Honda VFR1200F - A great bike 
By Bill -
First rides & tests
16 February 2010 15:10
After all the anti-hype I was cautious about taking a Honda VFR1200 out for a test ride.
But after two hours of all sorts of riding (wet/dry/motorways/twisties) I found that; it was delightfully light between my legs even with a pillion.
The fairing really does deflect the heat (my last bike was an FJR); contrary to press reports there was virtually no handle-bar vibration up to 6,500rpm; it is a long heave to keep getting one's feet up onto the pegs in slow moving taffic; it runs dead straight hands off; that the front brake needs respect in the wet; neither my pillion nor I felt uncomfortable after two hours; the speedo over-read by 5mph; that 85mph true feels like 65mph; that overtaking truck/bus wind-blast is negligible; at speed I had no buffeting from my pillion; and finally that I would buy one.
This VFR is neither a sports bike nor a tourer. It wasn't until I had had an hour of varied conditions that I felt confident enough to properly open her up.
She corners like a dream. My pillion only complained at twice the speed limit so Europe will be a doddle.
The only two criticisms I had were - the Lambretta looking exhaust and the strong smell of melting rubber.
I have been riding bikes for the last 45 years in many different countries and will keep my CBF1000 for scratching round the lanes where I live.
But don’t believe the bad reviews. Take one out for a two hour-plus test ride.
You won’t regret it, and you may just fall in love.
