VFR1200F first ride blog: The Toyko Motor Show

MCN’s Andy Downes will be testing the new VFR1200F in Japan later this week. He will be posting regular updates of his experiences.

• More info on the Honda VFR1200

I’ve just spoken with Hasegawa – Project leader for the new VFR1200F bike. He revealed the first versions of the Honda Dual Clutch Transmission was too boring and was too much like a conventional CVT transmission on a scooter before it was changed to have a much sportier character.

He said: “I really like the DCT now but it wasn’t like that at first. It was too smooth and a bit dull. Now it is really sporty and I prefer it to the manual transmission.”

We also got a look at the DCT bike for the first time. It has a hand brake on the left handlebar, buttons to change gear and it’s wider on on the clutch side of the transmission to accomodate the extra clutch.

We will be riding it tomorrow at Sugo racetrack in Sendai, Japan.

Click here to read all the latest news on the VRF1200F.