Honda VFR1200 a big fat lemon?

**davebullet** · 7th December 2009, 20:17

I thought it was hideous when I first laid eyes on it. But it is the kind of ugly that grows on you (like mould does) after a while. Now it doesn't look so bad. BRM never seem to write a critical review or let us just say they are very careful with their words.

**Ocean1** · 7th December 2009, 21:07

Originally Posted by James Deuce

Heaven knows the VFR's big enough to fit one of those.

Cars have been piling on the pounds over the last few years, Colin Chapman’s spinning in his mausoleum. Bikes too, nigh on 90Kg heavier than my tractor for gawd’s sake, and all for the sake of a couple of technobaubles. S’not worth it

**Maha** · 7th December 2009, 21:10

Originally Posted by Swoop

Going by the English prices, it may end up being close to 30k.
The article said NZ will get the base model in early 2010 and the rest of the series in August.
Tui, anyone?

Correct, you get $105 change out of $30K....
Cyclespot are taking deposits now for Feb'.

**James Deuce** · 7th December 2009, 21:13

Originally Posted by Ocean1

Cars have been piling on the pounds over the last few years, Colin Chapman’s spinning in his mausoleum. Bikes too, nigh on 90Kg heavier than my tractor for gawd’s sake, and all for the sake of a couple of technobaubles. S’not worth it

I have only one thing to say. 170kg, 146bhp. Two things. Sorry.

**Ocean1** · 7th December 2009, 21:23

Originally Posted by James Deuce

I have only one thing to say. 170kg, 146bhp. Two things. Sorry.

Lets talk about torque.

I'll trade teh tractor in next year, I'm waiting on you to depreciate it for me some first.

**Gremlin** · 8th December 2009, 02:34

Thats an ugly bike...

If it does have a small tank (I'm so not interested, I'm not even reading up on its stats) you've just managed to kill off any appeal the likes of blackbird/ST1300 buyers had, as those two bikes had big ranges. For some areas of NZ, this is a real bonus, especially when you throw in the endurance events.

It looks like they've tried for a hybrid between short and long distance country riding... the market differences between say, VFR800 - CBR1100XX - ST1300 is pretty damn big... Jack of all trades, master of none

**nudemetalz** · 8th December 2009, 09:26

Remember the first VTR thou came with a small tank but subsequent versions had a larger one. Maybe update number-one will sort that out (along with weight-shed etc etc etc).

**nico** · 8th December 2009, 11:52

Originally Posted by Swoop

Not so.

The 800 will continue in production.
Latest BRM article on the 1200 and the re-review of the 800, as reference here.

my thaughts aswell the artcles ive read all say the 800 will contnue, finger crossed the 750 may be due an upgrade soon

**James Deuce** · 8th December 2009, 12:06

Originally Posted by nico

my thaughts aswell the artcles ive read all say the 800 will contnue, finger crossed the 750 may be due an upgrade soon

The only articles I've read claiming that have been in two Autralasian magazines. 750 upgraded? You're a being just a bit delusional there.

My thoughts are that Honda will increasingly back away from the big bike market. Of the 15,000,000 bikes they sold last year, 14,000,000 were commuters of 150cc or less. The VFR1200 is supposed to be coming in a bunch of different guises and the designer has been quoted numerous times as saying that the 800 is too gutless for two-up work in the market it is aimed at, due to things like the FJR1300, STX1300, and even the Bandit 1250 out-performing it in the two-up Sports Tourer role.

As I've said before the Honda plant producing big bikes (including MX and off roaders of all types) is down to half capacity and it can still build the Australasian yearly allocation in less than a day.

**NordieBoy** · 8th December 2009, 17:12

Originally Posted by HenryDorsetCase

something that doesnt look like a big pile of poo and have all those gee gaws and clutches and ABS and all that malarkey. You know. A motorbike. that looks like a motorbike.

Something like le Scrambleur?

**rocketman1** · 8th December 2009, 20:00

Hey, I dont think you can knock a bike like this until you've ridden it, sat on it, felt it and smelt it. Give it chance.

**James Deuce** · 8th December 2009, 20:09

I'd love to, but given Honda's lack of Demos in NZ, I'll have to wait until someone with the need to own 30k of Honda buys one and giz us a go.

**RavenR44** · 8th December 2009, 20:21

Originally Posted by rocketman1

Hey, I dont think you can knock a bike like this until you've ridden it, sat on it, felt it and smelt it. Give it chance.

You could say the same about my ex mother in law, yet I'm blissfully content to refrain from giving her a chance. Similar thing with the VFR1200 I think.