Great video, Graham!! People always ask me about the ZZ verses the VFR. They are both fast, but ride and handle totally different. As you stated: “there’s always a compromise between 2 different bikes.” I’m truly blessed and grateful to be able to have these bikes….I love them both, and I’m always smiling at the end of a ride!! Have fun, be safe, ride on!!
Hi Graham. Great to hear your update. I took mine on a trip from Cambridge to Bristol recently through the Cotswolds. I forgot how smooth the bike is through the power delivery and how comfortable it was. Looking to use it more this year than my other bike (CCM Bobber). Speaking of the weight, it used to intimidate me, but now I know what I should and should not do. Having a bike stand in the garage is a great suggestion to owners of heavier bikes as it means you can drive in forwards and than jack the bike up on the stand and safely turn it around. Best purchase I got for my VFR.
Cheers, Glad you're enjoying it. Yes I guess you just deal with it as best you can. I see it as a saving on gym membership. Seriously though, it's the compromise thing again .
Brand loyalty was high on my list of priorities when I bought both of my VFR1200Fs, and of course, both lived up to expectations perfectly. I also owned a VFR750FA 20+ years ago, which I was particularly fond of, so V-Fours were possibly my engine of choice. They were, in my opinion, simply streets ahead of their sports/touring competition, in terms of quality build, sure-footed high speed handling and unique engine performance - period.
When I hear talk of Honda being boring, I have to remind them of the magnificent 250 /6 race bike, the sheer gobsmack of the cb750 in 1969 (bikerdodd recently called it overrated??), the cbx 1000 ,rc 30s fireblades, blackbirds plus all of the pure road v4s , they are/were truly innovative and deserve to be respected. 👍👍
I test rode a VFR1200-DCT a few years ago, I found it to be the most underwhelming machine I had ever ridden. Totally unsuited to the DCT gearbox. EDIT: I eventually settled on a Hayabusa which I found excellent....until I tried a Kawasaki ZZR1400 which is so so comfortable. Indeed the ZZR1400 is a better motorcycle than the 'Busa in every way. 2 years on and I still love the big Kwak.
Yes I understand different opinions it's a grower and I've mentioned on a few videos that first impression can mislead..Busa and zzr are fantastic bikes, but playing a totally different game. Which is more like the blackbird genre. Thank you for your input 👍
Hi Graham, Nice story and good to hear that you are still happy with the bike. My story is different. I owned a ST1100 for more than 20 years and really liked it until that day when a VFR stopped besides me at a traffic light. I fell completely in love with the model, noticed the suitcases and became really interested. The only requirements I had was a shaft drive and must be able to handle a pillion pretty well. As the VFR ticked both the boxes, I bought one within a week 😊. I was not looking for such a strong machine but when I experienced it, it became one of the boxes that need to be ticked as well 😉. The VFR always puts a smile at my face when you accelerate and the brakes are fantastic. My wife finds the VFR a bit less comfy than the ST1100 but is very much ok with it (she often joins, so that would say enough 😉). The VFR is not as heavy as the ST110 so that was an advantage for me, but it is a heavy bike. I also recognize that the clutch is heavy as well. Strangely enough, I can drive longer on the VFR than the ST1100 before I need to take a break. She is a bit thirsty when you use it for touring but strange enough pretty economic when you drive on the highway. The handling of the VFR is superb, gives me so much confidence and trust and it still ticks all the boxes that I was looking for (and some of them which I was not even aware of 😊). Wish you many more pleasant kilometers/miles!
Thanks for that comprehensive input Henk (says Henk on notification). Only had a few pillion moments, my son and a few mates when their bike was unavailable. Big seat on the st 1100, hard to beat I suppose. Yep I don't really need all that power (need the torque though), but it's great to indulge every now and then.Short Germany trip coming up soon, landing Europoort as usual. 😊
In my opinion, this is the best looking sports tourer ever made. The blue colour is beautiful (better than the red one 😀). I would have purchased one if it wasn't for the small fuel tank. I live in Australia, when touring we have places where the fuel stations are spread out. I would have fuel anxiety. I ended up getting the ugly duckling BMWr1200rs, great bike but not as beautiful and awesome sounding as the VFR.
Oh that's a shame, fortunately in the the UK 40 to 50 miles (I'm guessing ) is probably the longest stretch without fuel . On my fuel range video I think I got 152 miles before light on,with mixed riding. Yes although I have a lot of time for the BMW (my close friend has just bought a r1250rs), as you say, its not as elegant or stylish. Thank you for watching 👍
Hi Graham spot on review like we have said many times yes clutch is heavy and to push around its a little heavy and fuel range could be better as you know i am a big vfr fan and still having two 750 models and having a 800 one the 1200 is very much like the 800 to ride but a lot more powerfull . The shaft drive is a god send yes comfort wise its spot as you know have had the seat made better for more comfort done some big stints in the saddle on mine my view its a fast sports bike with comfort and handling and build qualitly is top notch evey ride i have on it i have a huge grin at the end what would i get next another one.
Yes indeed, just trying to point out that the vfr is a serious sports tourer, if light/weight bikes are on your shortlist also perhaps the vfr is a bit too much . Cheers
Don't know why I really brought mine. I just wanted something bigger, quicker and more reliable than my last bike. Other than it being on my "dream list" of bikes id like to own it was more a case of right cost, place and time. I didn't think about the negatives and only really started to look at what there like after buying. Still waiting on delivery of mine, dealer was putting a fresh MOT and giving it a service before they deliver it so I'm fine with waiting.
I'm sure like me you will love it, I guess I'm just a bit defensive if the bike (and I must stress I love most bikes), when folk are negative to the bike rather than their own buying decisions, if that makes sense.👍
Hi Graham, I hope you are well. I watch all your videos. They are insightful. Thank you for them. I am planning to ride to Bosnia from the UK this year. I am pretty much new to motorcycling with just over 3 years experience. I would like to know as to what compulsory spare parts I should carry with me on this trip. It would be kind of you if you can enlighten me. Regards joe.
Thats very kind thank you. Having ridden extensively in Europe for past 20 yrs, to the best of my knowledge, most items are recommended not mandatory. I believe in Bosnia like Germany a hi Viz must be carried, and I believe Slovenia requires spare bulbs (not sure how that works with built in leds) but apart from v5, cert of ins, driving licence etc, that's it. Please note again..this is my knowledge. Hope it's a great trip.
Yes, it's heavy, especially to move by hand, and the clutch is heavy. Other than that I can't really find any cons on the bike. You're right: it cannot be compared to a much lighter motorcycle, like a naked, and maybe to a supersport one, though the engine can compete with a lot of poweful track bikes. It's a class on its own
I think yes it can compete with a lot of sports bikes, it is still a sports bike at heart and Honda were keen to point that out. Clutch has a lovely smooth take up though which helps to forgive it's heavy action . Thanks again 👍
I almost bought a white one, but it was a bit rough, and I wanted it for the 2022 tt trip with only a month to spare. I was looking at both the vfr1200 and the crosstourer. I opted for the later, things that influenced me were hard luggage, shaft drive and the v4. I fell in love with my vfr750rc36 after bringing it back from the dead and wanted another v4. One question Graham, have you serviced the forks? I know you changed the rear shock.
I'm torn between a VFR1200f and a VFR800. I feel like I would like to have the experience of owning a VFR800 for the handling and feel of the bike. But I often ride 2 up and so I'm leaning towards the VFR1200f. I'm curious about the VFR1200X too but don't want to trade in 40-50 HP for the X. I'd like to fancy myself doing loads of touring but I more likely will do weekend rides and an occasional trip of a couple hundred or so miles one way. What do you think? I currently have an old 86 Magna 700c and love the engine.
Thanks for your interest. I love the smaller vfrs, but the sheer grunt of the 1200 is addictive, plus the shaft and it does handle sweetly. With regards to the 1200x , believe me you won't miss the reduced bhp because the torque levels remain, and even though I still push on I'm rarely over 7k, which on the vfrv12 is around 130 bhp. Top heaviness of the X is obviously to be taken into account. If you are happy with a sporty riding position the vfr12f will suit fine. Let me know 👍
I had a 750 for a few years. You don’t need any more power for fully loaded two up touring. You can jump on a VFR and just go sports touring in Europe in comfort and confidence.
Graham, i would not recommend you swap for DCT model. You would not be impressed. I am a DCT fan and I can say that Honda made a big mistake launching DCT with this engine. Two mides Drive and Sport. Drive has you in 6th gear 2.5k revs just where the engine is weakest. Sports mode is like a rocket and the bike will not let you shift higher than 4th unless you are doing 70mph. I have bought a footshifter to put on mine so that I can drive in manual mode more often. That might suit you if you go down DCT route.
I disagree. The DCT gearbox is superb and makes the bike in my opinion. I use the manual option only using the paddle shifts, like up/down quick shifters - absolutely brilliant. Goes like you no what off a shovel, can engine brake or change up mid corner and the bike is absolutely planted. Great for pillions too with no gearchange shunt as with normal gearbox. Doesn't stall and brings a grin to my face every time, I have it 8 years now and have had all cc variations of the VFR before it, as well as other bikes of course. Superb bike. I dont know whats out there to replace it with so I haven't.
@@kevinf876 don't get me wrong, I took think it is a great bike with DCT. But for Graeme as an experienced rider I see no point in him switching to a DCT variant. Graeme can come to Scotland and try mine.
Thank you Brian always appreciate your input . Feedback I get is 50/50 , but with almost everyone agreeing as you say, that normal mode changes far too early (engine is not a it's best lugging). It's only a thought in the back of my mind at this stage and i am naturally a curious person so a wrong decision to me is just another experience, if I didn't like it, I'd just sell it I suppose. I take your valid point about the gear lever 👍. I guy in my road has a Gold wing dct and nc750, which as you know work well with dct. Ps in the late 90 I had a Saab turbo 900 sensonic, full manual, auto clutch..was quirky but unloved by most.
@@kevinf876 Thank you for input Kevin, as I replied to Brian, it doesn't matter to me if one is better than the other, im all for trying different things. But at moment it's just a thought. Thanks for watching.
Авто/Мото
Note: Windy again , so editing out wind noise, has affected audio a little bit 😏
Great video, Graham!! People always ask me about the ZZ verses the VFR. They are both fast, but ride and handle totally different. As you stated: “there’s always a compromise between 2 different bikes.” I’m truly blessed and grateful to be able to have these bikes….I love them both, and I’m always smiling at the end of a ride!! Have fun, be safe, ride on!!
Hi Mike, yes it must be a pleasure to own both bikes, thank you for the comments 😊
Hi Graham. Great to hear your update. I took mine on a trip from Cambridge to Bristol recently through the Cotswolds. I forgot how smooth the bike is through the power delivery and how comfortable it was. Looking to use it more this year than my other bike (CCM Bobber). Speaking of the weight, it used to intimidate me, but now I know what I should and should not do. Having a bike stand in the garage is a great suggestion to owners of heavier bikes as it means you can drive in forwards and than jack the bike up on the stand and safely turn it around. Best purchase I got for my VFR.
Cheers, Glad you're enjoying it. Yes I guess you just deal with it as best you can.
I see it as a saving on gym membership. Seriously though, it's the compromise thing again .
Brand loyalty was high on my list of priorities when I bought both of my VFR1200Fs, and of course, both lived up to expectations perfectly. I also owned a VFR750FA 20+ years ago, which I was particularly fond of, so V-Fours were possibly my engine of choice. They were, in my opinion, simply streets ahead of their sports/touring competition, in terms of quality build, sure-footed high speed handling and unique engine performance - period.
When I hear talk of Honda being boring, I have to remind them of the magnificent 250 /6 race bike, the sheer gobsmack of the cb750 in 1969 (bikerdodd recently called it overrated??), the cbx 1000 ,rc 30s fireblades, blackbirds plus all of the pure road v4s , they are/were truly innovative and deserve to be respected. 👍👍
I just got this bike’s ECU flashed. Now it’ll never be detuned like it was from the factory. Insanely fast and I can meet a top speed of 170 lol
Great stuff..So pleased you are enjoying it even more 😊.
I test rode a VFR1200-DCT a few years ago, I found it to be the most underwhelming machine I had ever ridden. Totally unsuited to the DCT gearbox.
EDIT: I eventually settled on a Hayabusa which I found excellent....until I tried a Kawasaki ZZR1400 which is so so comfortable. Indeed the ZZR1400 is a better motorcycle than the 'Busa in every way. 2 years on and I still love the big Kwak.
Yes I understand different opinions it's a grower and I've mentioned on a few videos that first impression can mislead..Busa and zzr are fantastic bikes, but playing a totally different game. Which is more like the blackbird genre. Thank you for your input 👍
I have the Dct crosstourer and it’s superb. Had the manual ct and changed.
Pleased to hear you enjoy the dct👍
Hi Graham,
Nice story and good to hear that you are still happy with the bike. My story is different. I owned a ST1100 for more than 20 years and really liked it until that day when a VFR stopped besides me at a traffic light. I fell completely in love with the model, noticed the suitcases and became really interested.
The only requirements I had was a shaft drive and must be able to handle a pillion pretty well. As the VFR ticked both the boxes, I bought one within a week 😊. I was not looking for such a strong machine but when I experienced it, it became one of the boxes that need to be ticked as well 😉. The VFR always puts a smile at my face when you accelerate and the brakes are fantastic. My wife finds the VFR a bit less comfy than the ST1100 but is very much ok with it (she often joins, so that would say enough 😉). The VFR is not as heavy as the ST110 so that was an advantage for me, but it is a heavy bike. I also recognize that the clutch is heavy as well.
Strangely enough, I can drive longer on the VFR than the ST1100 before I need to take a break. She is a bit thirsty when you use it for touring but strange enough pretty economic when you drive on the highway.
The handling of the VFR is superb, gives me so much confidence and trust and it still ticks all the boxes that I was looking for (and some of them which I was not even aware of 😊).
Wish you many more pleasant kilometers/miles!
Thanks for that comprehensive input Henk (says Henk on notification). Only had a few pillion moments, my son and a few mates when their bike was unavailable. Big seat on the st 1100, hard to beat I suppose. Yep I don't really need all that power (need the torque though), but it's great to indulge every now and then.Short Germany trip coming up soon, landing Europoort as usual. 😊
@@Grahamvfr correct, pillions are spoiled on the ST1100, but we are spoiled on the VFR 🤣
@@hbor77 👍
In my opinion, this is the best looking sports tourer ever made. The blue colour is beautiful (better than the red one 😀). I would have purchased one if it wasn't for the small fuel tank. I live in Australia, when touring we have places where the fuel stations are spread out. I would have fuel anxiety. I ended up getting the ugly duckling BMWr1200rs, great bike but not as beautiful and awesome sounding as the VFR.
Oh that's a shame, fortunately in the the UK 40 to 50 miles (I'm guessing ) is probably the longest stretch without fuel . On my fuel range video I think I got 152 miles before light on,with mixed riding.
Yes although I have a lot of time for the BMW (my close friend has just bought a r1250rs), as you say, its not as elegant or stylish. Thank you for watching 👍
Hi Graham spot on review like we have said many times yes clutch is heavy and to push around its a little heavy and fuel range could be better as you know i am a big vfr fan and still having two 750 models and having a 800 one the 1200 is very much like the 800 to ride but a lot more powerfull . The shaft drive is a god send yes comfort wise its spot as you know have had the seat made better for more comfort done some big stints in the saddle on mine my view its a fast sports bike with comfort and handling and build qualitly is top notch evey ride i have on it i have a huge grin at the end what would i get next another one.
Yes indeed, just trying to point out that the vfr is a serious sports tourer, if light/weight bikes are on your shortlist also perhaps the vfr is a bit too much . Cheers
Don't know why I really brought mine. I just wanted something bigger, quicker and more reliable than my last bike. Other than it being on my "dream list" of bikes id like to own it was more a case of right cost, place and time. I didn't think about the negatives and only really started to look at what there like after buying.
Still waiting on delivery of mine, dealer was putting a fresh MOT and giving it a service before they deliver it so I'm fine with waiting.
I'm sure like me you will love it, I guess I'm just a bit defensive if the bike (and I must stress I love most bikes), when folk are negative to the bike rather than their own buying decisions, if that makes sense.👍
Hi Graham, I hope you are well. I watch all your videos. They are insightful. Thank you for them. I am planning to ride to Bosnia from the UK this year. I am pretty much new to motorcycling with just over 3 years experience. I would like to know as to what compulsory spare parts I should carry with me on this trip. It would be kind of you if you can enlighten me. Regards joe.
Thats very kind thank you. Having ridden extensively in Europe for past 20 yrs, to the best of my knowledge, most items are recommended not mandatory. I believe in Bosnia like Germany a hi Viz must be carried, and I believe Slovenia requires spare bulbs (not sure how that works with built in leds) but apart from v5, cert of ins, driving licence etc, that's it. Please note again..this is my knowledge. Hope it's a great trip.
@@Grahamvfr Thanks Graham.
Yes, it's heavy, especially to move by hand, and the clutch is heavy. Other than that I can't really find any cons on the bike. You're right: it cannot be compared to a much lighter motorcycle, like a naked, and maybe to a supersport one, though the engine can compete with a lot of poweful track bikes. It's a class on its own
I think yes it can compete with a lot of sports bikes, it is still a sports bike at heart and Honda were keen to point that out.
Clutch has a lovely smooth take up though which helps to forgive it's heavy action . Thanks again 👍
Sorry Graham I must say my red one looks better than the blue 😂😂😂😂
Nah, it's just the smog affecting your vision hahaha.
Mine is red as well, but would not have mind a blue one. The 2 best colors for this bike!
White is also amazing
The Bronze one was a stunner.
@@pl1068you mean black and Bronze ?
I almost bought a white one, but it was a bit rough, and I wanted it for the 2022 tt trip with only a month to spare. I was looking at both the vfr1200 and the crosstourer. I opted for the later, things that influenced me were hard luggage, shaft drive and the v4. I fell in love with my vfr750rc36 after bringing it back from the dead and wanted another v4. One question Graham, have you serviced the forks? I know you changed the rear shock.
Nice one Trevor. I haven't done front forks,and many have advised I should. Think I'll put it on my winter service list 😊👍
@Grahamvfr Good idea, I think they'd benefit from fresh oil. 🙂
I'm torn between a VFR1200f and a VFR800. I feel like I would like to have the experience of owning a VFR800 for the handling and feel of the bike. But I often ride 2 up and so I'm leaning towards the VFR1200f. I'm curious about the VFR1200X too but don't want to trade in 40-50 HP for the X. I'd like to fancy myself doing loads of touring but I more likely will do weekend rides and an occasional trip of a couple hundred or so miles one way. What do you think? I currently have an old 86 Magna 700c and love the engine.
Thanks for your interest. I love the smaller vfrs, but the sheer grunt of the 1200 is addictive, plus the shaft and it does handle sweetly.
With regards to the 1200x , believe me you won't miss the reduced bhp because the torque levels remain, and even though I still push on I'm rarely over 7k, which on the vfrv12 is around 130 bhp.
Top heaviness of the X is obviously to be taken into account.
If you are happy with a sporty riding position the vfr12f will suit fine. Let me know 👍
I had a 750 for a few years. You don’t need any more power for fully loaded two up touring. You can jump on a VFR and just go sports touring in Europe in comfort and confidence.
Graham, i would not recommend you swap for DCT model. You would not be impressed. I am a DCT fan and I can say that Honda made a big mistake launching DCT with this engine. Two mides Drive and Sport. Drive has you in 6th gear 2.5k revs just where the engine is weakest. Sports mode is like a rocket and the bike will not let you shift higher than 4th unless you are doing 70mph. I have bought a footshifter to put on mine so that I can drive in manual mode more often. That might suit you if you go down DCT route.
I disagree. The DCT gearbox is superb and makes the bike in my opinion. I use the manual option only using the paddle shifts, like up/down quick shifters - absolutely brilliant. Goes like you no what off a shovel, can engine brake or change up mid corner and the bike is absolutely planted. Great for pillions too with no gearchange shunt as with normal gearbox. Doesn't stall and brings a grin to my face every time, I have it 8 years now and have had all cc variations of the VFR before it, as well as other bikes of course. Superb bike. I dont know whats out there to replace it with so I haven't.
@@kevinf876 don't get me wrong, I took think it is a great bike with DCT. But for Graeme as an experienced rider I see no point in him switching to a DCT variant. Graeme can come to Scotland and try mine.
Thank you Brian always appreciate your input . Feedback I get is 50/50 , but with almost everyone agreeing as you say, that normal mode changes far too early (engine is not a it's best lugging). It's only a thought in the back of my mind at this stage and i am naturally a curious person so a wrong decision to me is just another experience, if I didn't like it, I'd just sell it I suppose.
I take your valid point about the gear lever 👍. I guy in my road has a Gold wing dct and nc750, which as you know work well with dct. Ps in the late 90 I had a Saab turbo 900 sensonic, full manual, auto clutch..was quirky but unloved by most.
@@kevinf876 Thank you for input Kevin, as I replied to Brian, it doesn't matter to me if one is better than the other, im all for trying different things. But at moment it's just a thought. Thanks for watching.
@@Grahamvfr your welcome to come to Scotland and have a go on mine. Passed its MOT yesterday 😀