Honda VFR1200F Bike Overview
The Honda VFR1200F was created because Honda needed to replace their previous sporting tourer, the CBR1100XX Super Blackbird. With its V4 engine, quality build and ability to handle additional weight load, the VFR1200F is, on paper, a quality bike which can acquit itself well on the road.
There is some debate amongst owners over whether the bike was oversold on its release and doesn’t actually live up to the hype; whilst it is certainly true that the VFR1200F lacks some of the grunt and gadgets of other bikes in this range, it still has a lot going for it. The main advantage of choosing a VFR1200F is that Honda bikes are classically well made and built to last so you know that with regular servicing, this bike will keep on going whether you use it for commuting or out touring on the European A roads. Initially the bike also feels quite heavy and at 267kg this is no surprise but once you get going it handles lightly and smoothly.
The riding position is also fairly contentious; for a tourer the handle bars and footpegs should be long-reach and on the VFR1200F they aren’t. It is possible to change this with add-ons but that is an additional cost you should take into consideration. Whilst some riders have found no problems with the riding position, even when touring, it’s something worth looking into properly before you part with your money.
However, one of the good things about the VFR1200F is the fact that you can pick up a second-hand one fairly cheap. New, these bikes sell for around £12,000 but used prices start at just over £5,000.
Check out this video all about the Honda VFR1200…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p2iOWeDvek
Honda VFR1200F Bike Spec
- Capacity1237cc
- Top speed165mph
- Weight276kg
- Average fuel consumption43mpg
- Seat height815mm
- EngineV4, 16v
Honda VFR1200F Bike Insurance
Honda VFR1200F Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
Powerful, easy to ride, quality built, superb looks. Best of sporty sports tourer.
Cons
Handlebars are too low, for longer rides I'd recommend helibars or ABN kit, or anything similar.. Would benefit from taller windscreen.
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It's a heavy bike, but negotiates corners like a lightweight one litre sports bike
Veryyyyyyyyyyyy powerful :)
Handlebars are too low, for longer rides I'd recommend helibars or ABN kit, or anything similar.. Would benefit from taller windscreen.
Nothings wrong so far
Pros
Best thing about the bike? The engine. Totally converted to V4's now. Wish it had the VTEC like the 800 just for the noise but as it is it's great. Smooth, powerful and the roll on in any gear at any speed is amazing.
Cons
In terms of not so great arguable the fuel tank. Which you will read anywhere. It does have a small tank. In and around town you'll be lucky to get 100 miles but out on A roads and motorways you'll get around 160ish. Again not huge numbers…
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Really nice. Firm but not back breaking.
Big. Torquey. Smooth
Not great on fuel. But tank size plays a part.
Usually great Honda quality!
Very good. Strong with plenty feedback.
Pros
The engine and the low down grunt it provides
Cons
Nothing, I love it as it is
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For a big bike the VFR is surprisingly agile and I can handle twisters with ease on it
The V4 has great low down grunt and call pull at any rev range
For a large capacity engine I find the VFR is not expensive to run and is easy to service yourself
The finish on the VFR is impeccable with a luxurious paint finish that screams quality
This bike has he best brakes I’ve ever experienced on a bike with awesome stopping power
Pros
Everything
Cons
Nothing
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It’s a heavy bike but loses all its weight under power . With such a low centre of gravity , it tips in lovely and handles better than any bike I’ve had before
It has gobs of power all the way up the Rev range , lovely .
Loves fuel but all depends how you ride . Over 100 miles on a full tank is plenty for me . A big engine like this will drink but you know that when you buy it .
Honda build quality is excellent and the fit and finish is perfect
Six piston callipers on the front with Honda linked brakes and abs . Stops on a dime .
Pros
Engine
Cons
Brakes, throttle response.
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It's a heavy bike, but it does not feel like it.
That big V4 has some proper grunt, picks up quickly from low rpm.
Not the most economical, servicing parts aren't cheap.
Had some factory recalls, not the best from Honda.
Constant problems with front brakes, prone to binding.
Pros
Best bike I've ever owned and at present I'll probably replace it with another one. The vfr1200f was rather over sold at it's release and it lacks the gadgets of some of the competition. Having said that I think the set up is spot on and also believe the r&d at Honda know more about engine maps, throttle response and suspension settings than I will ever want to. I thoroughly love this bike. The engine is amazing and build quality the best I've seen on a bike. 2 years and 16k miles of commuting through winters plus some European tours and plenty of weekends in the summer and it hasn't missed a beat. Still makes me smile every time I hit the start button!
Cons
I'm not a fan of riding modes and electronic suspension settings. I've had them in the past and quite quickly they ended up being left in the same mode. However I can see others love gizmos and the lack of them has probably impacted on vfr1200 sales. The only exception for me is cruise control which would be nice on the motorway.
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It's a heavy bike to push out of the garage but once on the go hides it's weight well. The engine is amazing and super smooth with amazing power through the top half of the revs.
I can't see myself ever wanting more power from a bike. Doesn't have the big figures of some sports bikes but it's more readily on tap across the rev range.
I'm not a fan of riding modes and electronic suspension settings. I've had them in the past and quite quickly they ended up being left in the same mode. However I can see others love gizmos and the lack of them has probably impacted on vfr1200 sales. The only exception for me is cruise control which would be nice on the motorway.
Faultless with 16k miles and two winters of grit salt. My previous BMW has numerous corrosion and electrical issues at 2 years old with similar mileage. To be fair they were all sorted under warranty but once that expired the BMW had to go!
Great power and modulation. Front tyres get a bit of a hard time due to a combination of brakes and weight. First bike I've had where the front tyre wearer faster than the rear.