HONDA VFR1200F DCT (2010 - 2016) Review

Since my Traxxion and K-Tech upgrades the ride is sublime. Not that it was poor before, but at the 60K mark, I felt it was time to upgrade these parts. The brakes are amazing once you get used to them (I wish there was a way to disconnect the ABS), they're linked and the fronts are asymmetrical, so using the front lever with the rear maximizes stoppage power. I can ride literally all day (I did upgrade my saddle covering). The wife needs a break before I do.

What can you say about a 170+HP, shaft drive, DCT, ride-by-wire throttle, MotoGP inspired V-4, with all the reliability of a Honda, along with some V-4 character? One has to ride one in order to understand the characteristics. It's hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it how nice it is to ride in urban traffic not having to cramp ones hand using a clutch lever, the over-take power of the motor (even in D mode), the subtle way the motor changes its characteristics when in Manual mode, it's a grin producing machine that rewards technical ability and precise inputs. Fueling is spot-on and there's really no weak point.

Over-engineered is what I would say. And that's a good thing. As much as it weighs, and the amount of performance involved, they could have scrimped on things. But with a fork internal upgrade, a rear shock upgrade, it transforms this machine into a world class mile muncher. Load her up with a top case, full bags, and your wife, and away you go. 170+ HP on tap is nothing to shake a stick at.

Since I live in the States, I can't really compare running costs to those across the pond. But I have almost 70 thousand miles on mine, and I had a major service performed at 60K miles (all bushings lubed, suspension upgrades, throttle bodies cleaned, spark plugs, valves, plus other farkles installed), but I do my own oil, tires, brakes. So it really depends on how often you ride and in what type of weather.

Can't really give this a "5" here...too many modern features are not on this bike. I think by design. It's all about the motor, the transmission, chassis and suspension with this bike. Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I think new it was $16K US dollars. If you want any add-ons, especially OEM, it's gonna cost you, but well worth the cost.

This was a bit tricky for me to answer. The brakes are good and better than you realise but at the same time they aren’t the best and I think it’s here where the weight becomes an issue. When you use the front brake its instantly effective and you can feel your body position change, it’s not snappy or uncontrollable but it never becomes stronger. I think they do a good job when you consider the weight of panniers, fuel, dct, me. It’s not a sports bike which I have previously had but they do okay.

Driving in “D” is uninspiring, it’s easy and does the job. I great mpg and changes gear way more than I would. The engine is fantastic, it can be quiet and sedate, practical even. Then there are times when it can be an animal and it’s never too far from this. Changing to “S” holds the gear changes longer and is more punchy. Manual is where this bike shines, though as you have complete control.

No faults yet and I do have confidence in the brand. It feels premium too, mine isn’t as old as some but they look great and all the touch points feel solid.

The cost for this bike can be high, but you are rewarded with a well built machine. I never feel put out by the cost because the bike rewards me with the investment.

I love everything it comes with, the essentials and no fuss is brilliant. The original Honda equipment is quality. The only thing I miss is cruise control.

Amazing stopping power for a heavy bike and a heavy dude. Confidence inspiring. Done 200km 2 up, non-stop, only needed to stop to hit the toilet. And for fuel. Really comfortable once the ergonomics were tweaked.

Oddles of power. Smooth power delivery. 2 rider modes. Sports mode is scary. License in the wallet begins to get real hot each time sports mode is engaged. 0-100 kmh in less than 3 seconds (some website said). Personal experience, 0-120 kmh happens in a blink of an eye, faster and scarier in sports mode. 1st gen is snatchy at street speeds but is mitigated with good throttle control. Highway riding is an absolute pleasure. This bike is a mile muncher. Omnonomnomnom...

It is a Honda. Don't expect things to die that easily. Miniscule spots of corrosion that ACF 50 dealt with easily. As mentioned in the intro above, some gaskets and seals gave out but likely because bike was not ridden much. Super low mileage for a 6 year old bike when I acquired it. Some of the replacements were hard to come by and took up to 3 weeks to deliver from overseas (Japan/USA - local stockists suck). Suggestion, if you have this bike and can afford it, buy the two seal and gasket kits (A and B) just in case you might need to do a rebuild in 10 plus years or more.

Fuel consumption isn't ideal but then again for 140 horses at the rear wheel, I'm not complaining too much. Service intervals are ridiculous. Engine oil and and filter, every 8,000km. Clutch oil filter every 16,000km. Coolant flush every 3 years. Shaft oil every 2 years.

Honda fit and finish. To be expected as this was their flagship sports-tourer.Do either the heli-bars or handlebar conversion. Plus foot-peg lowering. Really transforms the ergos from good to outstanding. If you add the Corbin seat, you might be tempted to fall asleep because the bike is so comforable. Only my XT1200Z is more comfortable but that bike is a flying sofa.

I can ride further than on any other bike I have ridden & that includes most competition.

Smooth & plenty of torque

No problems

Automatic & shaft drive means low maintenance

The suspension is nicely set up for the road IMO. The forums rage with the usual ‘you gotta upgrade the rear shock’ talk. But compared to other stock bikes I’ve had it’s fine straight outta the box. The brakes are SUPERB. Really powerful and with good feel. As a bike sporty bike it’s happiest on A roads and not our ever declining back roads. Careful on the motorway as it’s barely trying at 100mph and it’s So tempting to go a bit crazy with the speeds. Sitting at 90 is truly effortless and as a big commuter I arrive fresh and entertained.

Wow. This is the centrepiece of the bike. Despite being a big 1200, it begs to be thrashed and really goes when you find some room on the road. It never, ever feels stressed, just wants more all the way to the top. One downside is it only sounds good when you are beyond 7k with the taps open, then it really sings. At idle or a car park rev and it’s a bit embarrassing really. A sewing machine! Weird that the little VFR800 sounds so much better. But be patient because when you get it going you’ll think you’re a racer... As for pace, it’s about the same as an S1000XR, which is pretty damn fast. It’s easy to forget it’s 170bhp.

Beautifully put together. I’ve put a few thousand miles on mine now and it’s faultless. I do look after it but it’s a really solid feeling machine.

It likes a drink. I tend to get about 130 miles on the trip clock before the petrol gauge starts flickering. it’s famous for only holding 18litres and this is a bit meagre. Also seems to rip through tyres a bit. But it's a big heavy powerful sports bike that loves to be ragged, so you’re gonna pay a price.

I’ve given it a 4 because it has everything I want. This bike suffered at launch because gimmicks and riding modes and all that crap were just coming in and honda hadn’t done that. Now we have Apple car play on the new Africa twin and it has about 13 buttons on the LH switchgear. And people are moaning about that and wishing bikes were simple again. I would FAR rather have a sorted bike with good ergos and a characterful engine than 3 crap riding modes and a tft screen.