Considering a 1200, but would like to ride one. With the bike being out of print, I'm having a hard time finding an opportunity. Anyone know of a place to demo one?
Alternately, if there is an owner in the Southern/Central Indiana area that would like to swap bikes for a short ride, please give me a ping.
Thanks
My schedule is pretty busy with wife/kids/work, etc... but for a fellow VFR rider and Indiana boy I would be happy to offer a test ride on my 1200. Depending on where you are in Indiana, I may be able to meet you or you can run over here to Dayton OH. I used to live in the New Harmony/Mt Vernon/Evansville area and that is a 4.5 hour ride from my house.
Thanks for the reply, I am in Columbus IN, about 40 mins south of Indy. I'm going to look at a bike in the Cincy area this week, if I can't negotiate a ride on it, I will get back in touch.
Given your previous address, I'm guessing you've had a burger at Betty Ray's in Magnet? ;)
Actually, I've never heard of the place. But I am always up for a new destination! I'll have to check it out next trip.
Its a decent dive burger joint with a great view out over the river. Located off the beaten path in Magnet, IN.
Think 800 but it handles way better with a better and more confidence inspiring front end,, has way more HP and Torque, much better brakes, feels heavier only at parking lot speed, and a crappier exhaust note. It's a much better motorcycle all the way around except for the exhaust note.
I am soo drawn to the 7th... I noticed a bit more mass compared to my RWB. I am soooo drawn to it. I am looking for Black and Silver non DCT edition. It would pair well with my Black ST1300
It's so difficult to find these (VFR1200) and ST1300's to demo. Part of me really wants a super tourer and being a Honda guy I want an ST1300. But opinions are VERY split on them. I wasn't able to demo the 1 that I ever found, hopefully it's still at the dealer when the winter is over. Also I have only ever seen 2 VFR1200's in person. The first when it was brand new and a used one that a friend demoed and was very disappointed in. I still want to try it...
I own a VFR1200 and an ST1300 and really enjoy them both. I wanted something to do longer rides on, and expand my motorcycling horizons - and the ST is perfect for that task. I've ridden that thing multiple times for over 3hrs without so much as a 5 min break - I wouldn't dream of it on the VFR. You can pile the miles on these things; Smooth, comfortable and with a huge range.
It's not what I'd call an exciting bike though. People talk about the 1200 being heavy - they obviously havent ridden the ST. It's also very quiet and sounds like the Jetsons car. I don't think I would own it as my sole machine - I haven't ridden one but I hear the FJR is a bit more exciting. That being said - when you're piling on the miles you don't want a loud droning exhaust note or other motorcycle attributes that give a bike "character" adding to your fatigue. Once it's moving though it's a great motorcycle - it's no supersport, but it can still corner pretty aggressively. It's also sneaky fast - I found myself driving 30-40km/h faster than I thought I was, because the big V4 makes power so smoothly and effortlessly.
What opinions are "VERY" divided? In my research the ST received nearly universal praise aside from the knock that it isn't as exciting as some machines - but a lot of Honda's get accused of that because they're so well engineered they often don't provide enough "drama" for some riders
funny, i prefer my VFR1200 over my Valkyrie for long rides......go figure
Macker I think your my hero. You have every liter size V configuration Honda in recent history, and I'm a VW guy. I did a 600 mile trip on a Concours1400 and REALLY enjoyed myself. I know that people do that kind of thing on a VFR800 but man, that big boy sure spoiled me. I want to do more trips like this but I haven't been able to ride any of the super tourers besides the C1400 and an new FJR. I wasn't really that happy with the FJR surprisingly enough according to all I've heard about it. Then again I wasn't really all that hot to trot for a big tourer then. I want to like the ST1300 a lot, I so far have loved all the "over weight" Honda's of that era. If you were to go on a long ride that was ending on some twisties (like 1,000 or so) would the ST really be disappointing when you go there? I imagine some suspension upgrades would go a long way. I have seen lots of reviews say that she is quite a good handling bike for her size.
^^I thank you kind sir - that was the idea - I grew up on inline 4 supersports and went in search of something different, and being a "Honda Guy" the Honda V's have been very rewarding. Honda is king of the V4 (and would continue to be if they weren't just rolling over for Aprilia) IMO they should abandon the inline 4 platform in their top tier sportbikes and make a name for themselves with the unique engine configuration and sound of the V4 - like Ducati have with their L-Twin, or Yamaha have done successfully with the Crossplane. The RC211V and it's successors are perfect proof of great sound and incredible performance. But I digress.
In my humble opinion you would have fun at the twisties with the ST. I have surprised myself with the enjoyment I've eeked out of that machine in the corners - as long as your expectations are realistic and you don't ride it back to back with a supersport I think you'd be very satisfied with the handling. Once you get the thing moving it corners quite easily and I can carry a decent amount of lean angle. I must admit I don't ride it that way often though. Better for long distances at high speeds in serene comfort. I have other tools in the toolbox for that sort of thing.
You mentioned the Concours 1400, and truth be told, the best of that era was probably the Connie. Personally I can't bring myself to buy a Kawi, but I'll admit the 1400 seems like a tremendous machine.
My god are you sure we weren't separated at birth? I was saying basically the same thing to some one about the V4. Imagine if Honda would have put the same amount of time, money and development into the V4 as Porsche did into rear engine RWD H6 development. I wish that they truly would have latched on to it like you say. They would have eventually gotten production costs and weight down where I4 wouldn't have so much of an advantage.
That's great to hear your opinion on the ST. As it appears we think along the same lines of machines we likely enjoy the same kind of riding experience. I don't ride a Supersport bike on the street anymore, you just can't ride one hard enough to make it really worth it. The VFR800 is pretty much the most hardcore thing I can find that is still sane. How have you found the 18 inch wheel to be? Is the lack of variety of tires a problem?
Optimally I would keep my 800 for screwing around, get an ST for ST'ing and of course the RC for handling the track business. I agree that the Connie is most likely the bike to have of that type. It's kinda a love hate relationship, even my friend the owner of it agrees. It's not a pretty thing, I can't get on with Kawi design too much like an alien for me. I also am just not all that into I4's. I really wish there were more V-twins (no I will not ride a cruiser). That being said I would love a Multistrada 1200 or the new Multistrada 950. I'm a tad nervous about the maintenance cost. Especially compared to a Honda! People drool all over themselves about the Connie 14 motor. I didn't find it all that exciting really. Over all though the bike is pretty great.
I still would consider a VFR1200 for ST duty. I'd be afraid that I would not ride my 800 anymore if I had a 1200 hahaha. Have you done any distance with your 1200? I don't have a lady friend but I would like to have something that would be good/goodish for a passenger down the road.
If you get the 1200 you will only ride the 800 once in a while. Every time I ride my 3rd gen, I think there is something wrong with it, or I am towing a car. I did put the Spiegler LSL bars on the 1200, so the riding position is better for longer rides, and it is still great in the twisties. The 1200 has more power than the Connie, and is a much better bike if sporting is your priority, especially if you do the Guhl re-flash. If you want a cushy cruiser the Connie might be better, but I have never ridden an ST or an FJR so I have nothing else to compare to.....but I have ridden a Connie, and while super comfy, and reliable, it is a bit boring - especially after riding the 1200.
I like your comment about the Porsche flat 6, yes, they have created a legendary icon out of a seemingly unsuitable platform. Now they have cult status forever, and have actually engineered it so far that it really shines as a great achievement, although still more expensive than a pushrod V8, it can be more thrilling in many ways.
Yes the Honda 1200 is a bit heavy, but it has so much power and torque that it doesn't matter - it almost feels electric. The Multi 1200 is a beast as well (Crazy Brother love his), but way more complex, and you can't find low mileage examples for 6K-8K like you can the 1200. Sure it will take a few mods to make it EXACTLY what you want, but then again most bikes do. Now if Aprilia made a full fairing Tuono Factory, with luggage, that would be the bike to get! Unfortunately they don't, and it would be $20K...........