60+ miles on a VFR1200...

[BeeCeeGS]

Don't forget to give us some updates!

[single]

Great review. The new VFR really is a phenomenal bike and I think delivers on the promise of the 5th and 6th generations. A do it all bike with the reliability of a Honda with the build quality of a BMW and the character of a Ducati. It's definitely not a bike for brand snobs (but as the OP proves it isn't immune to converting a few ) and after one ride you either get it or you don't.

My only complaint about it really is it's way too much power. I already thought the 6th gen was overpowered and the new one is just another level beyond that. Cut the displacement back down to a reasonable level, shave a few pounds, and knock a few grand off the price, and I think they would have a more popular platform.

[GrahamD]

Originally Posted by single

...the build quality of a BMW

I didn't know the VFR had shaft drive, oil seal and electrical problems

[single]

Originally Posted by GrahamD

I didn't know the VFR had shaft drive, oil seal and electrical problems

Of course when I talk about BMW build quality, as in all discussions about BMW build quality, I am referring solely to the pretty shiny paint.

[snake]

i PURCHASED MY VFR 1200 6 MONTHS AGO WITH 2K MILES ON IT FOR 8500.00 I DID NOT LIKE THE THE OEM TIRES SO AT 4K MILES I MOUNTED PILOT ROAD 3S.I ALSO ADDED HELI BARS AND A CENTERSTAND! I AVERAGE 150 MILES TO A TANK.I RIDE FAST ON ALL THE FLAT FLORIDA ROADS.166 IS MY TOP SPEED NEXT TO A FRIENDS HAYABUSA.I LOVE THE DCT FEATURE AND LEAVE THE BIKE IN DRIVE MOST OF THE TIME.I JUST CHANGED THE OIL AT 5K MILES TO MOBIL 1 15-50 WHICH I ALWAYS USE IN ALL OF MY BIKES.I PREFER THIS SPORT TOURER TO ALL OF THE HEAVY ADVENTURE BIKES I HAVE OWNED.2006 APRILIA CAPO 1000,2007 APRILIA TUONO 1000,2007 TRUIMPH TIGER1050,2008 KLR 650, 2009 VERSYS 650,2009 MOTO-GUZZI 1200 STELVIO WHICH WAS THE MOST TROUBLE.PRIOR TO THE ADVENTURE BIKES I RODE HONDAS 97 CBR 900 TIL 2001 CBR929 TIL 2004 VTR 1000 SUPERHAWK AND NOW BACK TO THE FUTURE AND LOVIN IT.RIDING TO DAYTONA IN 2 WEEKS FROM STUART (APPROX 160 MILES) I THINK I CAN MAKE IT ON 1 TANK IF I CAN RESIST THE URGE TO SPEED.IT IS VERY DIFFICULT RIDING LONG STRAIGHT WIDE OPEN ROADS WITH VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC ON THIS ROCKETSHIP FROM HONDA!!!

[Unleaded]

Originally Posted by BeeCeeGS

Don't forget to give us some updates!

I have 600 miles on the bike now, so I'm still not qualified to give a long-term review - but I honestly love this thing so far.


PROS:
The engine is amazingly tractable - just really torquey and easy to ride. The power is endless without being scary or unpredictable at all. Love the engine note at higher revs. To me, the V4 - even in this new configuration - has plenty of character. There is a slight "rumble" coming through the bars from the engine, but I hesitate to call them vibrations. They're really low-frequency and not intrusive. In fact, the bike feels the same at 8K as it does at 4. I've read several reviews where the test pilots had mistakenly left the bike in third gear at highway speed and not even realized it until they checked the gear indicator. I believe it. It's that smooth.

Handling is just fantastic. It really is. And I don't even feel the need to qualify that statement with "for a bike this size". It's amazingly stable in sweeping turns or less-than-perfect pavement, without any of the low-speed stiffness that is usually present in other long-wheelbase bikes.

I do think the stock Bridgestone BT-021s are just nasty, hateful tires - slick and unpredictable. In fairness, they seemed to be wearing VERY well. The rear barely flat-spotted at 3000 miles, and the front, while beginning to show signs of cupping (could've been insufficient air-pressure run by the previous owner), looks almost new. Hated to remove tires that look that good...but I did. And the difference is remarkable. Pilot Road 2's this time, and the turn-in is much quicker. I've run those tires consistently on two previous bikes, so the trust is there, as well. Never underestimate the psychological power of familiarity.

Even with a limited number of rides on the bike, I've already had many compliments from the non-riding public on the styling. I've grown to really like it too, but have to admit to being surprised by what a conversation starter it is. Maybe they're just being nice.

I find the bike very comfortable. The reach to the bars is perfect for my 6'2" frame, with only a slight forward lean. Pegs are a little too high, but are set back enough that the rider's triangle feels great...so far. I haven't yet ridden longer than an hour without stopping, so I'll reserve judgement on needing a peg-lowering kit until I put on some bigger miles.

CONS:
There is still some snatchiness coming back on the throttle under deceleration, particularly in 2nd gear. I think much of it comes from the "poor-man's traction control" Honda included. The power is heavily restricted in the first two gears. Most of that has been remedied by a $65 patch from Bazzaz, which fools the bike into thinking it's in third gear. The compromise is the gear indicator reads "3" in the first three gears, but I can live with it for the results. MUCH smoother throttle, and the power is now phenomenal in the first two gears, without feeling surprising or twitchy. Just smooth all the way through the gears....the way it should've been to start with.

I'm far from a "loud exhaust" guy, but the VFR12 is just too quiet. There is an exhaust flap which is cable-controlled by a servo motor just under the seat. It remains closed up to 5000 RPM, at which time the servo activates and pulls it open. Presumably this was done so Honda could comply with noise emission standards.

I removed the cable from the exhaust flap so it remains open under exhaust pressure from idle on up. Much deeper rumble, but definitely not obnoxious.
Decided I don't love the looks of the factory exhaust, but I don't hate it enough to blow the money on a new pipe yet. I will, though, eventually.

The suspension is average. I've fiddled with settings enough that I'm satisfied I can live without going to the aftermarket - at least for awhile.

The seat material is slick. Really slick. You can't even toss your gloves onto it at a fuel stop without them sliding off. I do find it comfortable, though, so I'm not planning on having the seat redone completely. I will send it off shortly to HTMoto to have it re-covered in some less-slick material.

Seems like a long list of "cons", but none of them were big deals to me. All concerns (besides tires) remedied for $200 or so. I can live with that.

Other modifications have been limited to grips, levers (Pro Grip 719s and Pazzo levers have gone on my last four bikes....just don't feel right without them) and crash protectors from R&G.

Trying to decide on luggage systems, but no trips planned in the foreseeable future, so no hurry on that. Most likely Givi V35s when I finally pull the trigger, though. Next addition will be a Bags Connection tankring and bag, and I'll be ready for the warm weather and some consistent miles.

Overall, I still say that if you can live with the styling, the prices these bikes are selling for makes it a real value. I'd absolutely recommend a test ride.

[Jetpilot5]

Hi Doug,

Thanks for the nice update. Sounds like you're getting along well with the new bike. I ran across a link that you might want to keep in mind if you do decide you'd like to lower the pegs. I've never used any of their products but they look good. Another option anyway.

http://www.knightdesignllc.com/index...nda_VFR_G7.htm

[Unleaded]

Thanks for the link. Those look great. I hope you're enjoying that beautiful K/S! I still miss mine, but the big VFR is turning out to be a wonderful bike.

[sweetwater]

Thanks for the update Unleaded! I am glad this bike worked out for you. Hidden jewel of a bike...

[Unleaded]

I feel vindicated.

Irrefutable proof that there were at least 5 other VFR12's sold worldwide besides the one I bought.

Yeah I know - they're slow-speed escort bikes.


From Margaret Thatcher's funeral today:

[Rider]

Originally Posted by Unleaded

I feel vindicated.

Irrefutable proof that there were at least 5 other VFR12's sold worldwide besides the one I bought.

Yeah I know - they're slow-speed escort bikes.


From Margaret Thatcher's funeral today:

[Unleaded]

Hey Dan

Incidentally I sat on an FJR in the dealership last weekend for the first time in years. That is one sweet sumbitch.

Now that I've broken through my angsty hand-wringing over not having a European bike in the garage, it's like I'm the first guy to ever swing a leg over a Japanese mass-produced motorcycle. At least that's what my brother says. He informed me the other day that they've been making these things for years.

I'll be damned.

[Rider]

Originally Posted by Unleaded

Hey Dan

Incidentally I sat on an FJR in the dealership last weekend for the first time in years. That is one sweet sumbitch.

Now that I've broken through my angsty hand-wringing over not having a European bike in the garage, it's like I'm the first guy to ever swing a leg over a Japanese mass-produced motorcycle. At least that's what my brother says. He informed me the other day that they've been making these things for years.

I'll be damned.

Yeah, those Japanese have started making things. Who knew?

[Colorado_Rider]

I test rode one and thought the motor was spectacular with tons of character and can't imagine ever getting bored with it.

I was also blown away by the jerky fueling, lack of leg room (totally unexcusable on an engine that narrow and for the the outrageous MSRP they thought they'd get for this thing...to toss on that horrible suspension is literally an insult. $16,000+ is Multistrada territory and we all know how good that suspension is, so they have no excuse. What joke, Honda can eat my ass and I've been riding them since I was three.

[Unleaded]

Well....crap. And I really loved that bike, too.