First off, my current ride is a 2007 RWB with 6900 miles that I bought new last spring. I stopped at the Honda dealership in Lowville, NY today to check things out. They have a 2010 VFR1200 "demo" model in the showroom. It is the manual clutch version. The salesperson greeted me and after some small talk asked if I had ridden the new model yet. I replied that I had not. He then asked if I would like to. How could I resist? I rode the bike about 25 miles, mostly on twisty back roads. I returned and gave my feedback:
1. Great engine - lots of usable power and character.
2. Great brakes - very strong with a firm lever.
3. Great chassis - tight and responsive. More like a sportbike than a sport-tourer.
4. It didn't feel any bigger or heavier than my 6th Gen.
5. The seat is slippery, just like the one on my 2008 CBR1000RR was.
6. The horn button/turn signal rearrangement is silly. Maybe you are supposed to give an audible warning before turning?
7. The shaft-drive was transparent. I'd never ridden a shaft-drive bike before.
8. It is a great bike, just not worth almost twice as much (MSRP) as I paid for mine last year.
9. I'll probably end up buying one, unless Honda builds an RC60 supersport model first. RC30 - RC45 - RC60, get it?
10. The luggage is too expensive right now. I got a new set for my 6th Gen. for $400.
The dealer was very good about the whole experience. It is an impressive bike. Ride one if you get the chance.
1. Great engine - lots of usable power and character.
2. Great brakes - very strong with a firm lever.
3. Great chassis - tight and responsive. More like a sportbike than a sport-tourer.
4. It didn't feel any bigger or heavier than my 6th Gen.
5. The seat is slippery, just like the one on my 2008 CBR1000RR was.
6. The horn button/turn signal rearrangement is silly. Maybe you are supposed to give an audible warning before turning?
7. The shaft-drive was transparent. I'd never ridden a shaft-drive bike before.
8. It is a great bike, just not worth almost twice as much (MSRP) as I paid for mine last year.
9. I'll probably end up buying one, unless Honda builds an RC60 supersport model first. RC30 - RC45 - RC60, get it?
10. The luggage is too expensive right now. I got a new set for my 6th Gen. for $400.
The dealer was very good about the whole experience. It is an impressive bike. Ride one if you get the chance.