(My) VFR1200F

[bolidemichael]

Thanks to those on here that contributed to my interest in a VFR... ultimately, I upsold myself to a more modern, shaft-driven, poorer tank range flagship.

So here it (she?) is, resplendent in the crap sounding, but great looking, 'Candy Prominence Red'. In my view, the design has aged really well.





I think that this is the GT spec with akrapovic, centre stand, hard colour coded luggage and mumble mumble some other things that I haven't yet googled.

The previous owners seem to have kitted it out well, however. The vinyl bodywork protection is a bonus for a 2012 bike - thanks to that guy/girl!



My immediate observations from the eighty mile ride home from Southampton on the dual carriageways.

- lots of buffeting from the powerbronze screen (I've never fancied this brand anyway)

- a slight knocking from the front (worn bearings somewhere?)

- slightly numb fingers after sitting on the endless 50mph avg speed camera on the M27 (cruise control would've been great, is one thing that I never thought that I'd hear myself saying as a biker)

- the luggage is easy to lift off

- it's quite heavy to move around when off the bike and to push myself backwards on anything other than flat ground

- the seat edges are frayed and need addressing (perhaps an upgrade with a seat specialist as the same time?)

- the switch for the genuine heated grips is damaged and covered with electrical tape, however, they are (claimed to be) functional

- it's had a new rear shock in the last year/2,000 miles under used approved warranty, as the remote preload adjuster failed

- power, power, power is awesome

- stable

- characterful

- vehicles clear out of my way in lane three (unless they are two excitable and distracted girls in a little Corsa, apparently)

- it gets another look when I walk away

- it likes to drink fuel when travelling at a generous pace (thank you to the seller for supplying with 3/4 tank)

My first steps are to ensure that Crescent Honda upload the info for the last four services on the Honda 'extranet', so that the history and warranty work then ask Doble to give it a service and health check, tighten up the bodywork with any replacement clips etc.

I also need to start experimenting with screens and I think that I'll start with a spoiler. There is a genuine Honda option, but it's a clear screen and I've always liked the look of smoked screens on a red Honda.

Then come the early Sunday morning rides over the winter when everyone is sleeping, to bond with the new ride...

[bolidemichael]

Thanks. The chap from Dobles told me today that the front callipers are known for being susceptible to nursing road crud them binding/seizing.

[bolidemichael]

Salted_Peanut said:

Great bike

SilverB said:

I found the OE screen worked well for me, no noticeable buffeting.

Like SilverB, I found the OE screen was excellent. YMMV – we're all different heights – but I'd be tempted to buy an original Honda screen.

I'm 5' 7", if there's any reference points from you both.

[bolidemichael]

Thanks for the tips.

I have seen a couple of screens on ebay and also the 'spoiler' - it'll cost about £95 for both, though I'd check with Honda for a price first.

Seats - there seem to be a few:

Elite Comfort Seats from Sussex Motorcycles.

Else Made

Sargent Motorcycle Seats - though they don't advertise an option for the 1200?(!)

Corbin Seats

[bolidemichael]

Krikkit said:

Did Honda do an accessory comfort seat? Also worth considering if they did.

That's a good tip, considering that the chap from Sussex motorcycle called me this evening. He said that these are moulded seats and they won't look as 'vacuum packed' as they do from factory if he works on them. Additionally, he says that the covering on them hardens over the years like "elephant hide" and makes them uncomfortable. For that reason, it may be well worth seeking out a replacement seat and also, investigating the existence of a comfort upgrade. In fact, I might have a ganders on ebay or online for some contemporary brochures.

Northbrook said:

Nice bike, mister.

I'm limited to automatics only - kinda laziness when I did my test, and more laziness now - and the auto version of this would appeal to me if I actually needed to cover miles. As it is, I'll be selling my oldish scooter fairly soon before moving to Wales, and then look to get something appropriate.

If you're in the area on a ride sometime, I'm a fan of the B3046 from Basingstoke to Winchester via Alresford. It's a nice part of the world.

Thank you NB, that's off the A272 and I'll welcome an extension to my favourite routes:

BolideMichael in the Surrey forum said:

Drive from Box Hill south on the A24, then turn off at a main junction of the dual carriageway to the Ockley Road and take the B2127 to Ewhurst.

The head on the B2128 towards Rudgewick and onto the Loxwood Road towards Loxwood (this can have a load of cyclists). Turn left onto the B2133 towards the A272 and turn right onto the A272.

Turn left onto Kingspit Lane and onto the A283 towards Egdean and onto the A2138 through Fittleworth.

From there I like to either head left towards the A29 Bury Hill for a stop at the top where there is a biker stop/cafe/trail or right towards Bignor Hill Roman Villa and onto the A285 to Goodwood cutting across to East Lavant.

Head north on the A286 and a cheeky left onto the B2141 towards South Harting, through Shroud, Langrish and end up at Loomies for a tea. From there, loop ad infinitum and enjoy.

Yes, the council killed the nationals over a decade ago (pre-dating the popularity of cycling), but that won't prevent you from enjoying the secret roads.

I'm going to have to start heading towards Hampshire or Sussex to seek out more early morning biking routes, though over the winter I suspect that I won't encounter groups of enthusiastic cyclists on my favourite roads.

[bolidemichael]

I've come across some interesing documentation.

An accesories brochure

2013 Press Pack

European accessories brochure

[bolidemichael]

Aah yes, I'll update everyone else.

Last night, in my haste to access a petrol pump for V Power (the guys had told me that I didn't need to queue on two wheels), I forgot the width of the bike and scraped a large metal bollard.



Ironically, I was having a discussion with myself as to whether I should've removed them prior to leaving the garage.

Then on the way back, exiting a side road and trying to take a 90deg turn around a vehicle, the weight caught me off guard at low speed and the bike flopped onto the offside!



I haven't recorded all of the resultant damage - there are a couple of small marks on the main fairing and amazingly nothing seems broken... but for my pride. There are also marks on the engine casing, which is irritating.

I'll try and remove most of them with this kit, that has been sitting unopened and unused for a couple of years now



I've also had a look at the only service invoice that I have from 2019/17k and it was just the oil+filter and f+r pads. The seller said that the 2020 service was just an oil service, and I'm awaiting confirmation of work from Crescent.

If it is the case the valves haven't been done as per the recommended service schedule, then I'll probably bring the 32k mile forward and do valves, coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid and get it into optimal running condition. I may also bring the MOT forward from Feb 2022 in order to harmonise the MOT and annual service. I don't fancy heading out in February to get an MOT done, tbh, though who know, by then I might have re-awoken the hardy biker of days gone by.

[bolidemichael]

snagzie said:

Not the best of days eh

Well, I did manage to fill up with V Power though and arranged insurance through MCE. "Always look on the bright side of life..."

SpeckledJim said:

Go veeeeery steady with that thing. Dead easy to burn through the paint, especially on convex edges.

I'm just grateful that it happened now as a timely reminder and that the boy wasn't on the back.

Scrump said:

I did similar on my VFR 800 panniers (although only after a really long and tiring leg of a European journey).

Most of it polished out but not all. Ended up with a pin up girl (with Union flag) sticker on each pannier.

I'll give it a go and see what happens, Scrump. In some ways, the 'battle scar' is kind of cool, as it resembles the Honda 'wing' motif!

[bolidemichael]

SpeckledJim said:

bolidemichael said:

In some ways, the 'battle scar' is kind of cool, as it resembles the Honda 'wing' motif!

This is the kind of crucial post-rationalisation that keeps us from simply giving-up and curling-up into a little ball.

That's the spirit!

I now recall the first month that I took ownership of the S211 E500 after having run the 'beater' V70 for a while, I was completely unused to the dimensions and just having a nicer vehicle - I reversed it into a low bollard in Waitrose and it was a sickening crunch.

Having run the 'beater' Fazer for a while, I got to adopt a new mindest for the VFR. Now that I've 'popped' that 'cherry', I'll get on the correct mindset of vehicle care.

[bolidemichael]

snagzie said:

bolidemichael said:

snagzie said:

Not the best of days eh

Well, I did manage to fill up with V Power though and arranged insurance through MCE. "Always look on the bright side of life..."

Oh gawd.... MCE.....

Hope you don't have to claim!

What do you reckon of my chances so far then?

[bolidemichael]

I was explaining the situation with the bike to my brother and in doing so, I realised that it was the full tank that caught me out and exacerbated the issue. In my haste to get back and fill the other bike, I wasn't as cautious as I could've been.

Now that I've realised that, I'm much happier.

I've had a look over the bike and there are a couple of battle scars, but I think that it could/should be alright with a polish and anything else I can titivate in time should it irritate me sufficiently.

[bolidemichael]

Bob_Defly said:

I'm going to get side (soft) luggage next year, this is my main worry! (not remembering the width)

This morning with the boy on the back for the first time, I was repeating to myself 'width and weight, width and weight, width and weight'.

To be honest, they're really not too wide, but I'd been riding the Fazer in the day and keen to execute my stealthy petrol (authorised but inequitable) queue jump.

I also did feel a slight slip from the front Dunlop Roadsmart this morning -- perhaps just me but we'll find out in time.

[bolidemichael]

bgunn said:

nordboy said:

Glad you like it. Shows how different people have different perceptions.

Personally I think the VFR1200 is just about the worst modern bike I've ever ridden. I find it has poor build quality for a honda, the rear shock adjuster just fell off ours and nearly ended up in the rear wheel, which could have been interesting. It's very uncomfortable, painful for any sort of longer trip, poor tank range and is pretty agricultural. I will go out of my way not to ride it.

C'or, talk about go out of your way to piss on the OP's chips. What's the saying? If you don't have anything nice to say..

I know where you're coming from bgunn, but nordboy was quite careful to clarify that there is a difference in perception, hence preference, so his comment read to me as being constructive.

The rear shock is a known weak point and mine was replaced under warranty since 2019 by Crescent Honda. Your experience sounds alarming, however!

Uncomfortable and painful is obviously something that I cannot comment on just yet, but it comes equipped with Heli Bar risers. Also, note my feedback from Sussex motorcycles chap, the outer material on the OEM seat hardens with age -- the less pliable that it is, the greater the discomfort. The is certainly something that I'll look to address in time with a little research. Perhaps something with two stage heating as per the Sargent set up. The boy would love that.

There is also the option of adjustable rear sets.

Tank range will only be poorer for my right wrist!
In my case, I confess that it'll outpace my bladder, so I'm okay in that respect!

As for the agricultural engine... I'm classifying that under 'character', which is one of the main things that drew me to a V4 over an IL4 (okay, with the possible exception of the supercharged Kwakker). It also sounds rather nice with the akrapovic, which makes me happy.

Perhaps you inherited a second hand one with deferred maintenance? I suspect that the valves are needing done on mine; for fear of contradicting myself, there is an agricultural element to the idle that the service will address.

Edited by bolidemichael on Friday 1st October 09:15

[bolidemichael]

myvision said:

bolidemichael said:

I'm 5' 7", if there's any reference points from you both.

I'm 5'9'' and i have a puig screen on mine and find that it deflects the wind really well for me.
On the VFR1200 facebook page there is a lad that makes custom seats they look good but i don't have one so don't know if they are comfy. Mine came with a different comfort seat already on it.
I can recommend a PC5 for it as I had mine tuned on a dyno to lose the snatchy low down throttle it runs two maps which i can switch between from the left bar.

Did you experience a standard screen previously, as a comparison to the puig?

Good to know about the pc5. I'll see how I get on with it; it is nice to be back on a proper bike again. Riding to work, it's stable, balanced and composed.

[bolidemichael]

black-k1 said:

Not a good day, especially managing to get both sides in the same day. I feel for you!

Actually, I've revisiting this in daylight, now that I've had a chance.





Most will polish out, but I'll have to araldite the damage. Thankfully, there is an outer and inner construction. The inner is undamaged, so the sacrificial cosmetic later has done its job here.

Here is the seat, too





It's irritating, as it's the composure and lack of concentration that cost me. One morning of riding and I've got my head around it. Perhaps there cause and effect at work here too.

[bolidemichael]

I've been out of biking for almost all of the modern 'tech' era, seemingly. Is it worth installing a 12V adapter under the seat?

[bolidemichael]

nordboy said:

I've done it all previously when I was touring and wanted a phone charger, a gps unit etc. I also installed a marine fuse box under the seat to attach all my electronics stuff to

I may ask Honda to install one for me, just in case. What's with the marine fuse box, I've googled it but it seems like a box of fuses

[bolidemichael]

Biker9090 said:

HairyMaclary said:

Nice VFR. I really like the idea of one but what are they like filtering?

Also I run my Versys without the side cases for the very reason. Plus weight. They weigh a ton so if they are empty leave them in the garage.

Pretty easy, carry their weight pretty low down. I don't have any issues on mine.

Yes, on my first day commuting, I was filtering behind a couple of bikes and swiftly became accustomed to the width and balance after a few hundred yards.

[bolidemichael]

So I've been hitting the ebay and have a few bits on order. The first ones have arrived.

An OE V4 pulse key ring - it's pretty thick and quality as would be expected.





I couldn't help myself. I asked Mrs Bolide to take it and give it to me for Christmas.



More bits to be revealed as they arrive.

[bolidemichael]

Fascinating -- do you think that it's something that a Honda dealer are likely to go off-piste to accommodate?