Yesterday morning, American Honda invited members of the motorcycle press community to the unveiling of the 2010 VFR1200F in Torrance, California. The dearth of significant new motorcycle product from Big Red has officially come to an end.

The event wasn’t fancy, did not feature famous speakers or even a polished presentation, but there was a sense of history about it nonetheless. This new motorcycle means a lot to Honda . . . maybe everything. Technology, passion, and pride are wrapped up in the VFR1200F in a manner not seen in a long time. Think what you will about the styling (and the styling is somewhat polarizing , not unlike Honda’s Acura Automobile Division), the VFR1200F sat like a polished jewel as a couple dozen journalists buzzed around it with their cameras (both still and video). There is something special about a V-4, and certainly about an all-new V-4 from Honda.

As is typical of Honda, the emphasis was not on raw performance, but rather refined, user-friendliness. That is not to say the VFR1200F will be a slouch when it comes to performance. Hardly. Called a “1200”, the engine displaces a full 1237cc of liquid-cooled, 76-degree V-4 power. Honda builds an 800cc V-4 that does well over 200 miles per hour (ask the guys chasing Dani Pedrosa down the front straightaway), so this 1237cc unit will undoubtedly pack some serious ponies. Sophisticated ponies, but plenty of them.

That sophistication is reflected not only in the engine design (more about that later), but in the throttle-by-wire control, slipper clutch (in the manual transmission version) and available dual clutch automatic transmission (with three modes and paddle-style shifters). The shaft drive travels through a single-sided swingarm and, according to Honda, avoids any of the traditional shaft-drive suspension issues with its “offset pivot point and sliding constant-velocity joint”.

Details were scarce at the press gathering (more will be available soon), but we do know that the VFR1200F is expected to be in U.S. dealers’ showrooms in the Spring of 2010, and the price will be announced in December of this year. The only color available in the U.S. will be Candy Red.

Some of the interesting details we discovered include the following. Both the manual transmission and the dual clutch automatic feature six speeds. The automatic can be manually shifted with the paddles or, of course, treated simply as an automatic.

The bike will feature Combined ABS, probably similar to the CBR600 version we tested recently. The chassis is slim where the rider’s legs grip it, in part due to the design of the V-4.

The rear two cylinders of the V-4 sit closer together (with their conrods connecting to the crank inside of the outboard conrods for the front two cylinders). The 76-degree V angle allows the engine, despite solid mounting to the chassis, to operate very smoothly, and no secondary balance shafts were necessary.

For such a large V-4, the engine is relatively compact. Aiding in this is the use of single overhead cams (the Unicam design found on Honda’s four-stroke motocross bikes).

Honda went on-and-on about the “layered fairing” found on the VFR1200F, and it does look unique. Although somewhat slab sided at first glance, a closer look reveals a more subtle design that Honda boasts offers “unrivaled air management” for both rider and engine, together with “futuristic style” (you be the judge).

Honda trotted out its entire family of V-4 sport machines for the occasion, including the incredible oval-pistoned NR750 that I very much wanted to sit on (but didn’t dare). Like all of the other bikes, the NR was pristine, museum quality.

Honda hasn’t had too much to boast about lately, and the economy is hitting Big Red as hard as anyone. But today was a red letter day in every sense. Whether our world economy is recovering to create a market for this “upscale machine” designed for “highly experienced riders”, or this undoubtedly expensive motorcycle will ultimately sell poorly due to conditions beyond Honda’s control, it did not seem to matter. Honda had a right to be proud today. I am looking forward to riding this motorcycle for at least two reasons, including my love for the feel and power delivery of a V-4 machine, and my desire to ride a Honda that is not trying to be anything other than a Honda . . . the youngest generation of a distinguished family line.

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
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)

MD Readers Respond:

• It’s probably too late to say this, but Honda should personally apologize to each owner of a pre-2010 VFR owner for its use of that moniker for that new monstrosity they’re about to unleash on the world.

  The 2010 bike makes me gag and is so repulsive as to almost make me want to sell my 1998 model before it becomes tainted from the stench of new bike. Jonathan

• It looks like an ugly BMW. Lots of plastic, heavy, too many needless do-dads, ugly styling. Did the headlight come from the Versys bin? Did the muffler come from the Z1000 bin? As a previous owner of an ’83 VF and a current owner of an ’86 VFR I’m disappointed. Clearly the VFR has changed its target audience. Or perhaps Honda is ‘aging’ the bike along with the people who drooled over the real super bikes in the early to mid 80’s? Honda has it wrong with the VFR. Aprilia has it right with their V-4. This is what the VFR should be like by now: https://www.motorcycledaily.com/12october09_apriliarsv4r.htm Jason
• I, for one, like the pipe… Different, stylish.

  But to the point… since Honda has now created a good, powerful, narrow V-Four, let’s put it in a different package. Its time to bring back a V-65-type of cycle. I’m tired of my only choices being either a fat, heavy, slow V-Twin, which has a comfortable seating for two, or a powerful, smooth, efficient sport bike, which is no good for my wrist or my butt… I had a Valkyrie for 6 years… smooth, comfortable, wife loved the seat. But it was much too heavy. I currently have an FJR1300 which seems to be a great compromise… light, shaft, very quick, smooth (mostly), but still too hunched over for long rides… and my wife does not like the small saddle.

  Seems like an updated V-65 package is just the ticket… comfortable ergonomics, plenty of power, smooth, shaft, fists in the wind (behind an optional full windscreen) and backrest. I would love it… my wife would love it. World peace would follow. And keep the pipe… I bet it would look great on this new style of bike. Daniel

• 600 pounds, w/ the accent on “pound”. Also no center stand. Both not good.
  
  I’d rather no more than 500 lbs curb wt for the naked version, w/ dealer installed extras up to full sport tour. Jimbo

• I see that you got mixed reviews on this thing. Well here’s mine, I
  LIKE IT!!
  If the economy wasn’t in the toilet and my wife and I weren’t getting
  older I’d buy it to tour on. I don’t know much about motorcycle
  design but I like risky/edgy designs. If you like your bikes to look
  the same year in and year out buy a Harley!
  And oh yeah, Honda fit + finish = quality!
  Maybe you guys could invite me out when you get to test ride it? I
  will pay my own way!
  Keep up the good work! I check out your site every morning, even
  before I check the weather and news. Bob

• No one mentioned the obvious shocker for the VFR…Shaft Drive! Quite a change for a sport bike. Paul
• Honda is making this very interesting for me this spring. I currently ride a 2004 FJR but am ready to dump it for something that is powerful, still relatively comfortable, lighter, more sporty, but able to do some touring. The VFR1200F and K1300S are at the top of my list. Four things about the new VFR jump out at me. 1) I’m glad there’s a manual tranny option. 2) I’m glad there doesn’t appear to be a cylinder deactivation on this version of the V4. 3) The looks are hit and miss. From some angles the bike looks really good. Rotate it a bit and it looks kind of funky. 4) The exhaust. It appears the cats are underneath the bike and not in the can. So this can easily be remedied by an aftermarket slipon. In fact I believe this bike could be made very nice looking with some aftermarket magic once it’s released.

  Things I really like: A glorious 1237cc V4, 90% of peak torque by 4000 RPM, shaft drive, comfy ergos, air management from the get go (something the C14 and FJR missed in their first generation ovens), C-ABS, optional hardbags, fully integrated signals (this has been a given for VFRs for years)

  Things I don’t like: Apparent single color choice in the US market (red of course), hardbag attach is semi integrated to the rear fender assembly limiting customization of the rear, exhaust can (easily remedied), front end looks…specifically the headlight area.

  The VFR1200F is really growing on me. I’m still not 100% convinced, but it’s still in the running with the K1300S for a next spring purchase. I should end that I’ve previously owned 3 V4s and loved every one of them. I loved everything about my 2000 VFR except for the soft power/torque, especially when out touring with fully laden bags. 1237cc should fix that but keep everything that I loved about my 2000.

  Anyone need a clean, semi-farkled FJR1300? =) Neal

• As an original owner of an ’84 Interceptor I have always had a soft spot for Honda’s V-4’s. While I agree that beauty is in the eye of the beholder (that muffler for instance) I think the whole package comes off quite well, and that’s in pictures! I find that viewing controversial styling in person often brings it all together. It may take time but it could also be that that muffler becomes a signature identifying part of the whole that to other sport tourers says, “Don’t mess with me!”. The proof will be in the ride. Rick
• I’d buy this in a heartbeat. It’s a good replacement for my aging FJ1200 which runs well, but without parts support from Yamaha, is no longer suitable for daily use. John
• Woohoo, I just finished examining all the press pics…and they include pics of (apparently optional) centerstand, grip heater switch and a Honda Branded Zumo GPS…
  So I may have to pay more for the first two but at least it looks like Honda will make them available…thank you Honda!
  I can’t think of anything else I’d ask for in this type of motorcycle. Motowalt

• In followup to your article on the VFR1200F:
  I’m really amused at the comments about the price, when it hasn’t yet been announced! Concept looks great, but they must have hired the same guys who designed the fairing on the Vision. Yuck! Forget about the the long distance crowd buying this one, as the fuel tank is way too small. Don

• It never ceases to amaze me how many people can provide such a detailed analysis of a new bike simply from a few photos. I expect tomorrow I will check back to read how the bike handles….

  I think the new VFR looks very interesting – I like it a lot. However, I’ll withhold final judgement until I see and ride one. I’ll also say that if my ’06 VFR is any indicator of what I can expect – top quality, great handling, reliability and loads of personality, I think I may have gotten a new look at my next bike. If only it were Ferrari Red… Mark

• A sport-touring bike would normally have at least the option of a center stand for riders of a prudent disposition, but the 2010 VFR does not have room for one, given the cluster of header pipes just where a center stand would need to be. Looking at the the shaft drive swing arm, there also seems no option for a rear stand, at least a conventional single sided one. Perhaps Honda has a custom stand of some sort in mind. How else would one change the rear tire? George
• Regarding the Honda VFR1200F, it seems that the Japanese have
  discovered the muffler design from the 1973 Triumph Trident triple: http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20C/Triumph%20Trident%20T150%
  20750%2068.jpg

  The problem is that this one design feature really damaged sales of
  that otherwise very desirable Triumph model.
  Don’t the Japanese manufacturers do market research for new model
  designs? Randy

• That is one of the ugliest bikes I’ve ever seen. Front to back, side to side ugly. Honda done lost it. Don’t care how many giz wiz it got, wouldn’t ever be caught dead on that POS. Now the new Kawa concours 14, that’s morphed into a beautiful piece of art. So that’s the last of the new bikes eh, know where I’ll be buying my new ride.
  Mark

• I’ve been waiting a long time for Honda to make this bike and I like it…a lot! (well, except for the muffler…if it has to be that large, a titanium finish would be less noticeable …)

  I’m thinking I’d like the standard clutch, but if the other tranny is not an added expense I would seriously consider it.

  You know it will be bullet-proof reliable, no niggling worries in the back of your mind on a cross-country ride about final drive failure or some electronic antenna for the ignition stranding you on the side of the road.

  And the maintenance intervals are sure to be plenty long. (important because getting access to that V4 looks to be a bit tight).

  Here’s hoping it’s not too heavy and has a center stand for rear tire removal on the road in case of a flat and maintenance at home as well.

  Please have the luggage available at the time the bike hits the showrooms so I can hop on and ride off into the sunrise.

  And please Honda, price it closer to the Kawasaki Concours and Yamaha FJR rather than the BMW K1300 GT or S (the 2010 Kawis have heated grips…does the VFR?) Motowalt

• I have absolutely no doubt the bike will be fun to ride. I have male friends with VW GTI’s, which are quick, great handling cars… but driving a Rabbit around just isn’t my style, and the same can be said of this new Honda.

  I’m quickly approaching my mid-30’s, was looking forward to this press release, and couldn’t wait to read what you had to say about it on your site. Well, I’m not impressed as I hoped I would be… Ergonomics, a great ride, and tech advancement are a given here, but I was hoping for something with a better passenger seat than appears, a center stand, and hard-bags. Not that I’ve ever been one of the Palomar Morons, but I have a TLR now for sale because these days I only care about riding fast on the track or off road. I’m not willing to give up all the fun for more comfort, so it’s time for something more “real world”, even if only a touch. Honestly, I’m glad the new VFR is a slight let down for me… I’m not a fan of Honda’s racing politics anyways, but I do recognize they make an excellent product, so in a way I’m forced to like them, especially with four CRF’s in my garage.

  From what I see here, a Moto Guzzi Griso 8V will possibly be getting my hard earned dollars if I decide I want to ride two-up more often. For you die-hard, Honda guys, I’d think a Gold Wing would be a no-brainer for two-up riding. However, I’ve always been a fan of the Aprilia Tuono, and it appears the Aprilia’s passenger seat probably isn’t all that far off of the new VFR’s. Presently, I can’t think of any reason I’d buy this new Honda over a Tuono… Both sit upright, will put on a huge grin, and have not-so-great styling with [relatively] lousy, passenger seats. But hey, why buy the Aprilia when you could pay a $5k premium for an extra hundred pounds on the VFR??? And if rumors come true… A V-4 Tuono?! Shawn

• I just read the article…
  My comments:

  I love that Honda seems to have finally got that we like shaft drive on our sport touring bikes. I owned an 01 VFR and it was my favorite bike ever. I rode it in sun and snow and everything in between. I just didn’t like having to lube the chain on weekend trips.

  Looks like the new bike has enough fairing to block for the legs and enough windshield to duck behind. I only hope the seat is better than my old VFR or Corbin will be getting another call.

  Heated grips?

  I don’t like the looks of the muffler, moreso because I don’t understand what the two different looking exhausts are for? It doesn’t make sense functionally.

  I hope it has hard bags, standard!

  I can’t wait to feel what a 1200 cc V4 is like!

  I’ll wait to see it in person before commenting on the styling. It looks ok in pictures.

  Oh, and one more thing… KEEP IT UNDER 15,000 or we’ll all be bummed. Thanks, Brandon

• Response to production VFR1200: Styling – Having been involved with Honda from 1961 and seeing all the styling trends and fads come and go. It appears the new VFR1200 is going further from the styling leading edge (1998-2001 VFR’s) and off the deep end of weirdness with the new Acura style nose piece and multi piece side panels. But I really do like the retro style fairing badges. But the muffler… oh my god! Shoot it before it multiplies. I really hope that Staintune makes a replacement Stainless muffler for it. Also listening to the engine run on the Utube dyno run, the engine sounds like it has lost it’s 180 degree crank and no cam gear drive like the earlier VFR’s. Thus, it’s lost all of it’s character that made the earlier VFR’s sound so beautiful and unique. It sounds just like one of the 1980’s V-4’s with the 360 degree crank (blaaaH). And I’ll bet she weighs in at close to 600 Lbs ready to roll. Well we can all hope that the VFR1200F2 will have a smoothed out fairing with single color paint and no punk graphics on it, Much more engine character and a diet! Thanks, but I’ll keep my 2000 VFR forever. Dan
• It looks to me like a very nice sport bike. In the manual transmission
  version, without bags, why would it weigh much more than a crotch rocket
  (like the CBR1000ABS)? If the bare bones model came in at 490 lb wet
  and under $14K, it might be able to compete with the liter class on the
  showroom floor.

  The moto mags worshiped the VFRs for years – best bike ever built,
  Motorcycle of the Year, etc. But the buying public was not interested.
  With 1237 cc’s on what looks like a short wheelbase, the 1200 should be
  a monster (with some clips on the back for hard bags). A monster might
  sell better than the “perfect” VFRs of the past. Sherman

• This bike is going to have a galvanizing effect on motorcyclists no question. On the one hand the styling is not going to sit well with some. Similar to the reception the styling of the current CBR1000 got when it arrived. The slab sided fairing, the Gargantuan Muffler and the Shogun-esque styling of the front fairing will take a while to grow on people. But the technology is obviously a step forward. There is a Video of the Multi mode transmission/dual Clutch operation on the web that illustrates very well how this system operates and it is impressive indeed. I am more than a little concerned about the price of this thing though. BMW may be getting some company in the price segment with the K1200 series. If Honda were to endow it with heated grips, a cruise control, center stand and a nice set of hard bags. It would surely make a tremendous sport tourer. If this bike is designed to replace the aging ST1300 then it will need all of those things. If it is designed to slot alongside the ST then it might be a tougher road for Honda. Matt
• basically just cosigning some of the prior comments.
  are the manufacturers in league with the aftermarket exhaust builders? is that why the exhausts on new bikes are soooo ugly. a couple days ago the Z1000 with its ridiculous kabuki fan mufflers and now honda offers up this bloated pig with Stanley Kubrick’s Cocktail Shaker attached to the back of it.
  and re: the license plate bracket…something like this is fine on a sportbike where 9 out of 10 buyers are going to unbolt it and slap the plate up under the fender. but VFR guys tend to be law-abiders not modifiers. so they’re stuck with this hideous thing. looks like a combo between a dirtbike fender and a jai’alai cesta made from recycled garbage cans

  yeah, maybe my comparisons are a little fanciful, but if they didn’t put such goofy [stuff] on their bikes I wouldn’t start seeing things

  but to each his own, there’s those who will ride and love it. I won’t be able to truly ridicule this thing until I see it in the flesh so I look forward to its release. justin

• Seems like a nice bike. But… I’m not hot on the automatic transmission – it’s good they have a manual option. What really bothers me about this bike is the front end, mainly the headlight, and the muffler. The slab fairing is also a bit weird. Who comes up with this stuff? I can’t decide if this is better or worse than the “two face” BMW.I wish Honda luck with the new VFR. I hope they haven’t bet the company on this bike.
• No centerstand or real passenger seat. Where do crashbars go ? The first time it falls over you need a new rear view mirror/blinker, among other things. I do like the seating/riding position. That muffler is GROSS ! Randy
• think Honda hit the nail on the head with the new VFR! IT will give the Kawasaki a run for its Money and I would have to say Yamaha is probably making those last minute changes to the FJR. Not to mention the sound if the heads banging from the European guys! Honda did a “Honda” Job. This bike is exactly why Honda is on top. The bike is refined, innovative and truly designed for the rider. I also must say good job to who ever hired Hondas recent design person. (THE Dark RED SIDE lol) Very UN Honda like. Honda has always been none for a safe and calculated design. Some one has let their hair down. Let’s hope the keep doing it!

  As for me, I am a sales manager for a multi Line Dealer and have been in the industry for 9 years now. I would say from a dealer’s point of view that we need more bikes like this. This bike will bring a number of new customers in, from BMW buyers to FJR trade-ins. Dealers now more then ever need some WOW Factor in the showroom. Just like the Honda Fury. And not overkill like the $17,000 plus Yamaha Vmax. (Sorry great bike but not a great price!) We still have on our floor. I would say we are going back to grass roots. The true motorcycle enthusiast is the buyer again, and he needs a reason to buy a new bike…… OR that average guy needs a reason to become a motorcycle enthusiast. Bikes like this will help. This bike like the fury will make waiting in line for Starbuck a bit more entertaining.

  It would go a little something like………

  “Jon did you hear about the new VFR 1200?”

  “No I didn’t “

  “Well Check out Motorcycledaily.com it’s a great bike. It reminds me of your old bike you used to have”

  “I will thanks!”

  ……”Jon your Tipple Iced blended mocha is ready”

  And Jon will head back to work; jump on his computer read about the bike. It will remind him of his 1985 VFR. He will think of his first ride on the bike and call my dealership and put a deposit on the VFR!

  Let’s hope Honda make a 1200RR….. Great job to Honda! It would have been nice to see a pick of the old and new though. Maybe next time? Dan

• Let’s be honest. The “layered fairing” has nothing to do with air management. It was pioneered years ago by other manufacturers (BMW F800S) as a way of reducing the number of critical dimensions that the vendor supplying the plastic has to adhere to. Most of the dimensions on the “slab sided” fairing could vary by as much as 1/8″ and you’d never notice. I also see a lot of parts that were polished, bright metal on the spy shots that are now dull castings or gray plastic. So much for the Honda VFR website hype about being stylish enough to ride to a fine Parisian hotel. Ultimately, I have only one question: How much does it weigh with all fluids and battery? If it’s over 550 lbs. it doesn’t meet my definition of “sport” tourer. Perhaps Gold Wing Lite would be a better marketing strategy. Robert
• I’m not sure if this is the correct way to respond to the new VFR or not, but this is my thoughts.

  I love the bike from head to toe except for two things.

  1. Ugly muffler – Who decides these sort of things. Are they showing these things to the market prior to making them part of a bike? The good part is this mistake can be replaced.
  2. No BMW-ish cruise control, no interest from me. One of the reasons I hang on to my older K1200RS is that it has cruise control and I use it!

  Why can’t any of the Japanese bike makers come up with a solution to this. Buying an aftermarket throttle lock is “not” a good or safe solution. Deric

• Aftermarket muffler for Honda’s new V-4? I don’t think so. With the cylinder arrangement, no one but Honda would have the technology to make it balance the back pressure properly, report the o2 feedback accurately and work right.
  Besides, it looks great. I love the look. It will have hard bags, won’t it?
  But it will be $18,000 if it’s a dime. Jay

• Looks like a nice bike, however go with a new concept, or a proven machine like the BMW K 1300 S ? – seems like an easy choice. _ You know what they say – never buy the first model year of anything……J.B.
• Fanatastic! A new dawn. Let me at the twin clutch trans. All the
  kids can whine about the muff or the new looks: “Gee, one of my
  riding buddies might tell me my new bike looks funny”…..this is an
  adult machine for owners that know shifting a motorcycle takes no
  special skills compared to shifting a auto with a manual..lose the
  clutch and move into the future of motorcycling…….Bruce

• Ugly and it looks like Kawasaki has taught Honda how to design bizarre mufflers! No amount of technology will offset Ugly. Marc
• I always lusted after the white VFR when it came out.
  While a technological marvel I wonder if the new one will be as good
  as the old.
  The new bike looks bloated, over priced (I imagine) and all I can
  think of when I look at that fairing is how expensive a minor parking
  lot tip over would be.
  Think I’ll keep my V-Strom 🙂 — Jim

• The most popular new accessory? A new muffler. Yosh or Kerker or Muzzy is going to make a mint selling exactly as many normal looking mufflers for this as Honda sells bikes worldwide. The fairing I like, the overall style I like … except for the hideously large license plate bracket … but that muffler is not just ugly, it’s freaking ugly ugly. Craig

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