Setting my hair on fire.

[Megadan]

Yes, this post is just an excuse to show off my new pride and joy. No, I don't have a thing for orange pearl metallic 4cyl Honda touring bikes... it was just a coincidence. I do love the color though. It POPS in the sun. Anyway, I brought it home today. It's sad to see the Goldwing go, but it's really nice to have an EFI bike, and something so pampered that it still has new bike smell, even when its 8 years old. I have wanted a VFR1200 ever since they were introduced, even though my plan was to get a NEW bike, this is good enough.

One thing I really need to get used to though is the power. This is the most powerful bike I have ever owned at 170hp, and just lightly breathing on the throttle makes this thing pick up speed beyond my comprehension. Getting on the highway on the way home I gave it maybe 1/4 throttle in 5th gear and went from 60 to almost 100mph faster than my Goldwing goes from 60 to 70. Around town I really have to be careful...it takes 1 second to end up in felony speeding ticket ranges.


It needs new tires, and I am not a big fan of the exhaust on it. I think the only other gripe I have is the suspension is too soft for me, but I expect that with every bike I buy because of my size, so a new rear shock and some magic in the forks are on order as well.

I love it though. This is the first bike I have ever bought that I actually wanted to own. Usually I buy something and spend tons of money turning it into something else and upgrading it. This needs very little for me to be happy, and I love the styling. I also love the factory panniers, they mount and dismount with the turn of a key and lift of the handle and instantly transforms into a sport machine.

[Weldangrind]

Sweet bike! I've been eyeballing the VRF line for awhile, but I'm not ready to pull the pin yet. I'm with you on the muffler; I'm betting the same person who picked out the muffler applied the Punisher decals. My son would love it.


Did your Wing go to someone who will properly appreciate all you've done to it?

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Sweet bike! I've been eyeballing the VRF line for awhile, but I'm not ready to pull the pin yet. I'm with you on the muffler; I'm betting the same person who picked out the muffler applied the Punisher decals. My son would love it.


Did your Wing go to someone who will properly appreciate all you've done to it?

Nope, my wing is still in my possession. I am leaving it up for sale on my goldwing forum for a little while. No hurry to sell it, and I want to make sure ot goes to a good home.

I honestly dont mind the punisher badges. I like the punisher, and itnis really subtle.

[ChondaChondaChonda]

Very nice Dan!

[ben2go]

Viffers are pretty cool bikes. I like the V4. They require very little maintenance as they have hydraulic valve trains. Oil changes and air filter every few years along with spark plugs. They rarely seem to have carb issues. I'm not sure if Honda put filters on them or not.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by ChondaChondaChonda

Very nice Dan!

It is! Thank you.

Originally Posted by ben2go

Viffers are pretty cool bikes. I like the V4. They require very little maintenance as they have hydraulic valve trains. Oil changes and air filter every few years along with spark plugs. They rarely seem to have carb issues. I'm not sure if Honda put filters on them or not.

The 1200 motor is a little different from the other VFR engines. Both in cylinder layout and firng order. They setup the rear 2 cylinders on the inner rod journals, so they are closer together to make the engine thinner at the rear. The valvetrain actually uses roller rocker shafts for the exhaust valves, so there are valve checks that have to be done. Thankfully, in typical Honda fashion, they are every 16,000 miles.

It's also EFI, and yes there is an air filter lol.

If you skip ahead to about 50 seconds, this video goes into a little detail on it.

[Darkrider]

It is funny how the VFR1200 did not last very long as a sport touring bike. It ended up as an adventure type machine after the new 800 came out. Nice bike none the less.

[ChondaChondaChonda]

Just *slightly* more advanced than CG motor.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Darkrider

It is funny how the VFR1200 did not last very long as a sport touring bike. It ended up as an adventure type machine after the new 800 came out. Nice bike none the less.

The F (sport version) ran from 2010 to 2016, but the last 2 years were basically carry overs from 2014. It was a bit of a flop. Honda made a great bike, but killed it with compromise in the worst way. Very powerful engine, but too soft of a suspension with only preload adjustment, so not the greatest sport bike. Ergonomics too heavily favor sport riding. It is still comfy, but it doesnt match the plushness of the suspension. High price tag, but almost no extra features to show for it and a very basic dash.

With a bit of work on the suspension and ecu tuning side of things, it really turns the bike into what it should have been. I honestly don't know why they didn't just rework the suspension goodies from a cbr1000rr to suit the heavier VFR is beyond me.

The X model had a few tweaks to make it a better adventure bike. A bit less HP, and a bit more torque below 4000rpm. Obviously cosmetic and suspension changes as well.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by ChondaChondaChonda

Just *slightly* more advanced than CG motor.

Only a little bit...

The CG is 10 times easier and cheaper to work on though. Which is appropriate since it has 10 times less power.

[Darkrider]

Originally Posted by Megadan

The F (sport version) ran from 2010 to 2016, but the last 2 years were basically carry overs from 2014. It was a bit of a flop. Honda made a great bike, but killed it with compromise in the worst way. Very powerful engine, but too soft of a suspension with only preload adjustment, so not the greatest sport bike. Ergonomics too heavily favor sport riding. It is still comfy, but it doesn't match the plushness of the suspension. High price tag, but almost no extra features to show for it and a very basic dash.

With a bit of work on the suspension and ecu tuning side of things, it really turns the bike into what it should have been.

The X model had a few tweaks to make it a better adventure bike. A bit less HP, and a bit more torque below 4000rpm. Obviously cosmetic and suspension changes as well.

Was not sure when the F was discontinued...hell it was a surprise to suddenly see the X version popping up in the dealership when i went to go look at the 1200s again. But then again i still have my original "F" the VF750F that started the line up so no big loss from my point of view. Truth be told i thought i would eventually move onto a newer VFR from that bike instead i ended up on the Softail. Go figure.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Darkrider

Was not sure when the F was discontinued...hell it was a surprise to suddenly see the X version popping up in the dealership when i went to go look at the 1200s again. But then again i still have my original "F" the VF750F that started the line up so no big loss from my point of view. Truth be told i thought i would eventually move onto a newer VFR from that bike instead i ended up on the Softail. Go figure.

The X was actually in development during the release of the F in 2010, and first started being sold in 2012. I think they had always planned on making more than one bike with the platform, which I think worked out well for them. The F makes over 40 more hp, but the X ended up being the more popular bike. I think a lot of that had to do with the X being a much more focused machine, and a much better comfy cruiser that can somewhat do fire roads and the like. Plus, it came in at the right point of the Adventure bike boom. So the F flopped, and the X is still a strong selling bike.

What I find kind of funny about the 1200's though, is how much of a love or hate it kind of bike it is, especially among VFR fans. The people that hate it think it's too big, too heavy, or the engine's new layout isn't correct for the family, blah blah. Those that love them (me) think their opinions are dumb.

[Megadan]

Trying to get this bike sorted out, which is why my Hawk has been getting no attention.

Even though Honda says this bike can go 8000 miles between oil changes, I have some Pro Honda HP4S 10w30 and OEM oil filters on the way. Some Motul DOT 4 fluid to flush the brakes and clutch, Redline Lightweight Shockproof 80w90, an air filter, and I ordered some new tires for it yesterday, some Bridgestone T31 Battlaxes.

Also doing some lighting upgrades when I have the fairings off, and I will be sending the ECU off to Guhl motorsports for a reflash when I take the panels off to do said lighting and air filter.

Put the Corbin seat on that the bike came with after giving it a good clean up. Much much better, in both comfort and looks.

[BlackBike]

Whoo, that thing is beautiful. Keep out the throttle so much. We want you around here a while longer. Yes flashy paint attracts flashy lights, ask me how I know (warning only fortunately).

[david3921]

Dan, love the looks of this bike but that exhaust has got to go. The stock can is a huge, ugly, chrome, wedged shape monstrosity, though. I've seen the Akrapovic on one and it looks nice but, I would imagine, pretty pricey. Maybe it's the carbon look that's throwing it off for me. Is that just a cover?