• Welcome to the new B.I.R.D. Forum. Please be sure to read the "New Member / New Registered ? Please Read" thread in the Coffee Shop. This contains some important information. To become a full member ( £5.90 a year ) simply click on your user name near the top on the right I hope you enjoy the new site ................ Jaws ( John )

New VFR

O

onoff

Guest
Not sure what to think of it,.. but looks like no centerstand:

2326.jpg

3597.jpg

3598.jpg
 

Dark Angel

Still kickin' it!
If you like bulbous, snub-nosed, hard-to-clean, expensive-to-buy, even-more-expensive-to-service, BMW-lookalike motorcycles, then the new VFR is the machine for you. This latest offering demonstrates perfectly Honda's indifference to, and ignorance of the needs and requirements of its customers.

To any 1100XX owner, it must be patently obvious that the VFR isn’t a replacement for the Blackbird, nor was it was never intended as such. Unfortunately, Honda is well-known to many of us as far too great a company to acknowledge even the most basic feedback from those who purchase its products so, basically, if you don’t like the new offering then it’s just too bad.

Honda? Indifferent? Ignorant? Well, if you’ve ever struggled to communicate the presence of the “loom problem” to Honda, you’ll know what I mean: “We’ve fixed it, therefore it no longer exists”, that’s what they’ll tell you. Ask them about the new VFR and they’ll tell you: “This bike is the most beautifully perfect machine ever made”. Well; it might be perfect, but it's also fuggin' ugly. If you can bring yourself to look at it for long enough, I think you could, just possibly, find yourself nodding in agreement.

I’ve no doubt that the thing rides, handles, sounds and performs exactly as described by the “Big H”, but there’s just one rather important detail that the “Gods” seem to have overlooked: when you get off a Blackbird – don’t you always have a little peep back at it over your shoulder as you’re walking away? Don’t you still feel a bit smug that such a great-looking bike is yours? I still do. But when the novelty’s wearing thin on their nice, shiny VFRs, I can well imagine the new owners actually running away from the thing - without a backward glance - all the better to avoid the inevitable question from those wide-eyed youngsters: “Is that your bike, mister?”

No: I wouldn’t ‘fess up to it, either! p0pc0rn41
 

Jaws

Corporal CockUp
Staff member
Moderator
Club Sponsor
Agreed!

The most successful motorcycle manufacturer in the world rarely gets it wrong


I want one - and I want one NOW

Oh ?? I would just have a little think about the rarely gets it wrong thing if I was you young man..
There have been as many Honda models consigned to the sick bucket of history as there have been successful ones !

And as for wanting one and wanting it now.. Why does that not surprise me ! LOL !!!
 

Fat Bert

Registered User
...
There have been as many Honda models consigned to the sick bucket of history as there have been successful ones !
...

Tell me of one in the last 10-12 years?

She's stuning - just don't spoil the lines with the built in suitacses
 

Fat Bert

Registered User
Read the Spec

Honda HAVE listened to owner/customer feedback - read the spec - identify with the known shortcomings of the BlackBird design

*******************

Here's the highlights of the extensive media pack:

"To a larger degree, pure function determined the VFR1200F?s form. Mass centralisation, consummate rider control and aerodynamic efficiency provided the key underlying design criteria and from this starting point the machine?s form evolved. The remarkably narrow cylinder heads and clever cylinder spacing allowed a very narrow waist, effectively lowering the seat height thus making it easier for the rider to place both feet flat on the ground at rest. This wasp-like waist also gives the rider the feeling of being ?in? the bike rather than perched on top ? crucial for feedback and control. The fuel tank?s elegant yet complicated contours have purpose as well as eye-pleasing aesthetics in mind. Its shape and form supports and assists the rider to add extra elements of control and heightened levels of feedback whatever the riding situation. The ergonomically styled fairing works in harmony with the fuel tank to provide extra support and efficient weather protection for the rider and pillion. Even the hand controls and switchgear with their revised button positioning are engineered to ergonomic advantage. The pillion?s comfort and security have not been overlooked, either. The supportive, vacuum-moulded dual-seat has a flat and expansive area for the pillion and strong, easy-reach grab handles and footrests positioned with comfort and security in mind.

Layered Fairing technology
The patented layered fairing design of the VFR1200F is a perfect match of form and function. Designers and engineers worked together to create a uniquely beautiful shape and, at the same time, optimal air flow and heat management. The fairing design incorporates two layers, which harnesses the benefits of flowing air to the machine?s dynamic and mechanical advantage. This has two functions; air entering between the layers and through two oval-shaped spaces in the front of the fairing is channelled in exactly the directions needed to enhance the bike?s stability at higher speeds. By effectively increasing the speed of the air by channelling it through smaller apertures before it reaches the radiators, engine cooling is optimised and the hot, exhausted air is channelled away from the rider and passenger for a cooler, more comfortable ride. The heat generated by the powerful, enclosed V4 engine is also channelled away to keep hot air away from the rider.

A balance of positive and negative surfaces gives the front of the motorcycle a light, open look while also creating a profile that slices through the wind with the least possible resistance. A strongly defined X-shape characterises the front of the machine. Concave surfaces direct the eye and air up towards the windscreen, which incorporates another air-directing aperture at its lower edge. Even the edges of the screen have been crafted to enhance stability at speed. The powerful single line-beam headlight is the same type used on the CBR1000RR Fireblade. Its light streams into two tinted LED-look strips that frame the sides of the headlight, increasing the illusion of lightness and space.

Three colour options were selected to emphasise the highly-polished look, smooth texture and unique shapes and layers of the bodywork.

In 2010 the VFR1200F will make its debut in:
- Candy Prominence Red
- Seal Silver Metallic
- Pearl Sunbeam White

Engine
The VFR1200F engine was designed to provide its rider with high speed, quick acceleration and a strong, engaging feeling coming from the engine?s power characteristics. Honda also wanted to deliver the invigorating engine sound and feel that characterise V4 sports bikes, but with an additional focus on comfortable, responsive power delivery. The new V4 engine?s performance is delivered where it?s most useful and most enjoyable. Its linear torque curve is focused in the low and mid range, making it possible for the rider to simply roll on and off the throttle while powering through bends. The bike is capable of staying in top gear (in the same gear) between 130 and 195 km/hr, meaning that the rider only needs to concentrate on braking and steering allowing the rest of their focus to be channelled into reading the road and assessing the conditions. This effortless control makes the bike great fun to ride ? this is a sports bike with real-world usable power.

Smooth delivery
There were several challenges involved in tailoring the strong V4 power for use in an all-round machine that can be used for weekend enjoyment, commuting and long-distance touring. Key elements of the VFR1200F?s power characteristics are its unrivalled response and strong torque delivery. To allow full enjoyment of the engine?s power while still providing a high level of comfort, vibration needed to be carefully managed. A unique cylinder layout was developed for this purpose. Instead of the traditional V4 cylinder configuration, with the cylinders evenly spaced front-to-rear, the VFR1200F adopts an ingenious solution in order to centralise mass and at the same time achieve a compact, space-saving solution. The rear cylinders are placed side by side but close together, while the front cylinders are more widely spaced. This layout allows for a slim, compact ?waist? that fits comfortably between the rider?s legs. It also supports mass centralisation, thus contributing to the bike?s balanced feel and ease of control. With no right-left couple imbalance, the need for a balancer is eliminated and friction is reduced.

A new Symmetrically Coupled Phase-shift Crankshaft (S.C.P.C.) complements the advantages of the cylinder layout. Operating with a mere 28? throw, it effectively reduces primary vibration and noise, eliminating the need for a power-sapping balance shaft. The new V4 typically produces more than 80% of its maximum torque (115.3Nm/8,500 rpm) at 3,000rpm. To allow the rider to comfortably take full advantage of this torque, delivery is smoothed by four drivetrain dampers, which further eliminate uncomfortable vibration and backlash.

Off-road technology
The VFR1200F utilises the UNICAM single overhead camshaft cylinder head design from the world-class CRF motocrossers. The logic was straightforward: in an environment where space, performance and weight are at a premium this technology was perfect for a project where mass centralisation and ergonomics were prime design criteria. Also borrowed from the CRF range is the sealed crankcase system where mechanical pumping losses are eliminated by the use of a scavenge pump to vent the unwanted crankcase pressure waves to atmosphere. This system has never been used on a road machine before but the gains for the rider are identical - electrifying throttle response and improved fuel consumption.

New transmission layout and ground-breaking shaft drive system
A compact new transmission layout contributes to high-speed stability, better cornering and improved traction capability. In the new configuration the output shaft is placed in front of the counter shaft to enhance road-holding. Moving the output shaft forwards leaves room for a longer swing-arm without extending the wheelbase length thus improving stability and traction simultaneously.

The VFR1200F features a revolutionary shaft drive system that delivers all the characteristics of a chain drive in terms of its dynamic performance without the time-wasting maintenance issues associated with chain final drive. This highly developed shaft drive system features an offset pivot point that eliminates ?rise? and a sliding constant velocity joint that takes up any variations in length during the rear wheel?s arc of travel. At the output shaft a clutch damper absorbs any backlash. The results are astounding; regardless of how aggressive the rider is with the throttle, this shaft drive system always behaves like a conventional chain drive.

Refined control
A throttle-by-wire system improves the rider?s connectivity with the VFR1200F. Providing light, precise fuel metering at all engine parameters this highly developed accuracy gives the rider increased levels of control, whatever the situation. It is another individual aspect that adds to the heightened feelings of response and control.

To aid control under intense deceleration a slipper clutch is fitted, similar to the system on the CBR1000RR Fireblade. Even under the most excessive downshifting the clutch is designed to slip, thus preventing the rear wheel from inadvertently locking up, allowing the rider to stay firmly in control.
wibbler
Chassis
The VFR1200F frame, suspension and drive components are brought together in a unique configuration that facilitates both sports bike power and smooth stability. Its strong aluminium twin-spar diamond configuration frame is both lightweight and rigid. The swingarm and driveshaft length are optimised without extending the overall length of the motorcycle. A short wheelbase keeps the bike compact for great handling around corners, while the driveshaft remains long for improved levels of traction. Meanwhile, the long swingarm contributes to balanced, confident manoeuvring and incredible high-speed stability.

The swingarm is complemented by a compliant Pro-Link rear shock absorber with adjustable rebound damping. At the front, sturdy 43mm telescopic forks with adjustable preload provide smooth and assured control. Together, these systems ensure a comfortable ride, even with a pillion and luggage on board, and add to the overall feeling of total control.

High-performance brakes
The VFR1200F is equipped with the most highly developed brake technology for all-round sports bike use. Powerful new six-piston calipers act on large discs (320mm at the front and 276mm at the rear). A Combined Braking System creates the optimal balance of front and rear braking forces. The addition of a standard-fit compact and lightweight ABS supports both the motorcycle?s sports riding potential and its touring proficiency.
 

Minkey

Ok it was me
Club Sponsor
So we waited all this time for a Bird replacement and look at the pile of shite they give us.bl4hbl4h
 
B

BraXX

Guest
I like the looks of this vfr. I will want one as soon as they confirm its not burning oil like the first new blades did.
 

Jaws

Corporal CockUp
Staff member
Moderator
Club Sponsor
Well at least it is in the same genre of bike Steve
 

Duck n Dive

Rebel without a clue ...
Club Sponsor
I'll reserve final judgement until I get to see & sit on one d34l


But for the moment my comments would be:

1. No centre stand .. makes it a waste of space for touring as far as I'm concerned. Plus the pain in the butt fuelling to full with only a sidestand .. or should that be flame in the butt :-0) if'n it all goes wrong.

2. Throttle-by-wire --- they gotta be joking :wank: if they can't produce a long-in-the-tooth model like the 'bird without solving a really basic leccy problem how do ya fancy trusting that fly-by-wire throttle system.


I can just see it now ... no sir .. your bike did not decide to go full throttle as you parked in front of that brick wall/artic truck/beachy head ... you must have done it ... no there's no problem with the wiring system.


3. Those rider footpegs look to me like my poor old legs would be bent beyond design limits.



:dunno:
 
H

hondated

Guest
Boy, am I lucky or what....

having waited anxiously for months for the new V4 to actually be put into production and on sale todays the day I have been waiting so long for.
Given its looks the V4 engine, shaft drive and its other new technology I am so so lucky that....................a month ago I gave up waiting and brought anothe BB.I know that I am talking to the converted but in all honesty who would sell their BB to buy this monstrosity. Not me thats for sure. In fact if I wanted shaft drive I would have a k122/1300s rather than this.Still at least now I can sleep more easily knowing that I did the right thing in buying the BB.
 
H

hondated

Guest
Dark angel

by the way I too received a message telling me about today and guess what... still no email.
 

Dark Angel

Still kickin' it!
Honda HAVE listened to owner/customer feedback - read the spec - identify with the known shortcomings of the BlackBird design
Here's the highlights of the extensive media pack
Absolute BOLLOCKS - just LOOK at the fooker.

If Honda were so sure they'd got it right they'd have put the bike on show and said fook-all. "The proof of the pudding" etc. (and it IS a PUD!!). Instead, we get a 20,000-word submission that's supposed to convince us to part with our hard-earned marbles.

I've no doubts that it's a great bike - but at the same time I have even fewer doubts that it's a fookin' UGLY, looks-like-a-piece-of-shite-this-is-what-BMW-should-have-done CLONE.

Have I made myself clear?
 

Oldbull

Registered User
Agreed!

The most successful motorcycle manufacturer in the world rarely gets it wrong

I was at the official launch of the new Blade - saw it - laughed at the road-going slipper clutch - threw up at the design - that rear-end still is wank

BUT

the journo's and the people who own it/ride it, have nothing but gob-smacking praise for the way it handles and performs

Same will apply to this new model

Price will be interesting though - I reckon it will be the wrong side of ?11K - but that in itself will keep the riff raff away

People who can afford that sort of cash on a toy aren't going to be unduly worried about high servicing costs either - it'll just put a premium value on Official Honda dealer stamps on the Service History Book

I want one - and I want one NOW


Hear what you are saying about the blade Bert but the one main reason for me not having one is the size .. they are too small and cramped, fantastic bike for a 10 stone, five foot tall person, they are even smaller than a CBR6 F1 :eek:

New Bird man8um

I hate single sided swingers.. so thats a big no no for me already.. the luggage looks very small which makes me feel that its not going to carry the weight like the Bird does.. and the pillion perch looks exactly what it is, a perch.. not a seat like the Bird.. I hate to see pillions stuck on the back of the modern bikes. So that will be a big no no from swambo then ..

also .. would it be 10 grand (apx) better than my bike ??? no chance..

will wait until I see it in the flesh and hopefully blag a ride before I make final Judgement but by going with what we have seen already it doesnt tick any of the boxs which were the reason for me buying my bird in the first place... so I cannot see how they are calling it the Bird replacement ..

I agree with the others that its stuck in between Gener's and by the looks of it, master of none ... :wank:
 

bmwdumptruck

Come on you Hatters
Firestorm owners will love em.... someone else that'll need fuel every 90 mileh1d1ng2

How small is that tank FFS.
 

Samster

chamon motherf*cker
I like this a lot, it's distinctive, bold and it's the future - that rear shot of it on the stand is simply something else, looks like something out of TRON! Fuck yeah, that really is fantastic! I agree that the SuperBlackie is a timeless design and a great looking bike, but this is another decade, you'll be used to it in a year

The truth, I suspect, is that some on here are already recognising that it'll be a better bike than the beloved 1100Xx, and that's why it's getting a slating - it'll be economical no doubt, so don't see the issue with the tank size, and as for comfort, well I'm 6'4" and the VFR800i was more comfortable that a BlackBird

FB and I assured you that there'd would never be a new Xx about eight years back, this isn't a replacement, but I'll bet it's a better bike

I'd own one in black
 

Dark Angel

Still kickin' it!
I like this a lot, it's distinctive, bold and it's the future
Garlic Bread!

Too much hype and not enough bike here, Sam.

It will handle.

It will sound great.

It will perform.

...This is all conjecture...

....But the FACT is... ... It looks shite...

...Even in black!
 

Barrie

Registered User
Without wishing to sound confrontational, I quite like it. It does tend to grow on you the longer you look. Deffo dont like the white as it appears to make it slabby, red, well I personnely dont like red so I'm biased but the silver (surprise surprise) would be my preferred choice.
Would I take a dabble, well thats put it this way, Ive been into C.J.Ball and been put on the list for test rides in Jan 2010 when they receive their first model.
The argument tends to be aimed at the techonolgy being "over done" but how many people now service their own cars.
I always said I'd buy the Birdy replacement, and you know, I think might just do that.

Go and sit in a darkened room for a while, you will feel better later.h1d1ng2
 
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