In what appears to be the first opportunity for an independent journalist, Honda Canada allowed Canadian Motorcycle Guide a brief test on the 2010 VFR1200F. Perhaps, the most anticipated 2010 new model, the big, v-4 powered Honda has drawn quite a bit of attention from the world press (both motorcycling and otherwise).
Unfortunately, since we first posted this article, CMG has removed the story due to a Honda embargo, but highlights include comments about the entirely new powerplant, including “throttle response is instantaneous but easily manageable”, and the new engine “is remarkably torquey and very powerful”. The author did conclude that the motor pulled softly from low rpm . . . surprisingly so. We hope to be testing the machine within the next few months.
MD Readers Respond:
- Comment on the Canadian articles perspective on what the new VFR is….
“The bike will undoubtedly be compared to other big-bore sport touring machines, namely the BMW K1300GT, the Yamaha FJR1300 and the Kawasaki Concours 14.”
What?… Isn’t the VFR1200 supposed be the combined replacement for the VFR800 and CBR1100 Blackbird? Shouldn’t this bike be compared to bikes like the ZX14 and K1300s?
If the new VFR is anywhere near as bloated as the Concours and BMWGT it is dead on arrival and Honda has destroyed two of it’s best model concepts in one fell swoop. The Concours, BMWGT and FJR are exceptionally good motorcycles, but in my humble opinion of a completely different class than the Blackbird & VFR ever were.
One thing BMW has right with its boxer evolution, each generation (of late) has increased power and efficiency while reducing weight. Why couldn’t Honda bump up the displacement of the VFR800 to 1000cc to add some respectable mid-range torque and drop 50 lbs? NOW THAT WOULD BE A BIKE I WANT Jeff
