Honda VFR1200FD Quick Review

[@davidlutton4560]

Despite your comments relating to the DCT model, having owned two manual VFR1200Fs, I entirely agree with your pros and cons. For what it's worth, I recall upgrading the seat unit on my 2010 bike to one from a 2012 bike and the improvement was noticeable. Overall a very good bike.

[@whojamaflip1]

Mines a 2016 and I’ve heard the seat was an improvement post 2012….still don’t rate it though :) have considered replacing the seat but I generally don’t rider for much more than 1.5 hours at a time and it’s liveable at that distance. I absolutely love the bike though…just think it fair to point out the downsides

[@jimdunleavy5365]

I generally ride on open roads and regularly get 50 MPG. I also found the standard tyres reluctant to turn, I recently swapped them for Michelin road 6, a complete revelation. Try them. You won't regret it.

[@whojamaflip1]

You beat me massively on mpg! Am on Road 6 already, the difference of input needed to get the bike to change direction between my VFR and my BMWR1200RT is massive, I appreciate the handlebars are a lot wider on the RT, but I assume they have to make the VFR very stable at very high speed and this is just a knock on, I’ve ridden other (less powerful) sports bikes and they have been much lighter.

[@MrBulli69]

How the hell do you get that? I did a charity run obeying all speed limits and most done at mid 50's. Made no difference to the tank range

[@Audace1400]

Did later models have cruise control? Looks like a nice bike

[@whojamaflip1]

Nope, my 2016 was one of the last of the bikes and they never fitted cruise. I don’t think you could even get cruises on the adventure version which continued until about 2021. This is in the UK, but I think it’s the same thing for all markets. There are some after market options, but they are either really basic (potentially dangerous) or very expensive.

[@kevinf876]

I've a 2011 DCT model for 8 years now. It does 150 miles to reserve with another 30 approx to empty & thats ridden hard. Front suspension is too soft & needs proper adjustment / work. Never noticed mine getting hot as you say. Great underated bike.

[@whojamaflip1]

Absolutely agree about it being a great, underrated bike. When I ride mine gently I can get better than the mileage you do, but normally on my commute, which is 125 miles round trip and I’m nudging the reserve pretty much every time. Mine certainly gets hot enough you don’t want to touch it with your bare hands though :) For every moan I have about the bike though, I love it and have no plans to change it!

[@TheZanshen]

I have the 1200 x Dct crosstourer and it’s superb. Built like granite. Enough electronics for safety ie ABS/TC . Will never sell it . I had the manual model then changed to Dct

[@whojamaflip1]

I’m very tempted to get an X, the only thing that puts me off is I find my F a little top heavy and have read the X is even more so..and as I’m only 5’8” , that’s a bit worrying!

[@TheZanshen]

@@whojamaflip1 You can get a lower seat for the X . The weight is not an issue once you move.. It also has more low down torque than the F. Try one you will be surprised.

[@whojamaflip1]

@TheZanshen I use the F for commuting to central London so do a lot of very low speed work, I also have a bike for touring and was thinking if an X for that but went for a R1200RT BMW for that do I had a completely different type of bike…though I do miss the DCT when on the BMW.

[@gilomoto5148]

I don’t ride slow and I regularly get 170miles to a tank 2010 model mine is a manual though.

[@whojamaflip1]

Not ridden the manual, not sure if the extra weight of the dct would impact fuel economy but I have read/seen stuff which suggests Drive mode on the DCT actually keeps the rev range too low, thereby stressing the engine and worsening fuel economy…who knows :)

[@gilomoto5148]

@@whojamaflip1 yeah my mate has the dct model it does change very early.

[@andyrawlings5369]

Get your seat done had mine done by tony archer check him out on the net mine now loads better yes fuel range not the best mine a manual one clutch is heavy aswell only in heavy traffic i notice it rest of bike is spot love it had other vfrs in the past still have 2 750 models the 1200 is the daddy of the range in my view .

[@whojamaflip1]

Thanks for the recommendation. Must admit I love mine despite its faults, in general I think the faults are pretty minor (to me at least!)

[@FosterKittenFarm]

Good video!

[@whojamaflip1]

Thanks 😁

[@Grahamvfr]

35 mpg....wow you must be caning it, unless its the dct, over 4 seasons 23,000 miles im around 44 mpg, and i dont Pootle much. Cheers

[@whojamaflip1]

It is a DCT, but not excessively ragging it! In discussion with various owners of manual version it looks like the DCT makes the engine less efficient as it causes it to run lower in the rev range, so more laboured

[@whojamaflip1]

Btw, watched loads of your videos over the last year or so and got a whole load of good tips off you…..thanks matey 😀

[@Grahamvfr]

@@whojamaflip1 That's really appreciated thank you 😊😁😁, you've a great bike their.

[@Grahamvfr]

@@whojamaflip1 yes although I really fancy a dct, I'm aware it's best in sports mode for the reasons you mention.

[@whojamaflip1]

Really like the DCT, but it’s much smoother in normal than sport for day to day driving….so you kind of can’t win….that’s just me though, lots prefer it in sport mode!

[@hungrysurfer9471]

Hot, uncomfortable seat and poor tank range. No cruise control. Sounds like the Ninja 1000SX is a better option.

[@whojamaflip1]

It’s got some big advantages too, I absolutely love mine and have no plans to change it…but it’s definitely not perfect.

[@Grahamvfr]

I regularly tour with 2 mates on z1000 sx ninjas, we all need fuel at roughly the same time. They wish they had my relaxed engine and shaft ,I wish I had their higher bars ,lighter steering .. different animals.

[@mickeymouse4897]

looks bloody cold in that garage bro

[@whojamaflip1]

😂😂😂 sometimes it can be! Not allowed to take the bikes into the living room though 😟