VFR1200 thoughts

[Kris]

I’m trying to simplify my biking life by looking for the elusive perfect all-rounder. Although the GSXR is bat-shit mental and great fun it’s no good for my commute. The Bandit is slowly dying and receives almost no care and affection, and looks the worse for it. Typical second bike syndrome I’m afraid.

Today I had a test ride on a used 2012 Honda VFR1200 from a local dealer. The bike was a used example with approximately 10k miles on the clock. Extras included panniers, (removed for test ride) a centre stand, R&G (I think) grips and a tinted higher screen.

Enter the VFR12 with its sleek lines and simple paintjob blending deep black and silver. Parked up in the sunlight the bike exudes class. The finish looks good, with the hidden fairing fasteners helping the clean lines. The VFR750-esque single side swingarm houses the driveshaft leaving the opposite side clear for the double-exit modern exhaust. Seems a shame to hide so much of the attractive side of the rear wheel but I guess emissions regs had something to do with that. Honda made the rear two cylinders inset from the front two and the result is a bike with a svelte rear end. The pannier brackets are almost unnoticeable, I er.. notice.

The bike is started for me, and I receive a brief description of the dash display. The description is brief because this bike is short on tech gadgetry. No cruise control. No riding modes. Not even an alarm. Just key in and go. The bike purrs away in a quietly-busy V4 mechanical hum. The tickover reminds me of my old ST1100; very inoffensive.

Leg over and the controls fall to hand easily. For my 6’4 frame the riding position seems cock-on. Relaxed yet sporty. The pegs are neither too high nor too low. Weirdly the seat feels firmer than my GSXR. The weight of the bike at a standstill seems okay with a low CoG. Nothing left to do but snick into first and ride.

Clutch out and the bike pulls away. One thing is clear immediately; this bike is a bit lumpy at very low revs. The big V4 feeling a bit like a big V2 in that respect, although you don’t have to ride the clutch anywhere near as much as on my SV1000. Once I get to the end of the road I indicate to turn right – except I don’t. The horn beeps instead. Honda have chosen to swap the locations of the horn and indicator switches on the LHS switchgear. Brain reconfigured I move off and cruise up to the first NSL zone.

As I enter the NSL I gently wind on the throttle and I find that smoothness increases with revs. Conscious of the cold bike, cold tyres and £1000 excess I’m taking it easy and just trying to familiarise myself with the bike. I approach a large roundabout and apply the brakes. Holy shit! These brakes are good. One finger gently applied is enough to bring everything to a stop and I wait to join the roundabout. As a gap appears I ease out the hydraulic clutch, wind on the throttle and find that the bike seems willing to turn. I continue on for a few more miles and soon get to a nice twisty road that I know well.

After a few 30 then 20 limits I get to the NSL sign I’ve been waiting for, tuck in and open the taps in second gear. The bike grumbles slightly then gets to 5k revs and then merry-fucking-hell breaks loose. Honda have managed to squeeze 170bhp (crank) out of this engine, meaning approximately 150 at the rear wheel, the same peak output as the GSXR! The straight laced, inoffensive and mild-mannered VFR12 transforms into a very quick, free-revving beast that soon has big numbers appearing on the small-ish speedo. The rate of acceleration left me mightily impressed.

The first few corners are slight uphill 60mph sweepers. The steep steering angle and relatively stiff yet supple suspension give the bike a nimble, easy to turn mannerism. It feels quick on its feet once up to speed and the wide clip-ons mean changes of direction come easily. I catch a bump leant over at speed and the bars give a quick gentle nudge that let me know I’m pressing on. The bike remains composed and the next set of fast corners are dispatched just as easily.

Next comes a steep, uphill, gravel-strewn 180 degree hairpin. I downshift and let the clutch out. The transmission is felt but not obtrusive. I brake way too early, unaccustomed to their effectiveness. These really are good brakes, the best I’ve ever used. As I slow the mass of the bike becomes more apparent and I take the hairpin somewhat cautiously. I think I was caught unawares, hoodwinked by the previous few corners. With time the correct hairpin technique would come I’m sure.

We continue on an uphill section through some trees and then we get onto a longer stretch of medium to fast sweepers. It’s clear these corners are the bikes forte, annihilating the straights and hoovering up the turns letting me hustle the bike as if it was a sportsbike proper. I really cannot tell you how much fun I had on this stretch, only that I turned around and ended up riding it three times in succession! The gearbox was slick and positive and I encountered no issues whatsoever.

After having spent 30 minutes of the agreed hour test ride blasting up and down country lanes having a thoroughly good time I decided I’d better actually take this thing into the town centre and up some dual carriageways too.

With that in mind I headed up the nearest bypass and set course for the town centre. Launching from the series of roundabouts off the bypass it’s clear that I was getting used to the clutch and could now quickly and safely filter to the front and not be a liability once the lights went green. In fact, slicing up through the queue and waiting at the front I had to wonder why I was concerned if the bike would be suitable. It was effortless. Only the very first few revs are rough and in a fast pull-away they’re not noticeable at all.

Through town I was quickly nipping through traffic at my usual pace, praise indeed. I imagine only when the going gets really tight that it would struggle – although helpfully the mirrors do appear to fold in.

When I initially left the dealers the fuel gauge showed two bars but now the last fuel bar was flashing. A quick route detour led me to a familiar petrol station and I pulled in, stopping next to the vacant Unleaded pump. Switch off. Key out. The first thing you notice is that the tank slopes away from you. Then you notice the filler hinges up towards you, which creates a weird, slightly awkward filling experience. Odd and a minor WTF moment. I put in £4 (generous sod) and go to pay inside, stopping to look back at the bike on the way. A sure sign that the bike is a hit.

The route back takes in a dual carriageway which I take at 75mph, the traffic speed. I get the bike up to sixth and it sits at 3500 rpm, quietly and smoothly working away. The wind seems to be directed at the tops of my shoulders and is not unpleasant, but I also know it’s there. As the bike doesn’t have a standard screen I can’t comment on that. I didn’t experience any untoward vibes, just a feeling that the engine was working away. The BT23s this bike is fitted with were great as usual.

Next test – K1300s?

Chris
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NSR125RR - ZXR750H1 - ZX9R E1 - GSF600S - GSF600SK3 - VFR400-NC30 - SV1000N - ST1100-R - CBR900RR-R - GSF1200SK5 - GSF600SK1 - VFR1200FA - GSXR1000K2 - ZZR1400 D8F
www.prisonplanet.com

[UnknownStuntm...]

Very well articulated, that - good read.

[c_dug]

If I had the cash it'd be those two on my list to try too.

Actually owning a vfr (800), I would add to beware of the astronomical servicing costs.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[RhynoCZ]

I'd be interested in the DCT version, just to get an idea of it.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[ferrisio]

Don't have any opinions on which bike is right for you, but that was a beautifully written review!
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BMW R1100R

[Serendipity]

Nice little read. It's the tank range that puts me off the big VFR slightly. Other than that it's a tempting option. I often see the Met Special Escort Group hammering around town on their largely unmarked white VFRs.

Cleanest motorcycles... ...evarrrrr.

I marvel at Honda's bizarre decision to reverse the horn and indicator buttons. On the loan bike I had while my CBF was in for servicing I managed to politely honk while changing lanes and even furiously indicated at a twat that tried to smidsy me on Embankment.
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2016 CBF1000F - Commuter heaven | 1994 CBR600FR - Awaiting defibrillation

[gorillaonabik...]

Well written, good read.

I tried to ensure a VFR1200 but couldn't do it. Literally no insurance company in the UK would insure me TPFT on it in zone 1. I am old with lots of no claims but zone 1 in London is super high risk.
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FZR400 (blown engine), ZXR750 (blown engine), ZX6R (accident), CBR600 which had engine issues after which I learned to change gear..., CBR900, CBR924 (stolen), CB600, CB1300 (everything blew up), BMW K1300GT (written off, hit from rear while stationary), Bandit 1250 for a couple of months, Triumph Sprint ST 1050 (nicked) and somewhere in there, I wrote off a Ducati 748 at Cadwell.

[Polarbear]

Nice write up.

I test rode one. Nice enough bike but ugly as sin.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Enduro Numpty]

Very good write up

[Kris]

Update:

So I bought one.

I had the option of buying new over a 3-year finance deal or buying second-hand outright and in the end a low mileage immaculate 2010 Gen 1 model with all the extras I wanted presented itself. It has panniers, OE heated grips, centre stand, ASV levers, touring screen and a tasty Remus exhaust. Recent Bridgestone T30s too.

The only problem is that it’s pearlescent white and not too flattering a colour for the shape. Plus, I end up looking like the Met police which does seem to cause some people to have mild panic attacks.

Anyway, initial ownership impressions are that it’s just as quick as the Gen 2, with the same great ergonomics and handling. The Remus exhaust also sounds very nice on the overrun and lends the bike a bit of character.

The suspension is definitely on the firm side of sports touring but I like that. I think Honda were definitely concerned about the weight so designed-in the firm settings. I haven’t fiddled other than to soften the rear slightly after removing the panniers..

.. Oh yes. The panniers. Unlike the 1994 Pan Euro I had which was generally a wide bike, this bike lacks the frontal width to remind you that your rear end is hanging out in the breeze. Or the nearest Nissan Almera. Yes, I bumped a pannier on a car on my first commute. Luckily it is just a very tiny scuff and the panniers have now been relegated to the shed until the next BBQ.

The digital fuel gauge is laughably bad. Seriously. Nothing happens on the 7 bar gauge until 55 miles when you lose one bar. The bars then disappear infrequently until before you know it the gauge is showing empty at 120 miles and flashing madly. I’ve learnt to ignore it until it flashes and then give myself 30 miles maximum. The fuel tank holds 18 litres and I’ve averaged 37mpg but I have been enjoying the engine and 10,000rpm rev ceiling. 140mph this morning, so much for calming down.

The low-down fuelling on the Gen 1 came in for a bit of stick and I can see why. At low town speeds it is a bit snatchy and the Gen 2 I test rode (top) was much better for Honda’s tweaks. It’s not unrideable and you do get used to it but it can cause annoyance. Oh and the brakes are just as brilliant as I remember.

Pleasingly the mirrors do fold in and the (pannier-less) bike is as easy to slide through traffic as I remember. Also, the white LED running lights in the mirrors help with making the bike more noticeable in poor light and darkness and they lend the bike a certain sophistication. “Move aside peasants!” Hmm is this Audi white?

When it arrived and was unloaded out of the dealer’s van it was very smart. Now, after a few days commuting in rain? Not so much. Hopefully after a good clean it will come up looking new again.

Hopefully this is of interest to some.
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NSR125RR - ZXR750H1 - ZX9R E1 - GSF600S - GSF600SK3 - VFR400-NC30 - SV1000N - ST1100-R - CBR900RR-R - GSF1200SK5 - GSF600SK1 - VFR1200FA - GSXR1000K2 - ZZR1400 D8F
www.prisonplanet.com

[Sleeping Dragon]

Congratulations on your purchase. Great read regarding your first impressions.V4 FTW ! Lovely engine imo even the v-tec version.
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HONDA VFR 800 fi

[spnorm]

[ADSrox0r]

[Shaft]

[Benjums]

I've been looking at one of these for my next bike, but have heard that they are not that good on the range of the fuel tank, how are you finding yours at the moment? What mileage are you getting from it? I was also looking a the z1000 sx but test rode that and it was not for me my z750 seemed like a better bike all round. I like the look of the zzr1400 and found that comfortable and easy to ride. But I want to find a vfr12 to test before I commit. I'm planning on doing the lands end to John o groats via Wales and a few other places and don't want to be filling up every 100 miles.

[Kris]

Update 2:

Another (albeit brief) update on the ownership of this bike, seeing as a few of you are interested in how it all pans out.

I've covered approximately 1000 miles now in sunshine, gales, torrential rain and pretty much everything in between. Regardless, the bike remains composed and maintains course. I believe the weighty mass helps things in this regard but then again I am starting a diet after Christmas. The bike finds itself the new workhorse as the faithful old Bandit was sold off at auction. For a few weeks it sat outside at night, braving the elements until the new shed arrived. Regardless of treatment it still starts with immediacy, levers still operate with a new bike keenness and the overall feel is still quality. The heated grips warm quickly and are very good. I’ve noticed the Powerbronze screen is doing a good job of deflecting the wind and the engine is still as fun and as engaging as ever, keeping me entertained on otherwise dreary commutes. Still no false neutrals in the gearbox either.

I’m booked in for a service soon and will get the T30’s replaced as the rear has begun to square off badly which has begun to affect the handling a tad. I will ask about any fuelling map updates whilst there just to see if Honda have got any solutions to the snatchiness in town. I’ve also got my own fuelling strategy sorted for the current commute and it turns out I only fill up once more per fortnight than on the old Bandit 600 so concerns about constant refuelling appear unfounded. When the trip reads 135 miles is when I usually decide to refill but I do think 150 is possible.. just.

Niggles? There are a few..

First up must come the dash buttons. Black rubberised on a black plastic surround. In daylight, fine. At night it’s a complete pain in the arse trying to reset the trip, or toggle between trips. A little silver or white surround would work wonders here, or perhaps a small backlight.

Second is the heated grips settings light. Basically you push the button to the side of the left grip to cycle through the temperature settings (3, 2, 1, off). The setting you are on is indicated by a tiny red LED that flashes to match the setting. Where is this LED you ask? On the button next to your left thumb of course! Glancing down and waiting for 3 slow flashes whilst cruising at motorway speeds sure makes the commute exciting anyway.

Third and finally is vibes. I’m yet to determine the exact engine revolutions / speed combination that causes it but a longish stint on the motorway in sixth gear causes my right hand to go numb unless I stay in fifth (easily do-able) or go to Warp Speed 9. Guess which one I normally choose...

So to end a couple of pics of when I recently decided to treat the bike to a wash and ACF50 treatment with AllYearBiker down in Folkestone. Hopefully this will maintain the finish through the salt-enrusted winter.
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NSR125RR - ZXR750H1 - ZX9R E1 - GSF600S - GSF600SK3 - VFR400-NC30 - SV1000N - ST1100-R - CBR900RR-R - GSF1200SK5 - GSF600SK1 - VFR1200FA - GSXR1000K2 - ZZR1400 D8F
www.prisonplanet.com

[c_dug]

Any chance of an Update 3?
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Matt B]

[Ammoman]

Test ride Gen 2 Kawasaki ZZR1400. Best all rounder in a class of it's own IMHO.
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2013 ZZR1400 & Honda CG125 1986..

[Polarbear]

[Kris]

So, after almost a year and 17,000 miles on the trusty VFR1200 I thought I’d best update this thread again. After this long with a bike you tend to get an idea of the good, the bad and the ugly and my experience of the VFR is no exception. Hopefully this will be useful to some; I myself read quite a few owners’ experiences before shelling out on a bike purchase anyway.

Sometime this week the odometer clicked over the 30,000 mile mark but looking at the bike, you wouldn’t know it. A few weeks ago I gave the bike another valet and ACF treatment and it cleaned up like a new bike again. Stood there admiring the immaculate, freshly valeted bike I began to fully appreciate the premium price asked by Honda. How much of this is down to ACF, and how much is down to Honda’s R&D is an argument for arguments sake. Here and now, the bike looks box-fresh and I’m glad. Well, apart from the two minor blemishes that is…

Firstly, the one-piece seat is worthy of a special mention. Why? Because it’s a bit shit at being a seat that’s why. The areas for both rider and pillion are hard and thin meaning bum-ache sets in after 100 miles on motorway journeys. My pillion actually complained after about 10 miles. For a bike that is labelled as a sports tourer that’s a massive fail. Doubly crap is the fact the seat fabric has torn slightly and revealed the plastic beneath at the very front of the seat where it meets the tank a la Suzuki Bandit style. Not great really.

Secondly, there is a small amount of paint bubbling on the small silver mirror brackets fixed to the front fairing. Not massive, you wouldn’t see it unless it was pointed out, but it’s there so I’ll mention it. This the only sign of corrosion I can spot however.

Staying on the topic of niggles, the vibes from the bars still send my throttle hand to sleep occasionally on long trips. Oh and the remote rear preload adjuster located under the pillion peg is either F-tight, or seized. I’m betting seized as apparently it’s a common issue if left alone for long periods. The useless fuel gauge is ignored completely now, the trip meter being used instead. 135 miles to a tank is usually where I lose my nerve and fill up.

I recently had the unenviable task of changing the dipped headlight bulb which blew last week. To say that access behind the dashboard bracket is tight would be an understatement. Luckily I left it until daylight to attempt this task. Why DRL bikes don’t automatically switch to high beam when the dipped bulb blows is a question I found myself asking at triple digit speeds on an unlit A21 one evening…

Last service was a basic ‘intermediate’ one and cost roughly £230 at a main dealer. Whilst there I had the latest fuelling map downloaded which has moved the fuelling glitch up the rev range to around the 4.5k mark. This makes very low-revs town work easier, but makes cruising at legal-ish speeds on the motorways a jerky experience in top gear. Fourth gear is now my go-to gear for 65-80mph cruising, whereas fifth gear is used for around 100mph, and sixth for 125mph and above. The dealer informed me that one of the exhaust gaskets needs replacing, hence why the soundtrack is a little raspier than before. That’ll be done at the next service, due at 32000 miles which is a big one and expected to be ~£400. The valve clearances have not been checked thus far. The bike is usually a tad lumpier and a couple of missed gear changes have occurred around the time when the 8000 mile services have been due. After a service all is well again.

The biggest surprise costs-wise so far has been the brake pads, an eye-watering £115 for a decent set of front pads. And this bike goes through them if, like me, you ride reasonably spiritedly. It is quite heavy after all. Tyre consumption seems average, and I really rate the BT023 GTs front and rear.

If you remember the first post on this thread I said I was looking for the ‘elusive perfect all-rounder’. Did I find it with the VFR1200? Hmmm..

It’s as if Honda’s design team went a bit mental and totally forgot about the comfort over distance aspect..! Ridden hard the comfort and fuelling issues disappear, and the firm suspension makes perfect sense. But is that really a VFR?

I’d happily recommend the VFR1200 as a worthy sole bike for those like me; commute daily but also like a weekend blast or twisty route home. However I would advise against it for those that need a serious distance machine – it’s just not that comfortable and the suspension is too firm for that. Overall, I’m glad I got it. It’s fast and handles well. The shaft drive and great heated grips make commuting less of a chore. The panniers are ace for things like the forum BBQ. The bike is kept outside with a cover thrown in its direction only if I feel sorry for it, certainly not a garage queen pampered Princess and yet it starts on the button and still feels like a quality thing. It suits my riding and my current situation really and that’s all that matters I guess.


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NSR125RR - ZXR750H1 - ZX9R E1 - GSF600S - GSF600SK3 - VFR400-NC30 - SV1000N - ST1100-R - CBR900RR-R - GSF1200SK5 - GSF600SK1 - VFR1200FA - GSXR1000K2 - ZZR1400 D8F
www.prisonplanet.com

[pompousporcup...]

good review that and i agree, it is a classy machine

but 115 squids for a set of brake pads assuming thats direct from Honda?

[ADSrox0r]

I'd like a go on one simply to chalk it up on the 'had a go on one of them once' tally-board.

Other than that it didn't appeal to me from the get-go. Smaller luggage than the 800 and substantially smaller tank capacity means it just doesn't cut the bill as a proper 'tourer'.

The extra 'beans' appeals obviously, bigger V4? Yes purlease. Shaft drive for 'zero fucks given' during winter commuting is a good thing but costs you horses at the wheel.

The styling is definitely marmite.

Yeah, not for me I just wish they'd have another go at a litre V4.
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Current bikes: '08 VFR 800 VTEC(yo) , '07 ZZR1400 Winter hack: '95 Aprilia 650 Pegaso Currently lusting after: RC30

[ThatDippyTwat]

[Matt B]