Video: Honda V4 test rider's thoughts revealed

Honda test rider Dave Hancock features in the latest Honda VFR1200 promo video, in which he claims the bike’s most at home on twisty roads, where its effortless torque makes it fast for a rider of even limited ability, comparing it favourably to the firm’s Fireblade and SP2.

• More info on the Honda VFR1200

Hancock has helped develop every key Honda since the 1992 Fireblade and is obviously paid to speak well of the firm’s products. But he’s not given to more outrageous forms of PR bullsh*t, he’s ridden more miles on the bike than any other European and his comments give some interesting pointers to new V4’s riding experience.

Watch the video now or read our summary of the main points.

First impressions
Hancock says the bike’s character is evident the moment you press the start button, when the engine “bursts into life”. “It’s not a muffled sound. I told the R&D guys not to change that, it’s got something special in it” he says.

Phenomenal torque
The VFR’s “phenomenal torque” dominates the riding experience, allowing the bike to pull from as little as 2000rpm in top. Hancock describes it roll-on acceleration as “unique” and says “The input you seem to have to make is minimal but the response is massive”.

Effortless speed
“No mater what speed you’re doing you get this linear power. It completely responds to what the rider puts into the machine and it fits around different riding styles. It doesn’t force rider to ride in a certain style” says Hancock. He also points out the firm has done lots of pillion testing.

Braggadocio
“We’ve got the character back into motorcycling” says Hancock. “This bike is going to take motorcycles forward for the next ten years”. “It can make a bad rider look really good.” We look forward to finding out if these hostages to fortune survive the launch tests…