1 Year Later (a VFR1200F Review)

[Silverbird]

SO I just read the DCT wet weight it 644!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF!!!!  With a centerstand and hard bags that 100lbs heavier than a blackbird...on 30 lbs lighter than a C14, and roughly the same as an FJR! Dammit! Just when I was getting excited! What is it about the bike that carries it's weight so well? Does having a narrow V4 make that much of a difference?

[Silverbird]

I just rode a '10 w/o DCT.  Not all that impressed. It feels every bit as heavy as it's 600lb spec sheet says, contrary to every single review I've read.  The motor is fabulous, but mine had horrible fueling around 3-4K. I do love how they ditched the George Jetson whiney gear driven cams. Those 800's are so gay sounding! 1200 now sounds like a muffeled Motogp bike, it's sweet. Even though it vibrates quite a bit aound town, it was smooth as silk on the highway.  I didn't like the way it turned though, I didn't hit any canyons but it just feels so long. Suspension on the highway is also pretty rough. Shaft drive is perfect, so is the gearbox, and I swear it's a ton faster than my bird below 8K, but I didn't take it above that.

Overall, if I was looking for a direct XX replacment, I'd probably get one with the DCT and mod it out, but I'm moving on from sportbikes. Also rode a Tiger 1050 and friggin loved that thing. Me want!

[expatbrit]

Overall, if I was looking for a direct XX replacment, I'd probably get one with the DCT and mod it out, but I'm moving on from sportbikes. Also rode a Tiger 1050 and friggin loved that thing. Me want!

And you can get a used Tiger 1050 for not too much. I (did) see them around a lot on CL and similar for cheap.

[supergonzo]

I bought the VRF1200F DCT model in 2010.

I have this bike as well as a Victory Vision Tour Bike 2010, A Harley Street Glide 2009, A Vengence Chopper, and during the past 3 years I have had:

Harley Road Glide, Harley Heritage Softail, Suzuki GSX 1100.

First let me say thanks for the great review of the VFR1200F, Nice honest opinions, here is my take on your comments  after riding 9000 miles so far on the bike.

Fuel Range...exactly my experience 100 miles without any bars dropping , then 1 bar every ten miles.......after 130 miles I need gas most times

Power Delivery... I have no issues with mine although I have the DCT model and I have not used any Bazzaz products nor would they fit the DCT model

Suspension.... I am 215lbs and 6'3  and the suspensions seems fine, actually rides a bit smoother then my much adjusted Victory Vision.

No Center Stand.......I agree should have it, although don't think I have missed it in my rides all across the country with the bike

No Black Paint issues

Buzziness........Yes there is a mild vibration at speed, although its certainly no Harley after miles on the super slabs you can notice it.........Going to try the Gel Grips, I have tried the foam grips, this is NOT a big issue for me though

Bar Reach....stock position is too aggressive and I have the Heli Bars... I was probably the first one to order them! and they Help a bit, although they can't made any taller or wider without interfering with the fairing, so there is a slight improvement only, but I'll take it

Tires.... They are Okay, but certainly no world beaters, although they wear well......  Pilot Road 3's sound good

Luggage... I have the trifecta of luggage and yes small, expensive.....BUT I LOVE them, top box fits any full face helmet, side bags will take a half helmet only.

------------------

Not mentioned.......

Not having a clutch.......leads to very careful throttle control especially at off-idle around parking lot speeds, since you cannot slip the clutch to smooth things out....very annoying but expected

Instant throttle response .....when planning to go slow this is very touchy abd difficult to manage properly....however the reverse is also true, when you want instant throttle at stoplight dragracing its there

Do I need  DCT....NO ...Do I love it YES...why not the bike shifts faster than I possibly could and smoother at speed, and engine has enough power in any gear, I live in long Island NY, where 5 million people live in an area 10 miles wide, its the perfect commuting/around town solution and it can blow the doors for almost anything else on the road!!

No Cruise Control...(supposed to be a sport tourer??), No radio, No heated grips ( unless you for go the 12 volt accessory outlet), No Traction Control,

Gauges... well they are sport bike gauges at best, and as mentioned the fuel gauge sucks big time.

============================================================================

Now for the good stuff

Power....completely BAD-ASS, Torque is EVERYWHERE in EVERY gear...above 6000 RPM has catapult like acceleration.

Comfort... I thought I would hate this bike on long rides....wrong seat doesn't look like much but is comfortable, have been on the bike 300 miles at a time with no issues

Wind Protection...great if you duck below the winshield, have tried many aftermarket windshields, nothing helps, this is a sport bike windshield so live with it.

No heat issues even on hot days from this bike

Fit and Finish....perfect looks like a well designed and finished product

Maintenance.....NONE has always started and run perfectly, suspension after much bashing just fine

Handling.......IF you are tall like me, you will tend to ride it in a more upright position which will almost make your elbows lock out...not great for handling, but fine for straights......when the twisties come calling you bend forward behind the windshield and it will  handle very pleasantly...to quote the cliche....it feels lighter than its size....not bad for 600+ pounds

Brakes...Great

Exhaust...Perfect

Grin Factor........OKAY here we go. the important stuff........ Lets put it this way....If my house and all my possessions burn to the ground, I would be most sad if this bike was damaged. This bike rocks, I want to ride3 this bike every day, and almost everywhere , even out west... My friends are always telling me " take the Victory, on this long ride"  I dont care.... I only wanna ride this bike... How much so.

I recently just put in an order for the Traction Control, re-mapped 2012 Blue Version, I shall have it next week, And I am trying to convince my wife who rides a Sportser to use this bike on long rides, since it does have bags.
If that doesn't work I end up with twop almost identical bikes, one of which I will not need...... so will I sell this 2010 VRF1200F         Not a chance I'll keep it, even if I am not riding because I'll have a new one.

Nobody who has this bike dislikes it, anyone I ever gave a test ride to on my bike can't believe how much fun it is.... and thats the point of riding isn't it??

[supergonzo]

Got this today

[supergonzo]

Always liked the look

[supergonzo]

and it now has this

[supergonzo]

And has these shoes.......I like them MUCH better than the Dunlops, these babies really grip nice, feels like a quicker turn-in, smoother as well

[supergonzo]

Changes

Seat significant change, has backrest for aggressive riding, now you dont slide off the back of bike while pinning the throttle !  A slight bit taller seat height I think

Brakes   Linked ABS works well, consistent controlled stops

ECU remapped no more twitchy throttle upon initial acceleration, who needs a clutch

Torque appears to have more low end grunt then before, much quicker throttle response

Traction Control...haven't tested its limits yet , but sure nice to have

Tires....Much more grip and smoother ride than Dunlops...and makes the bike feel nimble, quicker turn-in response

Gauges appear to be the same with addition of Traction control light

Vibration at top end, appears to be less, although the bike is brand new as of today

[Yokel]

Pretty Bike Gonzo!

Congrats!  Thanks for the update on changes!

[DosEquis00]

My local dealer was kind enough to let me try out the VFR and I have to say it is a solid machine. Better get up and go that I was expecting and it will stop on a dime. I have to add that the paint looks magnificent in the sunlight.

[Dave W.]

I learned alot reading this review and the comments.

I think the bike is gorgeous, sounds like the suspension from the factory is rider specific and aftermarket solutions are out there if needed.

I have been eying the K1300S, maybe I will go look closely at a VFR.

[supergonzo]

BTW, just as a side note, since I still have both bikes. I did get to drag race the new 2012 blue VFR1200F DCT against the 2010 model. The new bike with only 200 miles on it, is probably still a little tight in the engine. ( I know drag racing it, not a good idea this early on)  Anyway with swapping drivers and using manual and both DCT modes the 2012 Blue VFR1200 definitely has more low end torque. The newer bike is much faster out of the hole and will easily get 2-4 bikes lengths up on the 2010 before the power between them appears to even out.

The 2012 seat as I suspected is a bit higher but also has more cushion to it, I like it better then the old seat and no doubt when available to order separately could be interchanged with the 2010 bike.

I still ride the red bike often as the new 2012 Blue bikes do not have the color matched optional bags available yet to purchase, so unless I am fiddling around town, I take the 2010 red bikes since I have storage space.
I am tempted to buy another set of red bags and paint them blue if I cant get any bags for the new ride in the next couple of months!!  Although I am hoping possibly the 2012 version of the saddle bags might offer more room, so I am holding out

[DosEquis00]

BTW, just as a side note, since I still have both bikes. I did get to drag race the new 2012 blue VFR1200F DCT against the 2010 model. The new bike with only 200 miles on it, is probably still a little tight in the engine. ( I know drag racing it, not a good idea this early on)  Anyway with swapping drivers and using manual and both DCT modes the 2012 Blue VFR1200 definitely has more low end torque. The newer bike is much faster out of the hole and will easily get 2-4 bikes lengths up on the 2010 before the power between them appears to even out.

I believe the ECU was reprogrammed to allow more torque in the lower gears. Hopefully in the future there is an update for the 2010.

[supergonzo]

DosEquis00   Glad you enjoyed the VFR1200F on the test ride, it is most certainly a solid bike. And for me as you can probably tell I happen to like it alot.

The problem I think with this bike is it looks like a sport bike, and therefore the pure Cruiser guys automatically disregard it here in the states. The pure sport "superbike" guys have lighter and more importantly cheaper bikes to choose from and therefore it doesn't float their boat either.

Although in Europe this bike has a relatively decent following as there isn't alot of big cruisers on the road, and most of the riders have smaller displacement bikes with no clip-on saddle bags, so this bike is kind of a step up for them without having to pay an enormous amount for a full dresser type. And is easier to get around town in as well.

SO Although I am a big fan of this bike and anyone who rides it will be too, the fact is for most here in the US, its

Too Expensive
Not Cruiser looking enough or for that matter not enough Cruiser amenities  in it
Not pure sporty enough for the Rice Rocket crowd

Again that doesn't make it a bad bike, its a wonderful machine, technically ahead of its time .....it just needs an audience that feels it fits their needs.

[DosEquis00]

supergonzo,

Thanks for the response. One of the things I am fine with on a bike is not falling into a niche. The seating position of the VFR was just comfortable for my size. The narrowness of the rear cylinders makes this bike feel more like a twin. The fit and finish is superb and handling is truly impressive. Honda has always had a knack of making the weight disappear once the bike is moving. It is only a matter of time before the bike is in my garage. I have been test riding a lot of bikes over the summer and this one stands out as a total package.  

[atadaskew]

Although in Europe this bike has a relatively decent following as there isn't alot of big cruisers on the road,

When I was in Europe last year I was surprised as to how many big cruisers there were.  Quite the opposite of your remark.

[Dave W.]

I went and sat on a '12 VFR

Top notch fit and finish, seat felt good, I didn't feel the riding position was too agressive. What's more is 15 minutes prior I was sitting on a brand new K1300S but the VFR just felt a little more like a bike I would ride.

I have been on a spending spree this year so maybe I can pick up a left over '12 VFR in the spring. I do think it's my next motorcycle though!

[Rogue]

Whenever I think about replacing my 2007 VFR800, one of the very few bikes that come to mind is of course the VFR1200.  

However, I feel like the Marines looking to replace their beloved M16's!  What will I gain by spending $16k?  

More Power - This is nice but how often will I use it?  It seems I don't use the 800's 100rwhp as much as I should already.
Shaft Drive - I like this one a lot.
ABS - Nice to have but don't care.  I have a car if I want to be safer.
Hard Luggage - I love lane splitting with impunity in SoCal so wide bags on a bike will limit me.  Probably will rarely use it so don't care.
More Weight! - This is Bad!  My 800 is already 550 wet.  Who needs another 50 lbs. on top of that?

So more power and shaft drive for $16k and new bike smell.  Not sure it's worth it so I'm holding off.

Having said that, if my VFR800 was worn out I would definitely strongly consider the 1200 to replace it.  As it is, my 800 barely has 22k miles.

[motormike]

ABS - Nice to have but don't care.  I have a car if I want to be safer.

That's an interesting viewpoint.  I keep waffling back on forth on whether or not I want the ABS version of the VFR800.  Although, I think I look at it more from more of a "saving plastics" viewpoint.

: )