Honda VFR1200F (2010 model)

The 1137cc V4 motor is a real peach of a powerplant combining lovely smooth running with a wheelbarrow full of torque yet will still scream around to 10,500rpm and a soft rev limiter. It sounds deeper and flatter than anticipated but all the better for it. There is a lovely torque curve from about 3500rpm which goes all the way through to the top of the rev range. 

Ths VFR1200F is no lightweight but it hides the 267kg kerbweight very effectively. Handling is the lighter end of sports tourers and it’s lovely and supple for road use.
There are faster and more powerful bikes in this class like the BMW K1300S, Suzuki GSX-R1300 and Kawasaki ZZR-1400 but all of their riders will be knackered after riding for more than a couple of hours.

In standard trim the bike is well finished with lots of nice touches like a comprehensive dash, ABS, luggage mounts that are built into the rear subframe, twin-layer fairing to keep the heat and the windblast off. Later versions will have the Dual Clutch Transmission available at extra cost. There is a huge list of options including panniers, top box, higher screen, wind deflectors and at a later date the DCT gearbox.