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

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Why would it be superceded by the XT, which has 50 fewer horsepower and tall suspension which limits handling?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Why would it be superceded by the XT, which has 50 fewer horsepower and tall suspension which limits handling?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