Is the VFR1200 Dead in the United States?

Discussion in '7th Generation 2010-Present' started by warbirds, Jul 5, 2013.

  1. batpoet

    batpoet New Member

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    Got that right about the price. I also have a 2009 V-Max. A $20,000 Japanese muscle bike? I don't think the dealers even keep them on the floors.
     
  2. JamesD

    JamesD New Member

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    I think the looks and the price are hurting sales.

    Looks wise it looks more BEMER than Viffer to me.
    I always saw the VFR as a sportbike (how it started) that was more comfortable on the road and with some mods it would hold it's own on track day.
    The new one is certainly nice but it's gone further down the touring path and I think I'd rather get a ST1300 if that's what I was looking for.

    Still, I looked at a new one that was discounted due to some minor shipping damage from the factory (two dings and a scratch on the mirror) but they wouldn't sell it for what I wanted to pay.
     
  3. Hailwood

    Hailwood New Member

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    Don't be fooled into thinking the V12 is further down the touring path. Ride one and you'll see what I mean.
    This is a bike that you will feel comfortable riding quickly much sooner than you can imagine. Further, I find myself going 15 to 20 mph faster than I thought I was going in all conditions.
    The bike is a rocket and never feels stressed.
    Don't get me wrong, if you screw up in a fast, decreasing radius, off camber corner (for instance) any 600 lb motorcycle will let you know it and this one is no exception.
    I've been riding since 1965 and believe me, this is a truly exceptional piece of engineering from Honda and I do not believe it is everyone's cup of tea but if you appreciate fine engineering and rock solid construction and craftsmanship, you'll look forward to riding this bike as much as I do (and I have 3 other bikes).
     
  4. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    Yep, that comes out to about 35mph, a good speed for maintaining a soft tail..;)
     
  5. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

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    I would have one if I had the cash. It's refined and sporting all at the same time. By the way, the 6th gen bikes we had on the floor didn't break any sales records either.
     
  6. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    I'd agree with this after having rode one. My 5th gen feels far more touring than the 12 did. Wouldn't surprise me at all if it cornered faster/harder and changed direction quicker.
     
  7. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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  8. Hailwood

    Hailwood New Member

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    Snap it up, dude.
    That's quite a bargain.
    Snap in a Z bomb and you're right there.
     
  9. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    I would if you can loan me the $$$ :rolleyes:
    Anyone need a kidney? :wink:
     
  10. lshark

    lshark New Member

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    if you think the VFR 1200 is ugly, you've never washed one !!!!!!!!!
     
  11. Befbever

    Befbever New Member

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    Ishark, speaking of washing: got any tips for access to the unreachable screen parts? Still haven't found a way to get there without damaging the screen.

    I'll so second that!
    The soft-ish setup of the forks has its drawbacks but they're outweighed by the stability despite the soft setting. That combined with the ABS made me overshoot stops at slow speeds on bad surfaces but this is my first ABS bike so I adapt and use the rear brake more.
    First bike I haven't changed the fork springs/oil on in years, no offense to DangerousDave. No track days on this bike for me.

    The bike is designed by a Spaniard and developed in Europe AFAIK. Comparing it to an ST1300 is just not fair IMHO. If you have to compare, take a K 1300 S (haven't ridden that one) or say, a Triumph Sprint GT. I actually tested that bike within days of trying the Honda 3 years ago and the Triumph lost on so many levels.
    Both bikes came out around the same time here.

    If you want lighter steering and an even better bike, just slap on a pair of PR3 2ct's and you'll be in heaven. They heat up fast, are awesome in dry and wet and as neutral as the Pilot Power 2ct's that aren't for sale anymore.

    I ran into a VFR800 the other day. Now while these guys usually aren't the slowest ones around, I doubt if he/she will have recognized a VFR12 due to the huge speed difference. It's just so easy.

    I also rode the new Aprilia Caponord 1200 (with auto suspension) this week which steers incredibly light but starts weaving dangerously above 120 mph. Weighs about as much as the Honda if I understood right but feels like half as heavy. Comparing both bikes it is however underpowered and so not a match for the stability of the Honda. Apples and oranges, I know.
     
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2013
  12. Hailwood

    Hailwood New Member

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    Hey Scubalong, the dollar isn't staying stable in value.
    To me, this means money I pay today for something will buy less down the road. So you're actually paying less for the bike as time goes on. Meanwhile you're enjoying the slippery fast VFR1200 for a song.
    Go for it. A dollar now and a dollar when you catch me.
    Life is short.
    I say this as someone who got his first bike (Sears Puch moped) in 1965 and just this year came to the realization that my riding window is closing.
    I sort of assumed I could ride almost forever but it feels differently when you can start to actually conceptualize it.
    Enjoy it while you can.
    That bike is a steal (unless something is significantly wrong with it) and these bikes weren't purchased by squids, so your chances are good that it will have been cared for and it's tough to run this motor hard enough to hurt/wear it.
     
  13. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

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    Me too. I have been putting thing off all my life. I said I would do them when the kids were older or when I had more money or more time. My mom and dad are still very much alive but the time for them to do things is past. Through them I see the need to do things now if I want to do them at all. Like you I assumed I could ride almost forever but I feel the winds of change. A few aches and pains that were not there before, a stiff back and the beginnings of weakness have added to the urgency. I too have toyed with the idea of making a VFR1200 my own. We don't actually own anything anyway. We just rent it, lose money and pass it on to others.
     
  14. JBzRed07

    JBzRed07 New Member

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    If it's dead in the U.S., it's because it isn't appreciated for its uniqueness...

    Ok, Yes, it's dead, but I sure enjoy the hell out of mine!
     
  15. JamesD

    JamesD New Member

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    Who said it was ugly?
     
  16. Hailwood

    Hailwood New Member

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    Yeah, the realization of a finite amount of saddle time is both a blessing and a curse (your mother in law driving your new Porsche off a cliff sort of thing).
    It allows one to reflect on things past wistfully and yet adorns life with a sense of urgency I haven't felt before (in many spheres) and as motorcycles/riding has been for 48 years a major part of my life, I see myself thinking "do it now or regret it".
    Also, I'm way faster/smoother than I've ever been......Muuuaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!
    Carpe Diem:biggrin::biggrin:
     
  17. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    I would love too, but I have no room in the garage :sad:
    I have too many expensive hobby :wink:
     
  18. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    Me too. Every time I straddle a bike its hail wood.
     
  19. Hailwood

    Hailwood New Member

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    This is an illness I've had for many years and can't seem to shake, so I gave up trying and just gave in to it.
    I think it has something to do with internal combustion, acceleration/deceleration and cornering forces.
    I am not alone.
     
  20. Befbever

    Befbever New Member

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    I was 3 in 1965...:smile:
     
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