First Ride Impressions

After thinking long and hard, I decided to trade in my 08 VFR800 for the VFR1200. Picked it late this afternoon and got to put about 50 miles on it. The differences are extremely noticeable. First of all, that muffler really is that BIG in person, but boy what a sweet sound to the ears it makes. You really feel like your riding in the motorcycle, not riding on top of it. I noticed that my thighs were further into the tank, and the seat really is very comfortable. At least for someone weighing 155. And being 5'11", the windscreen works fine. A few inches higher and you'll need the windscreen attachment. Never thought the throttle-by-wire would be noticeable, having never experienced it, but all I can say is it's INSTANT. The up shifting really does feel like a chain, but the down shifting is buttery smooth. Almost didn't even feel it a couple of time. Not like my 800 where you did have that clank into gear. The gear ratio is very long compared to the short shifting 800. You don't shift as quickly, and I found myself riding in 4th gear at steady speeds that the 800 would normally be in 6th. Not gonna lie, you can tell the difference in the 50 lbs only when moving it around on foot. When moving, because of the seating position, it really feels like a light weight 600. Don't know how to explain it.
For extras, I bought the heated grips, center stand, 12v socket, and tire hugger. Even tho all this is available in Europe, America only has the heated grips ready to ship. Their computer ( yes, I took a peak) said early June on the rest?!
Was told that the break in period for the engine is: No red lining (duh!), Nothing constant over 5K rpm for the first 600 miles. Engine will be fully broken in around 2500 miles. And of course, nothing crazy for the first 100 miles on the tires! Mine will by the time I reach the twisties tomorrow, I should be primed and ready to go.
Sad story is another person here in AZ that got theirs 2 days before me, dropped theirs already. Word at dealerships get around.
Thought I'd share some of the differences between the 6th and 7th generation. So far, no regrets on the switch. I can only think that the enjoyment factor will go up and more I experience the power it has to offer.
Oh yeah, even tho the turn signal button is in a more comfortable place, it'll take some getting used to. Feeling the difference between the 2 is easy. Trusting yourself that it's correct isn't.
If your on the bubble about getting one, hope this helps you make up your mind.
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Congrats on your new VFR! :)

Stinks you can't have your accessories/mods right away, but at least you'll get them before long.

What's avaiable here in the US? Only the manual single clutch version? I'm curious about that one.

Could you comment on engine vibration? Does it have any cruising speeds with
annoying buzzing ? I've owned a 750 & 1100 Sabres and loved the motors but finally bought something new (08 FJR), great bike but not always buzz free. Thanks and big congratulations.

To my knowledge, only the manual transmission is available. But my FedEx driver says he knows someone that has it in auto??? Asked him if was the DN01, but he said it looked just like mine, so......
There is a little engine vibration, but mostly in low speed. You feel it more in the seat, not in the handle bars. For me, it lets me know that there is a sleeping giant beneath my legs.
As for the servo-valve in the pipe, it does give it that MotoGP sound. I didn't really notice it at first. Thought it was broken. Was expecting something like the surge of the Vtec when it kicks in, but nothing, just the change in sound.
Otherwise getting 40mpg. At 160 miles is when it sips from the reserve tank.
Went for a 200 mile ride yesterday. Was expecting my foot to heat up because of the exhaust, but nothing yet.
Was hoping the layered fairing would be a miracle cure for a hot engine, but nope. Only noticed the fan turning on when sitting at stop lights, when you start moving (even at slow speeds) it turns itself off. And it kicks it with only 1 bar over the halfway point on the temp guage.
Wrote MotovationUSA today, they will be coming out with some frame sliders next month for the VFR1200F. Since the R&G ones in Europe come with a drilling template, I mentioned it to them so hopefully drilling will be a piece of cake.
Wrote Throttlemeister asking the same question. No response yet.
Also, the ergonomics are almost identical to the VFR800. So felt at home instantly. Except for the turn signal button.