Honda VFR1200 a big fat lemon?

[Big Dave]

A centre stand is a normal accessory for a motorcycle.S

First thing I remove from a bike if it's got one.

[Swoop]

Dave - did you notice the cylinders shutting -off?

From Pritch:
The VFR is eventually to be offered with “dual clutch transmission” and “cylinder shutdown technology” but these are still being developed back in Japan.

[pritch]

A centre stand is a normal accessory for a motorcycle.Sidestands are for race replicas and trail bikes. ,IMHO

Not quite sure what you mean. The centre stand is an acessory for the VFR.

Some manufacturers, Honda is one, actually quote "ready to ride" weights, so the extra weight of a standard fitment centre stand would negatively effect their figures.

A centre stand might negatively effect my fuel consumption too. So it having been rendered largely redundant by the shaft I'd rather go without the unwanted dross thanks.

I haven't checked, but I don't think too many bikes come with a center stand these days?

[Big Dave]

I didn't notice it shutting down the pots - no.

http://kiwiridermagazine.blogspot.co...de-photos.html

[BMWST?]

Not quite sure what you mean. The centre stand is an acessory for the VFR.

Some manufacturers, Honda is one, actually quote "ready to ride" weights, so the extra weight of a standard fitment centre stand would negatively effect their figures.

A centre stand might negatively effect my fuel consumption too. So it having been rendered largely redundant by the shaft I'd rather go without the unwanted dross thanks.

I haven't checked, but I don't think too many bikes come with a center stand these days?

I hope you are joking.A centre stand affecting weight and drag on a 1200 cc sports tourer?.I dont see why a centre stand is unnecessary on a shaft drive bike.If you need to remove either wheel a centre stand sure makes things easy.I wouldnt buy a bike without a centre stand.I dont care if most dont have them,every bike i have had or will have will .When i park my bike at home it goes on its centre stand.The ONLY time i use side stand is if parking with lots of other bikes and they are all on side stand too or if jumping of bike for a tag photo.The only other time would be on the ferry whilst tying down.What about checking oil levels cleaning etc.centre stand ftw.

[imdying]

Interesting perspective... When I buy new tyres, holding the bike up is the tyre stores problem. Mind you, have never had a bike so heavy (et) that I couldn't check the oil level by holding it up myself!

[BMWST?]

Interesting perspective... When I buy new tyres, holding the bike up is the tyre stores problem. Mind you, have never had a bike so heavy (et) that I couldn't check the oil level by holding it up myself!

I may be a victim of my own history.Every single bike i have had has had a centre stand.Removing the back wheel out in the back sticks to take to a gas station with a mate is 1 million times easier with a centre stand.Tubeless tires makes punctures easier to fix i guess but as i say,a bike like that should have a centre stand in my view.If ever i plonk down the cash for one i will ensure the centre stand is included.

[R-Soul]

Price is comparable to other big sports tourers, around $28K I'm told, which sits closely with Kawasaki Concourse, FJR1200, ST1300. Cheaper than BMW, maybe, depending what you measure against, bit cheaper than the MotoGuzzi Norge. But, for a sports tourer, it's lacking in fruit. The model BD had, had ABS (he was vague, but it was there). But no luggage, no glove boxes, no electric screen. No centre stand.

Which sort of puts it into more of the "sports" rather than "sports touring". Riding position is definitely sports touring, not sports or touring . Dunno, not quite sure where it fits. Maybe somewhere alongside the SV1000 or Bandit ? But it'sa LOT more expensive than others in that market space .

Re the ABS - is it the same ABS on the new CBR's, or is it some other lame one?

[7mmWSM]

Re the ABS - is it the same ABS on the new CBR's, or is it some other lame one?

No, The CBR models have E-ABS or electronic ABS, The VFR and the other Sports touring range has C-ABS or combined ABS.
The Brakes sure do work well though and I don't know too many people who are braking so hard the ABS is needed all the time - only in emergency situations

[Big Dave]

Vagued out - Yeah - and I went 200 words over budget on anecdotal - but the gag was worth it. T'was a first ride - didn't have it long enough for full test. Lots of people keen for a fang on it.

Brakes need one finger and feel luffley. So's the clutch.

[banditrider]

Re: centre stands - I'd rather have one than not. They just make little jobs that much easier. My shaftee has one but my chain driven beast doesn't...

Personally I think the bike looks fantastic in the flesh and may consider a test ride when I'm finished with the Connie (probably 3+ years and over 100,000kms away I reckon) but I'm concerned about the small tank and range. I can easily get 350km out of the Connie and it's definitely comfortable enough for that distance and more. This may not be what some need from a bike but for me I expect it of a shaft-driven tourer. I'd also want luggage standard for the price.

[Elysium]

Wonder if the bike will end up taking on the "Pan European" badge from the ST1300 since it looks like the VFR is it's replacement. Any case think the bike needs a nick name.

[pritch]

Wonder if the bike will end up taking on the "Pan European" badge from the ST1300 since it looks like the VFR is it's replacement.

As discussed elsewhere, Honda are talking more along the line of "gaps in the range" and new markets. The world economic situation must be rather worse than we thought if the new VFR is to replace the existing VFR, the Blackbird and the ST1300. Personally having ridden it, and been very favourably impressed, I wouldn't consider it directly comparible to any of those bikes. But then I'm not on the Board of Directors at Honda.

[Blackbird]

As discussed elsewhere, Honda are talking more along the line of "gaps in the range" and new markets. The world economic situation must be rather worse than we thought if the new VFR is to replace the existing VFR, the Blackbird and the ST1300. Personally having ridden it, and been very favourably impressed, I wouldn't consider it directly comparible to any of those bikes. But then I'm not on the Board of Directors at Honda.

"Gaps in the range" is probably a reasonable statement, even if originally a possibly unintentional one by Honda. It's sufficiently different not to be a replacement for any of the models you mention. Whether the curent owners of those models see it as a logical progression is a moot point. With the 'bird being out of production, it will be interesting to see if existing 'bird owners go that way. I'm still a member of 3 international 'bird sites and the initial reaction is underwhelming. Perhaps sales will have to come from non-Honda owners. In any event, it's going to be an interesting few months.

[Big Dave]

I've done equal saddle time on a Blackbird and a VFR1200 now.

Personally I didn't rate the Blackbird. Nice engine, but found it uncomfortable and didn't speak to me. Sorry, just didn't.

VFR1200 I would have its babies.