Made the VFR800 to1200 Swap - First Impressions vs What I Read

Sold my much loved '03 model last week and picked up a mint condition 2010 model with only 12k (kms). As we know there are not many of these around and so I had to rely on reviews and your guys' impressions for a lot of my preliminary decision making. Logged 1000kms over the last week and thought I'd share my impressions as compared to what I read for other potential buyers or to discuss with existing owners.

Firstly this bike is a beast. Fastest/torqueyist bike I've ever ridden. Gobs of power everywhere. On/off throttle is fine by my accounts, read reviews where it was finicky, my '03 was much more abrupt - to the point it was a problem I had to fix with a PC5. No such issue on the 1200. 

I've read much about the terrible 1st & 2nd gear power delivery - as per my 1000km this has been much overstated. I've had moments where I could sense the delivery wasn't perfect (and it isn't I've see the dyno graphs) but some of the accounts on this site and others make the bike seem like it's almost unrideable. This has not been my experience - maybe over time as I acclimatize I'll notice it more, and I'll likely opt for the Guhl reflash at some point but thus far it has been a very minor issue for me. 

Speaking of minor overstated issues; much has been made of the relocated blinker switch and how astronomically stupid it is. I would say it took me about 3 days to make the adjustment - I've been riding for 13 years and own 2 other bikes I run concurrently with the switch in the "standard" position. Also Honda is correct - ergonomically speaking it's much easier to reach with your thumb in the "new position". As far as I'm concerned it's a minor adjustment. 

I read about some vibes through the tank, but no reviews mentioned any significant vibration. I on the other hand have been very disappointed by the amount of vibration I'm getting through the bars. My throttle hand especially has been going numb. This was not even remotely an issue on my 800. Very disappointing given the premium pedigree of this machine and the tech in the engine. Anyone else? Any 1200 specific remedies? It's my biggest gripe with the bike so far. 

The seat looks great, but I read it's slippery and I agree it's a tad slippery. I don't feel like I'm on ice, but again, more slippery than my stock 6th Gen. The shape is fine, but my butt definitely doesn't like it all that much. I had no gripes with the stock 6th Gen seat, but if this continues I'll be in the aftermarket. Mine is also showing little rips in the fabric in several areas where it wraps around and is stapled to the bottom of the seat pan. Read multiple people having issues with seat tears and mine is right there too, despite comparatively light use over the last 6yrs.

The fit and finish on this bike is immaculate. Pictures do it no justice. The reviews make sporadic mention and it's plainly obvious as soon as you see the bike up close in person. The paint is incredible. The black tank paint seems to mark a little easier, but the rest is simply immaculate. It makes your typical GSXR look like it was painted and assembled by drunks. And I think the GSXR is generally a fine machine. Likewise I was very impressed by the paint on my mint RC51, and all of a sudden it doesn't look that great parked next to the VFR.

My machine came with all 3 factory hard bags, and the quality continues. A full face helmet WILL fit in the left pannier, I read a lot of complaints that it won't, and they're incorrect. The right is slightly smaller due to the exhaust and won't do it. The top box has a pivoting hinge on it that gives it a premium feel, but it does rob space from the boxes capacity/usefulness. 

I'm sure theres more to relate but that's long winded enough for now! 

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Congrats on the new ride. As for the numbing in the right hand, I get that as well when I do shorter rides. 15-30 miles but seem to get past it when putting in some more miles. Not sure why. I know that I have a slight case of carpel tunnel in my right hand that will need fixing at some point. I've had the surgery in my left hand and do not seem to have any issues with my left hand. I think some of this is just us, everyone is a bit different. I do find that if I relax my hand a little more (i.e. focus on my throttle grip) it seems a little better. Good luck and welcome to the asylum..........

My daughter got a 2 for one special on a  CrampBuster and offered me one.  Just looking at it, I thought what a waste of money etc., but it somehow magically does make even short rides more pleasant.

I agree with your comments, except I have not experienced any vibration-related hand numbing. My 2010 has Heli Bars, you may want to check them out, not sure if they help with vibration. And of course what a great motor.

I have exactly the same two bikes as you, but jeez, I thought I had an OK garage until I saw your pics! C'mon, spill some oil or something.   :wink:

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Kudos on your RC sir. It looks immaculate -  crazy clean! Thank you for the compliment on the garage. When I moved in a year and a half ago it was just a wide open white space with occasional wall stains and small holes knocked in it. My first house and I was hell bent on having a cool moto-garage. I have upwards of 100hrs labour into it between wall repair and prep, 3 coats of paint (walls and ceiling in 2 colours) , plus stripe, cabinet assembly and installation, fluorescent lighting wiring etc. I'm happy with how it's turning out though! 

1 hour ago, andy

My daughter got a 2 for one special on a  CrampBuster and offered me one.  Just looking at it, I thought what a waste of money etc., but it somehow magically does make even short rides more pleasant.

I immediately swapped mine from the 800 onto the 1200. I also installed Pro Grip 719's which are one of the thicker grips out there. They both help, but I'm searching for more. I'm a Physical Therapist so I'm confident I'd be aware of the presence of carpal tunnel. Plus I do not have this problem riding my other Honda V's. Neither the RC or the ST. A quality throttle lock may also be in my future to help the cause. Anyone have any experience with the Kaoko? 

I found my hand went numb because the throttle return spring is so stong and after 20 minutes your grip gets fatigued by gripping so hard. I use the cramp Buster as well........make sure the factory weights are in the bars as well................

That garage is nice, and while George only had pictures of guns on his wall, you have the real thing!

Nice ride - enjoy!

Regarding the garage - besides the beautiful bikes a couple of other things stand out . . . 1.  That it's all Honda, including the snowblower.  Love the HRC sticker on it!  2.  There appears to be a nice collection on the black pegboard.   Given that you're in Canada, guessing that they're for paintball? 

Jeez, I think we have the smallest garages in the world over here.  :mad:

Nice bikes and a cool garage.

I also have the Scottoiler Crampbuster and use it on both my bikes. The only numbness I get is from leaning on my hands too much (both bikes) so whilst this may be a different issue from yours, I've found the Crampbuster helps as does taking the weight off my wrists regularly.

8 hours ago, RC1237V

I found my hand went numb because the throttle return spring is so stong and after 20 minutes your grip gets fatigued by gripping so hard. I use the cramp Buster as well........make sure the factory weights are in the bars as well................

That garage is nice, and while George only had pictures of guns on his wall, you have the real thing!

Nice ride - enjoy!

That's an interesting point, although I'm positive I'm not gripping too hard because that's one of the things I've played with on my own. Great suggestion though, I wouldn't have thought much about the throttle return spring! The guns aren't real - they're replica air guns - BB/Pellet etc. It would be crazy illegal here to store those guns that way if they were real - lol. Also I'm fairly certain you can't get an AR-15 here, especially now after it's unfortunately become the poster child for America's gun violence epidemic.

It's a scientifically proven commodity that HRC decals are worth 1-2hp each,  so I figured getting one on the snowblower would get me at least a few extra feet of Canadian-Winter-Busting snow throwing. Honda has earned my loyalty with the quality of their products. My lawnmower is Honda too, and although they're expensive I fully expect to have each 10-15 years which mitigates the cost. One pull start everytime, and the fit and finish trumped any other reputable alternative I looked at. 

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Weird. I can get my older helmet in my right side case but not in the left.  I think the left is actually smaller due  to the FD. 

14 hours ago, MackerVFRR

I read about some vibes through the tank, but no reviews mentioned any significant vibration. I on the other hand have been very disappointed by the amount of vibration I'm getting through the bars. My throttle hand especially has been going numb. This was not even remotely an issue on my 800. Very disappointing given the premium pedigree of this machine and the tech in the engine. Anyone else? Any 1200 specific remedies? It's my biggest gripe with the bike so far. 

Hand numbness and vibration feel is caused by front suspension - try to increase the damping - 3 clicks out from fully turned in is what's best for me.

Also try to adjust the SAG - very difficult with stock suspension but you might get close. Easier to achieve with aftermarket rear shock.

4 hours ago, swimmer

Weird. I can get my older helmet in my right side case but not in the left.  I think the left is actually smaller due  to the FD. 

Same here - they look the same but they are not - right is maybe not bigger in volume but has a different shape.

I know you can fit it in one of the cases, I had assumed I was successful on the left, but maybe it was actually on the right. I'll have to verify that once and for all, but if that's been the observation for you guys I'm sure you're correct. 

3 hours ago, veeefour

Hand numbness and vibration feel is caused by front suspension - try to increase the damping - 3 clicks out from fully turned in is what's best for me.

Also try to adjust the SAG - very difficult with stock suspension but you might get close. Easier to achieve with aftermarket rear shock.

Same here - they look the same but they are not - right is maybe not bigger in volume but has a different shape.

Interesting - I had not considered the front suspension as a cause or contributer of high frequency resonance. My initial impression with my first 1000kms is the suspension wasn't too bad for my weight/preference, but it was on my list to make some changes once I had developed some feel for the bike. Perhaps I'll get to it sooner rather than later. Thank you for the suggestion Sir! 

Back to the original topic of the thread - I had read poor reviews and commentary on gas mileage and the gas gauge. I've done approximately 4 tanks and I'd say I've been getting about 230kms of mixed use riding before the bar starts flashing at me. I frankly don't find the gas mileage that bad. Considering my ridiculous RC51 gets about 160kms to a similarly sized tank, I may even call it "good". 

What is well and truly useless is the gas gauge. They would have to struggle to make a more inaccurate gauge. Literally for the first half of the tank you don't lose a single bar, instilling you with artificial confidence to keep passing gas stations in a blur. Then the meter drops like a stone over the next 100, finally flashing that you're close to "empty"  when you still have a relative 1/5th to 1/6th of tank left. I ignored the flashing 'E' for 25kms last night and my bike took ~15L to brim the tank. With an 18.5L tank my bike still had 3.5L of fuel in it, which is approx 19% of the tanks capacity remaining! I like to err on the side of caution myself, but can you imagine your car telling you to refuel at 1/5th tank? 

15 hours ago, MackerVFRR

Back to the original topic of the thread - I had read poor reviews and commentary on gas mileage and the gas gauge. I've done approximately 4 tanks and I'd say I've been getting about 230kms of mixed use riding before the bar starts flashing at me. I frankly don't find the gas mileage that bad. Considering my ridiculous RC51 gets about 160kms to a similarly sized tank, I may even call it "good". 

What is well and truly useless is the gas gauge. They would have to struggle to make a more inaccurate gauge. Literally for the first half of the tank you don't lose a single bar, instilling you with artificial confidence to keep passing gas stations in a blur. Then the meter drops like a stone over the next 100, finally flashing that you're close to "empty"  when you still have a relative 1/5th to 1/6th of tank left. I ignored the flashing 'E' for 25kms last night and my bike took ~15L to brim the tank. With an 18.5L tank my bike still had 3.5L of fuel in it, which is approx 19% of the tanks capacity remaining! I like to err on the side of caution myself, but can you imagine your car telling you to refuel at 1/5th tank? 

I think the important thing for a fuel gauge is that it's repeatable which for my VFR it is absolutely is.  With enough experience you'll know what your range will be like once the low fuel starts flashing.  With the 2012+ model (US) we got the fuel remaining/distance remaining, etc....  I can confidently take my fuel level down to .3 gallons remaining without wondering if I'll be running out of fuel any minute.  

Helibars and put the weights back on.

Flash the ECU also.

Love the RC.

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Does everyone with a 7th Gen have an RC51?  I better go out and get one!  

I rode the 3rd gen again today, and boy does it "feel" slow. I was keeping up with my buddies, but it took a LOT more throttle/rev's than the 7th Gen!

RC1237V, 28/08/2016 at 10:24 PM

Does everyone with a 7th Gen have an RC51?  I better go out and get one!  

I rode the 3rd gen again today, and boy does it "feel" slow. I was keeping up with my buddies, but it took a LOT more throttle/rev's than the 7th Gen!

If you're a fan of semi-rare Honda 'V' engined bikes! 😆

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swimmer, 28/08/2016 at 7:46 PM

I think the important thing for a fuel gauge is that it's repeatable which for my VFR it is absolutely is.  With enough experience you'll know what your range will be like once the low fuel starts flashing.  With the 2012+ model (US) we got the fuel remaining/distance remaining, etc....  I can confidently take my fuel level down to .3 gallons remaining without wondering if I'll be running out of fuel any minute.  

Absolutely you can train yourself to get the most out of your bike by learning/repetition, but that's supposed to be the reason you have a gas gauge no? That being said I've been pushing the "E" a little more each time for that exact reason - to get a better handle on the approx mileage capabilities of my machine. Do you find the fuel remaining/distance remaining accurate? 

20 minutes ago, MackerVFRR

RC1237V, 8/28/2016 at 7:24 PM

Does everyone with a 7th Gen have an RC51?  I better go out and get one!  

I rode the 3rd gen again today, and boy does it "feel" slow. I was keeping up with my buddies, but it took a LOT more throttle/rev's than the 7th Gen!

If you're a fan of semi-rare Honda 'V' engined bikes! 😆

That bike has always been on my radar.........I rode my buddies RC51 before it got wrecked by a sleeping cager, and loved it. But it has a very committed feel, and seems to beg to be pushed, so I may not be mature enough to own one - yet.

It's one of the best looking race-replica bikes I have ever seen - not too dull, but not too screaming-yellow-zonker like a gixxer.

It's such a classic!

Always take reviews with an extra large grain of salt.  I've read so many times on here how different VFR models were "unrideable" from factory.  Often those people just don't have the skill level to adapt, so they have to change the bike to suit them.

Congrats on the purchase, I'm a big fan of left overs.  Hope you got a deal on it.

I kind like the V's.

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I've always wanted the RC51.  It was the hot bike when I got my MC endorsement, so it was the bike I lusted after.  I have the 7th gen, so I just need to add the RC.

I'm going to install Heli bars to combat the numbing issue.  I think the bars on the 7th are a little more forward than the 5th gen and a little more vibs and that causes the numbing.  I rode one with the risers and the bike was 100% more comfortable.

I agree on the fuel gauge.  This bike gets about the same as my 5th gen mileage wise, but it flashes 30 miles too early, and has one less gallon so the range seems bad, but it is not.  I wish Honda would reprogram it.

Nice score BTW.  It is a twin to mine.

swimmer, ‎8‎/‎29‎/‎2016 at 0:46 AM

  With the 2012+ model (US) we got the fuel remaining/distance remaining, etc....  I can confidently take my fuel level down to .3 gallons remaining without wondering if I'll be running out of fuel any minute.  

Fuel remaining? Is that in addition to the fuel gauge itself? Reason I ask is that the '12+ model over here (UK at least) has a digital consumption readout (either instantaneous or average) until 30 miles to go (actually, it's probably a volume remaining and I don't know what that is but I usually get it reading at 30 miles to go) when you get distance to empty. There is no option for fuel remaining (other than the fuel gauge).

1 hour ago, Skids

Fuel remaining? Is that in addition to the fuel gauge itself? Reason I ask is that the '12+ model over here (UK at least) has a digital consumption readout (either instantaneous or average) until 30 miles to go (actually, it's probably a volume remaining and I don't know what that is but I usually get it reading at 30 miles to go) when you get distance to empty. There is no option for fuel remaining (other than the fuel gauge).

2012 models have a separate reserve switch in the tank/separate gauge input plus half liter of capacity more.

2010 models were only equipped with fuel level sender and the reserve condition was calculated from lowest/highest resistance.

And it's true - you can easily ride 30 miles more on reserve without panic(2010 model).

6 minutes ago, veeefour

2012 models have a separate reserve switch in the tank/separate gauge input plus half liter of capacity more.

2010 models were only equipped with fuel level sender and the reserve condition was calculated from lowest/highest resistance.

And it's true - you can easily ride 30 miles more on reserve without panic(2010 model).

Thanks for that m8.

I was asking about the readouts though. Unless I've mis-read it, swimmer was saying the US 12+ models have a digital fuel remaining readout, something my 14 model doesn't have. Just instantaneous & average consumption plus range to go when the fuel level gets low.

the 2010 only has a fuel gauge.  It starts flashing with more fuel left than the 2012.  It is in this thread some where.

Differences in range between the 2010 and 2012

We should clarify this point to keep this thread as a useful resource for future parties interested in the VFR1200 (after they sort through the gratuitous RC51 pron 😍) 

Is the 2012 gauge more accurate? Are the added computer fuel readouts accurate? What's the approx fuel range with the added capacity? 

13 hours ago, MackerVFRR

We should clarify this point to keep this thread as a useful resource for future parties interested in the VFR1200 (after they sort through the gratuitous RC51 pron 😍) 

Is the 2012 gauge more accurate? Are the added computer fuel readouts accurate? What's the approx fuel range with the added capacity? 

The 2012+ provides more information, and the 2010 has the low fuel warning flash earlier.  Actual range is about the same, although the revise fuel map of the 2012 seems to offer ~slightly~ better fuel mileage.  I don't think .1 gallons would make a difference.  I just fueled yesterday after riding with the gauge flashing for 20 miles and still put only 4 gallons in.  I wish it started flashing then, with .8 left.  According to the owners manuals, the 2010 starts to flash low fuel warning with 1.19 gallons left, the 2012 flashes with 0.8 gallons remaining.  There is the range difference.  So just know you have 1.2 gallons left on the 2010 when it starts flashing.  That is around 60 miles cruising at highway speeds.  Your mileage may vary.

As a current 6th gen RWB owner, I've been kicking around the idea of moving to the 1200 for next season, and this probably seals the deal... Not to mention the RC51 side piece, but that'll have to wait. Nice garage, GTI included. :)

CasualSwede, 19/09/2016 at 11:36 PM

As a current 6th gen RWB owner, I've been kicking around the idea of moving to the 1200 for next season, and this probably seals the deal... Not to mention the RC51 side piece, but that'll have to wait. Nice garage, GTI included. :)

Thanks for the kind words Sir! That was the hope for this thread was to better inform those of us who were wondering if the 7th Gen might be worth taking the plunge. I didn't have the luxury of riding one or even seeing one in person for quite some time,  so I leaned heavily on this Forum - and while I found some decent info, I figure this comes up enough that having a good informative thread would be worthwhile. 

(And the RC51 side piece is highly recommended as well - owning a machine with the HRC logo cast into the cases gets me every time 😆) 

Top bombing...thanks!

You have my dream garage. I have the RWB, ST1300 and even the AreoStich just missing the 1200F and the RC 51 Hayden edition of course... You are a lucky man. 

mattindenver, 03/01/2017 at 2:16 PM

You have my dream garage. I have the RWB, ST1300 and even the AreoStich just missing the 1200F and the RC 51 Hayden edition of course... You are a lucky man. 

Thank You Sir! 

I sold my '03 VFR800 in preparation for the 1200, so we are walking similar paths. No regrets on the switch - it's a better bike in almost every way, plus I haven't seen a single one around my area in the 7 years this bike has been around -  so I also get to be unexpectedly rare/unique.

 Any version of the RC51 is money. The black looks sharp too - I just have a personal preference against black motorcycles for safety/visibility reasons. That said I have been SERIOUSLY tempted of late by the 2012 R1 50th Anniversary. RC51 character/sound with modern looks, more power, better tech, lighter, and more parts/accessories availability. Plus that vintage racing paint scheme is gorgeous. And while the '51 is quasi rare only 2000 of the R1 were produced -  and I'm sure a few have been binned by now. Along with the 1200 it would make for a rare garage around my parts. 

I see that there is a White 1200F on cycle trader and thinking of taking the plunge but would rather have the black edition for it would look alot better next to the ST1300. You are a lucky man. 

St. Stephen, 8/27/2016 at 8:44 PM

I agree with your comments, except I have not experienced any vibration-related hand numbing. My 2010 has Heli Bars, you may want to check them out, not sure if they help with vibration. And of course what a great motor.

I have exactly the same two bikes as you, but jeez, I thought I had an OK garage until I saw your pics! C'mon, spill some oil or something.   :wink:

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I love the looks of that RC, still has the original turnsignals and that paint/bodywork looks mint.   Never understood the hate on the vfr1200, sat on one once and frankly it felt pretty close to my '07 800 to me, the power and shaft drive alone make keeping one in the garage a wise decision.    As far as fuel gauges go they are usually a good guide but I personally still use my odometer and years of experience riding my bikes to tell me when to fill up.    Still I understand how something simple like a gas gauge should be more linear in action considering the incredible engineering of the big vfr.

Nice! I wouldn't say 1st and 2nd gear makes it unrideable, but in first and second gear my '08 CBR600RR would blow this bike away. Once it opens up, the VFR would likely take the CBR. 1st and 2nd in the CBR were awesome. I'm certainly disappointed in the power delivery, but I will deal with it until I can get it flashed.

As far as vibration discomfort , I can't really say I've experienced that. More of a cramp in shoulders & wrist on extended freeway sections. I'm a 52 years old pipe fitter so have a slight issue with that anyway. I use a Trottlemeister on both NT and VFR. They are a little pricey but they have a variety of options & work flawlessly every time after adjusted properly ; very high quality piece.

A requirement for my next bike is factory cruise control, but said that to myself before I bought the NT....

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@soupbean

A member on this site, @veeefour made a cruise control for our 7th gens! The price is fair, but enough to warrant permission from the wife. I want it so bad it's not even funny.

Hey marriedman, wasn't aware there was another 1200f on the road in Ohio. I've had mine since 2011 have only seen a few in dealer showrooms.       O H _  _

It's strange Soupbean, I've seen at least 3 here in Dayton. But never when I am on the bike. I know one is ridden by a smaller framed woman, one by an older looking gentleman, and one squid. That last one always makes me scratch my head. I couldn't find one near me when I was looking so I was forced to go up in your neck of the woods. I test rode one that sat at Iron Pony for a long time, but they refused to come down to a reasonable price. Ended up buying mine in Mt Vernon, OH about 2 hours away from me. Totally worth the ride though!

MackerVFRR Kudos on your RC sir. It looks immaculate -  crazy clean! Thank you for the compliment on the garage. When I moved in a year and a half ago it was just a wide open white space with occasional wall stains and small holes knocked in it. My first house and I was hell bent on having a cool moto-garage. I have upwards of 100hrs labour into it between wall repair and prep, 3 coats of paint (walls and ceiling in 2 colours) , plus stripe, cabinet assembly and installation, fluorescent lighting wiring etc. I'm happy with how it's turning out though! 
I immediately swapped mine from the 800 onto the 1200. I also installed Pro Grip 719's which are one of the thicker grips out there. They both help, but I'm searching for more. I'm a Physical Therapist so I'm confident I'd be aware of the presence of carpal tunnel. Plus I do not have this problem riding my other Honda V's. Neither the RC or the ST. A quality throttle lock may also be in my future to help the cause. Anyone have any experience with the Kaoko? 

I have the throttlemiester on mine and it helps alot on long trips.  I just order Helibars too.  I'd love the cruise, but that will have to wait until I have more money.  I've had my 1200 (after an 800) for a little over a year and still love it.  The most under rated bike ever.

Ridered and Soupbean, have you considered the LSL Speigler bars as opposed to the helibars - here is a link to the thread if you're interested, I did mine and could not be happier!

RC1237V, 3/29/2017 at 8:28 PM

Ridered and Soupbean, have you considered the LSL Speigler bars as opposed to the helibars - here is a link to the thread if you're interested, I did mine and could not be happier!

I don't like the way they look, so no.  Makes the bike look like a Adventure bike to me.  Found some used Helis so I went with them.  Thanks for the link though.

That's funny, I thought the same exact thing, but with my thumbs and palms going numb on every ride, I had to go with the tallest, furthest rearward option. Turns out no one has ever noticed, until I point them out. I was amazed at the comfort difference. I agree the helibars keep the sport bike look, I just did not want to risk another miserable ride - wish I was young again!

I hope they serve you well, and post pics when you're done!

If you think it's powerful and smooth now, just wait 'till you get the Guhl ECU flash. 

1000% better!   Make sure to tell him you have the Dam Exhaust.