Honda VFR1200F (2010 model)

Sorry to all you who like this bike, but this is my honest opinion after a 4 hour test ride on a 2010 model with 5800 miles clocked. I wanted to like this bike having had a pre-vetec 800, but it didn't make me want one. I found the fly by wire throttle very snatchy when in town; almost switchlike when opened from a closed position after using engine braking. When the momentum of the bike was added on the open road, this snatching disappeared and the bike came into its own; very enjoyable. It felt smooth, torquey and planted, carrying its weight well on A roads. The brakes were strong and progressive and the suspension coped with my 12stone admirably. The instruments were adequate but fell short of what you would expect on a flagship model of this money. The build quality of the bike was very Honda and hard to fault with paint that looked amazing (wouldn't want the bill if it got damaged though) It's the detail for the money that lets it down. The luggage should be at least able to take 2 helmets, but the top box was the only place to take one. The locks and handles on the luggage do feel top drawer though. The tank range is unacceptable for a tourer, sports or not, and would mean careful consideration given to petrol station locations when touring. For a 12K bike, I think charging a centre stand as an extra is taking the p--s a bit. I didn't get the vibration from the tank others have mentioned and found the bike very comfortable for my 5'8" frame. I could also get both feet down, which felt safe and secure when stopped. I would also be interested to know what the servicing costs would be on such a high tec motor. Hopefully Honda will listen to feeback and address some of these issues. If they do, this bike could be brilliant. The fact that the 18 month old model I tested is looking for its 3rd owner tells you something I think.

I have owned lots of bikes over 20yrs of riding. I wanted a powerful bike with a quality feel & ideally shaft drive - this bike is the AMG Mercedes of the bike world. Super high quality fit & finish. A nice modern design and very high performance should you need it. I tried all the BMW's thinking I wanted one (incl k1300) but this bike made a big impression on me when I took it for a test ride. I used to own a VFR VTEC which I didn't like because of its weedy mid range. The VFR1200 is the opposite - it has absolutely loads of low and mid range grunt which translates into very rapid (and smooth) progress. It may not have a crazy top end rush but I don't ride like that anyway so I wont miss it. Take my advice and test ride this fantastic, top quality bike! You can read all the reports and tests in the world but there's no substitute for a test ride.

I have owned my vfr 1200 for 6 months its comfy easy to ride very well made quality parts no gimmicks have put 3200 miles on it will never sell it I owned a P reg VFR 750 wished I still had it but my new VFR is better have owned a gtr 1400 2010 model vfr runs circles round it no contest ave miles per tank is 150 miles with 3.5liters to spare when low fuel light comes on I have no problem with indicator postion or horn button not caused me any problems this is the best bike I have ever owned I would strongly recommend it to all your readers well done Mr Honda !

I have seen on many youtube reviews and all comment on how nimble this is for a 270kg bike. I agree 100%.I had a Sprint GT before my VFR and I can tell you this bike is much more fun and rideable.

Had quick test ride on one.Having owned a 97 vfr750 and a pre v-tec vfr800 in the past I was just curious about the engine. The bike only felt heavy parking up.It was more of a sporty riding position than expected.Dealer said a customer had bar risers fitted.Once you get going though the engines great,Smooth fast with lots of torque.I didnt notice the brakes, clutch or gear changes because they all worked well without complaint.Unlike the indicator switch under the horn.Poor mpg/range?.For the engine its worth it.The dream bike would be 750 with 800 clocks and 1200 engine,but in reality a used one in silver with mra screen,top box,centre stand,bar risers,and a slip on exhaust short enough to show that great looking rear wheel.

I ride an '03 vfr800, a bike widely reviled for its VTEC. But the bike is hugely tractable, built and engineered to the highest standards (FAR beyond a contemporary BMW) and rides like a Rolls-Royce on the interstate. Open up the motor and you have a MOTOGP engine. This new VFR120 has one huge flaw: poor MPG/no range. Honda could have upped the range and MPG with VTEC valve shutoff but no one wanted it. If you want 1200CC and 170HP and limitless torque, the bike will have no range. The VTEC critics undermined this engineering marvel.

I ride an '03 vfr800, a bike widely reviled for its VTEC. But the bike is hugely tractable, built and engineered to the highest standards (FAR beyond a contemporary BMW) and rides like a Rolls-Royce on the interstate. Open up the motor and you have a MOTOGP engine. This new VFR120 has one huge flaw: poor MPG/no range. Honda could have upped the range and MPG with VTEC valve shutoff but no one wanted it. If you want 1200CC and 170HP and limitless torque, the bike will have no range. The VTEC critics undermined this engineering marvel.

Just come back from a 4 hour test ride(was given to me whilst my 09 Blade was in for a service. Positive's - Very surprised, engine was awsome with masses of torque from 4500 onwards, oh and the sound of that exhaust once it 5000rpm no chance of not hearing it coming. Weight?? supposed to be 20/30 kg's more than the previous VFR which i had an 08 version of, this bike felt much lighter, handled fantastic, obviously not a frieblade but hey it was still well handling, could even do a track day really!!!. Very comfortable for the rider, nice positoning. Looks, well i'm pros on eof the few who liked it when it was first launched. Negatives - Tank range, i had a pillion for the first 3 hours, stopped once after 60 miles, pillion not best impressed, said older VFR was much more comfortable...Wind blast from screen, i may be 6'2" but didn't expect it to be that bad, touring screen a definate purchase. Tank range, i only did 120 miles but when i went to fill up i had used 15.5 litres....mot goood for touring at all. Price, looking at the oposition you would think tey have the price spot on, but if you take into account purchasing panniers, top box, heated grips, centre stand etc this takes it up to £13500 with not anywhere near the standard equipment the new Multistrad Touring is offering, 'and' ny newer VFR's bought after current stock has gone you can expect to pay another £500 or so i've been told...long winded but honest opinion, would i buy one....definateyl yes, if they sorted the price and tank range....

dont listen to crap reviews ride it and see for yourself very very good bike. remember when you go ride it most people wanted it to be a beast why? this is a move forward in design and technology and a new way to ride go ride it with an open mind. It will suprise you from here things can noly get better

WHAT A BIKE, DON T LISTEN TO THE MEDIA, Its crazy fast and stable, It sounds like a spitfire on acid above 6000rpm. This hits so many buttons, Busa Boyz can keep up with on our roads, ZZR Lads also. IT ROCKS! Ride one and I guarantee you will think what the f%$k are they on about! I have bought one and I have owned ZX10R 06 SP2 05, Ducati 749R AND BELIEVE ME IT BEATS EM ALL HANDS DOWN. Riding for 15 years. I ain t paid to say this by Honda either. You will see VFR's everywhere once people jump on them for themselves! Hayabusa nearly bought prior to riding VFR in comparison Busa is so one track minded.