Impressions Of The Vfr After 1000 Miles

Here are my impressions now that I have owned and ridden 1000+ miles. For some back ground I was on a fifth gen for the past 5 years. Decided to buy the 1200 after looking at many bikes. Bought a used manual with many upgrades such as JD forks, Gulh flash, DAM exhaust and more.

First, this bike inspire of it size handles very well. I think it is more conference inspiring than the fifth gen for me. Just need to be muscle around. Very predictable and neutral. Deals with our crap roads too with good feel. Not as nimble, but that is expected.

Power is better for sure, and again very predictable. To me it is similar in character, but with more punch. This is a sweet engine.

Brakes are outstanding. Fifth gens feel terrible to me now.

Comfort is ok. I think the seat is ok, but the ergos are slight better for me on the fifth gen. I think the reach is longer and legs farther forward. I am seriously considering bar risers and lower pegs. A little more touring. I'm short too, but more room would be nice. Feels about right for flogging it in the back roads, but a bit cramped for touring.

Heat and wind protection are very good. Way cooler than the fifth, or any other bike I tried.

Over all I'm very happy with this bike, and it is the right bike for me.

There are some gripes though, and they are the ones everyone has. This thing is thirsty, and 5 gallons isn't enough. I like the range of the fifth gen. Honda should have stuffed 6 gallons in. Problem is when out on the back roads fuel can be far and few between. It means having to plan fuel stops which takes some fun out of exploring new back roads. But I can live with it. The windshield should have been adjustable. Nothing fancy, but something nice. I would love good protection in the cold morning, or freeway, and more windflow in the hot. The ninja 1000 has a simple solution. The side bags are small. Why did they move the horn? First time I got back on the fifth gen I honked the horn to turn.

Some things I don't think are gripes. Instruments are simple but easy to see and use. What more do you need? I think it looks great. One of the best bikes ever. Just ahead of its time. I don't want my bike to looks like an alien transformer, I'm a grown up.

Overall I think this bike embodies what makes a VFR a VFR. It does everything well, and nothing bad. It can tour, commute and rip through the twisties and does it all in a predictable easy to handle manner. If you are considering one, they are great bikes.

Ride Red

You purchased a bike with fork work already performed. I am curious to know if anything was done for the rear.

I spent a little over 3,000 miles on a 2012 in Europe and the stock suspensions is about the only thing I would change now that they have addressed the shaft issue.

Tires make a world of difference as well.  Granted yours is used so it may have something other than what it came with at this point.  Best upgrade so far, with a slip on second.  

Tires make a world of difference as well.  Granted yours is used so it may have something other than what it came with at this point.  Best upgrade so far, with a slip on second.  

Just installed a new set of PR4s when the recall was preformed.  

Not sure about the rear, might do it when the fronts need servicing.  It is pretty good for me, but could use new valves.  

Top box, tank bag, seat, bar risers and lower foot pegs, and a rear hugger are on the list.  Maybe get a GPS too.

Top box, tank bag, seat, bar risers and lower foot pegs, and a rear hugger are on the list.  Maybe get a GPS too.

In regards to the footpegs, the Buell footpegs I have are excellent. Just needed a little grinding and a bushing to make them fit.

Top box, tank bag, seat, bar risers and lower foot pegs, and a rear hugger are on the list.  Maybe get a GPS too.

In regards to the footpegs, the Buell footpegs I have are excellent. Just needed a little grinding and a bushing to make them fit.

I'm thinking the Knight design ones because I like the rubber.  Will do them front and rear (if they fit) so the pillion is more comfy too.

First thing is to order the 45L top box for my trip in the spring.

I understand your interest in the rubber on the footpeg, I switched back to the OEM footpegs on my 5th gen for that reason. However on my 7th gen, there was so little vibration that I thought I would take the chance on the Buell pegs. Especially since I got the pair for like $30 delivered.

 I have the Knight pegs on my 1200. Very nice product, and makes a big difference in comfort. I highly recommend them

I say go with the buell footpegs,even though they don't have rubber I don't feel any vibration [image: uploadfromtaptalk1456814661746.png]

I say go with the buell footpegs,even though they don't have rubber I don't feel any vibration [image: attachicon.gif]Screenshot_2016-03-01-01-35-43.png

Look at the size of that hero blob, it's like a bloody dildo!

It is kinda on the long side, I haven't had any issues with grinding though

Can the foot controls be adjusted down at accommodate the lower pegs?

Sure can. Clutch side is a pinch bolt and then move the pedal down a notch or two. Other side is an adjuster knob.

Tires make a world of difference as well.  Granted yours is used so it may have something other than what it came with at this point.  Best upgrade so far, with a slip on second.  

Just installed a new set of PR4s when the recall was preformed.  

Not sure about the rear, might do it when the fronts need servicing.  It is pretty good for me, but could use new valves.  

Top box, tank bag, seat, bar risers and lower foot pegs, and a rear hugger are on the list.  Maybe get a GPS too.

It had a set of Pilot Powers on it when I sold it to Austin. As for the rear, it hasn't been done... It workded great for me after adjusting the pre-load and rebound. JD said that if it's working then leave it alone until it needs it. :beer:

Good review... As for the mileage, that can be addressed with a little less on the right hand :cool:  When I ride with my wife, I got over 200 miles all day but when I was hammering with the boys... 150 :491:

The 1200 is a whale and does not resemble its heritage. The bike shouldn't be bagged as a VFR. How does it qualify as a VFR with its shaft drive, 61 inch wheel base, 600 lbs weight? It is should have been named the VFR Plus or the VFT (tour). Honda created something special with the VFR750R; the RC30. From there all the way through the RC46, the VFR evolved like its torque curve, linear and in lock step with its power curve. Both lines close together. No divergence. The 1200 on the other hand has taken a different design path, far away from being an incarnation of the VFR750R/F. And that's precisely what's wrong with Honda's homologated road racing efforts today.

The 1200 is a whale and does not resemble its heritage. The bike shouldn't be bagged as a VFR. How does it qualify as a VFR with its shaft drive, 61 inch wheel base, 600 lbs weight? It is should have been named the VFR Plus or the VFT (tour). Honda created something special with the VFR750R; the RC30. From there all the way through the RC46, the VFR evolved like its torque curve, linear and in lock step with its power curve. Both lines close together. No divergence. The 1200 on the other hand has taken a different design path, far away from being an incarnation of the VFR750R/F. And that's precisely what's wrong with Honda's homologated road racing efforts today.

So you're in the market for a 1200 then?  :wink:

The 1200 is a whale and does not resemble its heritage. The bike shouldn't be bagged as a VFR. How does it qualify as a VFR with its shaft drive, 61 inch wheel base, 600 lbs weight? It is should have been named the VFR Plus or the VFT (tour). Honda created something special with the VFR750R; the RC30. From there all the way through the RC46, the VFR evolved like its torque curve, linear and in lock step with its power curve. Both lines close together. No divergence. The 1200 on the other hand has taken a different design path, far away from being an incarnation of the VFR750R/F. And that's precisely what's wrong with Honda's homologated road racing efforts today.

I disagree.  It's the best VFR yet.  The best handling, the best brakes, and by far the most power.  It's definitely a VFR.  Change is hard.

Honda made it, they can call it whatever they want........

Definitely a great motor in the 1200.  The VFR1200X should benefit from that lump.  But I stand by my rant.  And there's no denying Honda went back to its VFR roots with the 8th Gen  (front radiator, side exhaust, conventional brakes, red/white colors). :comp13:

Honda made it, they can call it whatever they want........

Exactly ,it's just a name of motorcycle

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