Spec Compare

Thought you all might be interested in something I thru together...

[image: Posted Image]

I think it's clear the new bike is a replacement for the Blackbird, since it's specs are almost identical.

Also, check out how much more "non-sporting" the steering geometry is on the K1300S. Note also the tank is virtually the same size. Not to mention I have read they have some serious fueling issues...

Just some thoughts, and thought y'all'd be interested.

Confirms for me what I have been saying all along.... the new VFR is a K1300............ and a few other bikes too. Now the specs show it. Honda take a giant leap into the center of the herd!

[image: View Post]Echo3Niner, on Oct 18 2009, 12:21 PM, said:

Also, check out how much more "non-sporting" the steering geometry is on the K1300S. Note also the tank is virtually the same size. Not to mention I have read they have some serious fueling issues...

Just some thoughts, and thought y'all'd be interested.

That non-sporting steering geometry of the K1300S is a result of the alternative front end on the Bimmer so it really is not reflective on how the K bike steers. AFAIK, the bimmer is a slow steering bike compared to the liter bikes, but should be comparable to the other hyperbikes such as ZX-14 and Hayabusa.

[image: View Post]Echo3Niner, on Oct 18 2009, 05:21 AM, said:

[image: Posted Image]


Nice compilation of data.

Just one error....

Your "HP to weight" numbers should be labeled "weight to HP". Therefore, lower numbers for that category are better. Or, you can keep the label, and reverse the calculation to HP/weight instead of weight/HP. Same for "Tq to weight".

Good work putting in a form that makes comparison easy.

If you judged by weight numbers alone the VFR800 looks like a real loser. However as we all know, the numbers don't tell the whole story. Honda somehow is able to make a 'heavier' bike handle remarkably well. If you have driven an ST1300, you will be shocked at how easily you can fling around those hulking 719 lbs.

I have also test driven a K1200S, and even though it weighs in only 10lbs more than my VFR06ABS it felt much heavier, and lethargic (WRT handling). I said it on an earlier post, but when I got back on the viffer it 'felt' shockingly light in comparison.

I predict that the VFR1200F will have evolve to have a larger tank in the comings years. I think that is the single biggest faux pas in the new design.

Brian

[image: View Post]Phormanluge, on Oct 18 2009, 08:56 AM, said:

[image: View Post]Echo3Niner, on Oct 18 2009, 05:21 AM, said:

[image: Posted Image]


Nice compilation of data.

Just one error....

Your "HP to weight" numbers should be labeled "weight to HP". Therefore, lower numbers for that category are better. Or, you can keep the label, and reverse the calculation to HP/weight instead of weight/HP. Same for "Tq to weight".



A small oversight but a huge difference.

I can't get over how much the VFR1200 weighs. I'll pass.

vfr800 specs are a little off
honda MSO states 107hp
front brakes 3 piston
rear brake 3 piston

I never have bought a bike from a spec sheet

[image: View Post]rad, on Oct 18 2009, 08:59 AM, said:

I never have bought a bike from a spec sheet

And I've never ridden one.

Not to be picky, but rake and trail are also mixed. Rake is measured in degrees, trail is the one measured in inches.

Good job putting together a list though, while you can't ride a spec sheet it does give you a good idea of what to expect.

George

[image: View Post]Phormanluge, on Oct 19 2009, 01:56 AM, said:

Your "HP to weight" numbers should be labeled "weight to HP".
Indeed.
The Weight/HP is a strange measurement, and requires a weird mental flip to make sense of. Not at all 'normal'.

Good work collating and presenting all that info though! :fing02:

It is the number of lbs carried per HP, sorry for the confusion. Lower number obviously better.

Thanks for spotting the flip on rake/trail, just invert the row titles...

[image: View Post]DDO-VFR, on Oct 18 2009, 11:58 PM, said:

I predict that the VFR1200F will have evolve to have a larger tank in the comings years. I think that is the single biggest faux pas in the new design.

:+1:

If they make the fuel tank a gallon or so bigger for the next iteration (so basically the same size as a VTEC), I'll probably buy one.

The Wheelbase on the ST1300 is 2in SHORTER than the new VFR1200F?

My '03 St1300 would rail like crazy, really felt more stable then my '02 VFR800 so I guess its ok, just seems a bit odd to me.

Honestly, the first thing I noticed about my VFR was that it seemed to handle "heavy" compared to my ST1300. I'm not complaining about the VFR, but for it being about 200lbs lighter I would expect there to be a huge difference in the two. I guess it's not a downer to the VFR< but a testimony to the incredible handling of the ST. That thing (ST) handles way better than a 700lb bike has any right to.

George

I only hope Honda has gotten smart enough to put taper roller bearings in the steering head of this new beast. No bike over 500 pound should leave the factory without them.

If not, it will be another mod that will have to be made down the road by its owners.

[image: View Post]IntAceptor, on Oct 20 2009, 06:41 PM, said:

I only hope Honda has gotten smart enough to put taper roller bearings in the steering head of this new beast. No bike over 500 pound should leave the factory without them.

If not, it will be another mod that will have to be made down the road by its owners.

I seriously doubt they will. Tapered bearings are much harder to get adjusted correctly, which adds to assembly cost and adds risk if the bike gets out with them adjusted wrong. Considering how few miles per year the average rider puts on a bike, a steering head bearing that wears out in 50K instead of 200K is not really important enough to justify the extra trouble.

I agree with those that have said their ST1300 might be the real winner in the above spec comparison. I have an 05' VFR and an 07' ST13 and have been really impressed at how neutral and balanced the ST is. It handles surprisingly well for its size and weight and has all of the touring comfort features (e.g. comfy ergos, big tank, great wind protection etc...) a rider could ask for. Hope Honda keeps the ST in the 2010 line up for those that want a well designed shafty that can also eat up the miles in between fuel stops.

Updated the "spec compare" with changed row headings...

AFAIK, the ST is dead and buried. But there might still be some good "run-out" deals.

[image: View Post]rc36Honda, on Oct 23 2009, 03:55 AM, said:

AFAIK, the ST is dead and buried. But there might still be some good "run-out" deals.

There are around here. Al Lamb Honda here in Dallas has a couple for $8999.

Here's a more detailed comparison directly to the K1300S I threw together, including options, etc. Comparing it to the K12GT, FJR, ST13 doesn't make sense IMO.

Yellow = perceived wash, YMMV
Green = perceived advantage, YMMV

[image: Posted Image]

[image: View Post]UFO, on Oct 23 2009, 11:09 AM, said:

Here's a more detailed comparison directly to the K1300S I threw together, including options, etc. Comparing it to the K12GT, FJR, ST13 doesn't make sense IMO.

Yellow = perceived wash, YMMV
Green = perceived advantage, YMMV

Nicely done.

[image: View Post]fastbroshi, on Oct 23 2009, 05:31 AM, said:

[image: View Post]rc36Honda, on Oct 23 2009, 03:55 AM, said:

AFAIK, the ST is dead and buried. But there might still be some good "run-out" deals.

There are around here. Al Lamb Honda here in Dallas has a couple for $8999.

Wow, nice price. Is that w/ ABS?

[image: View Post]vfrcapn, on Oct 23 2009, 08:54 PM, said:

Wow, nice price. Is that w/ ABS?

Not sure, I'm going back today just to daydream again. That and chit chat with the girl at the coffee counter. I'll let you know.

I just want to know if I can get a knee down on the 7th gen.

[image: View Post]soichiro, on Oct 24 2009, 12:02 PM, said:

I just want to know if I can get a knee down on the 7th gen.
Survey says.....

Yes

[image: Posted Image]

[image: View Post]soichiro, on Oct 24 2009, 12:02 PM, said:

I just want to know if I can get a knee down on the 7th gen.

You can get a knee down on just about anything except trikes. So avoid VFR trikes. :laugh:

[image: View Post]UFO, on Oct 24 2009, 04:38 PM, said:

[image: View Post]soichiro, on Oct 24 2009, 12:02 PM, said:

I just want to know if I can get a knee down on the 7th gen.

You can get a knee down on just about anything except trikes. So avoid VFR trikes. :laugh:



There's a video out there of a guy getting a knee down on a Goldwing at a race track and even eating crotch rockets for lunch so anything is possible :laugh:

- Patrick

[image: View Post]vfrcapn, on Oct 24 2009, 03:37 PM, said:

[image: View Post]soichiro, on Oct 24 2009, 12:02 PM, said:

I just want to know if I can get a knee down on the 7th gen.
Survey says.....

Yes

[image: Posted Image]



Sweet, that means Jeremy and I can get a knee down while vertical.

Does anyone know what the alternator output is? Also where and how is the radiator/s mounted?

[image: View Post]Echo3Niner, on Oct 18 2009, 05:21 PM, said:

Thought you all might be interested in something I thru together...

[image: Posted Image]

I think it's clear the new bike is a replacement for the Blackbird, since it's specs are almost identical.

Also, check out how much more "non-sporting" the steering geometry is on the K1300S. Note also the tank is virtually the same size. Not to mention I have read they have some serious fueling issues...

Just some thoughts, and thought y'all'd be interested.

Good work putting that comparo together.

I always thought the 5th and 5th Gens had 3-pot sliding front calipers per side. The 7th Gen looks like it has a bonafide 6-pot arrangement (3 pots in opposing configuration).

What is that a 190 on the rear?

[image: View Post]mznyc, on Oct 25 2009, 01:44 PM, said:

Does anyone know what the alternator output is? Also where and how is the radiator/s mounted?

ACG Output: 560W

Front

[image: View Post]HispanicSlammer, on Oct 25 2009, 10:38 PM, said:

What is that a 190 on the rear?

Rear: 190/55-ZR17 M/C (75W)