2011 VFR1200 test ride

My local dealer had test rides on the new VFR1200 last weekend and I was first in line to ride it. I took my ratty old '86 VFR700, it was quite chilly but I thought it was an appropriate ride for this mission.

The 1200 hurt. It was a rocket for speed and torque, but the seat just shovels you on top of the tank (if I was a dude I would have been miserable), and the vibrations through the handlebars were FAR worse than on my '86, and I haven't even synched the carbs yet. My palms were positively red and puffy and achy hours later, and I am no motorcycle diva, a little discomfort doesn't stop me...but this was really painful.
This is supposed to be a sport touring bike, right? Then why is the seat made such that you can't move around? Otherwise the ergonomics were very accommodating and natural.

And the turn signal switch was some cockamamy weirdness than had me beeping the horn at every turn.


That said, the riding position was neutral and I felt in absolute control and I could see everything in the mirrors, that's a big deal on a street bike.

Still....I was anxious to bring the bike back after the required 25 miles of un-accompanied riding and get back on my older VFR, which is so much more comfortable. Felt like an old friend....

Interesting comments on your test ride. I have to agree that cupped seats don't work. Flat seats are what the human anatomy wants. I would want an extra 500cc if there were no down sides. On Thursday I rode my vfr with it's new mufflers and was amazed at the torque in 6th at 50mph.
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[image: View Post]coffeebrake, on 19 March 2011 - 12:31 AM, said:

My local dealer had test rides on the new VFR1200 last weekend and I was first in line to ride it. I took my ratty old '86 VFR700, it was quite chilly but I thought it was an appropriate ride for this mission.


Interesting feedback. I have about 2600 miles on the V12 now, and I agree that the vibrations in the throttle grip are not ideal, they only make my hand go numb after an hour of slab, but never in the twisties. ...makes me wonder if something was up with your test bike?

As for the seat, it is angled slightly forward, but I would guess the preload was way too stiff for you, jacking the rear up even more. I never really feel pushed into the tank, except under heavy braking. Still, there's no arguing with a test ride. If the bike doesn't fit you, then it doesn't fit you!

I'll add that the turn signal switch bothered me at first, but I got used to it very quickly. Now that I'm familiar with it, it feels so much more natural; switching back to my KTM feels weird now and I hit the horn on it! lol

...you have to admit, the 145ish ponies are pretty intoxicating though, huh? :fing02:

[image: View Post]ZenMoto, on 19 March 2011 - 08:39 PM, said:

...you have to admit, the 145ish ponies are pretty intoxicating though, huh? :fing02:



Well...not really. I just don't have the whole need for speed, it is a disease I have thus far avoided in ten years of riding, much to the delight of my finances. :biggrin: I like to go as fast as traffic allows, and sometimes I like to open it up on a back road...but the power didn't turn me on as much as the riding position and absolutely neutral handling.
This from a woman who just sold a V-max...it was plenty fast but it handled so poorly that it was misery to ride, the way I like to ride.

You know what else? I was terrified of the brakes. I have never ridden anything with brakes that powerful, and it took half the ride to get used to barely touching the lever. My normal two-finger pull nearly dumped me on the ground at first.
I wonder if the aftermarket will make some good luggage for it....with the seat replaced and some kind of dampers at the bars, it would tour just fine...I'm glad you like yours!