Ducati Monster Forum

These spy photos (http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-v4.html) and some supporting statements (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/General-news/2009/June/jun1909-honda-boss-v4-interview/?R=EPI-115972) have been released.  It's about time Honda updated the VFR, and it's slated to be released this fall (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/22june09_production_v4.htm) as a 2010 model.

Now that Ducati has discontinued the ST bikes, this could be the sport-tourer I've been waiting for.  I like the current VFR800, but more power is always a good thing.   ;D  It'll also be interesting to see what other bikes are powered by this new V4 engine.   Sounds like it's got some cool new features, including cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy, etc... [popcorn]

(http://photos.leftlanenews.com/photos/imageresizeronfly/phpThumb.php?src=/photos/content/may2009/honda-v4-1.jpg&w=900)

I don't know, looks are unimpressive, have to wait to see what a real production one looks like.

Nice.  But why do they have to start screwing around with cylinder deactivation and everything else?  The VFR faithful lost their minds already with the VTEC complexity vs. the previous generations.

Also, my FJR manages to get 40-50MPG even @ a sporting pace without such shenanigans  ;D

Can't wait to see it though ... I've had 3 VFRs, they're awesome bikes.

Adam

I had thought the cylinder deactivation was for the new Goldwing (supposedly a 2litre flat six) but it's Honda so I can imagine it'll work out of the box.

dear god that muffler is hideous!

Looks good from the left side. Is it a driveshaft bike? That rear swingarm is a bit big. Overall I like it, but like teddy said, the muffler has to go...

Sorry, I know the older and current models are great bikes (even with the screwed up VTEC nonsense) but the bike in the spy pics does absolutely nothing for me. I'll stick with my Hayabusa as my sport touring bike thank you very much. But if I ever find a '86 red/white/blue VFR in mint condition the bank account is gonna take a hit! Almost bought one in 1986 and have regretted it ever since. [thumbsup] [moto]

It is indeed a shaft-drive bike, utilizing a single-sided swingarm that appears similar to BMW's setup.

Go to the "spy shots" link in my first post, and you'll see several pics of the bike as it's being loaded into the transporter.

That exhaust can is huge, but it's almost certainly a cat, too.  Gotta keep those guys at Akra and Yosh busy, right?

I didn't see the truck unloading pics, but from the flying shots, the swingarm and rear caliper appear to be BMW items.  Just my opinion...

(http://www.motorevue.com/article/article/la-future-honda-vfr--37106-1-zoom-article.jpg)

I've seen these pictures all over the web, and I don't understand the "horns" at the top of the headlight.  Are they some kind of handguard?

That pic of the red bike is probably pretty close to the real thing, but I think it's still a Photochop.

Here's more pics from the Honda proving grounds in the Mojave:

(http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/252711/images/01honda-v4-spy.jpg)

(http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/252711/images/04honda-v4-spy.jpg)

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2009/06/2010-honda-vfr1200-official-le.html (http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2009/06/2010-honda-vfr1200-official-le.html)

(http://hellforleathermagazine.com/galleries/images/2010_Honda_VFR1200_6.jpg)

Yeah, look up "ugly" in the dictionary and there will be a picture of that muffler. :P I am sure the aftermarket pipe folks are very pleased. Ugly = business. [thumbsup]

I'm still thinking Transformer movie every time I look at the bike. :P

Yes, they'll deflect the wind+rain away from your hands.  They look prone to breakage in a tipover, though. :-\

I like the 'leaked' specs - the bike is said to make almost 200hp.   [thumbsup]

taht swingarm looks like a rip off of a bmw one totally.

Looks like shaft drive, that's a switch for the VFR

2010 Honda VFR1200F Introduced to American Press
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/08october09_honda2010vfr1200f.htm (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/08october09_honda2010vfr1200f.htm)
(http://www.motorcycledaily.com/100809bottom.jpg)

Not bad looking

(http://www.motorcycledaily.com/100809middle1.jpg)

Front line of the fairing looks very much like the CBR. I 'spose same designer, and it shows. I'd ride one for sure. Its just not on the op of my list. What's the deal with the bulbous exhausts these days?

likey me wantey*

adam

*minus the star trek exhaust and beer tray

Appears that it'll be a heavy, powerful bike.  Curb weight of 588 lbs, and the engine is rated at ~173hp.  Hell for Leather (http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2009/10/2010-honda-vfr1200f-shamu-live.html#more) is quoting these specs:

Engine Type: 4 cyl. V-4 at 76 ° 4T LC SOHC 16-valve Unicam
Displacement: 1,237 cc
Compression ratio: 12 to 1
Max Power: 172.72 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 85 ft-lbs @ 8750 rpm
Power supply: PGM-FI electronic injection
Clutch: oil, wet
Clutch Operation: Hydraulic control
Gearbox: 6 gears
Final drive: shaft driven single-arm

Seat height: 815 mm
Curb weight: 267 kg (588 lbs)
Maximum load capacity: 463 kg
Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 liters

I wish the bike weren't so heavy.  I suspect that its power, handling, and ride will be very similar to the BMW K1300S

+1. Do they need those for noise or emissions? I think they're intended to make the buyer change the exhaust  ;)

That exhaust makes me angry. >:( I can't stop staring at it.

The rest of the bike is ok and the specs are promising. I'd give one a whirl.

Didnt read any of the article, but will it have the same ABS as the new CBR1000?  Read a review of the CBR in a mag and they really liked it.

I'm OK with the looks and I'm certain it will be a classy piece piece.  Would still prefer an equivalent Beemer if I could afford it.

+1

[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

I don't know why but that just made me laugh. :)

That looks pretty nice IMO...but I really like the looks of the CBR1000RR though.

I think the bulbous exhaust is a function of the current popularity of GP style shorty exhausts combined with the EPA noise restrictions. Who cares...it needs a new exhaust anyway so the purdy sound of the V4 can be heard.  [evil]

Yep - the VFR has the 'combined ABS' system.

Not sure I'm a fan of the top case, but the optional hard bags on the sides look pretty good.  Might help explain the exhaust can design, too.

(http://hellforleathermagazine.com/images/2010_Honda_VFR1200F_Options.jpg)

I like it but... 588lbs and 613lbs for the dual clutch model

 :o

Oink......oink!

(http://hellforleathermagazine.com/galleries/images/2010_VFR1200F_Colors_1.jpg)
(http://hellforleathermagazine.com/galleries/images/2010_VFR1200F_Colors_2.jpg)
(http://hellforleathermagazine.com/galleries/images/2010_VFR1200F_Colors_3.jpg)
(http://hellforleathermagazine.com/galleries/images/2010_VFR1200F_Colors_4.jpg)

No, the bags don't explain it! Look at where the flow of spent gases will go!  RIGHT AT THE BAG'S BOTTOM. (hope you didn't pack your egg salad right there, things be cookin'.

Smoothness of fairing sides is very UN-japanese -- looks a lot more like the 92-98 Ducati supersport or even the 851/888 lines - one big smooth piece of plastic. That, I do like.

Might be handy for baking cookies during a long commute...   [cheeky]  ;D

I liked the old VFR's but the jury is still out on this one. The styling really reminds me of some neo-bmw tribute. I know touring rigs are all about function though so, I suppose there is no sense in knocking the style too much.

So what would a dual clutch do? 

add 25 lbs.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/09september09_dualclutch.htm (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/09september09_dualclutch.htm)
HONDA MOTORCYCLE ANNOUNCES DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G52EIYx2yso#ws-normal)

Ooooooooooh...  :o Not sure if its 25 pounds worth of cool, but its pretty sweet.

On the other hand, what then separates the new VFR from a huge Bergman?

As stated, the exhaust is hideous and would be the first thing to go. I might actually be okay with gaining a pound or two if I could get a high-mount setup that would still work with the bags, similar to the current (old?) style.

An underbelly exhaust like the KTM RC8 would make me simply giddy.

I don't get manufacturers making "automatic" motorcycles.  ???

Shifting is part of the experience. All of this just seems like added complication to me...something else waiting to break.

This looks like direct competition to their own ST1300. I wonder if that bike will be discontinued

Where I come from, shifting is part of the experience in driving a car, not so here. I think that the Honda DCT does provide some value for people who are doing high mileage rides through cities and also in traffic. I have a VW GTI with DSG, honestly, as much as I love shifting & think that it's way more engaging & fun to shift manually, for the 26000 miles I've done in about 7 or 8 months, the DSG wins. I miss a manual transmission when I'm in the twisties for sure and I know manual would be better in the snow but the DSG makes a great compromise that's still engaging with the added convenience of automatic shifting. If I had two cars and one was meant to be for fun then it'd definitely have a manual gear box.

As for reliability, at least it's Honda & not a Guzzi or something (or an 80's Ducati for that matter). But yes, it's heavier, there's more to fail and it's not going to be easy to fix. The bike will be expensive (they're saying that the higher end version will have DCT and auto cylinder shutdown) it's going to be heavy but I'm glad that Honda is investing in motorcycles & exploring options rather than sticking with the status quo.

The VFR1200F isn't meant for everyone. I expect a sport bike with the V4 in it at some point in the not too distant future. If that bike is DCT then I could be inclined to agree with the complaints. Having said that, my GTI with DSG is faster to 60 than the manual because it shifts faster. On the new VFR the same is likely to be true. The bike is also more stable when shifting which is a fact that shouldn't be dismissed. And no, it's not like a Burgman. The CVT transmissions used in scooters aren't great. The comparison is like comparing a normal automatic transmission to DSG, they're different beasts and perform completely differently.

I'm really looking forward to this bike coming out & if it was in the budget, I'd be seriously considering the new VFR but I'm not sure I'd go for the DCT version unless I could keep my 675.

Agreed, I have never owned a car with an automatic (starting with my 1967 Plymouth Valiant 3 on the tree to my 2000 328i) but a friend with a GTI has shown me there is an alternative. Although it would have to be a second bike, I might think about it, especially after a long ride on the S4RS when my left forearm is aching.

I'm a control freak. I need to row my own gears.

I like the VFR, though I'm not sure I like it better than an FJR.

Two different beasts IMO. The new VFR is more like the K1200GT than the FJR (which is more like the ST).

IMO this bike is much better looking than either the Yammy or Honda sport-tourers.  But, I like the engine to be visible. 

I really like the new VFR, but I'll stick to my ugly, outdated Bandit.   ;D

John - is your 'vette equipped with a manual transmission?  When are you taking me for a ride (big boy)?   ;D   8)

I think the wheels are pretty cool.  They are trick looking without being too fancy.

Until Ducati proves otherwise, that is what 175 hp sport-tourers weigh.

Also, what exactly is claimed curb weight?  What does that mean?  I noticed some magazines have started listing the as tested weight with a full tank or empty tank of gas.  That is more helpful when making comparisons. 

This picture shows that the bags are relieved so there is a place for the exhaust gases to go.
(http://www.xtupload.com/new/image-271A_4ACE5744.jpg)

Even so...

I think I'd rather have one of the older gear driven VFR 800s. The sound of the gears alone makes that bike awesome.  [evil]

I'd also probably take a Sprint ST over one of these. I don't need all the HP (or weight).

The new one does look a lot better than the current model though.  [thumbsup]

I must admit the technology is way cool but for the time being I'll stick with the Sprint ST for touring around - still plenty of power and without the bags and related hardware its still reasonably light for what it is to be an entertaining ride.

I like the aqua socks the guy in the picture on first post is wearing. Not much else to add, not bad looking but not my thing overall. The way the inner fairing intersects with the outer is kind of nice, and it is refreshing to see such a smooth fairing- unlike the Michael Bay transformer look of most Japanese bikes. Sprint ST is still the best looking Sport Tourer out there.

Curb weight is "wet." Fuel, oil, battery. Most motorcycle weights are given "dry."

OK, so that is helpful.  Does it mean with a full tank?

Curb weight includes a full tank of fuel, max oil level, wet battery, any other fluids (brake, etc).

Magazines and manufacturers go 'round and 'round on this.  Manufacturers tend to like to list "Dry weight" (excluding all fluids) 'cuz it makes the specs look good on paper.   Of course, bikes that exist in the real world have some key fluids in them, like gas, oil, brake fluid, etc.   ;)

Thanks for the definition of curb weight.  I like that.  It represents the most a bike can weigh in the real world. 

[laugh] Yep. 6 speed manual on the 'vette. Wouldn't have it any other way.

I just think the FJR flows better than the VFR. Yeah, it's all covered in fairings, but most sport tourers are (even your touring Bandit  ;D ).

http://powersports.honda.com/vfr/#/home (http://powersports.honda.com/vfr/#/home)