2010 HONDA VFR1200F Ride Review

[@chestypuller4591]

Hello, Love the Red! I have a 2013 in Black with the Corbin seat, DAM exhaust, heated grips, center stand etc. Beautiful machine and is a blast to ride. So much grunt. I also own a fairly well restored 1984 VF 700 F Interceptor.. Love the entire iteration of the VFR's. Had my first one back in the late 80's early 90's while in the USMC. 1984 VF 750 F. Basically new at that time. Bought the 700 for nostalgia then had to have it's big brother in 1200. Ride safe!

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks! I did change this bike out to white! Though I do like the red, i just wanted a bit different look. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnu5qIKAjLdgjrM Years ago i had the vfr700! That was white too, all seem to be hreat bikes! Sounds like you have some great upgrades to your bike!

[@chestypuller4591]

I saw the completion video of the bike in white. Very sharp! These bikes are stunning in my opinion and very hard to find. I searched for a while to find mine and just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I did not hesitate to move on it. As we were loading it up to bring it home a gentlemen came over to the trailer and stated he drove from some distance to take a look at it. My son said, "if you waited 1 more day that would have been you standing there." Big smile! I get lot's of looks and comments on this machine. My 700 is the red, white and blue model.

[@TRCAdventures]

excellent Right time right place! and never hesitate! great machine!

[@simonfowler7561]

LUV the 1200F!!!! Bought one a week ago and simply do not wanna get off her!!! I have had many bikes and I currently have 5 but I never rode anything quite like this. Amazing!!!!

[@TRCAdventures]

It is a bike that surprises you! Like why did I not know about this sooner! Great bike!

[@hbor77]

What I also like is the engine heat is diverted away from your legs. In summer it makes a big difference not cooking your legs. It is a great machine

[@TRCAdventures]

They really are excellent bikes! Thank for checking out the video

[@richmonksgtr]

Bought my 2010 on 1/31/20. Put 10,000mi on it in 10 months. Love it completely. Mid range passing power is off the chart.

[@TRCAdventures]

Sweet, sounds like you're getting some great riding in!

[@hbor77]

Bought mine in may last year. Had it flashed and put 8000km on it. I adore this machine, what a fantastic beast

[@v8holdensrock979]

Owned one for 7 years now... such an under rated machine. About to do a 2 week 7000km plus ride across 5 states in the Australian outback... can't wait!

[@TRCAdventures]

That should be a great trip! on a great bike!!! have a great time, let me know if you are posting updates along your trip, would love to see how it goes

[@bryanhenderson736]

Where abouts are you based bud? I'm a fifo guy in Perth. Just picked a 2014 up with 8500km on it. Loving it

[@v8holdensrock979]

@@bryanhenderson736 Brisbane. About to travel to Uluru via Mt Isa and back via Coober Pedy / Parkes

[@alitoroganan2442]

​@@v8holdensrock979 any reliability issues mate

[@v8holdensrock979]

@@alitoroganan2442 None at all... hasn't missed a beat 👌

[@trp6009]

Great review. I bought a 2015 F in May21 and its a great bike, so easy to ride and great handling. I've had 3 Blackbirds and a VFR750 and think the 1200 is the best all rounder. I can't wait to do some serious touring on it, plan A is Alps or Pyrenees, Plan B is Scotland!

[@TRCAdventures]

Great bikes! Plan A and B both sound like an epic ride! Thanks for checking out the video

[@mathias6423]

I have been riding down to the Alps on motorcycle several times from Sweden where I live. It is just amazing, I love it especially in Northern Italy, so beautiful there in the Dolomites. I took the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX one time and another time I took the Yamaha MT-10 which cost me 1500€ (1500$) in fuel for a 10 day trip. The MT-10 was insanely thirsty I was shocked. I am now looking for a cheaper, long distance, reliable and fast sporttourer and I hate dead upright riding positions on sportsbike like the ones I mentioned earlier so VFR 1200F is one of a few I am considering. Reckon it will do amazing around the alps. How is it compared to the Blackbird in acceleration and top speed ? How is the comfort on the VFR 1200F ? I am 2 meters tall (6'6 tall) and there is no store close to me that has one for sale at the moment, so I can not in an easy way test the bike out at the moment.

[@barnysgaming]

I love mine, only had it a month so far but its great. Id class the VFR1200F as a super tourer as it comes with around the same power of the superbikes back 15 years ago.

[@TRCAdventures]

They are a fantastic bike, great road manners and a comfortable ride!

[@scottbradley9390]

Great vid, didn't know Jeff Goldblum was reviewing bikes now!

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks! and WOW Mr, Goldblum! thank you for the complement, Scott!!

[@hondapilot395]

I have a blue one which bevor was white, I'm happy with it. Good filming!

[@TRCAdventures]

sweet! I was just out on the bike this morning....great bike! Thanks for checking out the video

[@jfarlandutube]

Good reviews. Thanks for taking time to make them. I have a 2010 DCT. Had the ECU flashed, big improvement. My only issue is the harsh ride on rough pavement. Hoping to figure a way to improve this. I also have a Suzuki B-King, the ride quality is much smoother on the same roads.

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks for checking out the video! The ride can be a bit on the sport side, but lots of adjustability so hopefully you can get it dialed in!

[@mathias6423]

jack farland How was the ECU flash a big improvement ?

[@chestypuller4591]

Re-watching this video as I enjoyed your take on the VFR. Mine will be do for some new tires in the near future. I was curious to know what tires you are running on yours. Presently I have Michelin Road Pilot 4's. The ride is great. Very predictable, sticky in the corners with good longevity. The new Road 5's seem just as good or better. Any thoughts?

[@TRCAdventures]

Hi, the pilot 4 is an amazing tire, I've run both the 4and the 5 back to back, and side by side on different bikes, they are both great, from the old 4 and the new 5 I was thinking there was a big improvement, then ridding new tires side by side the difference is less noticeable. I started buying the 5 just because it's the newer version, both great tires

[@mason3307]

I searched and searched and searched for one of these. Couldn't find one, so I got the CB neo. I love it, but everytime I see a VFR, I cry a little.

[@TRCAdventures]

ah That CB Neo is a cool bike too! Thanks for checking out the video, I need to get a ride on a Neo to get some first hand experience on one!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Enjoyed the review. Great. Got my like.

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks!

[@Grahamvfr]

Journalist did struggle to pigeon hole the vfr, sporty tourer or a tourer type sports bike, but it is accomplished at both. However 'BIKE' magazine uk summed it up well by stating "you have to go a long way to take the vfr out of its comfort zone".

[@TRCAdventures]

I like the Bike magazine quote, sounds about right to me!

[@n300zx931]

I ride with an aggressive sport bike group that hits canyons hard and agree with that statement. People pay no attention to the bike until it’s pulling on their 600 super sport. It’s then that they come up to me and start asking questions.

[@Grahamvfr]

@@n300zx931 Yea nothing better than coming up almost silently( standard can on mine) behind a screaming 600, and you know they are WTF is that haha. Great bike.

[@n300zx931]

Graham yeah mine is quite loud with the cat removed and Delvic exhaust. It definitely sounds the part, but looks elegant

[@Grahamvfr]

@@n300zx931 nice!

[@astonmarjo]

Just found one of these... Super clean 2010 VFR1200AA 22K side bags and trunk, really clean. Asking $8k. Any thoughts far as what too pay?

[@TRCAdventures]

I'm not familiar with the AA designation unless your referring to the automatic version? a 2010 in perfect condition with 22K should go for between 7 and $7,500 so an asking price of 8K is probably a good place for them to start!

[@joeeshwar8578]

Hi Bro. Nice review. Very simple yet excellent explanations of everything. I am planning to buy one of these. I had few questions. Which model is this bike 2010 or 2011? Is this manual ? How many miles do you get per gallon?

[@joeeshwar8578]

Also what would be the annual cost of maintaining a bike like this? What are the issues that one can expect?

[@TRCAdventures]

Thank you! this is the 2010 Manual shift, I have not checked the fuel economy from what I hear they are getting 45 to 50MPG but im sure it all depends on how you ride it!

[@TRCAdventures]

a great part of these bikes, is Honda made them quite reliable. maintenance schedule oil and filter every 5K miles, at 12K is brake fluid replacement air filter and brake pad inspection a valve clearance check at 16K along with new spark plugs. (estimated price for this is $350 for a dealer) or about $50 and two hours work for the DIY person. if I estimate your costs for break pads filters, and valve checks for 3 years and your ride 5 to 6K miles per year, your service costs are abut $180 per year this could vary depending on how much work you do on your own. and I did not account for Tires or gas.

[@joeeshwar8578]

@@TRCAdventures Thank you, brother. Thanks for the insights. Please keep doing more videos and enlighten us.

[@igbatious]

Finally got mine running properly mid dec 2020, went on about 100 mile ride and and got 35mpg (but averaged 90mph, often over 100mph, max 135mph).

[@munawir5302]

What about high mileage unit of the same year, 70k++ km? Worth considering? There’s a couple for sale here in Malaysia but with the typical high priced used Hondas. One comes with complete luggage but both look well kept. I would appreciate any thoughts about the things I have to look out for when buying used. Thank you in advance. Cheers

[@TRCAdventures]

@@munawir5302 definitely still worth considering, I would spend a bit more time inspecting, drive shaft for excessive slack or noise,(moving the rear wheel with it off the ground. Listen to the motor on cold start-up for extra noise as it warms up. These are good solid bikes and should last a long time.

[@munawir5302]

@ Thank you Sir, that’s helpful information.

[@oswpepe]

Please tell me the part number for the lateral tank pad, I am interested in buying one for my 2011 VFRf here in Sao Paulo thanks !

[@TRCAdventures]

Sorry I'm not sure what it was

[@andyrawlings5369]

That road looks good bro my self got 750 vfrs and latest 800 model ridden the 1200 a very fast bike press slated it for low fuel range so what we buy bikes to ride them if you get 150 miles from a tank you can it was fun burning it off and that v4 motor is a joy.

[@TRCAdventures]

The 750 is a great bike too, I had one of those a few years back! the V4 is a thirsty motor for sure!

[@malidawgz5690]

Who makes the more comfotable seat and the taller windscreen ? Is it a GT , grand toring ?

[@TRCAdventures]

There are probably a few, this seat was done by Corbin, its quite a bit heavier than the OEM seat, the wind screen, I think this one was "puig"

[@georgepipinis542]

Hello from Greece! I'm thinking to buy 15' model... I'm 6.2 , and I like to travel with my wife. Do you think is OK? What about buffering and cornering ? Thank you in advance

[@TRCAdventures]

Hello back from the USA California! These are fantastic motorcycles, lots of room for taller riders I'm 6' and plenty of room to go! Wind protection is good for the driver and seems to work for the passenger and there is room for the passenger and not be cramped. It's still more of a sport bike arrangement rather than that of a touring bike, for my wife and I doing touring or sport touring we opted for a BMW RT, she prefers it over just about everything else, probably equally to the GS or super tenere for here. It depends on how much two up riding you're going to be doing.

[@georgepipinis542]

@@TRCAdventures thank you so much ! Keep going with your beautiful video's 😍

[@nickhartley2262]

I am 6 2 also fits perfect

[@Danielityle]

I greet from Poland!😊

[@TRCAdventures]

Thank you! and thanks for checking out this Video, Im trying to get at least one out a week. im working on a xr650 build right now, and headed to Utah from California to test the bike out on a 1600 K dual sport trail.

[@n300zx931]

Great bike. With mods, it becomes even more of a sport bike. I shock people I’m riding with that have no idea what this is

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks for checking out the Video, the bike surprised me in stock form, with mods! YEP!! an can imagine!

[@mathias6423]

n300zx931 I love that man, when people do not know what kind of bike it is. What kind of mods are you talking about ? I think a pitch black windscreen and a small black slip-on is a must for starters. This bike needs as close to straight pipes as possible to not sound like complete shit since it is the worst sounding V4 engine of them all. I would love to make this bike lighter to make it handle even better, maybe if I can find carbon wheels for it. would look good on the pearl-white bike aswell :D I have seen the white model on the internet where people have varnished/spraypainted the wheels in metallic red as an example, looks so nice with that single-sided-swing arm :)

[@RICHON1979]

I like this one over Hayabusa with sadle bags looks nice ,without them looks super sporty beautiful bike

[@TRCAdventures]

I agree, the bags look great and with them off it's super sporty!! Best of both!!!

[@Aberamentho2010]

Did you get the Guhl ecu reflash yet?

[@TRCAdventures]

no, have you used that, I will have to look that up Thanks

[@n300zx931]

The direct competition for this bike is the BMW K1300s that’s the only bike that is built with the same mission. There is a video comparison between the two bikes and the VFR still takes the win.

[@TRCAdventures]

I will have to go look for the comparison between the two, I had a BMW 1200S just had not really thought about the two, together, but it seemed more a touring bike in a sport suit, I will go look for the Video, Thanks. for the comments!!!

[@n300zx931]

Tin Roof CycleWorks yes the 1200s is more of your classic sport touring bike for sure.

[@TRCAdventures]

@@n300zx931 watching that video now! Thanks

[@klrrafman]

I own one too. Do not replace original exhaust on this bike. It has the flap that is closed until 2000 RPM and it gives it nice torque in the city. I have a DCT and with that it has dual personality. Put it in D and drives like a scooter in the city. S is like lazy sport riding. It turns into rocket ship in the manual paddle shifting mode.

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks for checking out the Video, I agree the Exhaust is great stock! the DCT has got to be a nice ride!

[@hbor77]

Agree, I also have the stock exhaust and I like the grunt when the flaps open. Wish you many more happy kilometers 👍🏻

[@n300zx931]

Where you at? Looks like Colorado or Utah.

[@TRCAdventures]

Livermore California!

[@mickeymouse4897]

Interesting vlog ... can't really compare this bike to a ZZR1400 or a Hyabusa, they've both got 20-30 more bhp to play with, these 1200's are 150rwhp at best, regardless what Honda or the press claim... don't believe me? go dyno one.

[@TRCAdventures]

Sounds like you've had a few on a Dyno, I would agree on paper they don't compare in power, or at the drag strip, But on the road I had all three at the same time and riding them back to back, the riding experience is a direct competitor to each bike for their intended riding experience. Of the three bikes it's not actually my favorite but it is quite nice and a good option for someone considering the three. Thanks for checking out the video

[@iwantthisnotlong]

Wow I just rode up the same road to del valle a few days ago on my vfr800.

[@TRCAdventures]

cool!, its a nice smooth road, out Mines road is nice too, where you get so many miles of twisties!! I still have not been all the way out since the fires

[@iwantthisnotlong]

@@TRCAdventures same, I was meaning to before the fires hit. I might come and take a look at this vfr1200 one of these days!

[@Surpriseify]

Your video has convinced me that i can be happy with a 2011 VFR 1200, even if its not the 2012 onwards "upgraded" version, still seems like a geat machine. Do you know anything about the recall issues that this model has had?

[@TRCAdventures]

Honda had a recall on the driveshaft universal joint bearings, they contacted all owners and dealers with bikes and replaced the bearings free of charge, if you think you have a bike that did not get the recall Honda can still make the upgrade for you. Not VFR's were included in the recall, just a sub set of the bikes that had the questionable bearings, they will know by the VIN on your bike. hear is a link to Hondas Recalls web site where you can check your VIN powersports.honda.com/recalls

[@Surpriseify]

@@TRCAdventures Thank you so much! Had a testride on it today (2011 bike) Lovely machine, stock seat was slippery and kinda seemed not to fit the bike, like there was a gap between the seat and the tank, Otherwise i really enjoyed it.

[@TRCAdventures]

@@Surpriseify seat should not have a gap there, it may have been put on wrong or has been damaged, the aftermarket seats are much better than the stock seat, but you can also re-cover the stock seat with a better cover to solve the slippery issue!

[@nealbeard1]

I am with you there. Will buy one in the new year. This video has finally convinced me.

[@Surpriseify]

@@TRCAdventures Thank you for your answer! I'v fixed all the gripes i had with the seat etc, and the bike is simply amazing. Sadly the previous owner left me some chip damage on the right engine casing... Do you have ANY idea where i can find the color code for this? No hard feelings if you dont know, my dealer is clueless aswell so its a struggle i guess.

[@abc-un4xz]

Owned this puppy and fjr 1300 and I prefer Yamaha Its more comfortable. Noticeably vfr v4 engine has more grunt and position is slightly sporty o Honda

[@TRCAdventures]

I agree with your assessment, I think the VFR is more a comfortable sport bike where the FJR is more a sporty touring bike! definitely more comfort in the FJR, the FJR is a great Bike!

[@JasonShinks]

What a road!

[@TRCAdventures]

Livermore, CA - Mines Rd and Del Valle Rd Thanks for checking out the video

[@paxwallacejazz]

Curious 'bout this particular bike.

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks for checking out the video, did you have a question about the bike?

[@kontemplatemusic2189]

I completly disagree with you. Shaft is not keeping up with the wheel at 2.3k to 2.5k so it gives you a huge backlash, resulting in clunking like something is whacking your engine. Then above 5k rpm it gives you vibrations so storng like a bike is trying to throw you off. Despite these, when you accept the short commings, this bike is owesome and I've got for myself a 2016 model. Asside from it - you wont know about it since you have a custom seat - OEM seat eats your back side so hard that you need to stop every 100 miles or so. Otherwise you will be numb for days. What i agree with you is the weigth distribution - its quite low which makes cornering, leaning or even slow speed just a breeze.

[@TRCAdventures]

That doesn't sound right, I would have that looked at. There should be no clunking, no lash back and no vibration. It sounds like you may have a u joint problem.

[@10RFuentes]

No dice on the shaft drive no wonder its so heavy

[@TRCAdventures]

As a sport touring bike it's a nice addition as a sport bike it probably doesn't check the boxes of most enthusiasts, very nice bike to ride though

[@Paul_Zernick]

Ride red. Don't go white you WILL regret it. I baught a red one with DCT. I'll keep it. Also got a red CTX1300 at same time. That red is something else. Better even than ducati red. White? Dooooooooon't!

[@TRCAdventures]

I do like the RED! now we have both!! totally changed the look of the bike, how do you like that CTX I hear they are great bikes

[@Paul_Zernick]

@@TRCAdventures shit bikes when reviewed. Hence only sold 2014 then discontinued. Big mistake. They didn't get it...... At all!!😡 It's a baby bagger(yep 350kg baby). Poor mans F6B. Arguably as good or better than a F6B depending on what your looking for. I've got a deluxe with Bluetooth and cruise control so not sure I'll give it up for a flat 6 just yet. Mines candy red...... Again. With a adjustable black tour screen. Low revving laid back tune playing cruiser. It's a epic ride for sure. Sports tourer? Wtf. ST1300 replacement.... Get off the crack. Journo's really messed it up. Both the VFRs & CTXs are hard to find. I baught 2 red ones in a week. 😁🤣 CTX $10kAU F6B $15kAU. Depends on budget and if ya want 300 or 400kg I guess. Love my CTX, I'll assume the F6B is no dud either.

[@Willsey]

No sorry don't agree. Just bought a white one. Love it. Yes red is good but think white beats it. Only my opinion.

[@imlostgaming9542]

my beginner bike baby!

[@TRCAdventures]

Not what I would recommend as a beginner bike for 90% of us, but i guess it could work for some! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@Gofr5]

Have an opportunity to pick up a 2010 model with only 6000km on it or a 2015 1290 Super Adventure with 25k km. The KTM is 12,500, the Honda is 10,500, but the KTM comes way more decked out, not just with all its electronics, but also a bunch of aftermarket addons the previous owner put on. Hard decision to make between the two. If only I could take them both out for a demo ride.

[@TRCAdventures]

Check out my reviews of the KTM 1290, 1190 and 1090, My favorite bikes of all time. My personal opinion is a bit biased towards bikes that can do everything and make it all fun! Get the KTM 1290.

[@paxwallacejazz]

Well dig down into that 145hp

[@TRCAdventures]

Definitely great power, smooth and predictable!

[@deepwood4]

Concourse 14 and FJR1300.

[@TRCAdventures]

Both good bikes love the concourse 14, not as big a fan of the FJR, balance, fit and finish just seem a bit off to me.

[@deepwood4]

@@TRCAdventures I had an '09 Concourse 14. Great bike. RIP Connie. Murdered by a deer. Nearly me as well.

[@TRCAdventures]

@@deepwood4 yikes, hope you did better than the bike

[@deepwood4]

@@TRCAdventures still alive and kicking. Not without lasting reminders though. '16 Ducati Multistrada 1200 is my new ride.

[@michaeldobson8859]

What makes anyone think that this is a beginners bike?

[@TRCAdventures]

I hear ya, spending quality time on a small bike can make you fall in love with motorcycles, and you get the advantage of building skills at the same time. There will always be a next bike....

[@philiplaurell1163]

Seat and windshield really ruins the looks of the bike.

[@TRCAdventures]

I'm with you on the look of the seat, just looks off. The windshield just works so well it's hard to fault it!

[@vwig604]

@@TRCAdventures ...great review! I have the exact same bike and still love it after five years. One question...what is the manufacturer of the aftermarket windscreen? I’m 6’2’, have Heli Bar extenders installed and changed the windscreen to a taller aftermarket one and found the wind buffeting to be worse. Sounds as though you were impressed with the one on this bike. Hopefully I can find one that works better.

[@TRCAdventures]

@@vwig604 Zero Gravity Honda VFR1200F 10-13 Sport Touring Windscreen. I had a cupel for this bike this one worked the best, because it was the right air flow, not to stop air flow but to stop buffeting, I think it did the best job! and the air pocket always felt smooth

[@rickseconds7676]

Sounds like Jeff Goldblum doing a review..

[@TRCAdventures]

Thank you! I Think I could use a bit of Voice couching, I have always liked Mr, Goldblums Voice

[@paulwalton7820]

Clunky gear change, sounds crap, good brakes, and it’s pretty quick.

[@TRCAdventures]

interesting! I never noticed the clunky gear change on the three I had in the shop, but I'm sure its just a prospective or my expectations, I never really put many miles on them so I may not have the experience. it is definitely a bike that could use a better sounding exhaust !

[@raymondchassell4204]

Don't beg for money it deems you

[@TRCAdventures]

Was someone begging for money? Must have missed it