Please help me with this. I am so close on my decision to buy a VF1200f, but can't quite take the dive yet. I had a 6'th gen for 5 years and currently an ST1300 for 3. Both very competent bikes, the ST in particular. However, what is missing, IMHO, is the fun factor. I believe the VFR concept as an allrounder made the most sense in 1999, in light of the available competition, and less so in 2002. Today I think an allrounder is probably a taller (read more comfort),lighter, more versatile machine. When I hear people talking about these bikes the word fun always comes up. I have read a few reviews of the VFR1200, and that factor seems absent. For those who now have one, please let me know it is part of the package. Honda traits of quality, reliability, ease of use, etc are undeniable but there must be more?
I want to do long mileage days, have fun on the bendy parts and not be too tired at the end to get back and do it all over again the next day.
[image: View Post]org, on 18 April 2010 - 08:46 AM, said:
Please help me with this. I am so close on my decision to buy a VF1200f, but can't quite take the dive yet. I had a 6'th gen for 5 years and currently an ST1300 for 3. Both very competent bikes, the ST in particular. However, what is missing, IMHO, is the fun factor. I believe the VFR concept as an allrounder made the most sense in 1999, in light of the available competition, and less so in 2002. Today I think an allrounder is probably a taller (read more comfort),lighter, more versatile machine. When I hear people talking about these bikes the word fun always comes up. I have read a few reviews of the VFR1200, and that factor seems absent. For those who now have one, please let me know it is part of the package. Honda traits of quality, reliability, ease of use, etc are undeniable but there must be more?
I want to do long mileage days, have fun on the bendy parts and not be too tired at the end to get back and do it all over again the next day.
I would buy a BMW R1200RT before I bought the new Honda. I had an '05 and regret selling it. It will haul azz, is very competent in the turns, super for long distance bike, super gas mileage, huge gas tank, and wouldn't cost much more (if any) than a 7th gen Honda. It is a FUN bike and bullet proof as well. BTW, fill in the blanks in your profile.
The only secrets here are felony arrests.
Seems to me the only way to answer that is to test drive it. And maybe the beammer as suggested. Let us know.
C
I believe all things with two wheels and a motor are fun! Some just more enjoyable than others. Ride what puts a SMILE on your face! Only you will be able to answer your own question.
Sounds like you're a candidate for the ST13 replacement, might be a good idea to wait until that comes out before you decide.
The main thing you say is you like long rides and comfort. The 7-gen VFR is a 150 miles to the tank average, the Beemer RT is 200-250 average and it's comfy.... I owned a 2002 RT, great bike.... I had a 5-gen VFR before the Beemer.... Had a 72 750/5 Beemer... and put about 100k on each.... but the fun factor I like is with my 6-gen I now own.... As stated.... IMHO....Test ride or don't buy.......
OH YEA... Welcome.... We get so caught up in the help department......
On the new 12 - click into 3rd and pin it on your favorite twisties.
You'll still be laughing as you sign for the deposit..
Finally someone who has been on the bike weighs in... LOL
The reviews I've seen say it handles like a 5th gen which is supposed to be more "sporty" than the 6th gens. Couple that with 140+rwhp and I giggle just thinking about it....
[image: View Post]org, on 18 April 2010 - 08:46 AM, said:
Please help me with this. I am so close on my decision to buy a VF1200f, but can't quite take the dive yet. I had a 6'th gen for 5 years and currently an ST1300 for 3. Both very competent bikes, the ST in particular. However, what is missing, IMHO, is the fun factor. I believe the VFR concept as an allrounder made the most sense in 1999, in light of the available competition, and less so in 2002. Today I think an allrounder is probably a taller (read more comfort),lighter, more versatile machine. When I hear people talking about these bikes the word fun always comes up. I have read a few reviews of the VFR1200, and that factor seems absent. For those who now have one, please let me know it is part of the package. Honda traits of quality, reliability, ease of use, etc are undeniable but there must be more?
I want to do long mileage days, have fun on the bendy parts and not be too tired at the end to get back and do it all over again the next day.
Great question, such things as whether you like sitting into a bike or on top of it. Will the 1200 be better in the tight stuff over the 800, which I like to ride. Im willing to bet its better for touring than hunting an R1.
I too have been very hard pressed to find a VFR 800 replacement, The 1200 has not inspired me as a must have.
and R1's arent comfortable, so no reason to Jump on any other street bike at the moment.
[image: View Post]paul thompson, on 18 April 2010 - 04:48 PM, said:
On the new 12 - click into 3rd and pin it on your favorite twisties.
You'll still be laughing as you sign for the deposit..
Thanks. Your comments as an owner (or someone who has been on the bike) is what I'm really hoping for.
I could live with the 800 ergos and put on 600km days. I assume the 1200 is similar as far as wind protection, wrist loading etc.
For me it's near perfect. Im 5ft 10 with a 30 inch inside leg and apart from a slight nagging tightness in my right hip, which, i should add, has always appeared when i ride anything sporty, the bike is spot on. I sold a Triumph Tiger for the VFR due to the Triumph's lack of sports character. The VFR holds a line easily then blasts out of the turn like a missile. You find that short shifting and using the bottom and mid range power is the way to go. I love mine and would recommend it to anyone.
[image: View Post]Solomoto, on 18 April 2010 - 01:56 PM, said:
Sounds like you're a candidate for the ST13 replacement, might be a good idea to wait until that comes out before you decide.
The VFR will have more fun factor than the ST1300 replacement--if such a bike is even coming.