Totally agree. Bought mine in 2018 for £7500 (DCT) 2013 model with full GT load out (panniers and centre stand), Heated grips, and double bubble screen, 2300 miles. Now 40,000 miles. All i have done is replace front rotors as the "sticky calipers" must have warped them. My seat has started to tear at the front - but this was a "nick" when i bought it. I average 10.8 miles per litre. Had to have steering bearings replaced. I love the seat height and find it comfortable if "slidy". I have also toured two up full camping gear, Northern Ireland, IOM, Wales, Scarborough absolutely faultless, even across the mountain !!!! That is where I discovered 85mph+ in second gear. I dont know a better bike that can chew through motorways 2 up at 80mph and still maintain over 10 miles per litre, drop the missus and the panniers and then get your knee down and scare the bejesus out of squids. Great vid Graham.
37,000 miles, and good economy, think I got 10.5 mile per litre on last Scottish trip. I was at Scarborough having a semi sensible blast around oliver mount just a few weeks back. On the subject of speeds in gears, have you seen ratio video, if have a look. Thanks again ruclips.net/video/4BdAJCR72XU/видео.html
Great video. Really enjoyed it. Currently looking for my first vfr 1200. I'd be lucky to find one this well looked after. It's immaculate. A real credit to you.
Dealers are terrible. My used bike (bought with 27,000km) has _only_ ever had official dealer servicing since 2010 and I have all the invoices. It came with the oil level at the upper limit but while on the _sidestand!!_ Air filter was supposedly changed in 2021 (4K Km ago) and looked 10 years old. The drive shaft had the factory universal joint update back in 2017, and that also had 2017 oil in there (full of swarf). First thing I did was change the oil and filter, shaft oil (twice), coolant looks ok, but will be changed shortly. I can only imagine what the plugs may be like. Great video, as usual, Graham. Thanks mate for taking the trouble!
Thanks again for watching. I agree about some dealers, If its any consolation about plugs, I changes mine over lastwinter, (32,000 mile intervals as they are iridium) and they looked in really good condition. Rear ones easy.. Front ones tricky, had to get my friend to help, as I'd damaged my hand, and couldnt pull off the ecu connections in the cold temperatures.
Hi Graham, good to see you're still making vids. I have the vfr for over a year now and it has grown so much on me. I sometimes really don't know what I want with it. With panniers and top case, without to make him sportier. It's so incredible that this machine looks good with and without panniers. Sometimes I just change the exhaust valve for the sound, but when I'm touring, it's on because the change in not is great. But when I ride it as a sport bike, it has to sound heavy 😂.
Thanks yea, I can only agree with what you say, it's a versatile bike indeed. I sometimes on occasions, take the flapper cable off, but I like the note change, so it's mainly left on. Thanks again for your input 👍
Still the best bike I’ve ever owned. Just recently found a top box to go with the side bags. Added the Honda heated grips and now looking to add aftermarket cruise control.
Superb yes, sadly as stated on my most recent video my top box came off (my fault) on an alps trip, and was smashed. Just sourced a replacement (red)but will need spraying blue.. Heated grips help so much in early /late season. Thanks again for your input 😊
Hi Graham my views are same as yours had mine almost 2 years as you know big vfr fan the 1200 f is a very underated bike mine is a keeper aswell my view is its a lot off bike for not a lot of money in todays prices like you say sports bike power with comfort shaft drive is a god send . If to change it another one in white and black just love the v4 motor effortless grunt that brings a smile to every ride one thing wrong is getting off it and waiting for the next ride .
Useful stuff. Ta. Being a lanky bugger i am leaning towards the crossdresser variant but would really prefer the extra power of this chap. i'll try both if i can and see.
Crossdresser haha.. Maybe a TRANSalp would suit. Crosstourer definitely good for tall riders, and don't think you miss the extra power too much. It's the midrange grunt that is addictive. Thanks for watching again.
I don't think you'll be disappointed in the performance of the crosstourer. It may be down on power but has more low down and mid range torque. It's a stonking engine, I often find myself riding mine faster than any of my other bikes.
Yea sorry for that.. My equipment is too basic, just retired though, so I'll have more time to improve stuff like that. Thanks for persevering 👍ps I've no idea what an air pod is haha
Thank you, I found this interesting. Please advise: 1. How much higher than standard are the heli bars and does their fitment require longer cables & hoses? 2. What does the power gizmo do? 3. how is the heavy bike in practice especially manoeuvring in car parks/slow speeds?
See heli bar vid I did, ruclips.net/video/dnkmhuuhxAQ/видео.html. No long cables needed and 25 mm rise. Power commander is supposed to smooth fueling, but was fitted by previous owner. I feel the weight when pushing it around, but never when riding. Then again my Z1 in 1976,was only 20 kgs lighter, but I was only 70kgs. Check out my other vids. Thank you very much for watching.
Yes, you might have missed it.. Heli-bars fitted by previous owner, caused an issue with the Honda official wind deflector.. See vid on heli bars ruclips.net/video/dnkmhuuhxAQ/видео.html.. Thanks again
Hi there greyham,im seriously considering this model actually but i must ask how comfortable is the riding position? Comfort for long distance commute is a important deciding factor for me. Ive heard of yhe vfr1200x aswell
ruclips.net/video/jm7ArzSQbSM/видео.htmlsi=-PoHZqqyewcznPC9 Hi see above link to my comfort video. OK the riding position for me is comfortable (I have heli bars on though), but it is without doubt a sporty position. The 1200 x is comfier in my opinion up to 60 or 70 mph, but I do a fair bit of high speed touring so prefer sportier position. However comfort (as I mentioned in the linked) is often more than just leg and bar position, the vfr1200 is a very 'comforting' bike. Hope that helps. 😊
@@Grahamvfr hi thnx for quick reply, I got another question:after passing my mod 1 and 2 I'm considering jumping from my 125 to a litre bike actually. Am I in over my head?
@@futasvg-ftw7972 Haha your probably asking the wrong person, as I've always loved big performance... However I can give some tips. Litre bike to me dosnt mean a great deal, most harleys a litre plus, but hardly a rocket. Sooo look for a torquey bike, this will give you ample performance and good rideabilty without going mental. Anything than produces around 55 plus ft lb (75 nm) of torque around 6 to 8k revs will feel quite quick. Try to avoid sporty riding positions they look good, but ultimately slow you down on road , due to poorer visibility (head down)... Other than that fill your boots, but more importantly keep practicing and learning!!!!
Hi Graham, by any chance do you still have the Honda windscreen deflector? I picked up an OEM windscreen on eBay which I've polished to near perfect. I'd like to try the OEM deflector and happily cross your palm with silver. Best, Justin
Unfortunately moved it on to relative, who has since sold his vfr with deflector on. Hard to find now, however as you may have gathered I prefer (not aesthetically) the cheap ebay one and it's much more effective, in my experience.
@@Grahamvfr Appreciate your swift response. My OCD has me looking for the OEM deflector which is proving hard to get. I've got one from MRA which will fit the Puig windscreen that came with the bike. In the meantime I found an original screen on eBay which I'm in the process of restoring. I might drill this and fit the MRA deflector and see how it works. I'm 5'10" with a good helmet so it should be fine. Another question, please forgive me asking so many questions, the Honda dealer where I bought the bike wants me to take out a £300 Honda breakdown cover which would include parts and recovery to a Honda centre. Seems a bit expensive to me although he said he'd convert my regular 3 month warranty cover to Honda cover so I'd have 15 months Honda cover. Wondered what you might think? Regards, Justin
@@justintante We share ocd, hence my wince at my eBay deflector but hey ho, I'm older and comfort overcomes my ocd (more like mild autism actually). £300 for the extra Honda cover would be great for the life of the bike, but for a Yr a bit expensive Imo, but your asking me to temp fate lol. I've just had normal breakdown cover on bikes, for last 30 yrs, used once for puncture... But I'm lucky there. 🙏
It's got to be the best value big old school sports tourer out there. I've had two, a blue manual just like yours, and a white DCT . I also have had two FJR1300s and for me, the FJR is a better bike in every way but that's just me. My current VFR is the DCT and it's a good bike for the money I paid. Everytime I ride it though I wish I was on a FJR.
Yes, Im a big fan on fjr, and indeed they were high on my shortlist. Besides wanting a v4 again, the vfr is more suited to my riding style/requirements etc. Do you prefer the dct over the manual, and where the fjr's both fully manual.
@@Grahamvfr I have a dodgy left hand so yes, I much prefer the DCT over the manual. I didn't really get on with the manual even before I ran into the hand issues, but I think if I had the ECU reflashed, I think I would have liked it better. Both FJRs were manuals. I had a 5 speed 2004 and a 6 speed 2018. I much preferred the 5 speed as the engine felt a lot more urgent. The 6 speed had a lighter clutch though. The 6 speed was subject to a big gearbox recall and I sold it just before this was announced. I regret this now of course. It was my perfect bike, but I just didn't realise it at the time 🙂 The VFR will certainly do me for now. The looks have improved with age IMO.
@@jeremyr62 Thank you for the input, much appreciated, and yes dct useful in your situation. As you may know, I did a little chat on ecu re flashing, I'm a bit suspicious that some folk are trying to obtain the clean pick up of an online four, from a v4, which is unlikely. Any slight fuelling issues at low are always magnified by V engines, as opposed to online 4s. However I'm sure some improvement however slight can be obtained. 👍
Авто/Мото
NOTE :Apologies for the dodgy mic
Totally agree. Bought mine in 2018 for £7500 (DCT) 2013 model with full GT load out (panniers and centre stand), Heated grips, and double bubble screen, 2300 miles. Now 40,000 miles. All i have done is replace front rotors as the "sticky calipers" must have warped them. My seat has started to tear at the front - but this was a "nick" when i bought it. I average 10.8 miles per litre. Had to have steering bearings replaced. I love the seat height and find it comfortable if "slidy". I have also toured two up full camping gear, Northern Ireland, IOM, Wales, Scarborough absolutely faultless, even across the mountain !!!! That is where I discovered 85mph+ in second gear. I dont know a better bike that can chew through motorways 2 up at 80mph and still maintain over 10 miles per litre, drop the missus and the panniers and then get your knee down and scare the bejesus out of squids. Great vid Graham.
37,000 miles, and good economy, think I got 10.5 mile per litre on last Scottish trip. I was at Scarborough having a semi sensible blast around oliver mount just a few weeks back. On the subject of speeds in gears, have you seen ratio video, if have a look. Thanks again ruclips.net/video/4BdAJCR72XU/видео.html
Great bike but butt ugly.
Great video. Really enjoyed it. Currently looking for my first vfr 1200. I'd be lucky to find one this well looked after. It's immaculate. A real credit to you.
Thank you, that's really kind of you to say...much appreciated 👍
I've always loved the style of this bike and the colour is just beautiful.
Yes, I always imagined I'd own a red one, but when I saw this blue, I was really pleased. Thank you for your input 👍
Doesn't matter where you are on this planet.
You can tell when a bike is loved ❤️🙏🙌
It is indeed thank you 👍
Had mine 8 years love it
That's great to hear, Thank you for watching 😊
Your bike looks in beautiful condition Graham and is a credit to you. 👍🏻
Well that's very kind of you, but I do really enjoy cleaning restoring. Thanks again for your interest. 😊
Dealers are terrible. My used bike (bought with 27,000km) has _only_ ever had official dealer servicing since 2010 and I have all the invoices. It came with the oil level at the upper limit but while on the _sidestand!!_ Air filter was supposedly changed in 2021 (4K Km ago) and looked 10 years old. The drive shaft had the factory universal joint update back in 2017, and that also had 2017 oil in there (full of swarf).
First thing I did was change the oil and filter, shaft oil (twice), coolant looks ok, but will be changed shortly. I can only imagine what the plugs may be like.
Great video, as usual, Graham. Thanks mate for taking the trouble!
Thanks again for watching. I agree about some dealers, If its any consolation about plugs, I changes mine over lastwinter, (32,000 mile intervals as they are iridium) and they looked in really good condition. Rear ones easy.. Front ones tricky, had to get my friend to help, as I'd damaged my hand, and couldnt pull off the ecu connections in the cold temperatures.
Hi Graham, good to see you're still making vids. I have the vfr for over a year now and it has grown so much on me. I sometimes really don't know what I want with it. With panniers and top case, without to make him sportier. It's so incredible that this machine looks good with and without panniers.
Sometimes I just change the exhaust valve for the sound, but when I'm touring, it's on because the change in not is great. But when I ride it as a sport bike, it has to sound heavy 😂.
Thanks yea, I can only agree with what you say, it's a versatile bike indeed. I sometimes on occasions, take the flapper cable off, but I like the note change, so it's mainly left on. Thanks again for your input 👍
Excellent Explanation good service to Humanity and Riders Thanks next time give some technical details thanks
ruclips.net/video/mqYe-alxUOI/видео.htmlsi=lb5wfAFI5U-0yG2k
Thank you for watching, I have over 100 videos of vfr on my channel, above is my latest 😊
Still the best bike I’ve ever owned. Just recently found a top box to go with the side bags. Added the Honda heated grips and now looking to add aftermarket cruise control.
Superb yes, sadly as stated on my most recent video my top box came off (my fault) on an alps trip, and was smashed. Just sourced a replacement (red)but will need spraying blue..
Heated grips help so much in early /late season.
Thanks again for your input 😊
@@Grahamvfr haha yes my sourced top box is red too. Will need to paint it blue.
@@n300zx931 Good luck with it!!
Very good summary Graham. I think she's a 'keeper' for sure. You're never going to get a better all-round bike. Take care.
Cheers David, thanks for that.
Thank you for your swift and helpful reply 👍
Hi Graham my views are same as yours had mine almost 2 years as you know big vfr fan the 1200 f is a very underated bike mine is a keeper aswell my view is its a lot off bike for not a lot of money in todays prices like you say sports bike power with comfort shaft drive is a god send . If to change it another one in white and black just love the v4 motor effortless grunt that brings a smile to every ride one thing wrong is getting off it and waiting for the next ride .
Cheers Andy 😊
Nice looking bike for sure. Just add some pin striping.
Cheers, and thank you for watching 😊
Beautiful in blue
Thanks yes , and only for 2012 model apparently.
Useful stuff. Ta. Being a lanky bugger i am leaning towards the crossdresser variant but would really prefer the extra power of this chap. i'll try both if i can and see.
Crossdresser haha.. Maybe a TRANSalp would suit. Crosstourer definitely good for tall riders, and don't think you miss the extra power too much. It's the midrange grunt that is addictive. Thanks for watching again.
I don't think you'll be disappointed in the performance of the crosstourer. It may be down on power but has more low down and mid range torque. It's a stonking engine, I often find myself riding mine faster than any of my other bikes.
Love the blue
Only for 2012 strangely, but yea I've really come to like it.
I just spent the last ten minutes going through different AirPods to sort the sound out 😂
Yea sorry for that.. My equipment is too basic, just retired though, so I'll have more time to improve stuff like that. Thanks for persevering 👍ps I've no idea what an air pod is haha
Going buy a dcc one
Yea I'd like to try one 😊
Thank you, I found this interesting. Please advise: 1. How much higher than standard are the heli bars and does their fitment require longer cables & hoses? 2. What does the power gizmo do? 3. how is the heavy bike in practice especially manoeuvring in car parks/slow speeds?
See heli bar vid I did, ruclips.net/video/dnkmhuuhxAQ/видео.html. No long cables needed and 25 mm rise.
Power commander is supposed to smooth fueling, but was fitted by previous owner. I feel the weight when pushing it around, but never when riding. Then again my Z1 in 1976,was only 20 kgs lighter, but I was only 70kgs. Check out my other vids. Thank you very much for watching.
Hi Graham, it’s a great bike and also love the blue color. Do you have raiser bars or am I seeing it wrong?
Yes, you might have missed it.. Heli-bars fitted by previous owner, caused an issue with the Honda official wind deflector.. See vid on heli bars ruclips.net/video/dnkmhuuhxAQ/видео.html.. Thanks again
Hi there greyham,im seriously considering this model actually but i must ask how comfortable is the riding position? Comfort for long distance commute is a important deciding factor for me.
Ive heard of yhe vfr1200x aswell
ruclips.net/video/jm7ArzSQbSM/видео.htmlsi=-PoHZqqyewcznPC9
Hi see above link to my comfort video. OK the riding position for me is comfortable (I have heli bars on though), but it is without doubt a sporty position. The 1200 x is comfier in my opinion up to 60 or 70 mph, but I do a fair bit of high speed touring so prefer sportier position.
However comfort (as I mentioned in the linked) is often more than just leg and bar position, the vfr1200 is a very 'comforting' bike. Hope that helps. 😊
@@Grahamvfr hi thnx for quick reply, I got another question:after passing my mod 1 and 2 I'm considering jumping from my 125 to a litre bike actually.
Am I in over my head?
@@futasvg-ftw7972 Haha your probably asking the wrong person, as I've always loved big performance... However I can give some tips. Litre bike to me dosnt mean a great deal, most harleys a litre plus, but hardly a rocket. Sooo look for a torquey bike, this will give you ample performance and good rideabilty without going mental. Anything than produces around 55 plus ft lb (75 nm) of torque around 6 to 8k revs will feel quite quick.
Try to avoid sporty riding positions they look good, but ultimately slow you down on road , due to poorer visibility (head down)... Other than that fill your boots, but more importantly keep practicing and learning!!!!
Hi Graham, by any chance do you still have the Honda windscreen deflector? I picked up an OEM windscreen on eBay which I've polished to near perfect. I'd like to try the OEM deflector and happily cross your palm with silver.
Best,
Justin
Unfortunately moved it on to relative, who has since sold his vfr with deflector on. Hard to find now, however as you may have gathered I prefer (not aesthetically) the cheap ebay one and it's much more effective, in my experience.
@@Grahamvfr Appreciate your swift response. My OCD has me looking for the OEM deflector which is proving hard to get. I've got one from MRA which will fit the Puig windscreen that came with the bike. In the meantime I found an original screen on eBay which I'm in the process of restoring. I might drill this and fit the MRA deflector and see how it works. I'm 5'10" with a good helmet so it should be fine.
Another question, please forgive me asking so many questions, the Honda dealer where I bought the bike wants me to take out a £300 Honda breakdown cover which would include parts and recovery to a Honda centre. Seems a bit expensive to me although he said he'd convert my regular 3 month warranty cover to Honda cover so I'd have 15 months Honda cover. Wondered what you might think?
Regards,
Justin
@@justintante We share ocd, hence my wince at my eBay deflector but hey ho, I'm older and comfort overcomes my ocd (more like mild autism actually).
£300 for the extra Honda cover would be great for the life of the bike, but for a Yr a bit expensive Imo, but your asking me to temp fate lol.
I've just had normal breakdown cover on bikes, for last 30 yrs, used once for puncture... But I'm lucky there. 🙏
Greeting Graham again. You didn't fit the little black plastic just above the frame on the right. I had the same problems and struggled a bit.
Hi again, well by coincidence I'm just about to post a video about it. Look out for it 👍
It's got to be the best value big old school sports tourer out there. I've had two, a blue manual just like yours, and a white DCT . I also have had two FJR1300s and for me, the FJR is a better bike in every way but that's just me. My current VFR is the DCT and it's a good bike for the money I paid. Everytime I ride it though I wish I was on a FJR.
Yes, Im a big fan on fjr, and indeed they were high on my shortlist.
Besides wanting a v4 again, the vfr is more suited to my riding style/requirements etc.
Do you prefer the dct over the manual, and where the fjr's both fully manual.
@@Grahamvfr I have a dodgy left hand so yes, I much prefer the DCT over the manual. I didn't really get on with the manual even before I ran into the hand issues, but I think if I had the ECU reflashed, I think I would have liked it better. Both FJRs were manuals. I had a 5 speed 2004 and a 6 speed 2018. I much preferred the 5 speed as the engine felt a lot more urgent. The 6 speed had a lighter clutch though. The 6 speed was subject to a big gearbox recall and I sold it just before this was announced. I regret this now of course. It was my perfect bike, but I just didn't realise it at the time 🙂 The VFR will certainly do me for now. The looks have improved with age IMO.
@@jeremyr62 Thank you for the input, much appreciated, and yes dct useful in your situation. As you may know, I did a little chat on ecu re flashing, I'm a bit suspicious that some folk are trying to obtain the clean pick up of an online four, from a v4, which is unlikely. Any slight fuelling issues at low are always magnified by V engines, as opposed to online 4s. However I'm sure some improvement however slight can be obtained. 👍