I went to have a look at the 1200 a couple of weeks ago, still intend to test ride one. I've got an 08R1 at the minute but can't help feeling I should have grown into something more sensible by now (before the licence suffers). The 1200 is better looking in the flesh for sure, but that exhaust is stil pig ugly. It a lot of money now, actually they are all a lot of money now.
indeed , the exhaust is FUGLY, but the bike just does everything SO well…….
i really think Honda have created the ultimate street motorcycle with the new VFR 12.
Wait for the new sprint trumpet to come out before you decide, i had a 955i a couple of years back (lasted a bit longer!) fantastic grunty engine, and the 1050 is even better. I tried a 1050 sprint and was very impressed with it, very comfy for two up'ing and seem to last well. Probably be a hell of alot cheaper than a VFR and its british!
Wait for the new sprint trumpet to come out before you decide
I've looked at Triumphs a few times but for some reason they just don't do it for me. I don't like the looks and too many folks I know have had reliability problems with them (I know the newer bikes are better though).
When I finally get a house with a garage, I'd love one of these:
Best bike I've ever ridden (because I've never swung a leg over an RC30). A VFR800 is more practical, esp. 2-up, but the handling on the 400s is truly sublime.
I agree that pre-VTEC VFR is the better bike than its successor. Sometimes Honda are too 'clever' for my liking, they make things different and it's not always better – downgrading the V4 cams to chain from gears is an example.
The VFR1200 is a replacement for the blackbird, so of course it will be less nimble than a Blade and more sporty/less toury than a Pan. That's why it's not a Blade or Pan. Duh! I'd look at a Sprint ST first or even a CBR600, I don't see the need for the gadgets or the top end speed (or the price tag!).
One of my friends has a mint one of those 400's in his garage. It has only been out to be mot'd each year for about the last 6 years! I might persuade him it needs me to take it for a trackday! ( but with my history it will be hard work!)
Thats the first i've seen except in the mags! deffinatly looks more modern than the old'n. Whats it look like from the other side then? Hope the weather improves so you can get out and enjoy it soon!
Thats certainly not subtle styling, Honda are definatly more adventurous than the other japs at the moment aren't they. Thats a shame they put the exhaust that side and didn't leave it like the cb100r, that would have really set it off!
25 miles only. roads are salted up here, lots of standing water from snow melt and mud from freshly ploughed fields. took me an hour to clean it yesterday after 30 minutes thrash.
super creamy torque, stunning roll on throttle response, no noticeable twist from the shaft drive, stunning 🙂
Best bike I've ever ridden (because I've never swung a leg over an RC30). A VFR800 is more practical, esp. 2-up, but the handling on the 400s is truly sublime.
I've ridden both (a VFR400 and an RC30). The 400 was insanely light, insanely! But the Rc30 was without doubt the finest motorcycle I've ever ridden. 70 odd in first gear, I was doing about a hundred by third gear and lost my bottle at about 140 with the bike still pulling away like a train. It was like riding a roadbike (cycle) but with an engine. Crazy! I loved it.
Samuri wrote, "I've ridden both (a VFR400 and an RC30). The 400 was insanely light, insanely!"
They're actually not that light at all… Just feel it because the weight's so compact and relatively low but the NC30 and NC35 are both heavier than most modern 6s. The claimed, crooked, dry weight is higher than the weighed fully wet weight of my SV 😉 Still bloody lovely mind.
If I can stop spending all my time and money on MTBs I suspect this is the answer. If only I could keep the oil in the engine. Its sitting in the garage awaiting a new set of big ends
40 ish BHP with loads of torque, footrest on the ground at 70mph, 3rd gear pulling hard – you know you are going fast – hit a ton down a decent straight and feels good in corners – even if its on the limit at 3/4 the corner speed of an R1 – you can thrash it at legalish speeds.
Problem with fast bikes is its only fun if you thrash them – and you end up going stupidly fast. Go to jail or make a huge hole in a hedge.
If I buy another motorcycle it will be an aprilla 250 – or even a 125. thrash the spuds off it