Honda's long-awaited VFR replacement

[bluemoco]

These spy photos and some supporting statements have been released.  It's about time Honda updated the VFR, and it's slated to be released this fall 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.     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...

[A.duc.H.duc.]

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

[DrDesmo]

These spy photos and some supporting statements have been released.  It's about time Honda updated the VFR, and it's slated to be released this fall 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.     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...

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 

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

Adam

[superjohn]

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.

[teddy037.2]

dear god that muffler is hideous!

[NAKID]

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...

[fastwin]

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. [moto]

[bluemoco]

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...

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?

[Duck-Stew]

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...

[MotoCreations]

[Cider]

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?

[bluemoco]

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:

[EvilSteve]

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

[fastwin]

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

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

[bluemoco]

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?

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.