What bike is as good as the VFR1200?

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by jayzonk, Mar 2, 2020.

  1. Norse

    Norse New Member

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    The K1200 was (and is) a great bike. On paper, it's incredibly close to the VFR. Not surprising since that is what Honda was trying to copy.
    But the newer K1600 is just amazing. Sure, it's a bit heavier than the VFR1200, but it carries that weight really well.
    Only 10'ish more HP but nearly 50Nm more torque. Not as fast as either of the others, but it pulls like a freight train.
     
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  2. Alaskan

    Alaskan Member

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    My BMW R1200RS is the perfect sport touring bike for me. I love the engine.
     
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  3. Alaskan

    Alaskan Member

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    I rode a K1200R around for awhile. What an engine! Ugly though.
     
  4. Dubie

    Dubie New Member

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    I hear you. I loved my VFR12 but, our public insurance listed it as an “at risk”’model, meaning my plate (includes mandatory liability) would be north of $1500 a year. I went back to a 800. I love it too, arguably sounds better but, I miss that big torque!
     
  5. Gator

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    Anyone ride a FZ 10? (MT 10)

    sems like a really good alternative.
     
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  6. Gator

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  7. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    I've had a spin on the Tracer and also the Niken. The triple motor did not excite like I thought it would, it felt kind of gravelly and not smooth as I expected. The wind protection was poor on both, the Tracer especially caused a lot of helmet turbulence. The chassis was nice, but the seat felt like it belonged on a bicycle.

    I have only briefly ridden a Tuono V4 but that was nearly enough to make me want to convert...weapons grade performance, and sexy styling.
     
  8. Gator

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    I think if I had any seat on a Tuono I would buy one. The MT10 with its cross plane motor, power to weight ratio, adjustable suspension and handling , price and easy upgrades make it very interesting.
     
  9. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    Yep; sounds like a bag of spanners at idle, but get some revs on and the sound is quite addictive...
     
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  10. Gator

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    Lol, I’ll have to use the bag of spanners quote.
     
  11. OZ VFR

    OZ VFR Member

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    Agree on the Tuono, a seriously addictive bike.
    The power to weight is fantastic, together with the electronics, suspension, brakes and chassis makes it a great package.
    My mate had one (now replaced by a S1000XR) and I often got to wring it’s neck, it’s a speeding fine waiting to happen.
    Touring on it is another matter, you need to rig up a travelling bike for mid air refueling as the 1500rpm idle and consumption when going for it is crap, our group often carried a spare few litres of fuel as running out was a regular occurrence.
     
  12. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    I have been on a test ride and after finishing I thought it would be a great platform for a tourer. I don’t think there are any OEM touring bits and according to an owner I spoke with the range is only around 140 miles. The bike itself is amazing to ride and one of the few bikes I’ve been on where I felt the motor had a charm/character few others have.

    I’ve also tested the S1000XR, freaking amazing but it doesn’t have uniqueness of the VFR or MT10 motor. It’s great but not the same.

    I’ve also tested the Tracer and it’s a bike I really want to like. It’s a great bike and feature rich but parts feel cheap and the motor while potent has this weird flighty feel.

    Of the bikes mentioned so far there is one I haven’t tried but would like to is the Ninja 1000.
     
  13. Gator

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    There are some OEM bits for the M10 but there are also some very nice after market parts like the Givi cases, in different sizes too. The Yamaha comfort seat and heated grips are a nice OEM upgrade. Several different wind screens available. The cross plane tech that Yamaha uses on their motors is very nice.
     
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