So, I guess I'm a VFR guy, now...

[DaleFranks]

I stopped off at North County House of Motorcycles on the way home from work. They had a new '10 VFR1200F DCT marked down to $11,999. So, I traded my '07 AE model FJR for it on the spot.

Here I am just before suiting up, and riding it home.



Wasn't expecting to have a new bike today...

[ConPilot1]

what the hell is a DCT? Please don't tell me an automatic.

but congrats on the new bike. I walked by a VFR1200 once and said,"meh".

Honda people said "Dont' touch it."

[veefer800canuck]

Yes, it's an "automatic".

But so was the FJR he traded in for it.  

[ConPilot1]

Yes, it's an "automatic".

But so was the FJR he traded in for it.  

I know that's why I guessed an auto. I'm just surprised, not my thing, I'll carry on elsewhere.
I don't understand an automatic trans on a bike beyond anything besides a nice little Vespa or something similar.

[veefer800canuck]

Congrats on the new bike Dale, maybe get yourself over to VFRd.com

[Akumu]

That DCT is supposedly very intuitive. It has what? 3 different modes? It's the best 'automatic' out there. I don't think I'd ever buy an automatic bike, but everything I've read said that the DCT is a sweet number.

[Cablebandit]

I don't think you're a true VFR guy until you're carrying a rectifier with you.

[viffergyrl]

I don't think you're a true VFR guy until you're carrying a rectifier with you.

  This.

+1 on VFRd. Reg Pridmore had the DCT for awhile and used it for two-up rides in his track school. He liked it pretty well until he was going through some mud and rain two up with his wife. Then he felt it got in his way and he got rid of it.  I don't think the DCT was made for riders like Reg in mind....   Now he rails around on the CBR250 and has a grand old time.

My neighbor got the manual version and has done a few of the mods mentioned by Zen Moto on this site. Loves the bike.

To each his own I guess... enjoy the bike!!

[Silverbird]

I carry a spare r/r AND a stator on long trips with my XX so it's us guys too.

Yea, get over to VFRD where the bike is actually appreciated, here it's just the bike everyone loves to hate, including me.

[Rogue]

Congrats.  Pic is not showing up.

Carry a Rectifier.....right.  I've had three VFR's....don't even know or heard of a rectifier.  I honestly don't know why people are so obsessed with it.  

[DaleFranks]

OK. So, not a lot of love for the VFR here.

I just thought it'd be a good commuter/fun bike with a little more performance and better handling than the FJR. I like it a lot, so far. Bit of a learning curve, and I can't really push it during the break-in, but it seems like a pretty neat bike. Anyway, the price was so good, It was hard to let it just get away from  me.

My cunning plan is to have both a fancy man's sporty bike like a VFR or K1300S, and a fancy man's touring bike, specifically the R1200RT. So, I guess I'm halfway there.

[UFO]

I like the new VFR, don't like the MSRP.  But if you can get one for significantly less than MSRP (like $5000 IMO) it would be an awesome bike.

I'd opt for the manual tranny instead of the dual clutch version tho.

Picture not showing.

[DaleFranks]

I like the new VFR, don't like the MSRP.  But if you can get one for significantly less than MSRP (like $5000 IMO) it would be an awesome bike.

I'd opt for the manual tranny instead of the dual clutch version tho.

Picture not showing.

Huh. Dunno why the pic isn't showing, it's on TwitPic at http://twitpic.com/8oaj91. Just a crappy cell phone pic, though.

As far as the tranny goes, the DCT doesn't bother me. I get that the traditionalists are uncomfortable with it. Whatever. Seems like it works pretty good so far. Big improvement over the YCCS system on the FJR1300AE, at any rate. Personally, I don't miss having a clutch. I don't miss doing chain maintenance or lubrication, for that matter.  I don't miss carburetors, either.

But, the price reduction from $17,499 to $11,999 made it hard to pass up.

[JReazor]

But, the price reduction from $17,499 to $11,999 made it hard to pass up.

That's a heckuva deal. Congrats on the new ride. I'll be curious to hear what you think of it once you've lived with it for a bit.

[leanin]

Congrats on the great deal on a great bike.  Spend a few miles on the VFR1200 and you'll laugh at the foolish remarks the vocal VFR critics make on this site.

[gritsngravy]

Congratulations on a nice ride.     Getting out and riding is what matters not the opinions of others.    Enjoy!!

[DaleFranks]

Congratulations on a nice ride.     Getting out and riding is what matters not the opinions of others.    Enjoy!!

Yeah, everybody has a bike that somebody else hates. Meh. Big deal.

I really like it so far. I just need to get through the break-in period and 1st service so I can get a better idea of what happens with it when you let your hair down.

In a legal and responsible way, of course.

[Justin]

As far as the tranny goes, the DCT doesn't bother me. I get that the traditionalists are uncomfortable with it. Whatever.

+1 - As long as the person riding it (aka YOU) likes it, then it's all good  

Congrats on the new ride  

[Rogue]

OK. So, not a lot of love for the VFR here.

I think you are exactly the type of buyer the VFR1200 was meant for--those who want something sportier than the dedicated ST bikes.

There isn't a whole lot of love for the VFR, especially in this board because either they don't want something this sporty, or they want all the bells and whistles, or want something that doesn't have a Honda badge, or can't justify the price, or they want the latest and greatest Adventure Tourer craze, etc., etc.  This is also why the BMW K1300S isn't exactly flying out of the showrooms either but the more expensive R1200GS is.  Those who can afford them instead go for the Adventure Tourers or full ST Bikes with all the comforts of a car.  It's a bad pricing strategy for a class of motorcycle that is not popular anymore (it used to be).  Even if Honda dropped the price down by 20% the VFR1200 wouldn't sell well either.    

[staedtler]

 

[Mastros2]

Congrats on the new bike!

[DaleFranks]

 

OK.

[DaleFranks]

Here's a short walkaround video I made.

[Dan K]

the automatic kind of defeats the whole purpose of the big tach being front and center...unless you can still shift like paddle shifting?

Nice bike.  I really want to take one for a ride.

-Dan

[viffergyrl]

the automatic kind of defeats the whole purpose of the big tach being front and center...unless you can still shift like paddle shifting?

Nice bike.  I really want to take one for a ride.

-Dan

Yes - in the video Dale shows you the upshift and downshift buttons on the left handlebar.

[MisterSmooth]

the automatic kind of defeats the whole purpose of the big tach being front and center...unless you can still shift like paddle shifting?

-Dan

Yeah, you can.  Exactly like a paddle shifter.    Not having a clutch does seem kinda odd at first.  Still, I bet riding this bike with a sporting intent and using the paddle shifter as it's meant to be used is a blast!    Shoot, I'd love to give it a try.  And I bet anyone who has tried paddle shifters on a sports car would agree, it's pretty sweet.


Congratulations on the new bike, Dale.  The fit and finish on these VFR's is second to none.  And what a screamin' deal!


Hey, after you've had it for a while, post up your impressions.  It would be interesting to hear from someone who actually owns one.  For instance, spec sheet readers have been critical about the "small" tank size.  Is it really an issue?  I bet that it isn't, at least in the US where gas is relatively easy to find.


Did you get the matching hard luggage?

[Bryan217]

Congrats on the new bike. As others have said, head over to vfrdiscussion.com if you haven't already.

When it first came out, I didn't like the new VFR. But it has grown on me. I love Honda's V4. The new VFR will definitely be on my short list when it comes time to replace my VFR800.

I'm not an automatic guy, but I've got no problems with those that like them. And I've heard that the one on the new VFR is very nice indeed.

Enjoy

[staedtler]

   

cool, so... in manual, you can upshift while just leaving the throttle full open right?.. if you downshift twice or agresively, the computer keeps the rear wheel from hopping and getting all jumpy? or does that thing has some kind of slipper clutch?
i bet itll take some getting used to, my wife's car has those paddle shifts on it...u need to be very f..kn agressive to really enjoy the car on manual mode, can't drive like that on the freeways though, the nurburgring? yeah
I'm asking cause the prices are quite tempting lately.. i've been eyeball'n those for a while now (i wish i could get a test ride though) did you try yours bef buying?

[DaleFranks]

   

cool, so... in manual, you can upshift while just leaving the throttle full open right?..

Yes. You can barely even tell the thing is shifting. You just hear two clicks and the clutches engage/disengage. Really smooth.

 if you downshift twice or agresively, the computer keeps the rear wheel from hopping and getting all jumpy? or does that thing has some kind of slipper clutch?

I dunno. I'll try that after the break-in period.

What I can say, after gambling with the weather and losing today, is that it seems pretty steady in extremely wet conditions.

[coho]

Sweet bike, Dale.   Congratulations.

I dunno. I'll try that after the break-in period.

Sig worthy.  

[Giaka]

Yes, it's an "automatic".

But so was the FJR he traded in for it.  

50% of the bikes available for us to purchase will be automatic by the year 2025.  From the reviews I have read I would have no problem riding a Dual Clutch VFR. No problem at all...........

Oh and big Congrats to the OP. Nice bike!!!

[ZenMoto]

Screaming deal on a DCT, congrats!  ...and another "Dale" on a VFR1200, what's not to like?

Check out my 1 year report: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,69769.0.html as there is some stuff in there you might find handy (and other stuff that won't apply to the DCT).

Mainly, you'll want to ditch those OEM tires ASAP; I've really taken a liking to the Michelin Pilot Road 3s.

Protect the black section of your tank, as it rashes really easily; I used a kit from http://thetankslapper.biz that is fantastic!

Look into whatever type of grips you find comfortable; the OEM grips are flat and hard.  I prefer the ribbed BMW grips, as they wear forever, and are very comfortable.

There's a bunch of stuff that may or may not bother you, but in the end, you got a great deal on a fantastic bike; once you can open her up a bit, I think you'll have a hard time wiping the grin off your face!  

...soon your biggest issue with the bike will be this "problem":



lol

-Dale

[X1Glider]

Congrats on the new bike.  See, some of us don't have to like the new VFR DCT to still be able to congratulate you.

Glad you got a screaming deal on it.  You'll need about $1400 of that saved cash to buy the hard cases and mounts.  Another $1000 for the top case and rack, but I see you already have something.

[leanin]

You'll need about $1400 of that saved cash to buy the hard cases and mounts.  Another $1000 for the top case and rack, but I see you already have something.

That is retail.  Shop around and you can get the OEM saddlebags for $950 delivered.  

[DaleFranks]

My new VFR is now customized!

[DaleFranks]

I've gotten a chance to ride the bike a bit more over the last few days--including very very very wet and cold conditions. I've got some observations on how the DCT works on the street, what happens when downshifting aggressive and more, all of which can be found here: http://dalefranks.com/cycles/index.php/2012/02/getting-used-to-her/

[DaleFranks]

Screaming deal on a DCT, congrats!  ...and another "Dale" on a VFR1200, what's not to like?

Check out my 1 year report: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,69769.0.html as there is some stuff in there you might find handy (and other stuff that won't apply to the DCT).

Sadly, the Bazazz Z-Bomb won't work on the DCT model.

Mainly, you'll want to ditch those OEM tires ASAP; I've really taken a liking to the Michelin Pilot Road 3s.

Agreed. I only used the PR on my FJR.

Protect the black section of your tank, as it rashes really easily.

Yes, I've noticed this already. I'll get a tank protector tomorrow.

[Will_Munny]

Congrats on picking up the finest sport-touring bike money can buy. Great deal too. Funny that a bike built specifically for "sport touring" draws so much ire on a website called "sport-touring". Whatever.... you'll love it, as anyone else who has ridden one does.

Lots of info in my blog:

vfr1200fa.blogspot.com

[atadaskew]

Congrats on picking up the finest sport-touring bike money can buy.

It's a nice bike, but that's a bold statement..

[Croak]

It's a nice bike, but that's a bold statement..

Yeah.  Should be more like: "Finest current-model sport-touring bike from Honda money can buy, at least until the CrossTourer is released in North America."

That said, it's a technological marvel and that motor sure is a hoot.

[Cablebandit]

 and that motor sure is a hoot.

Agreed, assuming they got the early fuel injection glitches worked out.

[Kneescrubber]

I don't think you're a true VFR guy until you're carrying a rectifier with you.

 

[Will_Munny]

Yeah.  Should be more like: "Finest current-model sport-touring bike from Honda money can buy, at least until the CrossTourer is released in North America."

That said, it's a technological marvel and that motor sure is a hoot.

Why would it be superceded by the XT, which has 50 fewer horsepower and tall suspension which limits handling?

It was a bold statement but I'll stand by it. For purpose-built sport-touring bikes the VFR1200 and K1300S stand clear of everything else, and there are plenty of reasons to choose the Honda over the BMW.

[Cablebandit]

Alrighty.  This is taking a turn into a "My bike is the best" thread.  





 

[atadaskew]

Why would it be superceded by the XT, which has 50 fewer horsepower and tall suspension which limits handling?

It was a bold statement but I'll stand by it. For purpose-built sport-touring bikes the VFR1200 and K1300S stand clear of everything else, and there are plenty of reasons to choose the Honda over the BMW.

I hope you wrote an angry letter to these guys:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/comparisons/122_1105_bmw_k1300s_vs_honda_vfr1200f_vs_kawasaki_concours_14_vs_triumph_sprint_gt/index.html

And these guys:
http://www.cycleworld.com/2011/02/04/high-speed-low-altitude-sport-touring-in-death-valley-and-beyond-comparison-test/

[atadaskew]

The ire was never about the bike per se (at least not from me)... it was about the insane prices of entry, and the insane price of factory-supplied touring additions.

Pricing it down with the VFR800 that it replaces makes far more sense.

I woulda paid $16K for it if it was beautiful.  Yeah, I said that.
But now they are going for $10K new (non DCT) which is incredible.

[Will_Munny]

I hope you wrote an angry letter to these guys:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/comparisons/122_1105_bmw_k1300s_vs_honda_vfr1200f_vs_kawasaki_concours_14_vs_triumph_sprint_gt/index.html

You're helping my argument here.

"Though skewed toward the sporting side of this quartet, the Honda always manages to feel a little more intuitive than anything else here regardless of the speed, road surface or other circumstances. Despite spotting the BMW 25 lbs. and 5 bhp, it’s also the quickest, covering the quarter-mile in 10.23 seconds at 136.8 mph.... The magic V-4 is as gracious in a Caltrans construction zone as it is at the dragstrip. Skillful weight management makes the 594-lb. Honda feel more like a middleweight compared to its less nimble peers."

more:

"So? If shorter sporting sorties are more important than long hauls, the Honda is squarely in the hunt. That goes double for those who put elegant technology ahead of a tight driveline and are willing to pay the price. Everybody else will try another showroom or wait and hope the VFR1200T materializes sometime soon. "



[/quote]

This really drives my point home. Evaluated as a "sport touring" bike, the only other machine that comes close is the K1300s.  We're talking a sport bike for the road. Fast, good handling, reasonably comfy but sporty riding position. Extra points for shaft drive.  Evaluated purely as a touring bike, it will lose to the Connie every time. But throw a technical mountain pass at it, and it will put that Connie (and the K1300s for that matter) way back in its mirrors.

A fuel extra litres fuel capacity would be nice but is 170-200 miles on a tank really that much of a problem for anyone? It's perfectly tour-worthy, as long as you aren't going for your IBA sticker. I did a 2500 mile tour with some friends in the NW last August and I never once had an issue. We rode 900 miles the first day, from Calgary to Red Lodge Montana, taking all the remote back roads along the way. There was never a concern that I would run out of fuel. One guy in our group ran out just 2 miles short of Red Lodge.... he was on his MTS1200.

Considering the technology and development,  and floawless fit and finish,  I don't understand why 16k msrp was so insulting. It's still cheaper than the BMW. To suggest it should have been the same price as the VFR800 which had a 18 year old engine design in a 12 year old chassis is bizarre to me.  

At 10 grand it's highway robbery.

[Will_Munny]

alright I better clarify:

the VFR1200 is the best sport-touring bike for my idea of sport touring. YMMV.

I go away now.

[sammyseaman]

God, I love you Honda guys  

[gritsngravy]

I'm not much of a social biker but putting all these personalties in one room would be both funny as hell and likely pretty damned ugly.    

[sammyseaman]

I'm not much of a social biker but putting all these personalties in one room would be both funny as hell and likely pretty damned ugly.   

A biker stew, so to speak? Looks kinda yucky but tastes yummy

[gritsngravy]

 

[Giaka]

Alrighty.  This is taking a turn into a "My bike is the best" thread.  





 

This thread is absurd. The ST1300 is superior in every way to this VFR1200 thingy with its tiny little baby gas tank.

[XLR8]

Congrats on the bike no matter what kind of shifting system it has. I was looking at a manual 2011 today which is also a great deal.

I think it's unique looking and it seems like it would be fast enough.   Now do I want the VFR or C14. Don't know.

[atadaskew]

 Now do I want the VFR or C14. Don't know.

What's the difference with insurance costs?

[XLR8]

What's the difference with insurance costs?

I have no idea. It's not an issue for me though.