[Slithr]

Finally got the chance to ride a new VFR1200. This one had DCT. Wasn't sure what I'd think about it, but after a few miles I decided I liked it. The only downside I can see is if you are going to drag race it, I imagine it doesn't launch too hard with this transmission. Great tranny if you have to ride in traffic. Bike pulled hard and handled much better than I expected, given its size. The size was a plus for me, at 6'4" I feel folded up on a CBR.

Still trying to figure out just what kind of bike it is. Too large/heavy for a hard core sport bike. Probably be OK for sport touring, but from what I've read, range is limited to about 150-175 miles per tank. It seems to be versatile, but not really outstanding in any one area. Like I said, I enjoyed riding it, just not real sure what I'd do with one if I had it.

[Conedodger]

I've been curious to try one. Sat on one at the Honda tent at the Indy MotoGP in 2010. Ergonomics are similar to my '04 VFR800. Very well put together. Nice paint. The range is terrible IMHO for a sport tourer. I can go 200-220 miles on a tank on the 800. Love my 800 so far. Fun in the twisties and comfortable for a 500 mile day. Price on the 1200 is high, especially when you add on the hard bags. I may consider a used one down the road.

[luder_5555]

I agree with what dodger is hinting at. Go ride a VFR800, and see if you like it. It will be a smaller lighter version of the 1200. It sounds like you don't want to go full touring which the 1200 is getting very close to. The 800 is small enough that it feels comfortable in the twisties, but is still very comfortable for a long drive.

I switched bikes with a friend last year, and unless I catch the super sport bug, (which I doubt, I like tracking cars, but don't like pushing the boundaries on bikes), A VFR800 will be my next bike.

[Slithr]

Used to do a lot of long distance riding, CB1100F and V65 Sabre (full factory fairing). My wife wants to do some long trips in some comfort. Really would like to have something with an intercom, radio/cb package and a comfortable rear seat. Sounds like I'm destined for a Goldwing, I just want mine with 250 h.p.

The VFR1200 reminds me a lot of the Sabre, just without as much wind protection. When I was in my 30s I would have bought it and loved it. Now just not so sure. The range issue is a little tough. There are some stretches out west where gas stations are few and far between. That 150 mile range would force good planning and maybe a pucker or two.

[Conedodger]

Slithr, on 08 February 2012 - 01:41 PM, said:

Used to do a lot of long distance riding, CB1100F and V65 Sabre (full factory fairing). My wife wants to do some long trips in some comfort. Really would like to have something with an intercom, radio/cb package and a comfortable rear seat. Sounds like I'm destined for a Goldwing, I just want mine with 250 h.p.

The VFR1200 reminds me a lot of the Sabre, just without as much wind protection. When I was in my 30s I would have bought it and loved it. Now just not so sure. The range issue is a little tough. There are some stretches out west where gas stations are few and far between. That 150 mile range would force good planning and maybe a pucker or two.

Have you looked at the ST1300?

I miss my ST1100 sometimes. 7.5 gallon tank had some serious range!

This post has been edited by Conedodger: 08 February 2012 - 10:36 PM

[Slithr]

Actually I rode an ST1100 from LA to Dallas before they were even released to the public. I liked the bike. But with most, if not all, of my upcoming trips being 2 up, I just hesitate to get something without the intercom and CB, etc. I kind of hate to join the Goldwing crowd just because of the performance, but it does most of what it needs to in order to make 2 up touring acceptable.

I asked a Honda rep about a high performance version of the Wing and he said they had kicked it around, but decided that they didn't want to kill all of their customers.

[Conedodger]

Slithr, on 09 February 2012 - 11:46 AM, said:

Actually I rode an ST1100 from LA to Dallas before they were even released to the public. I liked the bike. But with most, if not all, of my upcoming trips being 2 up, I just hesitate to get something without the intercom and CB, etc. I kind of hate to join the Goldwing crowd just because of the performance, but it does most of what it needs to in order to make 2 up touring acceptable.

I asked a Honda rep about a high performance version of the Wing and he said they had kicked it around, but decided that they didn't want to kill all of their customers.

Why not an aftermarket intercom? They are Bluetooth these days. Compatible with MP3 players and GPS. Best part is they are not bike specific, so you can use them on multiple bikes.

Scala Rider Teamset

This post has been edited by Conedodger: 09 February 2012 - 12:18 PM

[Slithr]

I'm a little limited in my solutions because my wife wears hearing aids. At this point I'm not 100% sure that the helmet mounted speakers are going to work. That is the likely next step. If she can't used the helmet mounted stuff, then an ST or a VFR look a little better. I heard a rumor that the VFR might get punched out another 100 ccs then set-up more to be a sport tourer and would take that role from the ST.

Having made a couple of long trips (Dallas/Vancouver BC and Dallas/Halifax, Nova Scotia) having access to a CB, was really nice. The truckers will actually talk to you when they find out you're on a bike. Also nice to talk to other bikers whether in your group or just on the road.

Probably could figure out a way to cobble all of that stuff together, but already having it integrated as a package is nice.

[Duke Togo]

tuning is ur friend

http://www.vfrdiscus...y-dyno-results/

[sahtt]

I haven't ridden one yet but am looking forward to the opportunity. The constant mentioning of the range issue is a joke to me. What is the range of the average sportbike? 150 for a 600 and 120ish for a liter; my RC51 almost ran out of gas at 98 miles a couple weeks ago. People seem to get around on those without constantly running out of gas fine.

The other issue is "what if I am touring? I won't be able to find gas stations often enough or I'll have to stop too often." Bullshit. I took a zx14 (200hp and a 5 gallon tank, you can do the math) to alaska and back through very remote parts of Canada, Montana, Alaska, etc. Never ran out of gas and it was never even an issue except once in Montana and once in Canada - both times were admittedly close calls. So going 11,000 miles across 25 states, form the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Circle, and 3 canadian provinces I almost* ran out of gas twice. Doubt the average VFR owner plans on going anywhere that remote. Plus let's not kid ourselves, if you are not getting off the bike every two hours (approximately 120 miles) to stretch and take a break you are asking for it.

I am traveling around Europe this summer and ended up renting a beamer. I wanted to rent the new VFR but it was ridiculously expensive to do so in Europe (120+ euros/day).

This post has been edited by sahtt: 22 February 2012 - 10:30 PM

[Slithr]

My local dealer is making it hard on me. He has the one I rode, I think it's a new 2010 with the DCT for $7k off sticker. I wasn't even sure I wanted another bike right now, but is really tempting.