Even the BMW GS's are getting 4.9 gallon tanks next year.

[Orson]

for my needs, I'm ready for a break after about 120 miles  

and besides the aforementioned Nevada crossings, there are few places in the U.S. or Europe with more than 100 miles between gas stations.

heck, you could probably ride to Tierra del Fuego with gas stations every 100 miles

buncha nancy gurls  

[Roadscum]

For my needs a touring bike, in any configuration(touring, sport touring, adventure touring), needs to have a 200-220 mile range at a minimium. When traveingl I don't want to have start looking for my next gas stop at 120 miles. I just wanta ride, not search for gas!

for a next bike I'm leaning toward a Adventure Tourer simply because of the extended range. The Yamaha S10 has a 7 gal. tank.... go baby go!

Regards, Paul

[jeepinbanditrider]

Aux. fuel cell is always an option  

[tigertom1965]

The Yamaha S10 has a 7 gal. tank.... go baby go!

From Yamaha website gas tank size is 6 gallons on the S10.

[drbenjamin]

Seeing all the talk here about gas tanks and range, thought I'd mention that I put 250 miles on my last tank of gas on my Sprint GT before the empty light turned on - I'm getting 55 mpg, 5.3 gallon tank.

just sayin  

[hovmaven]

I've done 240 on my 6th Gen viffer.  But I may not have been able to make 241. . ..  

[Justin]

I've done 240 on my 6th Gen viffer.  But I may not have been able to make 241. . ..  

When you opened the tank did it let out a long "sigh"?  

[hovmaven]

Yes.  

[MisterSmooth]

Clearly being biased as I have VFR1200(!), i'm just back from a touring trip of just over a couple of thousand miles to the south of France and back in just over a week.  I'd classify the trip as high speed touring too i guess in general  - much of the motorway mileage in France is at a speed significantly higher than is legal in other countries

My best tank on the trip was 47.7 US MPG (over 57 UK MPG!) according to fuelly, and the average tank was around 42-43 US MPG I'd guess.

My average over more than 5200 miles is over 38 US MPG

Holy cow, there is one of us STNers who actually has one!  

NickR, I think you've just become the forum expert on the new VFR.  Sounds like it managed to transport you around the continent just fine.  

It would be interesting to hear your impressions as you put on the miles.  As you can tell, we talk lots of smack    but none of us have had the pleasure of extended ownership.

[Rigger]

I can get 400+ kms on a tank of gas on my 08 VFR and that is with luggage  

[atadaskew]

I can get 400+ kms on a tank of gas on my 08 VFR and that is with luggage  

Some of that luggage is a fuel cell.

[Rigger]

Not exactly, I just know where the sweet spot is to maximize my fuel range

[NickR]

Hoping I'm not going to get shot here I will put up a couple of posts i've put on other forums regarding the bike, the first which documented why i chose the bike, and one on fuel consumption.  When I can I'll put one up on my thoughts after a year.

[NickR]

First post - just over a year ago when i decided to get one:

"So here’s my two-penneth.  No shooting me now mind – these are my opinions and like every opinion spouted on forums world-wide they’re bound to disagree with everyone elses! Apologies up front, as I’m a sad IT person this is bound to be more detailed and a longer than average post….


I had a decent length test ride on both bikes recently (K1300S and VFR1200), and prior to both rides followed the same route on my bike (a Yamaha FZ1 Fazer) for comparison purposes.  The test routes ranged from motorway, fast a-roads and b-roads.  My going in position was an (on paper) preference for the K13 after reading loads about both bikes.

So, here’s my comparison of them:

Price
Broadly similar, if you compare like for like so have the ABS option on the K13.  

Base price BMW: 10,875+915=11,790
Base price Honda: 12,075

The way I look at it is either you want to spend the money or you don't - either bike is damn expensive!

One big differentiator (if you’re into it) is that the finance options on the VFR are significantly better than the BMW.

Outcome: Draw, unless you want finance in which case the Honda wins

Range

Both fairly similar, neither particularly an issue for my riding.  For a start off my FZ1 normally has the fuel start flashing at around 110 miles so anything more than this is a good start!  The BMW technically has the bigger tank, but only by a whole half of a litre.  The BMW claims slightly better fuel efficiency too, although not by a large margin. From reading posts by actual owners it seems that the Honda’s thirst lessens as the bike passes running in.

Outcome: BMW by a tiny amount

Looks

Again little in it, initially I liked the K13 more, then when I saw the VFR in person (and more importantly not in red!) that certainly took my fancy more as a fresher and newer design.  I liked a lot of the K13, but the light at the front didn’t really do it for me.  Not saying the VFR light is a better design (I’d describe it as odd!) but on balance I preferred it.  Shame it doesn’t come out in pictures very well compared to seeing it in person.

Outcome: Honda (for me!)

Toys

Without doubt the K13 wins this round.  However I forced myself to think objectively about the various options that are on offer:

•   Heated grips – they’re on the FZ1, and I hardly ever used them, even in winter
•   ABS – had it on bike before last, didn’t on the FZ1 and definitely would want it in the future
•   Traction control – never had it – would love to have it as a safety net if nothing else
•   ESA – nice, great to tell people about – but how often would I use it?  I never take a pillion so for me it would be a lot of cost for little gain.  Once I’ve setup on the suspension how I liked it on the FZ I’ve never touched it … not once.  For folks who carry a pillion and loads of luggage maybe its of more use
•   Shaft drive – don’t care!  I’ve had chain so far and its really not that difficult to adjust and lube!

Outcome: BMW because of traction control

Performance

I’d say the K13 definitely feels faster than the VFR, especially low in the rev range, although I’d wonder how much of that is due to the VFR being so much smoother.  Both are vastly quick bikes no question. I don’t get the whole ‘pub talk’ with regards to performance on bikes … can’t say I believe there’s anything in it for broadly similar bikes that isn’t down to the rider .. and I’m never going to be Rossi! (or weigh half what I do for that matter!).

Outcome: BMW …. Maybe!

Luggage

Simple – I don’t really care!  As long as I can put my Givi box on the back and use my two Kriega tailpacks then I’m happy!

Outcome: Irrelevant for me!

Comfort

Both are more sportily focused than my FZ1 in terms of reach and back position etc.  I’d say the VFR felt slightly less ‘race hunched’ than the K13.  I like both seats, but my test ride on either wasn’t really long enough to determine whether its an ‘all dayer’ but I had no issues with either.

Outcome: Honda .. just

Riding dynamics

This is the one that proved the difference to me…

Both bikes felt incredibly stable at high speed no question, significantly more so than my FZ1 (probably due to the additional weight).

The K13 felt very wide- literally like sitting astride a horse.  It also felt fairly heavy to maneuver at slow speeds, and felt less wieldy at high speeds on more bendy roads.  I actually came off it thinking that I wasn’t sure I’d want to go down particularly twisty roads on it. (but hands-up I am a wuss – ask Steve !)

The VFR was completely different, its very narrow and because of that both feet are complete planted at standstill.  The mass centralization is excellent, even though its undoubtedly heavier than the K13 it doesn’t feel like it.  It felt vastly more ‘chuckable’ and hence I felt a lot more confident in it.  In day-to-day riding this felt like the category that would break any of the previous ones to me!  

Outcome: Honda .. by a mile


So as I’ve said don’t shoot the messenger … these are just my thoughts after a decent go on both bikes!"

[NickR]

Next one - a fuel consumption comparison, done before my trip to France (so the number for the VFR should be higher now! )

"Being a little sad I thought i'd do a little bit of investigation on fuelly, to see what the average mpg is of the bike over a number of riders and a large number of refills - which should give a better general picture of how the bike fares against different riding styles etc. Interesting:

VFR800 - 48 mpg (over 1051 fills)
K1300S - 44.5 mpg (over 229 fills)
VFR1200 - 44 mpg (over 181 fills)

Doesn't seem to bad to me, over all!

I picked the K1300S as I'd see that as its 'rival' (it was when i was choosing), and VFR800 as this is a VFR forum after all! Dropping 9% mpg for a 50% gain in engine capacity doesn't seem that terrible (imho).

The K13 and VFR12 numbers being so similar is interesting, as I don't think i've ever seen a complaint about the K13's range, even though I think its tank is only 0.5 litres larger ... giving maybe 5 miles better range?

Anyway, clearly was a little bored so thought i'd share what i've found!

Nick
"

[NickR]

Another perspective, comparing current vfr12 with the current vfr8:

For a cost of 11% more weight you get ... 58% more capacity, 59% more power, 61% more torque ... oh, and shaft drive

[Baz]

Is Honda not rumoured to be developing the new ST on this same platform?

[DosEquis00]

The VFR was completely different, its very narrow and because of that both feet are complete planted at standstill.  The mass centralization is excellent, even though its undoubtedly heavier than the K13 it doesn’t feel like it.  It felt vastly more ‘chuckable’ and hence I felt a lot more confident in it.  In day-to-day riding this felt like the category that would break any of the previous ones to me!  

First excellent write-up and second this was well stated as Honda has a knack for making heavier bikes flick able.

[Justin]

First excellent writ-up and second this was well stated as Honda has a knack for making heavier bikes flick able.

I agree with that - My XX was easy to throw around in turns, and handled really well despite it's lack of adjustable suspension.

[Silverbird]

Does anyone think the bike will get a bigger fuel tank with an update and would that update be coming next year?

[Orson]

Range

Both fairly similar, neither particularly an issue for my riding.  For a start off my FZ1 normally has the fuel start flashing at around 110 miles so anything more than this is a good start!  The BMW technically has the bigger tank, but only by a whole half of a litre.  The BMW claims slightly better fuel efficiency too, although not by a large margin. From reading posts by actual owners it seems that the Honda’s thirst lessens as the bike passes running in.

Outcome: BMW by a tiny amount

It's curious that for such a small difference in tank range, BMW gets a by while Honda gets subjected to heaps of abuse  

[NickR]

Agreed.  Thats why I later did the comparison on fuelly to see what real world figures people get, with the result that if they're getting such similar MPG's then this doesn't make sense  

[Kraz]

It's curious that for such a small difference in tank range, BMW gets a by while Honda gets subjected to heaps of abuse  

Thou shalt not insult the ever reliable, indestructable, historical megalith of touring bikes, nor shall you ever question anything they make - it's engineered, re-engineered, then overengineered for your own good.

 




















My K12S has only 5 gals, and I usually fill at 160 miles or so.  200 is possible if you're lucky, 200 is the number that, IMO, any ST bike should hit consistantly and without concern.

[Rigger]

I agree with your 200 figure.  My VFR gets 400+ kms out of a tank of gas provided I am easy on the throttle.

[Will_Munny]

long sport-touring ride report here:

http://vfr1200fa.blogspot.com/2011/08/tour-of-inland-nw-usa.html

[Justin]

My K12S has only 5 gals, and I usually fill at 160 miles or so.  200 is possible if you're lucky, 200 is the number that, IMO, any ST bike should hit consistantly and without concern.

+1, even my Busa can do this with it's 5.5 gallon tank ..

[Orson]

Ted Simon's Triumph 500 had a 3 gallon tank.