After all of the teasers, patent drawings and spy shots, Honda has finally introduced their new high tech 2010 VFR1200F. Power comes from a 1237cc liquid-cooled 76-degree V-4, Throttle By Wire, Unicam® valvetrain, optional Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission with manual mode and automatic mode with two D/S modes and paddle-style shifters, Honda slipper clutch in the manual-shift VFR1200F, GP technology layer-concept aero fairing, next-generation shaft drive system with offset pivot point and sliding constant-velocity joint, it just goes on and on.
The VFR1200F will be available at Honda dealers in Spring of 2010.
Here are all of the details from Honda:
Drawing from a longstanding legacy of innovation within Honda’s V-4 lineup, the 2010 VFR1200F embodies the new generation of V-4 technology and unsurpassed rider benefits, setting the stage for Honda’s next 50 years. Honda’s V-4 heritage and VFR tradition is fully realized in the VFR1200F. It has been re-created in astonishingly innovative form through the fusion of advanced technology imported from the MotoGP world and other cutting-edge environments. Net result: a futuristic sport motorcycle created for the sheer joy of riding, custom tailored for experienced hands who ride hard, ride long, ride far and ride often.
Features
* Honda MotoGP V-4 engine technology and architecture bring cutting-edge performance to the VFR1200F.
* Unique cylinder layout with rear two cylinders located innermost on the crankshaft and front cylinders located outboard narrows the rider interface aboard the VFR1200F.
* Throttle By Wire for next-generation throttle response.
* Optional Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission with manual mode and automatic mode with two D/S modes and paddle-style shifters offers unparalleled freedom through innovative technology.
* Next-generation shaft drive system with offset pivot point and sliding constant-velocity joint for a new level of shaft-drive performance and control.
* Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
Engine/Drivetrain
* Light and compact 1237cc liquid-cooled 76-degree V-4 pumps out amazing levels of power with a distinctive V-4 feel and sound.
* Symmetrically Coupled Phase-shift Crankshaft uses 28-degree crankpin offset to eliminate primary engine vibration.
* Asymmetrical exhaust lengths between front and rear cylinders boost power production and enhance power feel.
* Lightweight and compact Unicam® valvetrain allows for significantly smaller cylinder heads.
* Honda slipper clutch in manual-shift model allows unencumbered sport riding.
Chassis/Suspension
* GP technology layer-concept aero fairing for unrivaled air management.
* Honda Pro Arm® single-sided swingarm with single gas-charged shock delivers cutting-edge rear suspension action; features handy remote spring preload adjuster, rebound damping adjustability and 5.1 inches of travel.
* Stout, sport-oriented 43mm inverted cartridge fork with spring preload adjustability and 4.7 inches of travel.
* New controls with smoother and more precise tactile feel enhance the riding experience.
* New-technology seat construction permits a higher level of seat shaping and forming details.
* Saddlebag mounts come standard on both versions of the VFR1200F.
Model: VFR1200F / VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission
Engine Type: 1237cc liquid-cooled 76° V-4
Bore and Stroke: 81mm x 60mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Valve Train: SOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, 44mm throttle bodies and 12-hole injectors
Ignition: Digital transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission: Six-speed (VFR1200F) / Six-speed automatic with two modes and manual mode (VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission)
Final Drive: Shaft
Suspension:
Front: 43mm cartridge fork with spring preload adjustability; 4.7 inches travel
Rear: Pro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link® single gas-charged shock with remote spring preload adjustability and rebound damping adjustability; 5.1 inches travel
Brakes:
Front: Dual full-floating 320mm discs with CBS six-piston calipers with ABS
Rear: Single 276mm disc with CBS two-piston caliper with ABS
Tires
Front: 120/70 ZR17 radial
Rear: 190/55 ZR17 radial
Wheelbase: 60.8 inches (1545mm)
Rake (Caster angle): 25°30’
Trail: 101.0mm (4.0 inches)
Seat Height: 32.1 inches (815mm)
Fuel Capacity: 4.9 gallons
Color: Red
Curb Weight*: 591 pounds (VFR1200F) / 613 pounds (VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission)
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel–ready to ride.
RD350 says
This new VFR is making me yawn …
What a boring year for new bikes!
Wouldnt it be cool if Honda made a 600cc V4 sportbike … like an updated VFR400?
SSSA, super-lightweight, retro RC30 colors …. dream on dream on
Honda really need to make something COOL again …
PS … why are all the “sport” tourers so farking heavy? Is that part of the design brief?
Joe says
its gorgeous, except from the front, where it looks like a maxi-scooter, which in my estimation is about as attractive as a maxi-pad. To be fair, with all the paddle shifters and junk, it essentially is a glorified scooter, but that doesn’t mean it has to look like one. yech. Maybe if i could just put a paper bag over its head, then I’d ride it. PS, sorry for the misogynistic slant, but its too early to be PC.
Also, does the exhaust look like a pair of bell bottoms over platform heels to anyone else?
WRXr says
I like it. A lot of the technical stuff I am having a hard time visualizing though. For example:
“Next-generation shaft drive system with offset pivot point and sliding constant-velocity joint for a new level of shaft-drive performance and control.”
Does this mean they are replicating the parallelogram swing arm/shaft drive systems as used by BMW and Moto Guzzi? Like I said, I have a hard time visualizing this.
Max Headroom says
It’s tough to see the connection between the Interceptors of the past and this latest incarnation. Shaft drive? Saddlebag mounts? OK, but if you want a V4 touring bike with shaft drive and saddlebags, what about the ST1300? If you want performance, how ’bout a CBR1000RR? The fairing may be superior air management but it’s function over form, aka butt ugly. And porky to boot!.
mark says
Funny that they have all this amazing technology and then they
go all cheap on the suspension. I guess that the proof will be in
the ride as the sum of the parts, etc etc.
And then there is the cost. And I assume that in NA these will
be sold only through the Honda LifeStyle dealers… Maybe not
just yet.
kevin says
I guess ti’s a technological tour de force but it doesn’t excite me. How ’bout bringing the NAS to production. After all these years I think it is still a good looking bike and would give Honda a shot in the arm. Their recent designs, both 2 and 4 wheel, lack excitement.
Pete says
Love it! Drool… drool…
No center stand though? Any word about heated grips or cruise control? Yep, I must be getting old, but I like those features.
Richard Gozinya says
This bike is the reason companies like Harley and Guzzi will be around forever. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with this bike, because there very likely isn’t. It’s a very impressive work of engineering, making all of that advanced stuff work in one motorcycle is no small feat. It very likely rides quite well too. But it just doesn’t speak to me, in that visceral “Ride me! Ride me now! Ride me hard!” kind of way. It’s just there, a very well put together piece of machinery certainly, but there’s just no soul.
J says
I’m not anti-technology. I’m not anti-progressive. Some of the developments are simply freakin cool….however, at some point, doesn’t excessive technology defeat the purpose?
My latest Ducati had lots of down time due to technology failure. Riding was becoming a burden rather than a pleasure. Tao Te Ching: Less is more.
Bigshankhank says
I get a whole of lot “Meh” from this new design. And to J I tend to disagree with you, my ’04 Ducati St3 has been a rock in terms of reliability. Certainly not as tech-heavy as the superbikes, but still far more than all the Sportsters I have had combined.
Thure says
You guys are a bunch of masochists, preferring old low tech kickstarts, aircooling and manual advance ignitions, with stuff vibrating off every few miles. This bike is obviously aimed squarely at the people who would also buy the BMW K1300 S. It looks to me like they have surpassed that. Also this article does not mention the specific horsepower output of this Honda, but I will bet it is a rocketship. It probably puts out in the neighborhood of 180 to 190 horse in my guesstimation. Sign me up for the free lottery for one of these, cause there is no way that I could buy one today.
JB says
No TSC,ABS,heated anything…what up? Is this a sports tourer or a sport bike with shaft drive?Heavy too,expected more from from all the hype.
J says
We don’t like things vibrating off every few miles….but we DO dig kickstarts!! I just think that at some point one needs to get a Lexus, put a canopy on your GoldWing, or recharge your helmet visor wipers. I like motorcycles; not giant scooters with enormous hp output and watering down of the cycle concept. If I want to eliminate human input, I’ll get an X-wing fighter ,put my Luxury ride on cruise, engage parallel parking mode and scope my backup camera.
I WOULD accept one as a prize in the lottery though and then trade it on a lightly used BMW GS. Hank, I’m with you on your post.
The Phantom says
Connection with the Interceptors, as introduced in 1986? What does the current CBR1000RR have in common with its forebears? The 1098 with the 1972 900SS? The world needs to move on.
Soul? If you can look at the new VFR1200F and say it has no soul, you have a far deeper connection with inanimate objects than I’ve ever seen. And you have likely never ridden a VFR either, because if you had, you’d know that they are one of the few Japanese bikes with ‘soul’.
Suspension – it has 43mm USD forks, which is plenty for a big bike. The Blackbird had almost zero adjustment (only rear preload) but it handled beautifully out of the box for its weight, which is very similar to the VFR1200F.
To me, this looks like the bike that re-defined the sport/tour segment in 2009/10. A bit like it did in 1990. Just wait and see what the reviews (and sales figures) have to say about it.
mxs says
600 lbs ,,, wow. Is that with fully loaded cases and a passenger or what???
D says
If this is aimed at luring BMW riders from there K 12s’ & K 13s’ they have missed the mark. Why would I give up my perfectly heated grips, ESA and Brembo brakes? Have you lost your mind? First of all, who offers all this crazy wizardry and only a 1 year warranty. This bike is uninspiring to say the least, nice design but doesn’t move me in the least bit. I owned the last model, 1st model year, buyer beware is my advice. The dealerships had no idea how to deal with the techno on the last one, they surely aren’t gonna know how to deal with this one. I commend them for coming up with something to satisfy those folks who miss the Blackbird.
Dethclock says
I guess I won’t be trading in my 2000VFR this year either. I don’t want to be a message board hater but this new VFR is way too much. It’s definitly going to appeal to the people who like standing around in parking lots braggin about “their” cutting edge technology though 😉
To RD350- exactly! My first bike 16 years ago was an beautiful RD. Too bad about the rock hard 30 year old tires. A little VF600 would be awesome!
Phil Ross says
My current bike is a liter class V4 with shaft drive that weighs within a few pounds of this one–a 1985 Honda V65 Sabre. Looks like a perfect replacement.
mike tiberio says
35 years after Moto Guzzi came out with a 1000 Automatic with integrated brakes. Are we all supposed to genuflect to honda now?
Jake says
I guess the VFR has always been a hybrid between a sport bike and a sport-touring bike??? Given its weight and lack of touring goodies (heated stuff, cruise, bags, etc), I guess that’s exactly what the new VFR still is. Is this a bike for mid-range trips??? I guess the sales numbers will let us know if this is a successful idea. For me, the 2010 Concours 14 will be in my garage this Spring and not the 2010 VFR.
Trey says
I have a very good friend who is a VFR enthusiast. He showed me some of those “spy” shots that pointed to this…
I wish Honda would make a real VFR again, instead of this bloated thing that they slapped VFR decals on…
All of the technology they’ve adapted came from GP bikes, which weigh a little over half f what this tank weighs. Lights, and mirrors don’t weigh THAT much!
Who the hell is this supposed to be marketed to?
John B says
It looks a little like a “Cylon” from Battlestar Galactica…. but as i age this style of riding is more my style, add Hondas rep for dependability, as long as its priced right i will definitly consider buying one.
Ceolwulf says
Hating Honda sure is fashionable these days!
I think this thing is gorgeous. Then again I’m also a big fan of the Ducati 999, so take that as you wish.
Jimmy says
I read the spec sheet paused, read it again, in disbelief , I just finished rebuilding my 1984 VF1000F. I’m more impressed with it than the new one. I guess I will make plans for some upgrades and forget about anything new from Honda. As far as ABS/TC and all the rest of the techno do dads I think they should all be optional, Im tired of paying for technology to keep to keep the inexperienced safe,let them buy it if they need it,don’t penalize me for their needs.
Kit says
It will be interesting to see how it sells. It is obviously love it hate it design. It construction seems more of an exercise for thier designers and engineers. How can we make this as complicated as possible. The words that keep slipping out of my mouth are “I can appreciate that”. “I can appreciate that for someone else”.
I am an owner of a ’86 VF1000R and after having a love/frustrated relationship with the old girl. I have been on the edge of my seat for a high performance Honda V-4 MotoGP repli-racer.
Scott says
Why? I was so hopeful it wouldn’t be an even more bloated, over engineered waste than the last gen. Honda, please give me a 1000cc, 140hp, sub 500 lb bike. No variable valve timing, electronic throttle, high tech b.s. Just a comfortable, capable, do-it-all bike. Bastards.
Doug K says
Ugly, ugly, ugly. The bike looks like something designed for the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. I thought the new V-Max cornered the market on stupid looking mufflers but the new VFR has it beat. I don’t care how cool the tech is, the bike looks like a rolling cartoon.
frozen prairie says
This will sound odd coming from yours truly – the guy who toured 16,000 klicks on a kick-start single, dirt bike – but the VFR looks good to me. I like the styling (not as busy as most new bikes), the fairing/windshield looks big enough to offer good protection and I don’t even mind the weight. Hey, it’s a street bike, never gonna be ridden through the summerfallow anyway.
One small criticism, and this applies to many new bikes, is the shape of the tank isn’t good for mounting a tank bag, it would sit up too high.
FREEMAN says
Ripping off the chunk of plastic with the reflectors and plate holder might help with the overall look. I don’t know. I’m not big fan of fairings either.
Scotduke says
It looks hideous. Japanese motorcycle design seems to have gone down a blind alley of ugliness – I was talking about this with another biker I know the other day when we bumped into each other in a dealer’s display area.
Maybe someone else will love it a nd I’m sure it’s extremely well engineered (as Hondas so often are) but I think it’s a monstrosity and that it has too much technology. It’s not for me.
Woodman West says
I don’t know, my 1972 Honda Mini Trail 50 and an automatic clutch 3 speed. It beat my sears cetrifugal clutch sears mini bke with no real brakes, but a cruved piece of metal that rubbed the rear tire to stop.
…and my wifes minivan does have an automatic. So I guess the tranny would appeal to the minvan crowd.
I know I am being a wise guy, but who is this motorcycle really being built for? Honda is all over the place. The Fury, the DN 01, this…thing.
About 20 years ago someone stood up at a GM shareholder meeting and asked “why don’t we just build cars people want?”
Nicolas says
I join the comment above about the dealer/maintenance/repair concerns.
Let’s take a true short example : my local Honda dealer here in SC can’t take care of a nice 1974 CB450, given to them by the owner for a charity event, that doesn’t want to crank up. 2 simple carburetors, no electronic whatsoever, no wizardry. I know, I got one myself, I’m not a good mechanics at all, but I still always fixed it when necessary. I sold the bike a few weeks ago to a guy in GA, for a simple petcock issue that kept the bike from running, his own local dealer wanted to change all possible gaskets and the top end (!) and charge an arm and a leg. No kidding.
Apparently a plain carbureted is beyond the honda dealers competencies, how in the world will they handle all the technology that comes with the new VFR ?
Otherwize, even I would not buy this bike anytime soon, I appreciate it as what it is, a flagship, and once again a demonstration of Honda’s technological know-how.
mxs says
Actually the carbureted bike requires good old knowledge and common sense, the new machines do not need either, because there will be a some sort of analyzer plugged in which will tell you which expensive part you need to replace …. just ask the BMW guys with modern fuel injected machines and canbus.
OMMAG says
Well …. since I committed my pot to a new bike already this year there’s no real interest in these new models for me.
Just an observation:
The Big makers seem to have some of the same marketing people working for them.
Lot’s in common with the large engine sport touring models.
If I were in the market for a high tech big engine touring bike … I’d give this Honda a good look.
BTW – LoL … the reCaptcha word verification just gave me the name of my old electronics prof Schaukowitch… har!
Mike says
Have to say, it looks to me exactly like Honda have succesfully created a BMW tourer clone, cracking job there.
(nothing wrong with BMW tourers, I have one as it happens and it’s great at what it does, recently travelled 600+ miles on it with no aches pains discomfort or windlash, fantastic), but lets face it, they don’t really make you go ‘ooooh, look at that and neither does this.
Laughable considering our weekly paper MCN in the UK have been raving about it and sneaking spy shots and the like, first time I saw a mock up I thought, ooh, hopefully it’ll look better than that, and it didn’t
Mike says
Re Nicolas’ comments above.
An interesting point which is most likely relevant here.
Some years ago I drove Citroen 2CV6’s, the quirky wee french cars, they’re the only car i’ve ever been able to enthuse over
I used to go to an indipendant 2CV specialist for jobs I couldn’t or wouldn’t do myself and once was talking to him regarding a friend who had taken his 2CV in to the local Citroen main dealer for a service and such and there’d been a few niggles.
I found out that not one single Citroen main dealer trained mechanic had been trained in the mechanics of ANY citroen car older than 1985, (this was in the mid 90’s), so any mech who was a newer employee than 85 would likely not have seen under the bonnet of a 2CV before, yet you instincively trust these people because they’re main dealers and charging a fortune.
Chances are the Honda mech you mentioned has never worked on a carburetted bike nor been trained to.
Les says
This would make a better st1300 replacement. A bike I plan to retire to!
A short case study of a honda buyer :
Since I was a kid and got my first bike, a honda 50 mini trail, I’ve been a honda boy. My current ride is an 04 Honda 599 hornet. In yellow of course! I’ve got an old classic Hawk GT NT650 and a crf230f for riding around in the woods. I grew up on an xr75 and the ugliest bike ever ST90! Those bikes and more and all honda because they never let me down.
I’m a fan of the RC line of honda. I loved the look of the 800 VFR and really wanted to get a v4. I couldn’t get myself past the excessive engineering of the bike. I like bikes that at least have the possibility that i can fix most things myself. The fact that a valve job took nasa scientist (and budget) was a huge turn off.
I waited for the cycle of redevelopment to hit and hoped honda would simplify, focus and fine tune. Maybe even revert a little towards the previous generation which many magazine and such called the best all around bike for a while.
Now they release this.
Is there an issue with running a consistent amount of cylinders? Does anyone really care how many clutches it has? Is there a problem with the current clutches that I haven’t noticed? I did notice the autoclutch version is 20lbs heavier. All this tech for the sake of tech. I just want a honda v4!
As to the visuals, I’m undecided. It’s kooky and unique which is something I usually like. From the side it’s sometimes not ugly at best. From the front it’s a scooter. The pipe also looks over complicated…what is going on in there?
This release of the 1200 Interceptor is a cold shower. My desire for a v4 remains. Though my money will probably go to a triumph triple. Honda is a giant bore with no options for me. Perhaps a fury! I don’t feel like buying a 919 to get 20hp and more mass. I don’t want a squid RRR bike. There is nothing interesting at honda. The cb1100f is close but no cigar.
I can’t afford a new bike this year, so Honda, you have one year to make a bike that I would want to buy. Here is my order :
800cc v4, about 120-130hp is already too much.
Naked. I’m mostly city. Fairings are for racers or highway.
It should weight 400lbs. If it comes in under 450 I may still forgive you. Any more and the deal is off.
It must have a single sided swing arm. With a chain drive so i can twiddle if i like.
I just need one clutch, thanks.
Normal sport bike sized tires so I can fit the good stuff.
I don’t care about the frame too much, steel backbone is nice as it hides the frame exposing nothing but hanging engine. You can go with twin spar if you must, don’t do a ducati trellis rip please.
I don’t require a back seat of much consideration. It should be there, but not complicated.
I want a round headlight. Like the 04 hornet, or double them up like a triumph. But DO NOT put on one of those voltron mantis space invader diamond cod piece things designed by a running shoe artist.
Keep the pipe simple. Those short motoGP low pipes are nice if they do not remind me of starwars battle ships. Maybe something neat and tidy up high. Forget the suzuki softball cannon look too.
Keep the dash simple. Again i refer your engineers to the 04 hornet which has a pretty much perfect analog set up.
I would like suspension that is on the better side of average.
If there are too many engineers standing around then tell them I would like a USB port that allows me to download simple data to my iphone. I’d like an application on my iphone that lets me twiddle with engine management, tracks replacement cycles, holds a complete manual and other pretties.
If all else fails I’m going elope on a triumph speed triple.
Sorry for the long read 🙂
Woodman West says
Dude, just get the speed triple, you will not regret it!
Fireworks says
@Thure – It’s a BMW clone for sure. It’s not identical but if you look over the BMW bikes you’ll see a strange resemblance. Specifically that rear 3/4 shot, if that doesn’t look like a K series. The fella that mentioned the short warranty is right. You pay for a BMW but you get what you pay for.
I’m actually surprised by this bike. I though only Korean car companies were copying German products these days.
@ Mike – It’s entirely possible that turn over rates are the issue. From what I can tell most dealerships pay crap, but expect 150% devotion. That’s a recipe for ‘turnover’ haha.
bigbird says
I own a 2000 vfr now, before I owned many diferent sportbikes. I grew up and learned that most people cannot come even close to riding a racebike to its potential and if you try on public roads you will end up dead. I am not an expert racer but there are very few people on liter bike that can keep with my vfr in the twisty parts. If this bike handles anything like its previous generations it will be a near perfect bike. The older gens needed a little bit more power (not quite this much but…) I ride all year round (all YEAR) so I like the shaftdrive, I watched the video on the difference of shift behavior of the auto vs manual, very impressive (not for me but very impressive). Styling is…well its personal taste I guess.. My only concern with this bike is price, handling characteristics and I must agree with alot of the posters those of us in the VFR fan club begged for less weight even if honda didnt give us more hp….why so heavy…But I think this will be a good bike for real daily + weekend riders..Those who have never rode an previous gen VFR need to..they are that good of bikes, not the fastest, not the prettiest, not the best handling, not the best tourer….but it combines a little of it all to equal a really great bike…Out of all the bikes Ive owned and rode my VFR has been my favorite. The only bike that has competed with my view has been the Sprint 1050…Only time will tell if Honda will force me to Sprint because of handling or price..Like many have said I expect this bike to be sold for way too much $$$$ unfortunatley it may spell the end of the VFR line…….
fireninja says
Les, it sounds like you want a Naked version of an RC30 — basically your Honda Hawk GT (the RC31) with an nice late 80’s era race tuned Honda Liquid cooled 750cc V4, and no bells and whistles. The European version of the RC30 made 112 HP stock (in 1987!!!), and weighed 420 lbs fully faired. Too bad that they cost a fortune and only made and sold a handfull for homologation purposes.
If I could find a Hawk GT (my favorite bike ever in terms of appearance, ergos, and handling) combined with my favorite engine of all times the Honda 750c V4 it might well be the last bike I ever bought.
vfr800 says
I own a 04 VFR, my 4th VFR in the last 15 years. Many VFR owners have been waiting for a litre version for awhile to address the lack of power in the previous models. I think the new bike looks great. Not perfect,but name me one that is. This spring,there will be a new VFR1200f under me,and i cant wait!