2010 Honda VFR1200F: First road test
Visordown notches up 200 miles on new V4 sports-tourer
JUST BACK from 200 rain-soaked miles on the 2010 Honda VFR1200F - one of the most eagerly-awaited bikes of the last decade.
It's the second time we've tested the 160bhp V4; Visordown's latest signing - ex-Performance Bikes Editor Mark Forsyth - was invited to Honda's exclusive premier of the 1200cc sports-tourer at Sugo racetrack, Japan, just over a month ago. Forsyth gave the new VFR the thumbs up after leathering the V4 around Sugo's challenging twists and turns, giving a special nod to the auto gearbox DVT model. Read his full sushi-inspired Honda VFR1200 first ride launch report here
This time, Honda have brought us to Southern Spain for more of a real-world experience of the all-new machine. The 200-mile route comprised of around 60 miles of motorway, 100 or so miles of fast A-roads and a healthy dose of the region's finest mountain switchbacks: all ideal stomping ground for Honda's 2010 sports-tourer. Sadly, we were not given the option to test the fully automatic DCT model; Honda has planned a separate launch for sometime in 2010.
So, first impressions: Thanks to a low, super-slim seat, even a 5ft 8 shortarse like me can get both feet flat on the floor. The VFR weighs 267kgs fully gassed but feels nowhere near as heavy; pushing the bike in and out of the hotel garage was totally unintimidating, thanks to the bike's low C of G. Slow speed stuff's also a doddle, giving the rider confidence from the off. It's far less bulky than Honda's Pan European. Think slightly beefed up VFR800 and you're almost there.
The new bike's 160bhp motor is a huge depature from its rather flat 800cc sibling. Whack open the throttle in virtually any gear at any speed and the VFR surges forward with relentless shove. Instant power is found throughout the rev range; something the 800cc bike simply couldn't offer. It doesn't feel Blackbird fast but it's still bloody quick through the gears. Top gear roll on feels pretty impressive, too.
The new V4 still feels every inch a true VFR: easy to ride and reassuringly predictable on the greasy, wet roads we encountered in Spain. It's a typical Honda.
But, and there are quite a few of them, has Honda overpriced the new V4? The company are remaining tight-lipped about the bike's official retail price, but a source told me last night the standard version will cost around £12,000. That's an awful lot of wedge for a bike with no panniers, no electronic suspension, no traction control and a 150-mile tank range - yes, one rider managed just 150 miles to bone dry on yesterday's 200-mile blast. In Honda's defense, most other riders eeked out around 200 miles before needing a refill, which adds up to around 40mpg. If you're hanging out for the fully auto DCT version, expect to shell out around £14,000, when the bike goes on sale sometime next year...
Look out for the full story of Honda's latest V4 in Issue Six of Visordown Magazine, where we'll give you the highs, lows and expert opinion on the all-new VFR.
Discuss this story
150 miles on a tankful for a tourer. Which planet are Honda on? That one fact will put off many many customers.
That doesn't even equate to two daya of commuting.
Posted: 27/11/2009 at 10:59
In addition to the poor fuel range, I wasn't too keen on the statement "It doesn't feel Blackbird fast". I would expect for it to be a step up from the Blackbird in every way (more power, less weight, better economy, better handling etc). It's well over 10 years newer in design, with the lessons learned from the Blackbird in its heritage and it's looking like a significant step up from the Blackbird in price! I guess old school transverse 4 cyl DOHC is quite a tall order to beat in engineering terms - in the compromise as defined by motorcycle application.
Posted: 27/11/2009 at 13:02
150 mile tank isn't great but it's still 2 hours (ish) riding and from the sounds of it, it's only 150mile if you thrash it. I'm not a tech head but isn't the smaller tank going to give it much more fun factor when you hit the twisty mountain roads..? I just did 2 20hour non-stop journeys on a VFR400R NC24. It was bloody hard, but great fun!!
Posted: 27/11/2009 at 13:37
This bike was never going to live up to expectations. The price, weight, performance clearly isn't there. We wanted Blackbird performance, VFR800 comfort and luggage set - surely this couldn't have been hard to figure out. I don't care what any reviewer says, the thumb shifting is just rediculous. The whole point of being on the bike is engagement. I don't want my thumbs engaged when my feet are bored. I don't want to re-learn riding a motorcycle and be asked to change my reflexes. Seems to me like gadgets for sake of gadgets, not for sake of what the riders wanted. I'm calling this one D.O.A. before it even hits the dealers. Sales will suck - mark my words, even in Europe. 590lbs bike not what we were looking for regardless of center of gravity. Add luggage and your crap and you may as well have a convertable. Just a reminder HD V-Rod wet - 613lbs. GSXR1000 - 375lbs - right? 590lbs is not in the "middle". This thing is 100lbs too fat. And the looks, don't get me started. Let's just say they do nothing for me. I think BLAH when I look at this thing. I sold my VFR in 08 waiting for this thing, and regret doing so. Off to find a deal on an 800 ASAP.
Posted: 27/11/2009 at 16:27
After owning one RC36 IIfor four years and 100.000 km without a glitch, a RC46D for the same period, I got tired of waiting for this bike (forget VTEC, it was a good idea on a great bike, but they never got to meet at the same time and place), I bought a '99 Hayabusa with only 10.000 km (in may 2008), for 5000 €, mint condition (the so called "old bike"). It has now 40k km and that thing can tour, scratch, cruise, the whole shebang. Plus it make 6.0 ltr/100km, what gives me minimum 300 km / tank. And when needed it just the fastest thing available. Forget ESA, EPAs, AIS, whatever. You just click it after 2 rainy weeks and go and ride for another tank.. That was what I was expecting from the new VFR, not this expensive fat pig with nothing to show apart from beeing fugly. I was expecting for the VFR 800 ('00 model) whith just more 40/50 hp and a better sorted suspension, braking and gearbox like my 'Busa. CBS+ABS are nice to have, and they could maintain VTEC looks . All that motor trickering and stuff could be there and they could improve the sound (after all it's a V4, right ?). But that exhaust ?WTF ? I guess I'll have to wait another 8 years. Maybe I'll try KTM SMT, in 2 years. As for my 'Busa, I'm never gonna sell it . As for the VFR, I skipped the VTEC and the same is going to happen to this one.
Posted: 28/11/2009 at 19:58
"I don't care what any reviewer says, the thumb shifting is just rediculous" I respect it's ridiculous for you, but it's the only reason I am remotely interested in testing this bike out. (Prefer the K1300s). The tech's not going away. I feel pretty manly on my FJR AE still, not compromised or disengaged at all personally.
Posted: 29/11/2009 at 00:42
I don't get all this 'blackbird fast', how often have BB owners gone 'blackbird fast', I reckon you buy one just because its got that 'theoretical' top speed, how often its used to its full capability is very much open to debate. The current VTEC is plenty fast enough for road riding/sporty touring, the only minor gripe is the lack of torque when two up and loaded with luggage. Let us not forget, how quick a bike is is usually academic as its down to the abilities (or not is most cases!) of the rider. There's no doubt the new VFR1200 addresses this issue and plenty more besides and as to the comments r.e. the auto 'box, a car-driving colleague at work commented 'bike's are still using that old fashioned method of changing gear, I'd have thought a better solution would have been available years ago' ha ha!! The main gripe with the 12 seems to be the lack of range but bear in mind journos always seem to ride with the rev counter firmly planted near the red line, more normal riding will return a much more reasonable rate of consumption.
Posted: 29/11/2009 at 08:53
"I don't get all this 'blackbird fast', how often have BB owners gone 'blackbird fast', I reckon you buy one just because its got that 'theoretical' top speed, how often its used to its full capability is very much open to debate." LOL - Spot on. Bunch o' bench racers.
Posted: 30/11/2009 at 08:41
after 10yrs on birds, every mile covered a joy, got sick of waiting for mr honda to come up with a new version of the bird, I bought a zzr 1400 gen 1, it had issuse with the bottom end delivery, gen 2 address this, nothing I have read would make me consider the vfr 1200 honder, price, mpg and the looks do nothing for me geordie aka battleaxe
Posted: 30/11/2009 at 10:32
Oliver and Heirpin -- you don't "get" the Blackbird fast statements? I doubt the roadtester (Tim Skilton) took the bike flat out to make his comparison. But he still felt the need to say it! Fast doesn't just mean top speed - it means torque - overtaking capability, 50-100mph midrange, the need to change gear to find the power. You might never find the top speed of these bike, but I regularly open the throttle to the stop on my ZZR14 to use the overtaking power. I hope the VFR12 has these things more than the BBird - but it doesn't sound like it from what Tim says.
Posted: 30/11/2009 at 11:55
From the Webmasterof VFRD.com: "Most of the hardcore vfr owners from old wanted a liter bike, not a 1200 monstrosity. Wanted a return to the gear driven cams, lose the vtec, just make it bulletproof and a great pulling engine. Then nothing too crazy just no more wieght, its 800 predessors were heavy, but they handle rather well sure footed. I dont remember anybody in the vfr community asking for a shaftie? We just wanted the same great all around bike with a great v-4 engine, I love my 98 for a reason its a great bike! Instead we get pretty much priced out of the market from what we paid with the last 4 generations - with a bike that is, bigger, heavier, more stuff we never knew existed that adds wieght and it doesnt blow the doors off the competition?" Well stated.
Posted: 01/12/2009 at 08:40
I've owned a VFR800Fi and Blackbird. Was hoping this would be somewhere between the two. My 800 was fast enough once it got there but lacked poke for fast overtakes, especially when two up. All I wanted was a VFR with more poke. No flash stuff. It sounds like Honda have delivered all I need. My only problem in the price tag. £10 would have been more realistic. I simply can't afford this one. 
Posted: 01/12/2009 at 12:13
We wanted Blackbird performance, VFR800 comfort and luggage set - surely this couldn't have been hard to figure out. Ditto. Couldn't have said it better.
Posted: 01/12/2009 at 14:36
I am a VFR 800 2008 owner, and I have never seen its top speed. So the cr_p about Blackbird fast is useless to me - I suspect to most of you. If we wanted a pure racebike, we would have bought a CBR 1000RR instead. The range issue: A break every two hours is a Good Thing. Why lug more gas around than you have to? Transmission, etc: Glad to get rid of the chain drive, glad to see the thumb shifter. The jerkless-shifting also sounds great. The new bike looks like a winner, only if its price would come down some.
Posted: 02/12/2009 at 04:37
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