New VFR--Love MY FJR

[JamesW]

Was having my usual retired bunch coffee this am (sorry George) at the local Honda shop and discovered the new VFR1200 on the floor for the first day, complete with Honda rep. Never having seen one in person(missed the show) I was all eyes. What a beautiful creation, pretty color, excellent detail, I just do not think it knows what it really is. I think it is stuck between being a sport bike/sport touring bike with a foot on both sides of the creek. I regard my FJR as definitely sport touring, which to me is a long way in a hurry on interesting roads, preferably sweepers and curvy (not twisties for me) and minimal fuel stops. The fuel tank is really humped up with a sporty reach to the grips, tank bags will be a challenge. Do not like the new generation muffler systems, I prefer the balanced look of one per side (twiners-duals?). It has slots in the front fairing for laminar air flow and I could not help but think of all the insect collecting at 80mph in the summer. Honda has, as usual, built a thing of beauty and if someone gave me one I would love to have it in the garage to gaze at, I am just not sure what I would do with it though. And this is all just my own opinion, not to offend anyone.

 

[sportsguy]

Was having my usual retired bunch coffee this am (sorry George) at the local Honda shop and discovered the new VFR1200 on the floor for the first day, complete with Honda rep. Never having seen one in person(missed the show) I was all eyes. What a beautiful creation, pretty color, excellent detail, I just do not think it knows what it really is. I think it is stuck between being a sport bike/sport touring bike with a foot on both sides of the creek. I regard my FJR as definitely sport touring, which to me is a long way in a hurry on interesting roads, preferably sweepers and curvy (not twisties for me) and minimal fuel stops. The fuel tank is really humped up with a sporty reach to the grips, tank bags will be a challenge. Do not like the new generation muffler systems, I prefer the balanced look of one per side (twiners-duals?). It has slots in the front fairing for laminar air flow and I could not help but think of all the insect collecting at 80mph in the summer. Honda has, as usual, built a thing of beauty and if someone gave me one I would love to have it in the garage to gaze at, I am just not sure what I would do with it though. And this is all just my own opinion, not to offend anyone.

Well, not to seem too critical, but...

I agree with JamesW here. Not for me, really.

George, you are wrong sir, so get over it. The VFR is NOT worth having...

 

[escapefjrtist]

Was having my usual retired bunch coffee this am (sorry George)...

Why am I not surprised? Now which dealer do I need to visit Friday?

--G

 

[Andyfjr]

The Vfr is not a bad looking bike the in the flesh, especially in white. BUT it is not a sport tourer with that tiny fuel tank, just a big sports bike.

Andy

 

[Aasland]

The Vfr is not a bad looking bike the in the flesh, especially in white. BUT it is not a sport tourer with that tiny fuel tank, just a big sports bike.
Andy

Those of us who have owned VFR's in the past, might say ... the FJR is a touring bike, not a sport-touring bike.

The gap between a VFR and a sports bike is as great as the gap between the VFR and the FJR.

Add bags, heli-bars, and a taller windshield, and the gap narrows.

I think it's a fine bike, but for the price I would entertain the Multistrada. Yet, since my FJR is paid off and functioning well, I'll keep my FJR for a while.

 

[Nels Erickson]

The Vfr is not a bad looking bike the in the flesh, especially in white. BUT it is not a sport tourer with that tiny fuel tank, just a big sports bike.
Andy

Those of us who have owned VFR's in the past, might say ... the FJR is a touring bike, not a sport-touring bike.

The gap between a VFR and a sports bike is as great as the gap between the VFR and the FJR.

Add bags, heli-bars, and a taller windshield, and the gap narrows.

I think it's a fine bike, but for the price I would entertain the Multistrada. Yet, since my FJR is paid off and functioning well, I'll keep my FJR for a while.

Pretty much this. And the VFR engine is one of the greatest in motorcycles. I really miss my '90 some days.

 

[squeezer]

I think it's a fine bike, but for the price I would entertain the Multistrada. Yet, since my FJR is paid off and functioning well, I'll keep my FJR for a while.

+1 on this. Add in that I'm still in love with my FJR -- it's a damn fine design.

For the VFR, that tank size is a deal killer for me. I like the rest of it a lot, and when they make that upgrade, it will be pretty attractive.

The new Multistrada though, wow. No way it fits in my budget, and I have no idea if I fit on it, but I have a suspicion that Duc just defined the future of sport-touring.

 

[roger dodger]

Didn't I read somewhere that Honda MAY use this VFR engine in a re-designed ST platform to replace the ST1300? Then you would get this hot, new engine w/ bags, comfort, and shaft-drive. Rumors were 2011+. Then they would have the Goldwing, ST1200 (re-vamped), and the VFR1200 line-up.

 

[GreyGoose]

Didn't I read somewhere that Honda MAY use this VFR engine in a re-designed ST platform to replace the ST1300? Then you would get this hot, new engine w/ bags, comfort, and shaft-drive. Rumors were 2011+. Then they would have the Goldwing, ST1200 (re-vamped), and the VFR1200 line-up.

Theres the question that everyones waiting to hear. If they use this new platform as the basis for the ST1300 replacement, they may have something worth considering. Now dont forget how honda screwed this up during the last platform upgrade when they went from the 1100 platform to the 1300 platform (too much frigin weight and HEAT), so the jury is going to be out for a while. I was a honda v4 guy for years before i jumped ship due to the rediculous heat and weight issues on their little "platform upgrade". They would have to come up with something that was just "hands down" better for me to consider jumping back. Thats going to be a challenge.

Theres just so many small pieces of this puzzle to consider when trying to fathom a switch to something other than our beloved FJR's. Weight, seat height, cruising range, reach to bars, heat managment, overall adjustability (bars, seat, etc), bag size, and value for the buck...etc....etc....

Given what the competition is, and what the FJR's competition has been doing (ie. kawasaki 14), the writing is on the walls for any manufacturer lookin to compete in this market. its not really rocket science. the sport touring market has just become feature rich with more and more options becoming standard. The ST1300 was a fine motorcycle (if you could stand the heat), its just not competitive with offerings from the other manufactures. The VRF will fall into the same catagory, but just not competitive in the sport touring market. I hope that changes with a revamped honda ST, but for now the choice is easy.

Bottom line: VFR is a comfortable sport bike unless you mod the crap out of it to turn it into something else.

Grey (2 pence) Goose

 

[BIODSL]

Didn't I read somewhere that Honda MAY use this VFR engine in a re-designed ST platform to replace the ST1300? Then you would get this hot, new engine w/ bags, comfort, and shaft-drive. Rumors were 2011+. Then they would have the Goldwing, ST1200 (re-vamped), and the VFR1200 line-up.

I agree that the new VFR is trying to live in two worlds...and will probably do neither well. A new ST based on the 1200cc V-4 engine...now you're on to something!

Hopefully Honda will play this smart and keep the emphasis on light weight and performance. The target should be the Concourse 14. You're not going to beat it on power, so beat it in lighter weight, superior suspension, looks (shouldn't be too hard), narrow girth and ease of handling.

Honda has an opportunity here. I hope they don't blow it.

 

[pehler]

Was having my usual retired bunch coffee this am (sorry George) at the local Honda shop and discovered the new VFR1200 on the floor for the first day, complete with Honda rep. Never having seen one in person(missed the show) I was all eyes. What a beautiful creation, pretty color, excellent detail, I just do not think it knows what it really is. I think it is stuck between being a sport bike/sport touring bike with a foot on both sides of the creek. I regard my FJR as definitely sport touring, which to me is a long way in a hurry on interesting roads, preferably sweepers and curvy (not twisties for me) and minimal fuel stops. The fuel tank is really humped up with a sporty reach to the grips, tank bags will be a challenge. Do not like the new generation muffler systems, I prefer the balanced look of one per side (twiners-duals?). It has slots in the front fairing for laminar air flow and I could not help but think of all the insect collecting at 80mph in the summer. Honda has, as usual, built a thing of beauty and if someone gave me one I would love to have it in the garage to gaze at, I am just not sure what I would do with it though. And this is all just my own opinion, not to offend anyone.

I still have my 95 VFR, which is my third (my first being a 83, second 85). I am still going to pick up a 86 someday just because it was the first actual VFR (not vf750R). Love the FJR and have not seen the VFR 1200 yet in person but that V4 will always have a place in my heart.

 

[JamesW]

Was having my usual retired bunch coffee this am (sorry George)...

Why am I not surprised? Now which dealer do I need to visit Friday?

--G

Everett powersports in Everett.

 

[Big Sky]

As a 21-year Honda guy (switched to Yamaha FJR in 2003) I've been waiting and disappointed in Honda's offerings. They seem to miss the mark widely and frequently (what was that chopper thing they built recently?). I think they have missed the mark with the new VFR, too, for many of the reasons already stated, but perhaps most significantly on price. I think the VFR is at about $15,500...without factory hard cases! Honda has always been able to command a little price premium due to its stellar reputation for fit and finish, engineering and durability/reliability. But add a $grand for factory bags and this is priced way out of the competition's price range.

 

[FredandJeannesRacer]

Love my FJR, but........."If I was allowed to get another bike",

then the VFR would be it.

Might have to work on this one awhile.

 

[64Y80]

What really peaked my interest in the new VFR was the valve adjustment system, back the to old screw type, good for you Honda. I've been concerned with the trend in current motorcycling going towards designs that are becoming very difficult to maintain by the owner. I see this as a step towards making the bike more owner maintained freindly. I hope the other manufacturers take note.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

What really peaked my interest in the new VFR was the valve adjustment system, back the to old screw type, good for you Honda. I've been concerned with the trend in current motorcycling going towards designs that are becoming very difficult to maintain by the owner. I see this as a step towards making the bike more owner maintained freindly. I hope the other manufacturers take note.

'Struth...

I have a motorcycle buddy (Fast Eddie) who said, sarcastically, that he was holding-off buying a new bike until he could get one where you had to first remove the crankshaft in order to adjust the valves.

Actually -- there are many motorcycles where, even if you don't need to remove the engine to adjust the vales, it may be easier...(remove and re-time the camshafts)

 

[Aasland]

Just to split hairs .. I believe only half the valves are screw type, the other half remain shim under bucket, and the cam's aren't gear-driven so you can't just lift'em out like on the 5th gen.

 

[teamx]

I really like the old Interceptors and almost ended up with one but spent a little more time researching for the perfect sport touring bike for me and ended up with a 09 FJR. The new VFR is really more of a new Honda then a new version of the VFR, I don't think they even refer to it as a Interceptor anymore. Good looking bike but not for me, just like the ST's are nice if you like that look but not here... :scooter:

 

[bikemiser]

Didn't I read somewhere that Honda MAY use this VFR engine in a re-designed ST platform to replace the ST1300? Then you would get this hot, new engine w/ bags, comfort, and shaft-drive. Rumors were 2011+. Then they would have the Goldwing, ST1200 (re-vamped), and the VFR1200 line-up.

How about bumping the new ST model up to a 1400cc. Then you would really have something.