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The Unofficial Vfr1200f Road Test Compendium.

47 posts Started 26 Oct 2009 Last recovered post 19 Apr 2010 Wayback Machine snapshot 8 Feb 2011
#1 rc36Honda Thread starter
The release of the VFR has seen a positive plethora (look it up) of threads about the new bike and, scattered within them has been links to many ride impressions, road tests, videos, etc.

As a public service I thought I'd start this thread where all such data could be deposited making it a central repository for people wanting to access this kind of information. Hopefully this will be a useful service, and users can add to it as new road tests and videos appear.

This thread is by no means to be seen as a replacement for the many other aspects of the model that can be discussed elsewhere, and, as such, isn't really a discussion thread at all, rather just a "Links" thread where shortcuts to all the online data about the bike can be stored.

I'll kick off by adding some of the ones that I have collected from existing threads and elsewhere and then members can feel free to add as more appear.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/115/4911/Mot...First-Ride.aspx

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/3/340/1/Moto...-Ride-Blog.aspx

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/new...rs%27%2520News) This is a summary page. MCN's full coverage of the VFR Test day at Sugo and includes the video from pit lane.

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-n...sions/8565.html Visordown's first impressions test.

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-n...ssion/8566.html Visordown's first impressions of the DCT

http://www.vfrdiscus...showtopic=55542 Discussion on this forum of the C-ABS braking system on the new VFR1200F

http://blog.motorcycle.com/2009/10/23/moto...st-impressions/ Motorcycle.com's blog, focussing especially on the DCT

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player...tid=45802030001 Motorcycle News video of the VFR1200F at the Tokyo Motor Show.

http://blogs.sportrider.com/6570613/featur...ride/index.html Sportsrider.com's first road test impressions

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/newsandu...200f/index.html Motorcyclist magazine road test (very comprehensive)

http://www.wheels.ca/article/782568 Wheels magazine (Canada) review. Quoted in the Toronto Star.

http://pnwriders.com/pictures/117907-2010-...res-galore.html This is NOT a road test link, but does contain some great hi-res photos. WARNING: NOT DIAL-UP FRIENDLY.

http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/en/gallery/...a/index001.html Again, this is not a road test link, but consists of photos of all the Honda range from the Tokyo Motor Show.

[image: Posted Image]

Echo3Niner's excellent specs chart that shows comparisons with comparable bikes.

[image: Posted Image]

UFO's excellent comparison chart as well.


http://www.canadianmotorcyclerider.ca/news...ategories=Honda Very good ergonomics comparison from Canadian Motorcycle News. Thanks to phobe for finding this one. (You'll have to scroll down the page a few articles to find it)

http://www.nationalp...html?id=2112132 Canadian National Post's first ride impressions. NOT a full road test by any means and published 16th October.

That's all the ones I can find so far, though I'm sure I've missed some. Please feel free to add as new tests, videos, owner impressions become available.
#6 phobe

[image: View Post]V4 Rosso, on Oct 27 2009, 08:54 AM, said:

[image: View Post]phobe, on Oct 27 2009, 02:48 AM, said:

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/hon...view-88873.html
I wonder who had the "honour" of being the first to crash a VFR1200F :dry:

[image: Posted Image]
What? no replacement fairings but just a quick respray?


I'm surprised the little Japanese men didn't take his camera away after shooting that one!
#7 dweese
WOW the K1300 has a small fuel tank as well. Wonder how far it goes on a tank
#8 VFR-SPORT

[image: View Post]dweese, on Oct 27 2009, 04:31 PM, said:

WOW the K1300 has a small fuel tank as well. Wonder how far it goes on a tank

I found this as specs, rated mpg, on Wolf BMW site for the K1300

Fuel consumption constant 90 km/h 4.7 l/100km (60.1 mpg Imperial)
Fuel consumption constant 120 km/h 5.3 l/100km (53.3 mpg Imperial)

This is for premium unleaded.
#10 Vee-Ef-Ar
Matt Shield from Australian MotorCycling News was at Sugo also... lucky bugga!

It's a great write up. Talks about the DCT with it's highs and lows. States the S mode was well suited to the track and moreso when spirited touring roadwise. As it was more in tune with faster speed downshifts and in partnership with throttle control it was in the right mood for exits.
He mentions the manual button shift was unfamilar at first, but concluded the weapon of choice for more familar terrains/tracks.

His rumor was Honda is already working on an adjustable system for the DCT.
And plug in looms can be provided to MkI buyers.
There will be a parking brake on the left bar.
A neutral button on the right for starting.

He was impressed with the entire package and was also allowed to tour the Kumomoto factory a day before VFR1200F started production:

3 lines: Commuter, Hobby and Fun
Ability to produce 1800 bikes a day

Fun line is 130m long (142y)
Has 40 employees
Can produce 537 bikes a day

The factory has cut production to 50% and turned a 2 shift day into a 1 shift day and is pumping out 900 bikes a day from the 3 lines. It would take the factory 54 days to complete the Australian order for bikes sold last year.

Sounds like he had an awesome trip.
#11 enzed_viffer
Has anyone come across a decent sound clip (or video) of the 1200? Almost all the reviews mention how nice the bike sounds when revved hard, but the only clips I've come across are one repeating loop from prior to the launch, where the throttle is blipped, and one where the bike is run through the gears to what sounds like about 6 or 7 k rpm, and that not at full throttle, so the exhaust valve thingo (technical term) isn't fully opened.
#13 rc36Honda Thread starter
Thanks to Rhubarb, a lift from a German magazine with some 1200 engine details.

[image: Posted Image]

Any German-speakers here who can translate?
#15 superfunkomatic
Interesting. It looks like the windscreen has a dual-foil design like the laminar lip some have added to their bike.
I wonder what the wind noise and resistance is given the bike is further leaned over and offers a lower windscreen.
[image: Posted Image]
#16 rc36Honda Thread starter
And that is not apparent on the shots of the bike without panniers, so it must be part of the "touring" kit.
#17 Bent

[image: View Post]dweese, on 27 October 2009 - 10:31 AM, said:

WOW the K1300 has a small fuel tank as well. Wonder how far it goes on a tank


I sold a K1200R a few months ago and it got MUCH better mileage than either my 6th or 5th gen. VFR. Running it very spirited it would easily get 45 mpg. The worst it ever got was 39 mpg but it was run "way too fast" that day. I also used to own an R1200RT that got about the same or better mileage with a little more HP than the VFR. It easily got better mileage. I think BMW has much better EFI. Just another experience based opinion. Long live the real VFR's.... :wheel:
#18 kaldek

[image: View Post]rc36Honda, on 01 November 2009 - 06:44 PM, said:

And that is not apparent on the shots of the bike without panniers, so it must be part of the "touring" kit.

That's right - the additional windscreen is an optional extra.
#20 kaldek
BusyLittleShop, on 04 November 2009 - 02:23 PM, said: Oh where did I park my VFR1200??? Bah. I dismissively wave my hand at your supposed hilarity; everyone knows you're stuck in 1995 mate!!
#21 BaileyRock

[image: View Post]Bent, on 01 November 2009 - 06:56 PM, said:

[image: View Post]dweese, on 27 October 2009 - 10:31 AM, said:

WOW the K1300 has a small fuel tank as well. Wonder how far it goes on a tank


I sold a K1200R a few months ago and it got MUCH better mileage than either my 6th or 5th gen. VFR. Running it very spirited it would easily get 45 mpg. The worst it ever got was 39 mpg but it was run "way too fast" that day. I also used to own an R1200RT that got about the same or better mileage with a little more HP than the VFR. It easily got better mileage. I think BMW has much better EFI. Just another experience based opinion. Long live the real VFR's.... :wheel:


J,
I have to think that with the most advanced ECU to date (sounds like)on a bike, FBW, Unicam, small tank and a few other goodies that the new VFR would get far superior MPG than any previous VFR. Great low torque curve has to also help.
I'm guessing 50 plus. :blush:
#22 superfunkomatic
I agree, I don't think engineers at Honda would put a smaller tank on it, especially a tourer, unless it would go farther on less gasoline.
As for the 'pig' comments - once it's moving, I'm sure it won't feel any different than a 6th generation bike.
We all know that Larry only has eyes for a certain, and oft-repeated, type of bike ;)

[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on 04 November 2009 - 06:14 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Bent, on 01 November 2009 - 06:56 PM, said:

[image: View Post]dweese, on 27 October 2009 - 10:31 AM, said:

WOW the K1300 has a small fuel tank as well. Wonder how far it goes on a tank


I sold a K1200R a few months ago and it got MUCH better mileage than either my 6th or 5th gen. VFR. Running it very spirited it would easily get 45 mpg. The worst it ever got was 39 mpg but it was run "way too fast" that day. I also used to own an R1200RT that got about the same or better mileage with a little more HP than the VFR. It easily got better mileage. I think BMW has much better EFI. Just another experience based opinion. Long live the real VFR's.... :wheel:


J,
I have to think that with the most advanced ECU to date (sounds like)on a bike, FBW, Unicam, small tank and a few other goodies that the new VFR would get far superior MPG than any previous VFR. Great low torque curve has to also help.
I'm guessing 50 plus. :blush:

#23 rc36Honda Thread starter

[image: View Post]superfunkomatic, on 04 November 2009 - 08:56 PM, said:

I agree, I don't think engineers at Honda would put a smaller tank on it, especially a tourer, unless it would go farther on less gasoline.
As for the 'pig' comments - once it's moving, I'm sure it won't feel any different than a 6th generation bike.
We all know that Larry only has eyes for a certain, and oft-repeated, type of bike ;)

[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on 04 November 2009 - 06:14 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Bent, on 01 November 2009 - 06:56 PM, said:

[image: View Post]dweese, on 27 October 2009 - 10:31 AM, said:

WOW the K1300 has a small fuel tank as well. Wonder how far it goes on a tank


I sold a K1200R a few months ago and it got MUCH better mileage than either my 6th or 5th gen. VFR. Running it very spirited it would easily get 45 mpg. The worst it ever got was 39 mpg but it was run "way too fast" that day. I also used to own an R1200RT that got about the same or better mileage with a little more HP than the VFR. It easily got better mileage. I think BMW has much better EFI. Just another experience based opinion. Long live the real VFR's.... :wheel:


J,
I have to think that with the most advanced ECU to date (sounds like)on a bike, FBW, Unicam, small tank and a few other goodies that the new VFR would get far superior MPG than any previous VFR. Great low torque curve has to also help.
I'm guessing 50 plus. :blush:


On that subject, I posted this in another thread and it's relevant here.

"Just looking at what appears to be the 1200's main comparison, the K1300S. According to BMW's site, the bike has a 19.1 "useable" litre tank size and the fuel cons figures are.

4.7l per 100kms @90km/h
5.3l per 100kms @ over 100km/h

Now someone can correct my maths if it's flaky, but that means that, running at 90, you'd run the tank dry in 400.6kms and running at over 100, you'd run it dry in about 360kms.

Those figures aren't that bad. For example, my 750 has a 21 litre tanks and can do 411kms full to bone empty at 110km/h.

So, assuming that Honda can work some wizardry with the ECU, you should be able to expect around the BMW figures or even perhaps a little better from the 1200's 18.5 litre tank.

My apologies for the metric figures here, you can convert to Imperial/US gallons and miles if you need to. "
#24 BusyLittleShop

[image: View Post]rc36Honda, on 04 November 2009 - 10:14 PM, said:

As for the 'pig' comments - once it's moving, I'm sure it won't feel any different than a 6th generation bike.
We all know that Larry only has eyes for a certain, and oft-repeated, type of bike ;)


Why must every new Honda Sport Tourer weigh more than the last one???

after all a lighter motorcycle will generally perform better due to a
superior power to weight ratio and because, all else being equal, a
lighter motorcycle will generally handle better than a heavier one. In
high-performance motorcycles, lighter weight is associated with
advanced technology, good design, and more expensive and exotic
materials, while a motorcycle whose weight is greater than expected
can be perceived as lacking these good qualities..
#25 kaldek

[image: View Post]BusyLittleShop, on 05 November 2009 - 02:52 AM, said:

while a motorcycle whose weight is greater than expected
can be perceived as lacking these good qualities..


Yes but perceived by who?

If Honda is aiming at a different buyer who doesn't care about it being the lightest thing on earth, they'd be stupid to use expensive lightweight materials when they can use heavier and more cost effective one, and tune out the perceived weight difference through suspension configuration.

In short mate, they're just not aiming this bike at blokes like you. It's time you put your heart into an Aprilia RSV4-R. The price will probably be about the same.

You do know about the "R" version of the RSV4, don't you?
#26 E-Ticket

[image: View Post]rc36Honda, on 04 November 2009 - 10:14 PM, said:

[image: View Post]superfunkomatic, on 04 November 2009 - 08:56 PM, said:

I agree, I don't think engineers at Honda would put a smaller tank on it, especially a tourer, unless it would go farther on less gasoline.
As for the 'pig' comments - once it's moving, I'm sure it won't feel any different than a 6th generation bike.
We all know that Larry only has eyes for a certain, and oft-repeated, type of bike ;)

[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on 04 November 2009 - 06:14 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Bent, on 01 November 2009 - 06:56 PM, said:

[image: View Post]dweese, on 27 October 2009 - 10:31 AM, said:

WOW the K1300 has a small fuel tank as well. Wonder how far it goes on a tank


I sold a K1200R a few months ago and it got MUCH better mileage than either my 6th or 5th gen. VFR. Running it very spirited it would easily get 45 mpg. The worst it ever got was 39 mpg but it was run "way too fast" that day. I also used to own an R1200RT that got about the same or better mileage with a little more HP than the VFR. It easily got better mileage. I think BMW has much better EFI. Just another experience based opinion. Long live the real VFR's.... :wheel:


J,
I have to think that with the most advanced ECU to date (sounds like)on a bike, FBW, Unicam, small tank and a few other goodies that the new VFR would get far superior MPG than any previous VFR. Great low torque curve has to also help.
I'm guessing 50 plus. :blush:


On that subject, I posted this in another thread and it's relevant here.

"Just looking at what appears to be the 1200's main comparison, the K1300S. According to BMW's site, the bike has a 19.1 "useable" litre tank size and the fuel cons figures are.

4.7l per 100kms @90km/h
5.3l per 100kms @ over 100km/h

Now someone can correct my maths if it's flaky, but that means that, running at 90, you'd run the tank dry in 400.6kms and running at over 100, you'd run it dry in about 360kms.

Those figures aren't that bad. For example, my 750 has a 21 litre tanks and can do 411kms full to bone empty at 110km/h.

So, assuming that Honda can work some wizardry with the ECU, you should be able to expect around the BMW figures or even perhaps a little better from the 1200's 18.5 litre tank.

My apologies for the metric figures here, you can convert to Imperial/US gallons and miles if you need to. "



*IF* I knew I could get a 200-216 mph range at 100 mph ... I would be quite happy.... and would quit bitchin' about the size of the gas tank. :fing02:

Cheers! E-Ticket
#27 BusyLittleShop

[image: View Post]kaldek, on 05 November 2009 - 03:23 AM, said:



Yes but perceived by who?

If Honda is aiming at a different buyer who doesn't care about it being the lightest thing on earth, they'd be stupid to use expensive lightweight materials when they can use heavier and more cost effective one, and tune out the perceived weight difference through suspension configuration.

In short mate, they're just not aiming this bike at blokes like you. It's time you put your heart into an Aprilia RSV4-R. The price will probably be about the same.

You do know about the "R" version of the RSV4, don't you?


If you don't care about light weight and you are not vocal against the heavier parts manufactures try to get away
with then why should they care??? If you want a light weight Sport Tourer you have to take a firm stand like you all
did with the perceived new engine size...

"R" means good things are about to happen...
#28 BaileyRock

[image: View Post]BusyLittleShop, on 05 November 2009 - 02:52 AM, said:


Why must every new Honda Sport Tourer weigh more than the last one???



Larry oh Larry.

Of course we would all love it if this new ST weighted less, 100 lbs would be nice!
But to answer your question:
"Why must every new Honda Sport Tourer weigh more than the last one???"
The majority of ST category riders want more farcles (more farcles= more weight) and don't care if that weight isn't really felt by the avg. ST rider. :rolleyes:

BR

A lightweight "R" version of it would surely be welcome. :wub:
#29 kaldek

[image: View Post]BusyLittleShop, on 05 November 2009 - 03:00 PM, said:

"R" means good things are about to happen...


OK....but I have no idea what you mean by that.
#30 BusyLittleShop

[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on 05 November 2009 - 06:36 PM, said:


A lightweight "R" version of it would surely be welcome. :wub:


More than that... I think we should march on Honda's Headquarters demanding a lightweight "R" version...

BTW Kevin I love your new avatar and how are you healing???
#31 rc36Honda Thread starter
Bet they have a FWD keeping it company with plenty of extra petrol cans in the back. :) :)
#32 Cynic
vfrcapn, on 25 February 2010 - 05:58 PM, said: Here's some MCN reader's testing impressions. I'm the last one on that video.
#33 Cynic
April's edition of BIKE magazine (UK) is a sports tourer special, with an extended test between the VFR1200F, K1300S and the Sprint ST.

The results are, erm, interesting.
#34 E-Ticket

[image: View Post]Cynic, on 26 February 2010 - 05:14 AM, said:

April's edition of BIKE magazine (UK) is a sports tourer special, with an extended test between the VFR1200F, K1300S and the Sprint ST.

The results are, erm, interesting.


I like the quote: "...good. But not great..."
That will probably sum up it's overall spot in the food chain as well. (just guessing...)

And it't too bad they didn't sneak an "old" VFR in the shootout mix.
Now *that* would have been interesting, eh!! :biggrin:

Many thanks for the reports, Cynic. :fing02:

Cheers! E-Ticket
#35 V4 Rosso
In a roadtest done by Motorrad between a vtec and the new 1200F the VFR1200F won. For those that can read German, here is the last page of the test with the score list.

[image: Posted Image]
#36 carlitos92

[image: View Post]V4 Rosso, on 26 February 2010 - 12:14 PM, said:

In a roadtest done by Motorrad between a vtec and the new 1200F the VFR1200F won. For those that can read German, here is the last page of teh test with the score list.


WHAT? A brand-new, $16K bike beats my 2002-era-design, $8K bike???

No. Freakin. Way. :goofy:

Actually, I'm impressed the 800 stayed so close... except for "motor." I guess 1200 cc's will do that for you.
#37 Beck
So where's the "ugleh" scores on that Motorrad test?? :goofy: I still think the 1200 scores pretty high in that department. :rolleyes: ;p

Beck
95 VFR
#38 vfr_steve

[image: View Post]Cynic, on 26 February 2010 - 05:14 AM, said:

April's edition of BIKE magazine (UK) is a sports tourer special, with an extended test between the VFR1200F, K1300S and the Sprint ST.

The results are, erm, interesting.


Thanks for the heads up, I've just bought the mag and will read it with a hangover coffee tomorrow morning :biggrin:
#39 rc36Honda Thread starter
Bike arrives about 2 months behind the cover date here, so I'll have to wait.
#40 Solomoto
Here's an interesting report from NZ:

http://www.stuff.co....the-VFR-nuclear

Interesting comment at the end: the F will be followed by the sportier R model. Could this be hint at a 1 liter CBR replacement? I wonder where he got this tidbit of info? Hmmm....
#41 E-Ticket

[image: View Post]Solomoto, on 23 March 2010 - 01:51 AM, said:

Here's an interesting report from NZ:

http://www.stuff.co....the-VFR-nuclear

Interesting comment at the end: the F will be followed by the sportier R model. Could this be hint at a 1 liter CBR replacement? I wonder where he got this tidbit of info? Hmmm....

Oh please, oh please, oh pleeeeeaasssseeee.....
#45 rc36Honda Thread starter
Keep them coming, guys. Thanks for those contributions.
#46 V4 Rosso
Not a road test but maybe worth mentioning that the VFR1200F has been elected European (& Dutch) motorcycle of the year (2010) by readers of several european bike magazines. Runners up are the BMW 1200GS and Aprilia RSV4.
End of thread · 47 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 8 Feb 2011