2010 Honda VFR1200F first ride
December 1, 2009 - Bob Gray
Bob's been riding the new Honda VFR1200F at a rain-lashed launch in Spain. Here's what he thinks to the new bike. ... Scroll down for the full story
What do they say... it's better to under-promise and over-deliver? The long and short is that if peoples' expectations are high, then you have to work really hard simply to keep them happy - which is something Honda may have over-looked when it comes to the new VFR1200.
There's no question the new bike is good. The all-new 1200cc V-four engine is smooth, strong and sounds delicious, but it doesn't stick a firework through your letterbox like the Blackbird used to. The same is true of the chassis. It flicks and corners well for a bike of that size and weight, but there's no danger of getting whiplash riding the new machine. But is that good enough?
The VFR800 set the bar pretty high for any bike with a VFR logo, and while Honda has repositioned the 1200 as a road-sport bike, rather than a sports-tourer, we have to wonder if it's not going to be a bit of a lame duck. Thrill-seekers steer clear.
Prices are confirmed at a nice, rounded £11,596 (!) and you should see them in the shops for Valentines day, although the Honda press release does use "current" tax prices so we may see an increase due to tax come January 1st. Current market prices are creeping higher mind you and while that appears to be a lot of dosh it hasn't stopped the similarly-priced Yamaha R1 selling in 2009 or plenty of BMW tourers for that matter. Plus you might well find it 'ball-park' once the buying season gets underway next spring.
More info: www.honda.co.uk
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