The clever bits of the new Honda VFR1200
...and some of the (maybe) too clever bits, like the ABS. Whatever happened to a front brake lever that gives you all the front brake?
1. Top box
At eleven times the cubic capacity of a V6 Ford Capri (that’s 33-litres kids), this bad boy will swallow any helmet. Like the panniers this locks and unlocks using the bike’s ignition key. Top box mounts onto a cast aluminium rack
2. Panniers
29-litre panniers fit onto the neatest, cleverest mounting points. The upper section of the panniers locate into moulded slots in the under seat mudguard. The front pannier mounts are provided by the integrated heel guards on the pillion footrest hangers. Nearside pannier holds a full face helmet
3. Seat
You could sit on this for decades without even the slightest numb-buttock. A slightly lower, narrower seat is available for those severely challenged in the inside leg department. Another option offered by the Honda parts catalogue is the soft, grippy, suede-like Alcantara as seen here
4. Muffler
I hated the silencer when I first saw it but the big conical device has grown on me. It’s size is more of an issue with noise regs and having to include a Cat than being big for big’s sake. Like that on Aprilia’s RSV4 and the new Harleys, it features a servo-operated flap to kill the decibels at low revs
5. Clutch and transmission
The manual VFR gets a mechanical slipper clutch and four drive-train dampers to smooth things out. DCT system is a whole different bag of biscuits (see box-out page right)
6. Screen extender
For a bit more wind protection there’s a taller screen and hand blisters. Optional heated grips also point towards the VFR’s tourability
7. Mirrors
The high-level indicators provide the ‘eyes’ in the VFR’s ‘face’ - a crucial step towards improved recognition by car drivers and pedestrians, claim Honda’s boffins
8. Layered fairing
Multi-layered fairing kills several design birds with one stone. Firstly it channels air (and speeds it up) through narrowing apertures for improved cooling for engine and rider. This, Honda claim, also improves high speed stability. Aesthetically the different layers help break up what would normally be a large expanse of flat plastic
9. Linked brakes/ABS
Twelve pistons of braking heft up front combined with Honda’s proven ABS system keeps retardation issues in check. Two of the twelve brake pistons, though, are redundant until you dab the back brake pedal. Now call us old-fashioned, but that’s just plain freaky isn’t it?
10. Exhaust headers
Serpentine stainless steel header pipes are tuned (in length) for optimum torque spread. VFR delivers 90% of its torque at a lowly (and very handy) 4,000rpm
