Honda VFR1200 a big fat lemon?

**scracha** · 8th March 2010, 21:34

Originally Posted by Big Dave

When a TDM owner reacts like that - you know they are probably on the right track.

Best bikes I've ever owned. 1) TDM900. 2)TDM850

Face it, the VFR1200 is hideous. Did they let the PC800 design crew loose again? Shit, I take it back. I'd rather be seen (again) on my mate's PC800 than a VFR12, they're THAT bad.

Why hasn't this lardy arsed 'uber tourer' no panniers as standard?

No doubt balding shortassed men who like wearing black will be queuing up to trade their blackbirds and hayabusas in for one.

**R-Soul** · 8th March 2010, 21:38

Originally Posted by scracha

Best bikes I've ever owned. 1) TDM900. 2)TDM850

Face it, the VFR1200 is hideous. Did they let the PC800 design crew loose again? Shit, I take it back. I'd rather be seen (again) on my mate's PC800 than a VFR12, they're THAT bad.

Why hasn't this lardy arsed 'uber tourer' no panniers as standard?

No doubt balding shortassed men who like wearing black will be queuing up to trade their blackbirds and hayabusas in for one.

Well that is exactly the target market...

**Blackbird** · 9th March 2010, 06:12

Originally Posted by scracha

No doubt balding shortassed men who like wearing black will be queuing up to trade their blackbirds and hayabusas in for one.

Tosser

Actually, 'bird owners around the world (including this short,balding one) will NOT be queuing up to buy it as it's NOT a Blackbird replacement. There's almost universal disappointment from that quarter.

I suppose the market will have to come from Suzuki owners

**Big Dave** · 9th March 2010, 06:34

Originally Posted by scracha

Best bikes I've ever owned. 1) TDM900. 2)TDM850

Face it, the VFR1200 is hideous.

I love the smell of irony in the mornings.

**Big Dave** · 9th March 2010, 17:35

This BTW is not to demean the tediums - good bikes agreed - just that they are not a style that appeals to many riders.

Personally I find the VFR quite attractive aesthetically, the Yamaha....well, not so much, but at least we all know they are only ridden by Adonis.

**HenryDorsetCase** · 9th March 2010, 19:29

Originally Posted by Big Dave

This BTW is not to demean the tediums - good bikes agreed - just that they are not a style that appeals to many riders.

Personally I find the VFR quite attractive aesthetically, the Yamaha....well, not so much, but at least we all know they are only ridden by Adonis.

That greek dude that owns the kebab shop up the way? I knew there was good money in it. He should get a top box and do deliveries, then he can get the GST back and claim the depreciation on his tax. Get it signwritten too.

**scracha** · 9th March 2010, 21:03

Originally Posted by Big Dave

This BTW is not to demean the tediums - good bikes agreed - just that they are not a style that appeals to many riders.
.

Fair point...I mean...cripes....I like odd looking bikes. Multistradas, Super Tenere's, BMW Rocksters, etc. Being cheap, reliable, low maintenance (ok...ZERO maintenance) and super-practical is a real bonus.

I loved my 1986 VFR and was just hoping Honda would bring it back to its original roots. Uber smooth, uber cool sound, sportsbike fast and low weight. Would have rather seen a pneumatic valved VFR600 that revved to 20,000 RPM than the VFR1200.

Feel kinda let-down ....a bit like the new Super Tenere.

**Big Dave** · 9th March 2010, 21:12

Originally Posted by scracha

.a bit like the new Super Tenere.

Yerrrs. I'll ride it before deciding - but the photos appear too much GS and not enough Dorsoduro for me. But we'll be objective before deciding..
I'll be well down the list for a burn on that puppy anyway.

**R-Soul** · 10th March 2010, 14:32

Originally Posted by scracha

Uber smooth, uber cool sound, sportsbike fast and low weight.

Well actually it subjectively is these innit?

The sound is supposedly good at higher revs (I mentioned that it is muted, car like, at low revs - maybe not a bad thing when you're idling outside your neighour's window at 7 on a sunday morning before a ride).

It is a great handler, and has plenty of poke (it is a 1200 after all- lots more than the 800- what 170hp aint enough?). And although it has not such low weight as to compete with sports bikes (because after all it is not a sports bike), it is less than a Blackbird or one of these other supersize tourers like the ZX14 Concours...

its all perspective isnt it? Glass half full/half empty scenario. You can look at it as a comfortable sports bike with close to eth power of hypersports bike, that comfortable but heavier than nrmal, or an agile, small tourer tha doesnt give much away in terms of power (if at all). Now I am not actually seeing the half empty side here.

The only critique is the small tank and maybe lack of fruit like the tourers have got. Although they will probably launch a full tourer based on the same engine and frame later though - with larger fairing etc.

**Blackbird** · 10th March 2010, 14:38

Originally Posted by R Sole

And although it has not such low weight as to compete with sports bikes (because after all it is not a sports bike), it is less than a Blackbird or one of these other supersize tourers like the ZX14 Concours... .

How do you work that out then?

VFR 1200, 267 kg.
Blackbird 227 kg.
Concours 275 kg.

The 'bird is the lightest of the 3 by a fair margin.

**NZsarge** · 10th March 2010, 15:39

Originally Posted by Blackbird

How do you work that out then?

VFR 1200, 267 kg.
Wet weight

Blackbird 227 kg.
???? Wet or dry? Pretty sure that'll be the dry weight.

Concours 275 kg.
Dry, I think they are about 305 wet, close to that anyway.

The 'bird is the lightest of the 3 by a fair margin.

....................

**banditrider** · 10th March 2010, 16:28

Ahhh, but it's a light 305 (279kg dry)....the weight disappears once moving, as I'd imagine it would on the VFR.

Had another wee look at the VFR today and it's quite amazing how small it is. The only concerns I have with it have been mentioned before:

Fuel range
Price (should be luggaged up for that)
Exhaust

I really hope they do bring out a more touring oriented model because as it is now it would not be suitable as a replacement for my Connie. Adding more fuel capacity would almost do it but I'm sure they can come up with even more touring enhancements...

If I was changing now (and had pockets full of cash) I'd test ride a few Beemers but probably end up with a 2010 Connie.