FZ1 Fazer vs VFR1200F

[TravisBickle]

Hi guys looking for your opinions here.

I'm trying to think ahead for my next upgrade (current bike a 2014 FZ1 Fazer), probably looking just before the spring to try to get a decent price while the weather is still shit.

Originally I thought I wanted an MT-10 SP as my next upgrade. More power and cruise control being the main reasons, other reasons being a bit more of a loony bike, newer more modern model and sportier than my current bike especially with the SP being Ohlins etc.

So was set on the MT and had it in my head for ages but eventually I came around to thinking that I quite like the weather protection (as minimal as it is) on my current FZ1 Fazer, it's a real shame they don't do a bikini fairing for the MT-10, also splashing out on an MT-10 SP would probably be a bit self-indulgent as there isn't really anything wrong with my current bike, so starting thinking of keeping the Fazer for a few more years and spending a bit of money on upgrades for it instead.

Then I've come to do a few trips from Maidstone area to Cambridge (and back in the same evening) recently now they're letting fans back in the grounds. Last one wasn't wet but it was cold and miserable and I really wished I had just a bit more protection and cruise control would be a massive improvement for motorway rides. Also annual rides to France (half way between Le Mans and Tours so roughly halfway down) have been done on the Fazer before without any major complaints but a more touring-orientated bike would be welcome.

So gets me thinking towards maybe changing the bike again.

Also, shaft drive would be nice just from standpoint of being a lazy git, zero maintenance would be nice.

I definitely don't wanna go down in power so 150bhp is gonna be the minimum.

So what's the most powerful bike that would tick my boxes (shaft and cruise)?

Yes I'm obsessed with power and statistics, I know we rarely use more than like 25% throttle but I like having a fast bike, if for no other reason than bragging rights, sue me!

VFR1200F is catching my eye and I'm intrigued to maybe take a test ride in the new year.

I'm just worried about the extra weight and bulkiness.

Perhaps some current or previous VFR1200 owners can help me out here. Compared to my current Fazer would I expect it to be noticeable less nimble/agile? Dare I say less sporty / flickable? Also the width, I love having the ability to filter through town traffic (whole point of having a bike right?) and especially noticeable approaching the Dartford Crossing Tuesday afternoon/evening I was very grateful for being on my bike, I doubt have have made it to Cambridge by half time if I'd set off at the same time in my taxi.

So yeah basically looking to consider a powerful shaft drive with cruise but don't wanna compromise too much on agility nimbleness, sporty flickable handling and filtering ability. What you guys think?
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2024 BMW M1000XR
2021 Honda CMX500 Rebel S
2016 Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport

[Polarbear]

The VFR is a lovely bike to ride. I took one for a test ride a few years ago. However even it's mother wouldn't call it a pretty bike.

However in my view there is only one shaft drive bike worth having with the specs you want, the Kwak GTR1400 although it's (only) 140 bhp.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Evil Hans]

[xX-Alex-Xx]

The engine on the VFR12 is probably my favourite motorcycle engine of all time TBH. Torque all day long, and the sound is amazing - even better with an aftermarket can on it.

You can feel the weight of it, but it doesn't feel like a fat bike if you know what I mean? Handles damn well. I'd have no issues with one again for day-to-day, especially if you're planning long trips etc.
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DILLIGAF

[TravisBickle]

Thanks for all your input guys.

So it's fair to say I should expect to lose some of the lunacy of the Fazer as a trade-off for more comfort? The VFR is a capable bike through the twisties, but not as good as the Fazer. Would that be accurate?

What about wheelies? Very important!
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2024 BMW M1000XR
2021 Honda CMX500 Rebel S
2016 Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport

[TravisBickle]

[ThatDippyTwat]

I've only had a brief play on either, and I'm biased (I love a V4), but the viffer wins. As said though, looks are distinct on the VFR, and they're something only you can decide.

All of them will take a little getting used to with regards to weight, but the viffer can out-hustle most riders, I was pleasantly surprised, I was expecting a torquey jelly-like experience. A bit like a fat lass that has been around the block, if you can live with the looks, she'll make sure you have a grin on your face.
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'98 VFR800 (touring) - '12 VFR800 Crosrunner (Commuting) - '01 KDX220 (Big Green Antisocial Machine)

[P.]

[TravisBickle]

Ok a lot pointing towards the VFR at this stage then...

What about filtering though? Will this be noticeably more difficult in town and in a stationary line of traffic on the motorway? Or even finding myself unable to get through gaps I was previously able to do?
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2024 BMW M1000XR
2021 Honda CMX500 Rebel S
2016 Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport

[Shaft]

[TravisBickle]

[ThunderGuts]

I would also wonder if V4s are likely to become more sought after used buys (in the UK at least) as Honda are killing them all off for next year for this market (Euro5 emission compliance issues) with no plan to replace.
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TG.

[Kris]

VFR12's wheelie
They handle
They get ~130 miles to a tank
Get a Gen 2

HTH
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NSR125RR - ZXR750H1 - ZX9R E1 - GSF600S - GSF600SK3 - VFR400-NC30 - SV1000N - ST1100-R - CBR900RR-R - GSF1200SK5 - GSF600SK1 - VFR1200FA - GSXR1000K2 - ZZR1400 D8F
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