Honda at it again with new models

[falcofred]

This just in from American Honda:

Honda Announces More New-Model Releases For 2012


11/08/2011 - Torrance, CA

Honda adds five additional street models to its 2012 model year lineup. Previous announcements regarding 2012 models have well illustrated the variety and popularity within Honda's lineup with perennial favorites such as the iconic touring Gold Wing(r), CRF450R motocross machine, the custom Fury(r) and the incredibly well-liked FourTrax(r) Foreman(r) ATVs. This addition includes the versatile CB1000R, instant-hit CBR250R, Silver Wing(r) scooter and the edgy Ruckus(r), along with the cutting-edge VFR1200F that receives an infusion of impressive new technology for 2012.

"This release for 2012 models continues Honda's great selection of motorcycles and ATVs for the upcoming season," said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. "This is a great time for riding enthusiasts to visit their local Honda dealership and see firsthand the many options they can choose from within the Honda lineup. We're offering an incredibly wide variety of class-leading machines, which makes for a really fun buying experience."

  VRF1200F, CB1000R, CBR250R, Silver Wing R, Ruckus R, so they've gone away from "new colors and graphics to adding an "R" and that is the "New Model"

[UFO]

I assume the VFR is still red for the U.S.?

[Rincewind]

I assume the VFR is still red for the U.S.?

Nope - it's now candy blue.  But the CB1000R - still black.  Too bad there is no mention of the Crosstourer or Crossrunner for the US.  

http://powersports.honda.com/street.aspx

[atadaskew]

along with the cutting-edge VFR1200F that receives an infusion of impressive new technology for 2012.

What new tech?  Drive modes?  Electronic suspension?

[UFO]

Nope - it's now candy blue.

  Amazing...not red.

That's a damn bright blue.

[AzItLies]

I assume the VFR is still red for the U.S.?

Haven't owned one, but pretty sure this bike is about the easiest ever bike to change color. The tanks are all black, and the two side panels on it are plastic, just like the fairings. Then there's just the front section and the front fender...

my local stealer has one on the floor (2011) for 11,499

man it's soooooo tempting...

[Cablebandit]

I like blue, but that is borderline obnoxious.  

[ConPilot1]

I like blue, but that is borderline obnoxious.  

I think the 1200VFR is fugly. I saw one at the IMS in NYC, didn't even want to sit on it, not that Honda would let you anyway.

[Cablebandit]

The faulty fuel injection on the one I test rode tried to kill me.

[atadaskew]

The faulty fuel injection on the one I test rode tried to kill me.

You sure it wasn't the front fender?

[Cablebandit]

Nope. Pretty sure it was a fuel delivery problem.

[Jetpilot5]

Haven't owned one, but pretty sure this bike is about the easiest ever bike to change color. The tanks are all black, and the two side panels on it are plastic, just like the fairings. Then there's just the front section and the front fender...

my local stealer has one on the floor (2011) for 11,499

man it's soooooo tempting...

The one on the dealer floor has to be a 2010, there were no 2011 VFRs imported to the US.  Even the Honda website has 2010/2012 listed as the model years.

With all of the new old stock sitting around I'm betting that a 2012 VFR will be a rare find.

[expatbrit]

  Amazing...not red.

That's a damn bright blue.

I'm not sure 'bright' is even a sufficent word. I like blue and thats.... IT BLUE!

[motormike]

VFR1200F
Fuel Capacity 5.0 gallons

Well, I guess the 2010 model fuel capacity was 4.9 gallons.

[atadaskew]

VFR1200F
Fuel Capacity 5.0 gallons

Well, I guess the 2010 model fuel capacity was 4.9 gallons.

Every bit counts.
It shows that Honda is listening and cares.

[Jetpilot5]

What new tech?  Drive modes?  Electronic suspension?

Trip computer - In addition to an already full-featured LCD/analog instrument package, we've added a trip computer that adds current MPG, average MPG, and miles-to-empty information.

Traction control - New for 2012, the VFR1200F also benefits from Honda's Traction Control system. If the system believes wheel-spin is imminent, engine power is momentarily reduced, maintaining traction. Together with the VFR1200F's C-ABS Combined Antilock Braking System, Traction Control adds to your security and peace of mind, even in difficult riding conditions.

New seat - The new seat for 2012—a supportive, vacuum-molded dual-seat design—offers increased comfort for both the rider and passenger. It features a flat and expansive seating area, with the space to adopt a range of different seating positions. This improves comfort during long days on the road. And your passenger also gets easy-reach grab handles and comfortable footrests.

Bigger tank - The 2012 VFR1200F features increased fuel capacity, which, along with more efficient fuel management, results in a greater riding range.

Updated engine -  Updates for 2012 increase fuel economy and improves torque from 2000 to 4000 rpm.

Updated DCT - And for 2012 it's even better, with revised software to make it more user friendly: New software takes note of the way you ride and then optimizes the shift points.

I see MSRP is TBD.

[Moto Morphin Power Ranger]

  VRF1200F, CB1000R, CBR250R, Silver Wing R, Ruckus R, so they've gone away from "new colors and graphics to adding an "R" and that is the "New Model"

I think it was a translation error. this is the spokesman who made the announcement.  

[919]

I'm not sure 'bright' is even a sufficent word. I like blue and thats.... IT BLUE!

nice wheelnerds reference, listened to that this weekend and LMAO.  Those guys are awesome.  

As far as big red.....  I ride one and like it, I am not impressed with the current offerings and won't be updating to a another Honda anytime soon.  I have been drooling over the Triumphs however...

[atadaskew]

Nope. Pretty sure it was a fuel delivery problem.

Sorry, for a moment I thought we were in the "Harley tries to kill rider" thread.

[Justin]

Bigger tank - The 2012 VFR1200F features increased fuel capacity, which, along with more efficient fuel management, results in a greater riding range.

You mean Honda actually heard it's customer's complaints?

[atadaskew]

Bigger tank - The 2012 VFR1200F features increased fuel capacity, which, along with more efficient fuel management, results in a greater riding range.

Updated engine -  Updates for 2012 increase fuel economy and improves torque from 2000 to 4000 rpm.

Hmm, wonder if this thing has been de-tuned.

[Jetpilot5]

You mean Honda actually heard it's customer's complaints?

Specs show it at 5 gallons now vs 4.9 for the last version, so it's not s huge deal but a step in the right direction, especially if they remapped the engine to get better mileage.

[staedtler]

 
that has to be photoshop

[Justin]

Specs show it at 5 gallons now vs 4.9 for the last version, so it's not s huge deal but a step in the right direction, especially if they remapped the engine to get better mileage.

So then the answer is no.  

What's a tenth of a gallon, 3-4 miles? Ooooh, now it can tour and LD ride. Of course you can always add an aux fuel cell, assuming you had any money left over after paying the bloated price for one of these.

[Silverbird]

They heard it but could care less. That's why they probably increased the range by less than 10 miles, just to say they did something about it.