Honda VFR1200 a big fat lemon?

[HenryDorsetCase]

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Something like le Scrambleur?

thats the thing, innit: the scrambler (now Ive spent 30% of its purchase price on upgrades) looks cool, sounds cool, and most importantly, chuffs along in a pleasing manner that is unlikely to have me lose my licence instantly for a month or more if I get stopped by the po po.

I really like it, in a big friendly black labrador way. It has some stupid features (ignition key placement, separate key for the impossible to make work easily steering lock [edit] and the stupid fucking bolt on seat that you have to carry an allen key for (edit) but overall I am happy.)

[R-Soul]

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http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...?&R=EPI-120478

MCN appears to be decidedly underwhelmed, despite a junket on some of Europe's best motorcycle riding roads in the south of Spain.

I must admit to being very surprised when Honda announced that they planned to replace three iconic models (the VFR800, CBR1100XX and ST1300) with a single model. "Honda-san knows what he's doing," I said. It appears that I may have been wrong.

I read that teh VFR 800 remains?

[Trouser]

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It may look large, but for comparison purposes:
VFR1200 - 267kg
ST1300 - 312
FJ1300 - 265
1400GTR - 279

The weight disadvantage may be offset however by the power difference:
VFR1200 - 127KW
ST1300 - 93
FJ1300 - 105.5
1400GTR - 114

Added the Kawasaki and updated the Yamaha to FJR1300 specs.

[R-Soul]

I like its look in a "power rangers" kinda way.

Like the CBR1000RR has an "Iron Man" look about it.


But having a small tank on a tourer is just dumb.

[R-Soul]

Here is some more info on the potential gadgetry on it - has this been mentiooned in their press junket?


http://www.gizmag.com/vfr1200-tourer...st-bike/13201/

[Gremlin]

Given my "source" a nudge... No eta's on demos... but they are being organised etc...

[AllanB]

The magazine reviews I've read like it.

Apparently the quality of finish is superb and sets a new standard for Honda (already very good).

Although the muff looks dorky (even black would be better than the chrome) I'll wait until I see one in the flesh as I've been fooled by magazine photos before.

And lets face it - the Suzuki Bussa is no oil painting and have their own cult following.

Actually a lot of the modern bikes look a bit dorky to me. Can't say that new Aprilia V4 does anything for me (but the naked version looks interesting.....) ditto most new sports bikes.

Even the street is looking a bit bitsy now I've considered it more

Meh - must be getting old.

[vifferman]

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Here is some more info on the potential gadgetry on it - has this been mentiooned in their press junket?


http://www.gizmag.com/vfr1200-tourer...st-bike/13201/

That's the 'T' model; the one just released is the VFR1200F.

[R-Soul]

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That's the 'T' model; the one just released is the VFR1200F.

surely the tech would be mostly transferrable?

[Mr. Peanut]

Bet if you ditched the standard exhaust system it'd lose 20kg and sound like the dogs bollocks. Especially under load getting a decent thrash. None of this revving on youtube rubbish. V4's are lubberly.

[pritch]

The last issue of BIKE has photos and they comment that, "It's clear the VFR was designed with luggage in mind". It really looks like it makes sense in the pic where it's fitted with panniers.

[Hitcher]

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The last issue of BIKE has photos and they comment that, "It's clear the VFR was designed with luggage in mind". It really looks like it makes sense in the pic where it's fitted with panniers.

"Luggage in mind" is a bit different to "luggage as standard". There's the ST1300 market fucked for a starter. With this things looking at retailing here for a price somewhat in excess of $30,000 without luggage, I can see market share vaporising overnight, as the new VFR will not be a superior package to its competition in the big sports tourer category.

[HenryDorsetCase]

and even if it is a superior package, price wise, its way up there.

Its looks have grown on me (its this months bike on my calendar).

[Mr. Peanut]

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"Luggage in mind" is a bit different to "luggage as standard". There's the ST1300 market fucked for a starter. With this things looking at retailing here for a price somewhat in excess of $30,000 without luggage, I can see market share vaporising overnight, as the new VFR will not be a superior package to its competition in the big sports tourer category.

Yes, but Hondas are now something us little people should aspire to. They've been marketing to North America for so long they deserve their inflated price tags. They're allowed to make ugly, heavy, overpriced machines and we'll buy them 'cause they've got product placement in some really cool action movies.

[pritch]

I note that I've received an email advising that the local dealer is holding a function Friday night to launch the new VFR and the Fury. Think I'll trot along, if only to try and spot the prospective buyers for each model respectively.

Oh, and to book a test ride of course...