Motorcycle Sport & Leisure - The monthly magazine for bikers worldwide
According to the PR waffle from the factory, the bike combines the latest technologies but the styling has been focused to enhance every-day riding enjoyment.
This latest incarnation of the VFR family has a responsive V4 motor which has come (so the factory claim) from the MotoGP project but Honda says that it has spent a long time building a bike that can be used for weekend enjoyment, commuting and long-distance touring.
VFR1200F uses the Unicam single overhead camshaft cylinder head design from the CRF motocrossers for a compact layout to help keep the mass of the bike as central as possible.
The rear cylinders are purposefully close together, while the front cylinders are more widely spaced. This layout allows for a slim, compact ‘waist’ that fits comfortably between the rider’s legs. A new phase-shift crankshaft complements the advantages of the cylinder layout and operating with a 28 degree throw, it effectively reduces primary vibration and noise, eliminating the need for a power-sapping balance shaft.
A compact new transmission layout is claimed to help improve high-speed stability, better cornering and improved traction capability. To aid control under hard braking, a slipper clutch is also fitted. Even under the most excessive downshifting the clutch is designed to slip, preventing the rear wheel from inadvertently locking up, apparently.
The highly developed shaft drive system is supposed to give sharp throttle-to-drive delivery, unlike any other shaft drive system. Also adding to this heightened level of response and control is a sophisticated throttle-by-wire system, providing light, precise fuel metering at all engine parameters.
The exhaust has also come in for a lot of work, engineered to provide plenty of cornering clearance and minimal intrusion to both the rider’s and pillion’s feet, the high-volume, twin outlet high-chrome muffler might look a bit OTT, but does the job.
The VFR1200F frame, suspension and drive components are unique too. The VFR1200F frame is a strong aluminium twin-spar diamond configuration that is both lightweight and rigid. The swingarm and driveshaft length are optimised without extending the overall length of the motorcycle. The long swingarm contributes to high-speed stability also.
The swingarm gets a Pro-Link rear shock absorber with adjustable rebound damping. At the front are 43mm telescopic forks with adjustable preload.
The VFR1200F gets a standard-fit compact and lightweight ABS system too.
Honda says that the VFR1200F’s layered fairing is the perfect match of form and function. The ergonomically styled fairing works with the fuel tank to provide extra support and efficient weather protection for the rider and pillion, while also allowing for optimal air flow and heat management.
Textured surfaces give the front of the motorcycle a light, open look while also creating a profile that slices through the wind with the least possible resistance. A strongly defined X-shape characterises the front of the new VFR.
Pillion’s are catered for too. The vacuum-moulded dual-seat has a flat and expansive area for the pillion and strong, easy-reach grab handles and footrests positioned with comfort and security in mind.
The VFR1200F will be offered in three colours of Candy Prominence Red, Seal Silver Metallic and Pearl Sunbeam White.
Accessories for the bike will also be available including:
• 35-litre pannier kit that fits the bike’s integral pannier attachments with no need for any additional conventional pannier stays. The left pannier can hold one full-face helmet
• 31-litre top box featuring a locking, quick- detach mounting system
• Tough nylon inner bags for the top box and panniers with carrying straps and handles
• 13-litre tank bag
• Alcantara seat
• Sporty three-position adjustable add-on screen
• Replacement lower seat with a narrow profile
• Slim heated grips with an integrated controller for maximum comfort
• Navigation kit with a unique controller
Source: Motorcycle Sport & Leisure - The monthly magazine for bikers worldwide
This latest incarnation of the VFR family has a responsive V4 motor which has come (so the factory claim) from the MotoGP project but Honda says that it has spent a long time building a bike that can be used for weekend enjoyment, commuting and long-distance touring.
VFR1200F uses the Unicam single overhead camshaft cylinder head design from the CRF motocrossers for a compact layout to help keep the mass of the bike as central as possible.
The rear cylinders are purposefully close together, while the front cylinders are more widely spaced. This layout allows for a slim, compact ‘waist’ that fits comfortably between the rider’s legs. A new phase-shift crankshaft complements the advantages of the cylinder layout and operating with a 28 degree throw, it effectively reduces primary vibration and noise, eliminating the need for a power-sapping balance shaft.
A compact new transmission layout is claimed to help improve high-speed stability, better cornering and improved traction capability. To aid control under hard braking, a slipper clutch is also fitted. Even under the most excessive downshifting the clutch is designed to slip, preventing the rear wheel from inadvertently locking up, apparently.
The highly developed shaft drive system is supposed to give sharp throttle-to-drive delivery, unlike any other shaft drive system. Also adding to this heightened level of response and control is a sophisticated throttle-by-wire system, providing light, precise fuel metering at all engine parameters.
The exhaust has also come in for a lot of work, engineered to provide plenty of cornering clearance and minimal intrusion to both the rider’s and pillion’s feet, the high-volume, twin outlet high-chrome muffler might look a bit OTT, but does the job.
The VFR1200F frame, suspension and drive components are unique too. The VFR1200F frame is a strong aluminium twin-spar diamond configuration that is both lightweight and rigid. The swingarm and driveshaft length are optimised without extending the overall length of the motorcycle. The long swingarm contributes to high-speed stability also.
The swingarm gets a Pro-Link rear shock absorber with adjustable rebound damping. At the front are 43mm telescopic forks with adjustable preload.
The VFR1200F gets a standard-fit compact and lightweight ABS system too.
Honda says that the VFR1200F’s layered fairing is the perfect match of form and function. The ergonomically styled fairing works with the fuel tank to provide extra support and efficient weather protection for the rider and pillion, while also allowing for optimal air flow and heat management.
Textured surfaces give the front of the motorcycle a light, open look while also creating a profile that slices through the wind with the least possible resistance. A strongly defined X-shape characterises the front of the new VFR.
Pillion’s are catered for too. The vacuum-moulded dual-seat has a flat and expansive area for the pillion and strong, easy-reach grab handles and footrests positioned with comfort and security in mind.
The VFR1200F will be offered in three colours of Candy Prominence Red, Seal Silver Metallic and Pearl Sunbeam White.
Accessories for the bike will also be available including:
• 35-litre pannier kit that fits the bike’s integral pannier attachments with no need for any additional conventional pannier stays. The left pannier can hold one full-face helmet
• 31-litre top box featuring a locking, quick- detach mounting system
• Tough nylon inner bags for the top box and panniers with carrying straps and handles
• 13-litre tank bag
• Alcantara seat
• Sporty three-position adjustable add-on screen
• Replacement lower seat with a narrow profile
• Slim heated grips with an integrated controller for maximum comfort
• Navigation kit with a unique controller
Source: Motorcycle Sport & Leisure - The monthly magazine for bikers worldwide
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