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

[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.