Honda VFR 1200

[nhgunnut]

Ok so some days I have a little to much free time. So today when I tool my 05 over for inspection I asked for a test ride on the new Honda VFR 1200. ( Traditional Single Clutch version) Don the owner of Keene Motor Sports knows that I have the impulse control of a gnat said sure. So after getting the walk around I headed out.
First the Ergos
Riding position is more Touring than sport. The reach to the bars is slightly forward but with no weight on your arms. I am 6'1'' with a 32'' inseam and I found the leg positioning comfortable but tight, any one with longer legs might have found it uncomfortable . The bike is thinner than either the B King or my Busa but not as thin as my old 999. Everything is exactly where you expect it to be on a Japanese bike. My one complaint the Horn button is huge and the direction switch is beneath it and further away from the rider so through out my ride when I was attempting to use the directionals I hit the horn. I suspect that any rider would adapt to this quick enough.
Riding
When the bike starts the first thing I noticed was the sound, This is the first time I have ridden a V4 so it was to me , odd , in no way unpleasant just different, quiet and reserved with very little base.
Perhaps because it different or perhaps it is the nature of the machine I notice both the side to side vibration I associate with inline 4s and front to back I have experienced with V Twins again odd to me but in now way unpleasant.
Accelerating through the gears, I figured out quickly that while there is torque everywhere it feels strongest above 5k. I also "discovered" that Honda has some sort of "Trick" exhaust when the bike is pulling hard it opens a valve of some kind in the megaphone shaped exhaust and suddenly you have a great base loaded exhaust note. I have no idea if this actually helps performance but it is the best the bike sounds.
Power is smooth and plentiful but not in the class with the Bikes like the Hayabusa, B King or the ZX14 it isn't a slouch but it didn't inspire or excite me.
I found the bike very easy ride in the twisties its handling is very light chassis feels bolted down but unlike a RC51 I have ridden in the past it gives more feedback to the rider. The shaft doesn't try to stand the machine up in the corners
My opinion is this would be a great bike for someone who wants a touring bike with some sport qualities.
It was a great way to kill a couple hours.

[tached1000rr]

Thanks for the review...

[Rangerscott]

I believe the valve in the exhaust is to keep it quit until you get up to speed.

[Porkchop]

Haha. He toots too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBbLigiT6qg

[Rangerscott]

The sad is from pics it looks like the 1200 has the same header diameter pipes as the 800.

[MILK]

Still ugly though!!!

[Homeslice]

What is with the heavy, old-skool brake reservoir?

[Rangerscott]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

What is with the heavy, old-skool brake reservoir?

They dont fade or break or crack or deteriorate or leak.

[Homeslice]

Originally Posted by Rangerscott

They dont fade or break or crack or deteriorate or leak.

Well I've never heard a sportbike rider say they needed to replace their plastic one.