Honda VFR1200 a big fat lemon?

**BMWST?** · 23rd February 2010, 20:05

Originally Posted by Blackbird

Boat, 4x4 to tow it and a new bike in the last 9 months. I don't worry about spending money, I worry about Mrs B cutting my throat while I'm asleep ;-).

Cancel the life insurance while you still can

**BMWST?** · 23rd February 2010, 20:06

Originally Posted by Elysium

Maybe you can tell me what the hell those pointed fangs at the front of the BMW GS's are for.

see you dont get it..its not fangs its a beak!

**Elysium** · 24th February 2010, 04:09

Originally Posted by BMWST?

see you dont get it..its not fangs its a beak!

Ahh you're right. I just checked out some pics of the bike and see what you mean. The pic I was looking at was from side on and made the front looks like it had two pointy things sticking out.........so does this beak do anything?

**Devil** · 24th February 2010, 09:01

Stops shit from flying up over the front from the front wheel...
It's extended on the Adventure compared to the standard GS.

**Big Dave** · 24th February 2010, 10:35

The one on the Buell is a beak. Stops nada.

**Devil** · 24th February 2010, 10:53

Originally Posted by Elysium

so how does this beak do anything?

While I remember, it also directs air into the oil cooler which is immediately above it and below the headlights.

**Elysium** · 24th February 2010, 16:38

Well got me a close look at a couple at City Honda today and have to say they look better in the flesh compared to photos in bike mags. Thought the red was the better colour but seems the silver is popular with customers according to the salesman. Can't wait till we get the automatic version into this country.

**Blackbird** · 28th February 2010, 11:50

Originally Posted by Elysium

Can't wait till we get the automatic version into this country.

Going to buy one then?

The attached picture was on a UK Blackbird site

From the ergonomics alone, apart from a host of other differences,
It's not a 'Bird replacement,
It's not a Pan replacement,
It's not a tourer,
It's not a sports tourer,
It's a completely different new type of bike.

The VFR1200 is $29000 with luggage as an extra ($2000+)
The ST1300 Pan tourer is $24000 with luggage
The CB1300S is $17000 bare

Maybe an older person switching from a Fireblade but wanting a more comfortable performance bike will find it ideal but I'm still struggling to think what sort of person would buy one given the price, other than for the novelty of having the latest offering. Anyone here planning to splash out on one?

**Big Dave** · 28th February 2010, 13:31

>>It's a completely different new type of bike.<<

I don't buy that - which was the motorcycle.com editor's beef. It's quite similar to a Sprint ST, A BMW K1300S, and a Kawsasaki Connie. The ergos aren't much different to a 'Busa either.

Just that it goes about producing a similar result differently.

Buyers of any of those vehicles would be worth a look.

**Blackbird** · 28th February 2010, 14:00

Originally Posted by Big Dave

>>It's a completely different new type of bike.<<

I don't buy that - which was the motorcycle.com editor's beef. It's quite similar to a Sprint ST, A BMW K1300S, and a Kawsasaki Connie. The ergos aren't much different to a 'Busa either.

Just that it goes about producing a similar result differently. Buyers of any of those vehicles would be worth a look.

Not sure whether I do or not Dave. Performance is behind a 'busa and some others, range is less. Comfort is arguably better than some for the rider although may not be up rear unless you have a short passenger. The point (I think) I'm trying to make is what would make the riders of machines which are significantly cheaper than the Honda but with similar performance part with a whole wad of extra cash

?

Technically, it's a masterpiece but is that enough to sell it in economic numbers? I really hope so as it's not good for the industry and Honda in particular if it doesn't. Having said that, history is littered with good bikes which didn't sell for many reasons. The Honda NR750 is one which springs to mind, albeit a bit extreme. Guess the next 12 months will tell.

**Ixion** · 28th February 2010, 14:14

Originally Posted by Big Dave

>>It's a completely different new type of bike.<<

I don't buy that - which was the motorcycle.com editor's beef. It's quite similar to a Sprint ST, A BMW K1300S, and a Kawsasaki Connie. The ergos aren't much different to a 'Busa either.

Just that it goes about producing a similar result differently.

Buyers of any of those vehicles would be worth a look.

But, ST is $7K cheaper. OK, no shaft drive. But 7K buys a lot of chains. Concours is about the same price but has WAY more fruit. BMW is a bit dearer to a lot dearer depending on which one, but isn't even in the same game, fruitwise.

**Big Dave** · 28th February 2010, 14:56

Value judgments are not my domain. $7k is a lot of money to me, and I like Triumphs, but I also know riders to whom it's small change.
Then there's another older gentleman who will buy nothing else but Hondas. Because they are Hondas.
What I do suggest that if this bike is within your budget, I think it's a damn fine one.
I thought the quality of the finish and the overall panache on the vehicle somewhat justify the price.

Performance is not behind a Busa or the BMW or the Sprint on the road. They are all governed by the prevailing conditions and 141 roulette.
I'll tell you what I think it compares like track-wise after the HRC day at Hampton Downs tomorrow.

I still think the Busa has the nicest dashboard on a bike too.

**Blackbird** · 28th February 2010, 16:00

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Value judgments are not my domain......

Yep, those judgement calls are for those who are genuinely looking at shelling out on the VFR or something similar.

Performance is not behind a Busa or the BMW or the Sprint on the road. They are all governed by the prevailing conditions and 141 roulette.

You've nailed it in one

However, that's not what Marketing is all about and a lot of people want the biggest, fastest, most highly-specced bike because of the image. I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that I felt a tad apprehensive (little willy syndrome.... dropping capacity) when I sold the 'bird and bought a Street Triple. Utter bollocks of course for the reasons you cite. On the recent trip round East Cape with my mates, all with litre+bikes; the Striple gave very good account of itself and I was probably the least fatigued too.

Still..... whenever has cold logic ever sold a bike or most luxury items come to that?