Before I make a decision about buying a 1200....

Hi guys. I'm seriously considering buying a 1200 (either model) and I'm trying to get to know what I would want to do to it to make it suit my needs, if anything. I've read through most of the threads in here trying to understand where any issues lie, where I may have to spend some �/$ but thought I'd ask for some consolidated answers. So....

The bike would be used for commuting (~90 miles/day) and for weekend blats and summer holidays away. I am concerned with moving away from the 800 model as I do almost all my own servicing on my 2 800's but will probably have to put the 1200 into a dealer and pay through the nose for it, so it will definitely have to be worth it. I have test ridden the F model (loved it) and will be organising another test of both models with my girlfriend on the back to see how they are 2-up.

The Engine

PC5? Around �300/$485 over here so a lot of cash. Does it improve the low down fuelling/are there any low down fuelling issues (there are on my 6th Gen)?
Exhaust flapper - an easy mod? What does it do?
New end can? Hopefully noisier than stock, but how does it affect performance?

Chassis

Those of you who have owned one for a while now...does the suspension need tweaking? Better rear shock? New fork springs?
Headlights - the 6th Gen lights are awesome (I do a lot of evening/morning riding), how good are the 1200's?
Seat - a few of you have complained about the seat. Are you just the minority? I guess my g/f will have an opinion on this after the test.
Luggage - I've pretty much decided I would get an aftermarket Givi kit (topbox) as the Honda one is simply too small.

Must have's:

centre stand
heated grips
topbox

Might have's:

PC5
end can

Anything else?

Also, how is the 1200 to live with? An awful lot of <1 year-old models are on sale over here, is it the same in the US? Why are folk selling them so soon and at such a loss of money?

Thanks in advance for any constructive answers.

According to Australian Motorcycle News and the fellow who owned my 4th Gen, who now owns a 12 with a Staintune, the EFI map smooths out nicely. He says it has better pickup and a little more overall.

I heard it the other day and it sounds like a muted RC45, beautiful. He keeps the spud in, so I can only imagine a nice volume and throatiness if he removed it. My 4th Gen has a Staintune also. Nice with spud, nicer and appropriately loud without.

In my opinion a power commander would be unnecessary expense at this point in time.

since HS just put like 197,000 miles on his 7th gen last week, he should be able to fill you in. He is prolly resting after the re-boot.

Skids

Have owned a "93" 750 and two 800's. My vfr1200dct I have had for 11 months now. Mileage is a 10,400. Has centerstand, heated grips and side bags. Like it more then my previous vfr's cause it just feels better. It's more comfortable and just as much fun. It feels more like a premium bike is probably the best way I can explain it. Only wishes are slightly more upright and cruise control.

Thanks guys, keep 'em coming.

There is a white test VFR1200 with a carbon Akropovic slip-on in one of the dealers in Istanbul and it sounds incredible! My buddy is testing one right now and he said he loves the sound of it...

There is talk on other forums that the fueling can be improved by having the ECU reset then once the bike is first started letting it idle for 15 minutes without touching the throttle.

I gave up my 06 CBR1000RR immediately without hesitation when the VFR came out. If you ever owned a V65 you would understand. :biggrin:

[image: View Post]leachy, on 01 June 2011 - 08:34 AM, said:

There is talk on other forums that the fueling can be improved by having the ECU reset then once the bike is first started letting it idle for 15 minutes without touching the throttle.


That's quite inconvenient.

click the link in my signature for all the answers :biggrin:

I commute a 100 miles/day and I would not consider the PC5 optional.

[image: View Post]Skids, on 01 June 2011 - 01:57 AM, said:

Hi guys. I'm seriously considering buying a 1200 (either model) and I'm trying to get to know what I would want to do to it to make it suit my needs, if anything. I've read through most of the threads in here trying to understand where any issues lie, where I may have to spend some �/$ but thought I'd ask for some consolidated answers. So....

The bike would be used for commuting (~90 miles/day) and for weekend blats and summer holidays away. I am concerned with moving away from the 800 model as I do almost all my own servicing on my 2 800's but will probably have to put the 1200 into a dealer and pay through the nose for it, so it will definitely have to be worth it. I have test ridden the F model (loved it) and will be organising another test of both models with my girlfriend on the back to see how they are 2-up.

The Engine

PC5? Around �300/$485 over here so a lot of cash. Does it improve the low down fuelling/are there any low down fuelling issues (there are on my 6th Gen)?
Exhaust flapper - an easy mod? What does it do?
New end can? Hopefully noisier than stock, but how does it affect performance?

Chassis

Those of you who have owned one for a while now...does the suspension need tweaking? Better rear shock? New fork springs?
Headlights - the 6th Gen lights are awesome (I do a lot of evening/morning riding), how good are the 1200's?
Seat - a few of you have complained about the seat. Are you just the minority? I guess my g/f will have an opinion on this after the test.
Luggage - I've pretty much decided I would get an aftermarket Givi kit (topbox) as the Honda one is simply too small.

Must have's:

centre stand
heated grips
topbox

Might have's:

PC5
end can

Anything else?

Also, how is the 1200 to live with? An awful lot of <1 year-old models are on sale over here, is it the same in the US? Why are folk selling them so soon and at such a loss of money?

Thanks in advance for any constructive answers.

[image: View Post]deklund, on 01 June 2011 - 09:50 AM, said:

I commute a 100 miles/day and I would not consider the PC5 optional.


...I'll just add that I would move the center stand to the optional column! I thought it would be a must have for me too, but for the cost, it's way cheaper to get a Pit Bull stand and since there's no chain to service on the road, there's really no need to lug the center stand around everywhere. ...just a personal opinion, but as much as I used it on my 4th and 5th gens, I've yet to miss it on my 7th with 7000 miles now.

Also, here's a (crappy) audio clip of my bike with the Akropovic uncorked. This was recorded from inside my tail bag, so it's not exactly what it would sound like if you were following me, but it gives you an idea of how it sounds.
Mulholland with Akro

I've put about 12,000km on mine (non-DCT). Loved it from the off (as they say over there.. : ) I put over 130,000 on my '02, which was itself pretty heavily modified, and immediately liked the 1200, in stock form, better.

That said, I think a Power Commander is very highly recommended (as it was on my '02).

The seat is far better than my '02 seat (which I replaced with a Corbin after far too many miles on the stocker). I'd buy a Corbin for the 1200 if they made one that didn't look like a fifth grade design project. The only real issue I have with the 1200 seat is that it's angled slightly forward (just like my 800 was). It could be firmer too, but it's really the forward slant that gets my butt after 12 hours in the saddle.

Suspension: I think it's better than my '02 stock suspension was for sure. But whether it's good enough for you is probably pretty personal. (I've replaced it all around).

Exhaust Flapper mod: result = sounds better below 6,000. Easy to do (ie. 5 minutes.)

Headlights: I'm pretty sure the '02 has better nighttime headlights. Honestly, that bike has the best stock headlights I've ever seen. The only time I've ridden the 1200 at night out in the country was with a bike that was fitted with HID's and they lit up the road like it was daytime so my 1200's seemed dim, so I don't really know for sure whether its lights are good or great, but they are definitely good at least.

Hope this is helpful.

[image: View Post]ZenMoto, on 01 June 2011 - 08:36 PM, said:

[image: View Post]deklund, on 01 June 2011 - 09:50 AM, said:

I commute a 100 miles/day and I would not consider the PC5 optional.


...I'll just add that I would move the center stand to the optional column! I thought it would be a must have for me too, but for the cost, it's way cheaper to get a Pit Bull stand and since there's no chain to service on the road, there's really no need to lug the center stand around everywhere. ...just a personal opinion, but as much as I used it on my 4th and 5th gens, I've yet to miss it on my 7th with 7000 miles now.

Also, here's a (crappy) audio clip of my bike with the Akropovic uncorked. This was recorded from inside my tail bag, so it's not exactly what it would sound like if you were following me, but it gives you an idea of how it sounds.
Mulholland with Akro


I will have to look and see if Pit Bull sell over here and if not, if anyone else produces something similar. But thanks.

[image: View Post]eastbowl2, on 01 June 2011 - 09:28 PM, said:

I've put about 12,000km on mine (non-DCT). Loved it from the off (as they say over there.. : ) I put over 130,000 on my '02, which was itself pretty heavily modified, and immediately liked the 1200, in stock form, better.

That said, I think a Power Commander is very highly recommended (as it was on my '02).

The seat is far better than my '02 seat (which I replaced with a Corbin after far too many miles on the stocker). I'd buy a Corbin for the 1200 if they made one that didn't look like a fifth grade design project. The only real issue I have with the 1200 seat is that it's angled slightly forward (just like my 800 was). It could be firmer too, but it's really the forward slant that gets my butt after 12 hours in the saddle.

Suspension: I think it's better than my '02 stock suspension was for sure. But whether it's good enough for you is probably pretty personal. (I've replaced it all around).

Exhaust Flapper mod: result = sounds better below 6,000. Easy to do (ie. 5 minutes.)

Headlights: I'm pretty sure the '02 has better nighttime headlights. Honestly, that bike has the best stock headlights I've ever seen. The only time I've ridden the 1200 at night out in the country was with a bike that was fitted with HID's and they lit up the road like it was daytime so my 1200's seemed dim, so I don't really know for sure whether its lights are good or great, but they are definitely good at least.

Hope this is helpful.


Very helpful, thanks m8.

Buy it. It's cool.

Quote

I will have to look and see if Pit Bull sell over here and if not, if anyone else produces something similar. But thanks.

Look for Staffordshire Terrier. :biggrin:

J/K, they must have something similar where you are.

[image: View Post]Skids, on 01 June 2011 - 01:57 AM, said:

An awful lot of <1 year-old models are on sale over here, is it the same in the US? Why are folk selling them so soon and at such a loss of money?



Does anyone know the answer to this? It does concern me that so many owners paert with them so quickly. I understand far too many people only ever buy a bike for the summer then sell it (I wish I were that rich), but I don't think that fully explains this situation.