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Over the course of a week in March I had the opportunity to ride Honda’s
new VFR1200F (with the “regular” transmission, not the dual-clutch “T”
version) over 1,000 miles along many of my favorite Southern California
roads (from freeways to the twistiest canyon roads) and enjoyed myself
so much that I didn’t want to give it back (I was an unpaid “guest
tester” for motorcycle.com). Unfortunately, they did ask for it back,
but I wanted to pass along my impressions of a bike that has generated
lots of press lately.
 I normally ride a sport bike (GSXR1000, often
two up) not a 600lb touring rig, so I may have started out a bit
biased. However, the real truth is the VFR1200 is amazing in how it
hides its mass, handles curves, and rockets out of turns -- all in the
composed comfort of a touring bike.
Some observations… Engine: Great power with a big surge after 6k rpm
(following a dead spot between 5-6k); nice flat torque curve. The sound
of the stock exhaust is throaty and at a pleasant volume. Transmission:
Good overall, but I found it easy to miss up shifts between 1st & 2nd
gear when on the gas. You need to be deliberate or you will be revving
in neutral. Handling: Excellent for a heavy sport tourer, best in its
class. Wind protection: Perfect for me at 5’6" (but it’s rumored to be
good for taller people as well). Suspension: Great except on sharp
edged bumps. Brakes: Initial contact is a bit grabby, but otherwise
excellent. The linked brakes work flawlessly, as does the ABS. Very
little dive. Ergonomics: OK, if you sit back. The reach is a bit long
for those with shorter arms. I tend to move close to the tank for
leverage and weight transfer, and it’s not as comfortable at the front
(narrow & hard). The good news, however, is that shorter people can put
their feet on the ground when stopped! Build quality/attention to
detail: Great, I like it the more I see it. Smooth lines and excellent
paint. Superb fit and finish; built to compete with any European bike in
that respect. Price ($15,999): For the money it should have more stock
touring amenities (like the competition). This is where others have an
edge.
Overall: The VFR1200 is the best handling bike over 600 lbs. I've ever
ridden and I felt comfortable on it immediately. Despite its weight, the
VFR takes on canyon roads with what I’d estimate to be 85% of the
ability of my Gixxer 1000. It is very easy to ride fast except in quick
transitions where its bulk becomes apparent. Mass centralization is
much better than the others in this category. The V4 is smooth and very
powerful. And, that power is much more usable than others in its class
-- it wants to rev. This makes accidental high speed riding an issue --
no effort or strain to warn me I should "slow down!" Wind protection is
great, just barely hitting the top of my shoulders, and the bike is
stable in the wind. On longer rides the seat became uncomfortable as
the shape and firmness are not too my liking. I did notice a fair
amount of drive line lash (from abuse?), but otherwise the shaft drive
was mostly unnoticeable. I found no heat emanating up from the engine,
even sitting at long traffic lights (though the fan seems to go on as
soon as you stop moving). One notable draw-back, the fuel tank is too
small, requiring fill-ups at less than 160 miles. That’s a problem for
a day-long tourer. Over all I think it is an impressive piece of
motorcycle engineering; best in its class.
Would I buy one? Probably not. I love it, really, but in a perfect
world I want a sport touring bike that is light, comfortable, has an
electrical system that can handle all the gadgets I want to plug in,
and... handles like a GSXR. I'm still waiting. I guess for now I am
happy to ride my GSXR 1000 “touring rig” two up.
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