Honda VFR1200F

VFR1200F is currently Honda’s most expensive bike available in our Indian bike market. This sports bike is globally popular for its unique characteristics. In this review, we try to figure out more about this reputed sports bike.

Honda VFR1200F Design and Style

The bike has such an appealing design that you can’t take your eyes off it. VFR1200F looks extremely aggressive and stylish with its explicit metallic paint. It has a remarkable face which features its V-shaped massive headlight and transparent visor. The extensions of this visor has been given silver finish which also carries its chrome finished rear view mirrors with integrated clear lens indicators. The front cowl is sharply pointed around its headlight which merges nicely into the side fairing. Honda has placed a compact front fender on this bike which gets extended along its front forks and looks nasty with twin disc plates on both sides. It sports an aerodynamic side fairing with integrated black colored under cowl. This side fairing gets nicely attached to its up-raised fuel tank which adds sporty character to this bike. Its step up seat also adds visual charm to this bike. The bike has black colored side panels and partly silver finished rear cowl which complements the color scheme on this bike. VFR1200F sports a chunky chrome finished silencer that looks magnificent with its silver alloy wheels. The rear cowl of this bike houses its LED tail light which features integrated clear lens indicators. The bike looks extremely macho when seen from the back thanks to its wide rear tyre and extended fender.

Honda VFR1200F Instrument Console

Honda VFR1200F has a new age combined analogue- digital instrument console. The bike has two LCDs separated by a circular dial which houses an analogue tachometer. The bike has digital speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, 2-trip meter, clock and other essential indicators. The bike carries numerous LED indicators in this instrument console which provides essential information to the rider.

Honda VFR1200F Engine and Gearbox

Honda VFR1200F features a liquid cooled 4-stroke 1237cc engine. This UNICAM V-4 engine is a modern engineering marvel which pumps out a massive power output of 172 bhp at 10000 rpm. The utmost torque production of this engine is of 129 nm which arrives at 8750 rpm. This engine is equipped with a six-speed gearbox which is available with manual as well as automatic transmission. It has a one gear down and five gears up-shift pattern. This bike also holds the record for being the first bike to feature dual clutch transmission.

Acceleration and Performance

The engine specifications are enough for you to assume its high level of performance. This bike reaches 0-100 km/hr in less than 5 seconds. It has a juicy gearbox with well-matched gear ratios. The automatic variant of this bike is fun to drive as it’s available with three ride options. First is a D mode which is fully automatic and helps it to save some fuel. The second mode is S in which bike changes gears itself at high engine speeds to give you sporty riding experience. The third driving mode enables rider to change gears using paddles. These modes can be selected by a switch on the handle bar of this bike. This engine isn’t as calm and refined as Suzuki engines as to lower down its size, Honda has compromised on the refinement. This engine becomes noisy after 8000 rpm and can’t match the high end performance of other competitors. Despite this, VFR1200 F can easily cross the speed of 200 km/hr and has the potential to go beyond that. It’s always a pleasure to ride this bike on highways but it’s quite impressive in city also which helps a lot while overtaking. It features an electronic wire connected throttle which properly powers this heavy bike at low rpms.

Honda VFR1200F Mileage

Honda VFR1200F may return you an overall fuel efficiency of around 12kmpl.

Comfort While Driving

Honda VFR1200F offers a high seating posture with clips on handle bar. The hand levers of this bike are five ways adjustable which can be adjusted as per the need of rider. Honda has used top quality of fabrics in its seat which gives you optimum comfort on long journeys. The rear set foot pegs give you an aerodynamic riding posture with your knees sticking round its fuel tank.

Storage Space and Safety Features

There is no storage space in VFR1200F but it has safety features like powerful headlight and two 6-piston callipers at front and 2-piston calliper at the back.

Honda VFR1200F Suspension and Brakes

The bike sports 43mm front telescopic forks and gas charged rear shockers with pro-link at the back. As far as its braking system is concerned, it has a combined braking system with ABS as standard equipment. VFR1200F features dual floating hydraulic disc brakes of 320mm at its front and a rear disc brake of 276mm.

Ride and Handling

Honda VFR1200F weighs around 267kgs but thanks to its extended wheelbase of 1545mm and capable suspension system, you never feel the actual weight of this bike. It handles brilliantly at high speeds with a ground clearance of 125 mm which helps this bike to catch pace easily. The cornering abilities of this bike are commendable as it sticks hard to roads thanks to its broad tyres which offers good road grip. The slow speed stability of this machine is also impressive and you don’t have to worry while moving it in city traffic. The combined braking system of this bike offers you great control over this bike. The ABS gives you precise braking and works effectively at high speeds.

Honda VFR1200F Tyre Size, Colours and Variants

Honda VFR1200F has 17 inches alloy wheels. Honda offers one variant of this bike in two different colors.

Verdict

Honda VFR1200F comes with a whooping price tag of INR 17.62 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)). This bike is truly one of its kinds in terms of looks, ride and handling. It also offers exclusive features like electronic throttle and Dual clutch transmission. Yes, it’s overpriced and it’s costlier than other competitors by a good margin but the screaming looks of this bike can easily tempt you to buy it.

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