2012 VFR gets bigger fuel tank!

[Silverbird]

...by .1 gallons!

Go Honda! They sure know how to listen to their customers!

[veefer800canuck]

Yeah. Give a guy at least .5 gallons more and it would actually help out.  

[KodiakRS]

Is it .1 less ugly and .1 less expensive as well?

[Cablebandit]

I'm sure none of it is "usable" either.

[R Doug]

 

[sammyseaman]

Honda: Making me laugh for 26yrs  

[Silverbird]

...amd making me cry for the past several

[Will_Munny]

great forum!

[Silverbird]

you mean thread?  

[Giaka]

I'm sure none of it is "usable" either.

Odd, its not like they don't know how to build a decent size tank. My ST13 holds like a million gallons.

[Warchild]

...amd making me cry for the past several

Yep, me too...... when Honda pussed out on the hyperbike wars and failed to replaced the Blackbird, that was the ball game for me.

They may have thought they were going to recoup previous/current Blackbird owners by making this ridiculous Viffer1200... they failed.

And the damn thing looks like cat-ralph..... a goofy-ass big wedge of plastic for a fairing...  bah...  

[Dan K]

I want to ride one and will reserve judgment until I do.  The motor intrigues me.  Didn't they build the new cross tourer or somehting with the same engine with adventure styling and a bigger tank?

[R Doug]

I like the looks of the bike.  If it had a larger tank, I would very much consider it.

[Silverbird]

The motor is not the issue, aside from the pathtic drop in power at low RPM (which is only fixable with a power commander that zaps the already poor fuel mileage even more.

The issue is that the VFR1200 is now the cross-dresser of motorcycles. It doesn't know what the hell iut wants to be. It's almost like the engineers started acting on every concept the enormous budget would allow for and completely lost track of what the bike was intended for.

I mean, most bikes you can tweak with the aftermarket and come up with a pretty capable machine but this thing...with it's massive wheelbase, weight problem, pathetic rage, narrow as a XR650L seat, and low RPM power delivery issue, and outrageous MSRP and debatable looks, nice try Honda. Hard to believe you engineered the machine of my dreams, the XX just a few years back.

[Silverbird]

The motor is not the issue, aside from the pathtic drop in power at low RPM (which is only fixable with a power commander that zaps the already poor fuel mileage even more).

The issue is that the VFR1200 is now the cross-dresser of motorcycles. It doesn't know what the hell it wants to be. It's almost like the engineers started acting on every concept the enormous budget would allow for and completely lost track of what the bike was intended for.

I mean, most bikes you can tweak with the aftermarket and come up with a pretty capable machine but this thing...with it's massive wheelbase, weight problem, pathetic rage, narrow as a XR650L seat, low RPM power delivery issue, and outrageous MSRP and debatable looks, nice try Honda. Hard to believe you engineered the machine of my dreams, the XX just a few years back.

[atadaskew]

Some shops are now selling these for $10K new.
Which is insane.


Butt, when I showed a pic of the bike to my gf, and two other girls at work, they all thought it was fugly.

So, maybe it's the fugly that is not helping it either?  Adding 0.1 gallons of gas (as if that actually happened) did not get rid of any of the fugly.

Ok, maybe their opinion shouldn't count, butt when the press corp call this bike "Shamu", you know the VFR is in trouble.

[Orson]

looks like a great sport tourer  

If the Motus is priced out of reach, the VFR would be on my short list  

[Will_Munny]

The motor is not the issue, aside from the pathtic drop in power at low RPM (which is only fixable with a power commander that zaps the already poor fuel mileage even more.

The issue is that the VFR1200 is now the cross-dresser of motorcycles. It doesn't know what the hell iut wants to be. It's almost like the engineers started acting on every concept the enormous budget would allow for and completely lost track of what the bike was intended for.

I mean, most bikes you can tweak with the aftermarket and come up with a pretty capable machine but this thing...with it's massive wheelbase, weight problem, pathetic rage, narrow as a XR650L seat, and low RPM power delivery issue, and outrageous MSRP and debatable looks, nice try Honda. Hard to believe you engineered the machine of my dreams, the XX just a few years back.

The drop in power is not fixed with a power commander... it is fixed by shorting a couple wires. Free mod. Poor fuel mileage? Average 39mpg (US), ridden hard. That's as close to 200 mile range as damn is to swearing.

It knows EXACTLY what it wants to be... a sport-tourer, in the same vein as the K1300S which it was benchmarked against.

It also happens to be the best sport-tourer on the market, bar none. It will also destroy a blackbird in every measurable category.

So there.  

The only "press" person calling it Shamu is that twat Wes Siler, who decided he hated it well before he threw a leg over it.... just like all the other haters.

[Roadscum]

The drop in power is not fixed with a power commander... it is fixed by shorting a couple wires. Free mod. Poor fuel mileage? Average 39mpg (US), ridden hard. That's as close to 200 mile range as damn is to swearing.

....................

So there.  

The only "press" person calling it Shamu is that twat Wes Siler, who decided he hated it well before he threw a leg over it.... just like all the other haters.

What is accomplished by shorting together the wires???

Ya'll seem to have missed the most important change for 2012....... a BOLD new color!
Last summer I spent 2 months touring the Alps on my K1100RS and saw many of the new VFR's on the road. They look stunning in the brilliant white available in Europe....

Regards, Paul

[keepergale]

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/63159-how-to-remove-power-limitations-1st-and-2nd-gear/

Basically this tells the ECU the bike is not in 1st or 2nd gear. Hondas ECU delivers a poor mans version of traction control by limiting power in 1st and 2nd.

[Roadscum]

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/63159-how-to-remove-power-limitations-1st-and-2nd-gear/

Basically this tells the ECU the bike is not in 1st or 2nd gear. Hondas ECU delivers a poor mans version of traction control by limiting power in 1st and 2nd.

Aaaahhhhh, thanks.

I just signed up over there .... thanks again!

Regards, Paul

[DosEquis00]

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/63159-how-to-remove-power-limitations-1st-and-2nd-gear/

Basically this tells the ECU the bike is not in 1st or 2nd gear. Hondas ECU delivers a poor mans version of traction control by limiting power in 1st and 2nd.

That was an interesting read  

[Silverbird]

So the 1200 is a sport-tourer?   Like the Concours? FJR?

I wish Honda has been aware of this  

It's a great bike to ride, no one will argue that.  It is not a true sport-tourer, nor is it a do-it-all bike, nor is it a sportbike. That makes it a cross-dressing tranny. Period.

[Orson]

I thought it wuz obvious that Honda wuz targeting the BMW K1300.

[Will_Munny]

So the 1200 is a sport-tourer?   Like the Concours? FJR?

I wish Honda has been aware of this  

It's a great bike to ride, no one will argue that.  It is not a true sport-tourer, nor is it a do-it-all bike, nor is it a sportbike. That makes it a cross-dressing tranny. Period.

The FJR and concours are TOURERS. CBRs and GSXRs are sport bikes. The K1300S is a sport-tourer. The VFR1200 is a sport-tourer. A sport bike meant for the road.  Just like the VFR800 before it, only faster. The name of this site is sport touring, right?

[Justin]

The FJR and concours are TOURERS. CBRs and GSXRs are sport bikes. The K1300S is a sport-tourer. The VFR1200 is a sport-tourer. A sport bike meant for the road.  Just like the VFR800 before it, only faster. The name of this site is sport touring, right?

Don't take it personal - this site is full of VFR1200 haters, and I'm one of them   - for me, and I suspect a lot of others, I wanted a Blackbird replacement. I wanted a V5 CBR1200xx, Hayabusa/ZX-14 destroying, 200 HP GT bike. The VFR1200 was not that. I'm sure it's a great bike, and I hope you are enjoying yours, it's just not what "I" and others wanted. That aside, my only real issue with it is the price, and the fact that my sportbike has a longer range.

And on the subject of touring and sport-touring and sport-TOURING and SPORT-touring.. that has been beaten to death here and everyone has a different opinion of what a "sport-touring" bike is and what it should be.

[atadaskew]

That aside, my only real issue with it is the price, and the fact that my sportbike has a longer range.

You can now buy them for $10K new.
Un-be-frickin-lievable deal.

[Dan K]

You can now buy them for $10K new.
Un-be-frickin-lievable deal.

I could probably get $10k for my Sprint and Daytona....and the only real problem with the bike from what I can tell is the size of the gas tank, which isn't a big problem for me since I'm mostly a commuter.  

Anywhere in Region 4 I can get a test drive? Anyone in region 4 actually have one?

- Dan

[McHack]

I thought it wuz obvious that Honda wuz targeting the BMW K1300.

It is,  people who dont like that keep saying they dont understand.

[Dan K]

Well I can't afford a K1300S (my dream bike) meaning this less expensive VFR could be right up my alley....emailed the AZ shop for OTD price with top case.

- Dan

[Orson]

the BMW K1300...146 hp with a 5.1 gallon tank...fantastic!  

the Honda VFR1200...146 hp with a 5 gallon tank...it SUCKS  

 

 

[atadaskew]

Do you really believe they enlarged the fuel tank by 0.1 gallons?

If they were going to bother with actually making it bigger, instead of using some 'creative' marketing rounding up, I think they would have set their sights just a wee bit higher.

[Dan K]

the BMW K1300...146 hp with a 5.1 gallon tank...fantastic!  

the Honda VFR1200...146 hp with a 5 gallon tank...it SUCKS  

 

 

Is that really the tank volume difference?1?!?  Does the K1300S get much better mileage?  I'll take a minute to look it up....40 mpg on the BMW vs. 28 mpg on the Honda?!?  (Per motorcyclist comparo)? NOTE - THE SPECS AT THE END SAY THE VFR AVERAGED 39.  TESTERS SAID IT NEEDED TO BE REFILLED SOON AFTER 160 MILES. 

Scratch earlier comment - closer than originally appeared.  It's heavier than the K1300S!  A little faster though.  Definitely want to ride one.

 -Dan

[Jetpilot5]

Yeah, it seems to be more the lack of MPG that hurts the Honda.  I routinely got 42 - 44 mpg out of my K1200S making 180 miles my normal fuel stop.  I went as far as 207 miles once and still had a bit left.  If the VFR1200 gets low 30's or worse, that's a lot less range.

If it gets 39mpg, that's a little better.

[Dan K]

I need to find a VFR to ride.  On paper, it looks to be what I want, with a bit less range.  OK by me.

 -Dan

[motormike]

I need to find a VFR to ride.

I'd start calling dealers, obviously.  A local Honda dealer stated their insurance policy doesn't let them offer test drives.  They drain the fuel and pull the batteries out.

According to Cycle Trader, Des Plaines, IL Honda has a 2010 with 190 miles for $9K.

After test riding a used 2007 VFR 800 this late summer, I was hooked.  I'm looking at 2007-2008 VFR 800s but would eventually like to test ride a VFR 1200 to see if it would potentially be in my future.

[Dan K]

DesPlaines Honda....Hmmmm.....getting kinda cold out here, with ice, but not prohibitive amounts....I may need to check them out!

 -Dan

[Dan K]

Called them - they are 10-15 minutes from my house.  Sales guy said if I was serious, they'd likely give me a test ride, even in this weather.  $9k appears to be a good deal.  Not sure where the 190 miles came from...  Sales guy said he was aware of 2 new ones, wasn't aware of a model with 190 miles...we shall see, they are calling me back (I had to run).

- Dan

[keepergale]

Is that really the tank volume difference?1?!?  Does the K1300S get much better mileage?  I'll take a minute to look it up....40 mpg on the BMW vs. 28 mpg on the Honda?!?  (Per motorcyclist comparo)? NOTE - THE SPECS AT THE END SAY THE VFR AVERAGED 39.  TESTERS SAID IT NEEDED TO BE REFILLED SOON AFTER 160 MILES. 

Scratch earlier comment - closer than originally appeared.  It's heavier than the K1300S!  A little faster though.  Definitely want to ride one.

 -Dan

May 2011 Motorcyclist Super Sport-Tourers page 86
BMWK1300S Milage High 43 Low 35 Average 39
VFR1200F  Milage  High 47 Low 31 Average 40
They liked the Concours 14 best. Nice bike. I have test rode one. I am just not ready for (full size) sit up tourer ....Yet.
I liked the K1300S quite a bit but for $5,000 or more less the VFR was a easy decision for me.
Only ran a few tanks thru it so far but I was spot on 40 MPG

[Dan K]

For $8999, I'm really interested.  Might be worth trading in both bikes, parting out the suspension bits on the Daytona, and picking up a cheap track bike for my second.  My street rides on the Daytona would likely diminish if I had a VFR and I enjoyed it as I expect to...I'm seriously considering this, even though I only now have the Sprint to where I want it to be (short of the lighting I need to add...)

 -Dan

[atadaskew]

For $8999, I'm really interested.  Might be worth trading in both bikes, parting out the suspension bits on the Daytona, and picking up a cheap track bike for my second.  My street rides on the Daytona would likely diminish if I had a VFR and I enjoyed it as I expect to...I'm seriously considering this, even though I only now have the Sprint to where I want it to be (short of the lighting I need to add...)

 -Dan

Just do it.
In 2 years time when Honda has stopped importing the bike, you will be able to sell it for what you paid for it.

[Orson]

Is that really the tank volume difference?1?!?  Does the K1300S get much better mileage?  I'll take a minute to look it up....40 mpg on the BMW vs. 28 mpg on the Honda?!?  (Per motorcyclist comparo)? NOTE - THE SPECS AT THE END SAY THE VFR AVERAGED 39.  TESTERS SAID IT NEEDED TO BE REFILLED SOON AFTER 160 MILES. 

This VFR owner sez he averaged 38 mpg over 5200 miles.

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

[Will_Munny]

Just do it.
In 2 years time when Honda has stopped importing the bike, you will be able to sell it for what you paid for it.

I hope they discontinue it in NA and the haters will never know what they were missing. It could be a seriously sought-after bike in a few years.

For the record, I've logged an average of 38MPG US since new. The first 1000Km gave me 30-31, then it loosened up and now consistently gives about 40.... and I don't ride it slow.

If you take it easy it will give 45+mpg all day. This summer I took a 2500 mile trip through Montana Wyoming and Idaho with some friends. There was a R1200GSA, a MTS1200 Touring, and a Brutale. At fuel stops I was consistently topping up with at least half a gallon less than the other three bikes. I've done 200 miles between fillups on 4 or 5 different occasions and still put a couple litres in the tank when I filled.

[McHack]

Here's a real world representation of what one might expect for fuel mileage aboard of VFR1200F...

http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/honda/vfr1200f

[Dan K]

Just do it.
In 2 years time when Honda has stopped importing the bike, you will be able to sell it for what you paid for it.

It sold last night.

Not meant to happen.

- Dan

[McHack]

It sold last night.

Not meant to happen.

- Dan

 

I was really looking forward to your thoughts...

[Dan K]

Props to the dealership for calling me once to set up a test ride (left me a message) and a second time (before I could call back) to tell me it sold, but they still had the automatic version...

I'll throw a leg over one eventually.

- Dan

[Jetpilot5]

I was in St Louis yesterday and Donelson Cycles has a new VFR1200 on the floor.  Full list on the tag and I have no idea if they will deal or allow a test ride but maybe worth a call.

http://www.donelsoncycles.com/index.htm

Also, late this summer Niehaus Cycle Sales in Litchfield had both a standard and a DCT version on the floor.  I didn't have time to stop yesterday on the way home but I know they will do test rides, they offered to let me take one out several times.  That said, I don't know if those bikes are still available, they were marked down last time I saw them.  Again, a call might be in order.

http://www.niehauscycle.com/default.asp

[Silverbird]

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/63159-how-to-remove-power-limitations-1st-and-2nd-gear/

Basically this tells the ECU the bike is not in 1st or 2nd gear. Hondas ECU delivers a poor mans version of traction control by limiting power in 1st and 2nd.

Yea but you can't do that with the DTC, which is one of the reasons to get one if you ask me.

[Yokel]

Rumor is that Bazzaz has unlocked the ECU for full mapping.  I THINK it's workable with the DCT bikes.

I've done the wiring tweak on mine, made a massive difference, and consistently log 40mpg.

Stellar machine IMO... guess that's why I got one.