After owning 3 Fireblades (with track days included) in the last 12 years or so, and after watching some of these reviews, I decided to buy one to have a more all rounder and practical bike. I bought a second hand 2010 model, candy red with the original saddle bags with 30000kms in mint state. First of all, I love the looks and the ride amazed me, for such weight. I fitted the T30 Evo and the bike feels even more lighter. I knew about the low rev problem, but you know what: I found it just doesn’t bother me. For me, when I want to ride more relaxed, it’s perfect. And if I want to ride hard, there’s no problem whatsoever: I just use the revs properly and the bike responds. I also love Honda’s reliability and right now I wouldn’t want any other bike. And reviews like this and the comments from other owners just confirm what I think about this bike.
Hi Anthony, Liked this and your previous review. I too am a VFR1200F owner, having owned my bike since 2011. Its a 2010 model in silver and had all the hardbags included with the bike. I originally had a love hate relationship with my bike. I have fitted numerous different screens eventually giving up and fitting the original screen back on. The bike is fitted with a DAM exhaust and sounds wicked. I hated the low sppeed throttle hesitation and jerkiness. This was cured by fitting the power commander 5. As soon as I rode the bike away for the shop I could tell the difference, sooo smooth. I didnt like the position of the original clip on style bars that put too much pressure on the outside of my palms. I also got numb fingers whilst riding. I nearly got to the point of thinking obout selling the bike. I thought I would try one more thing so I ordered the LSL bar conversion to see if this made riding more pleasurable. Wow, this one ergonomic change totally transform the bike. A much better riding position, absolutely No vibration through the bars at all! Ive now put on a custom seat and this bike is a keeper. Ive since done track days and a fair amount of fast riding with other sports bikes and this thing is right up there arses! I highly recommend the pilot road 4's they are great tyres. I do recommmend running the pressures as low as 26psi front and 28psi rear for track days. If you go higher on the back you will get a power sliding rear end. Once the pressures are changed the bike has no slide whatsoever. As a result of this learning not crashing experince I now run my road pressures lower as well. The VFR is a great bike but should have been more adjustable for riding position. Its also a shame Honda decided not to fit higher end suspension, but it does do the job well on the standard suspension even for a track days. Second hand bikes are a bargain if you then spend some money making them fit you. To all the nay sayers I say your missing out on a rough diamond that could be your gem. The V4 is a great engine that loves being thrashed in 3rd in the twisties. Pops and bangs and growls on overrun its a great soundtrack to your biking experience Geeza
Darren Stewart I like you have found it to be a fantastic all round bike.Just under 35000 miles still looking like new and with mods going better than new. I do like the sports stance as i can't ride sitting upright. Try the Dunlop 3s they are every bit as good as the pilot 4s and are a lot lighter than the 4s. The VFR1200 will be one of those that Honda, with a little more thought would have produced a Brilliant bike.
Still loving my VFR after 10 months now. Using it mostly as a daily commute with the cases off about 75% of the time. It's all up to date with maintenance with almost 30k so far all done at the dealership
Thanks for posting your reviews it helped me decide to buy my vfr1200f and I love it!!! I have 4 bikes and since I bought all my other bikes are collecting dust. Lol thanks
Glad to be of help,had the same scenario with my Fireblade it just was not being used and ended up selling it. I dont know why the VFR does not get the credit it deserves with biking press, when i'am on my own i ride it like i've just stolen it and it goes and handles like a big sports bike should and when the wife is on the back it goes and handles like a big tourer should .When i say big it is after all 1200cc 170 hp in standard trim and weighs some 267 kgs. I'am looking for something that might do the all round job better but as yet have not found it and have tried the K1300s,FJR1300 and ZZR1400 all good bikes with fore and againsts but don't do the all round bike better, If any body has any suggestions to a bike that might i would like to know. Having now travelled 31,000 miles plus including From here in the far south west to the south of France in one hit, home to Pfunds in Austria 1050 miles in one hit and the return journey 1400 miles in one hit plus a trip around the famous NurburgRing in the wet i would say that was a fairly good rest ride and it has run faultless.It's not to say that the bike it's self has not got any faults or can't be improved, but there is not a manufacture out there actually makes one that is perfect or faultless ,but with a few bolt on mods ex.Akrapovic Can,K&N filter and Power command V that i have stuck on mine it's getting there. Just as a foot note there was a comment about the VFR being a bit soul less and i think i can see where the comment was coming from ,i also heard the same comment about the Fireblade that it was bland and soul less. I think it is a Honda problem that it does what it says on the label and does it bloody well with no fuss or bother without shaking it's head or wagging it's tail.It just delivers.
I've watched a couple of your videos I like how you get the faults out of the way first and then you talk about the benefits it makes for a more honest review. I'm very impressed that you toured all around Europe with that bike. I'm in south Florida started out on cruisers as many Americans do. Tried the cbr1000rr for awhile but for me a cruiser guy I wished it had more torque and comfort plus a blade with bags to carry my stuff to work was awkward. When I watched your 21k review I was intrigued that you actually got rid of your blade because the Vfr was more enjoyable. I had to try it I did all kind of researching couldn't believe there's not much love for this bike especially having owned one now for 6 months and 6k miles. It is as you say "superb"!!! Very refined comfortable powerful well balanced beautiful. I must say I would've never considered the bike unless I watched your video so Honda has that to thank you for. However I didn't buy new when I bought it already had 19,000 miles I now have 25. I bought it for $7500 with a three-year service warranty included I was checking to see if the cops are following me because I thought I just robbed them I'm so happy LOL! A relative of the owner of the bike flagged me down asked me where I bought the bike I told him and we found out it was his cousin's bike he gave me his cousin's number I called him he told me what an excellent bike it was and that it was sad to let it go in fact he got choked up and said he was going through some financial troubles to take care of his baby and I told him I definitely will. He said he rode it on the tail of the dragon which is in the Appalache Mountains probably the closest thing to Europe we have in United States it's about 1000 miles away from here he said it was perfect. I hope someday to take that bike back up there again for second time. Anyways I can't thank you enough my friend. Thanks for answering and please keep posting more videos. I'm subscribing to your channel
12 months ago bought a 2010 model with £4k miles from J&S in Swansea. Had the touring pack on with screen, panniers, and top box. Brilliant.....love it for all reasons Johnathon points out
Agree with you about the valve seat wear, also have been building and rebuilding engines for road and race for over forty years and the cam and follower wear is more than the hardened valve seats wear.Not to say that it's not ever going to happen,but I have yet to find one that has closed up.All though early Aston Martin engines would close due to valve seat wear was greater and clearance was a justed by grinding the top of the valve stem. Will let you know what the clearances are when it reaches its 32,000 miles service as I will do that one myself as it's out of warranty.(Always leave main dealer service while under warranty. )
Hey Anthony. I really appreciate your videos. For me, it's always more interesting to see / hear about long-term experiences. I am currently thinking of buying an used VFR1200 (something around 2010-2012 model) as second bike for touring (long trips for 2-3 weeks and 4-8.000km) and to take out my 5mins of craziness on the autobahn from time to time. Since my first bike is a Harley Low Rider S, I am looking for a bike with proper wind-protection, a comfy seating position that doesn't exhaust me too quick, has a bit of sportiness in it and is reliable. Would you recommend this bike over all for purposes like this? Since you're on a 2012 model (if I remember correctly), are there any specific "weak-points" I should check with extra care when I'm looking at a bike?
BFD15i points to look out for when buying a VFR1200.To be honest there is not a lot to look out for,that is to say no more than any other secondhand bike. The small righthand silver panel tends to cracki, the ajuster on the rear shock teds to seize if not used. They do suffer from low fueling when on very light throttle in first or second gear, but you can over come this by changing down or increasing revs slightly The other option is to fit a.power command v unit which will completely solve the issue. As for your requirements in a bike , it will do every thing you want and more. Having road bikes all my life and owned some classics ,ex.Blackbird,Fireblade, Suzuki Triples . As an all rounder it beats them all. Still looking though.
Thanks for your answer and advice. I will make sure to check on those two parts. Sadly, it will still be some weeks until weather will be good enough to actually go out and look at some bikes. :(
on overhead cam engines in general the play becomes less overtime due to the valve wearing the seat out wich means the valve becomes seated deeper in the head therefore lessens the clearance...silent valves are more prone to check then noisy ones....i rebuild engines for 30+ years now but check around/google it if ur not convinced...
Hessel tuit, I think you are spot on. I believe BMWs are like that and I have had one that the clearance has "tightened" up over time, not loosened up like old V8 Chevy motors.
Hopefully will be out and about soon nearly 42,000.on the clock now and still running like new. A trip to Wales and Scotland on the cards for this year. Will post an aupdate then.
@@storm5357 Great to know you're alright and still riding. My VFR unfortunately is in the workshop but should be back in a month. Anticipating your trip to Wales and Scotland. Safe travels. :)
great review only thing is valveplay (or tappet play as u call it) becomes less with mileage therefore noise will be less too. no play at all means u will burn your valves...as u suggest to leave valvechecks for what it is (a waste of money) in your video does that mean u pay for valve repairs aswell as people take your advice to heard and it does go wrong???
Just done a full service including valve check clearance,what a bugger to do. All valve clearances where within tolerance and where as follows. Inlet Exhaust No.1 5 _ 6 7 _ 7 No.2 6 _ 6 9 _ 9 No.3 6 _ 6 7 _ 8 No.4 6 _ 5 8 _ 7 The bike has just covered nearly 32,000 miles and is still running a dream.
so did the play in or decrease? I dont know what the play should be... All in all not bad given the mileage just as expected from a honda. I hope u push on with it...i luv t see how it holds up but trust it be fine at high mileage....just as the 800 versions....
hessel tuit The inlet gap is 6 and exhaust 8 at the rocker end ,both plus or minus one thousands of an inch .Still got the habit of using feeler gauge in imperial. Having now done the check if I still have the bike l would probably check again in fifteen thousand miles when we would be up and around 45/50,000 miles when I would expect to need some ajustment.
tntowker Top speed was not affected by the fitting of the K&N filter and power command as the reason for fitting was to iron out the low fueling issues at low revs. It now has just had a full service done at 32,000 and is running like a dream, the Dunlop Roadsmart 3s are still holding up but l think that the front is wearing slightly faster than the pilot 4s. Still looking for a replacement, but for alround performance and build quality it isn't out there yet.
Hi, just wondering if you still have the big viffer and if you have any further thoughts? I’m thinking of moving over to one from an FJR as I find the FJR too upright for my back. Lovely reviews - I’d welcome any final comments!
Still got it 40,000 miles now and still running absolutely faultless. Hopping to tour Europe again this year and will post another review. I also prefer the slightly sports position of the VFR. Performance wise the VFR is far quicker than the FJR Wind it up and it will fly.(deceptively quick)
Great review, thanks for the indepth opinion! :) Just on a short notice, since english is not my mother tongue: What is the "pesky little silver panel" you talk about, that's got a crack? What do you mean at 3:45? :D I only understand "the tavern" or "the cabbage" :) Otherwise, I really appreciate your review!
The pesky little panel is the small silver panel just below your seat ,the righthand panel all tend to cracki at their mounting polnt.At 3.45 I was taking about the tappet gap, or valve clearance it is an emotive subject because due to valve wear the gap could get closer and if to tight could cause valves to burn out, but I have never yet found at the service interval they have needed adjustment. I did check mine at
30,000 miles and we're still in tolerance. Taking to one of Honda own mechanics also said that as yet he not yet had to do any adjustments at the first advisable check
Ah, ok, understood. I think I know what plastic panel you mean. But it's just cracked and doesn't really pose any "threat" or damage, right? And I didn't know you were talking about the valve clearances there, ok. I only have made similar experiences to yours with my Hondas (Shadow anda VFr 800). Though I had the valves checked, they didn't need adjustment and I could have skipped a valve-interval or two with ease, I was told. I guess that's the Honda-reliabity working for us.
After owning 3 Fireblades (with track days included) in the last 12 years or so, and after watching some of these reviews, I decided to buy one to have a more all rounder and practical bike. I bought a second hand 2010 model, candy red with the original saddle bags with 30000kms in mint state. First of all, I love the looks and the ride amazed me, for such weight. I fitted the T30 Evo and the bike feels even more lighter. I knew about the low rev problem, but you know what: I found it just doesn’t bother me. For me, when I want to ride more relaxed, it’s perfect. And if I want to ride hard, there’s no problem whatsoever: I just use the revs properly and the bike responds. I also love Honda’s reliability and right now I wouldn’t want any other bike. And reviews like this and the comments from other owners just confirm what I think about this bike.
Gonçalo Botelho de Sousa Thank you for your comments.
Hi Anthony,
Liked this and your previous review. I too am a VFR1200F owner, having owned my bike since 2011. Its a 2010 model in silver and had all the hardbags included with the bike.
I originally had a love hate relationship with my bike. I have fitted numerous different screens eventually giving up and fitting the original screen back on. The bike is fitted with a DAM exhaust and sounds wicked. I hated the low sppeed throttle hesitation and jerkiness. This was cured by fitting the power commander 5. As soon as I rode the bike away for the shop I could tell the difference, sooo smooth.
I didnt like the position of the original clip on style bars that put too much pressure on the outside of my palms. I also got numb fingers whilst riding. I nearly got to the point of thinking obout selling the bike. I thought I would try one more thing so I ordered the LSL bar conversion to see if this made riding more pleasurable.
Wow, this one ergonomic change totally transform the bike. A much better riding position, absolutely No vibration through the bars at all!
Ive now put on a custom seat and this bike is a keeper.
Ive since done track days and a fair amount of fast riding with other sports bikes and this thing is right up there arses!
I highly recommend the pilot road 4's they are great tyres. I do recommmend running the pressures as low as 26psi front and 28psi rear for track days. If you go higher on the back you will get a power sliding rear end. Once the pressures are changed the bike has no slide whatsoever. As a result of this learning not crashing experince I now run my road pressures lower as well.
The VFR is a great bike but should have been more adjustable for riding position. Its also a shame Honda decided not to fit higher end suspension, but it does do the job well on the standard suspension even for a track days.
Second hand bikes are a bargain if you then spend some money making them fit you.
To all the nay sayers I say your missing out on a rough diamond that could be your gem.
The V4 is a great engine that loves being thrashed in 3rd in the twisties. Pops and bangs and growls on overrun its a great soundtrack to your biking experience
Geeza
Darren Stewart I like you have found it to be a fantastic all round bike.Just under 35000 miles still looking like new and with mods going better than new.
I do like the sports stance as i can't ride sitting upright.
Try the Dunlop 3s they are every bit as good as the pilot 4s and are a lot lighter than the 4s.
The VFR1200 will be one of those that Honda, with a little more thought would have produced a Brilliant bike.
Still loving my VFR after 10 months now. Using it mostly as a daily commute with the cases off about 75% of the time. It's all up to date with maintenance with almost 30k so far all done at the dealership
Thanks for posting your reviews it helped me decide to buy my vfr1200f and I love it!!! I have 4 bikes and since I bought all my other bikes are collecting dust. Lol thanks
Glad to be of help,had the same scenario with my Fireblade it just was not being used and ended up selling it.
I dont know why the VFR does not get the credit it deserves with biking press, when i'am on my own i ride it like i've just stolen it and it goes and handles like a big sports bike should and when the wife is on the back it goes and handles like a big tourer should .When i say big it is after all 1200cc 170 hp in standard trim and weighs some 267 kgs.
I'am looking for something that might do the all round job better but as yet have not found it and have tried the
K1300s,FJR1300 and ZZR1400 all good bikes with fore and againsts but don't do the all round bike better,
If any body has any suggestions to a bike that might i would like to know.
Having now travelled 31,000 miles plus including From here in the far south west to the south of France in one hit,
home to Pfunds in Austria 1050 miles in one hit and the return journey 1400 miles in one hit plus a trip around the famous NurburgRing in the wet i would say that was a fairly good rest ride and it has run faultless.It's not to say that the bike it's self has not got any faults or can't be improved, but there is not a manufacture out there actually makes one that is perfect or faultless ,but with a few bolt on mods ex.Akrapovic Can,K&N filter and Power command V that i have stuck on mine it's getting there.
Just as a foot note there was a comment about the VFR being a bit soul less and i think i can see where the comment was coming from ,i also heard the same comment about the Fireblade that it was bland and soul less.
I think it is a Honda problem that it does what it says on the label and does it bloody well with no fuss or bother without shaking it's head or wagging it's tail.It just delivers.
I've watched a couple of your videos I like how you get the faults out of the way first and then you talk about the benefits it makes for a more honest review. I'm very impressed that you toured all around Europe with that bike. I'm in south Florida started out on cruisers as many Americans do. Tried the cbr1000rr for awhile but for me a cruiser guy I wished it had more torque and comfort plus a blade with bags to carry my stuff to work was awkward. When I watched your 21k review I was intrigued that you actually got rid of your blade because the Vfr was more enjoyable. I had to try it I did all kind of researching couldn't believe there's not much love for this bike especially having owned one now for 6 months and 6k miles. It is as you say "superb"!!! Very refined comfortable powerful well balanced beautiful. I must say I would've never considered the bike unless I watched your video so Honda has that to thank you for. However I didn't buy new when I bought it already had 19,000 miles I now have 25. I bought it for $7500 with a three-year service warranty included I was checking to see if the cops are following me because I thought I just robbed them I'm so happy LOL! A relative of the owner of the bike flagged me down asked me where I bought the bike I told him and we found out it was his cousin's bike he gave me his cousin's number I called him he told me what an excellent bike it was and that it was sad to let it go in fact he got choked up and said he was going through some financial troubles to take care of his baby and I told him I definitely will. He said he rode it on the tail of the dragon which is in the Appalache Mountains probably the closest thing to Europe we have in United States it's about 1000 miles away from here he said it was perfect. I hope someday to take that bike back up there again for second time. Anyways I can't thank you enough my friend. Thanks for answering and please keep posting more videos. I'm subscribing to your channel
12 months ago bought a 2010 model with £4k miles from J&S in Swansea. Had the touring pack on with screen, panniers, and top box. Brilliant.....love it for all reasons Johnathon points out
Agree with you about the valve seat wear, also have been building and rebuilding engines for road and race for over forty years and the cam and follower wear is more than the hardened valve seats wear.Not to say that it's not ever going to happen,but I have yet to find one that has closed up.All though early Aston Martin engines would close due to valve seat wear was greater and clearance was a justed by grinding the top of the valve stem.
Will let you know what the clearances are when it reaches its 32,000 miles service as I will do that one myself as it's out of warranty.(Always leave main dealer service while under warranty. )
Hey Anthony. I really appreciate your videos. For me, it's always more interesting to see / hear about long-term experiences.
I am currently thinking of buying an used VFR1200 (something around 2010-2012 model) as second bike for touring (long trips for 2-3 weeks and 4-8.000km) and to take out my 5mins of craziness on the autobahn from time to time. Since my first bike is a Harley Low Rider S, I am looking for a bike with proper wind-protection, a comfy seating position that doesn't exhaust me too quick, has a bit of sportiness in it and is reliable. Would you recommend this bike over all for purposes like this?
Since you're on a 2012 model (if I remember correctly), are there any specific "weak-points" I should check with extra care when I'm looking at a bike?
BFD15i points to look out for when buying a VFR1200.To be honest there is not a lot to look out for,that is to say no more than any other secondhand bike. The small righthand silver panel tends to cracki, the ajuster on the rear shock teds to seize if not used.
They do suffer from low fueling when on very light throttle in first or second gear, but you can over come this by changing down or increasing revs slightly
The other option is to fit a.power command v unit which will completely solve the issue.
As for your requirements in a bike , it will do every thing you want and more.
Having road bikes all my life and owned some classics ,ex.Blackbird,Fireblade,
Suzuki Triples . As an all rounder it beats them all.
Still looking though.
Thanks for your answer and advice. I will make sure to check on those two parts. Sadly, it will still be some weeks until weather will be good enough to actually go out and look at some bikes. :(
on overhead cam engines in general the play becomes less overtime due to the valve wearing the seat out wich means the valve becomes seated deeper in the head therefore lessens the clearance...silent valves are more prone to check then noisy ones....i rebuild engines for 30+ years now but check around/google it if ur not convinced...
Hessel tuit, I think you are spot on. I believe BMWs are like that and I have had one that the clearance has "tightened" up over time, not loosened up like old V8 Chevy motors.
anthony where are you now, we need more of your great vids
Anthony, must be about time for a new video? It's been 4 years!!! Have you still got the bike?
Still got it ,will do a new won shortly.
Go on then lol
Hope you're doing well, wish you had more videos. Be safe happy trails. An update would be cool. :)
Hopefully will be out and about soon nearly 42,000.on the clock now and still running like new. A trip to Wales and Scotland on the cards for this year. Will post an aupdate then.
@@storm5357 Great to know you're alright and still riding. My VFR unfortunately is in the workshop but should be back in a month. Anticipating your trip to Wales and Scotland. Safe travels. :)
Really useful feedback - but what happened ar 3:45? Sun in your eyes?
great review only thing is valveplay (or tappet play as u call it) becomes less with mileage therefore noise will be less too.
no play at all means u will burn your valves...as u suggest to leave valvechecks for what it is (a waste of money) in your video does that mean u pay for valve repairs aswell as people take your advice to heard and it does go wrong???
Valve clearance actually increases with wear and not decreases.
Just done a full service including valve check clearance,what a bugger to do.
All valve clearances where within tolerance and where as follows.
Inlet Exhaust
No.1 5 _ 6 7 _ 7
No.2 6 _ 6 9 _ 9
No.3 6 _ 6 7 _ 8
No.4 6 _ 5 8 _ 7
The bike has just covered nearly 32,000 miles and is still running a dream.
so did the play in or decrease?
I dont know what the play should be...
All in all not bad given the mileage just as expected from a honda.
I hope u push on with it...i luv t see how it holds up but trust it be fine at high mileage....just as the 800 versions....
hessel tuit The inlet gap is 6 and exhaust 8 at the rocker end ,both plus or minus one thousands of an inch .Still got the habit of using feeler gauge in imperial.
Having now done the check if I still have the bike l would probably check again in fifteen thousand miles when we would be up and around 45/50,000 miles when I would expect to need some ajustment.
So the clearance decreased?
Was the top speed changed after installing PC-V and K&N filter? How the bike feels overall after that?
tntowker Top speed was not affected by the fitting of the K&N filter and power command as the reason for fitting was to iron out the low fueling issues at low revs.
It now has just had a full service done at 32,000 and is running like a dream, the Dunlop Roadsmart 3s
are still holding up but l think that the front is wearing slightly faster than the pilot 4s.
Still looking for a replacement, but for alround performance and build quality it isn't out there yet.
Great videos. Do you still have the bike?
Hi, just wondering if you still have the big viffer and if you have any further thoughts? I’m thinking of moving over to one from an FJR as I find the FJR too upright for my back. Lovely reviews - I’d welcome any final comments!
Still got it 40,000 miles now and still running absolutely faultless. Hopping to tour Europe again this year and will post another review. I also prefer the slightly sports position of the VFR.
Performance wise the VFR is far quicker than the FJR Wind it up and it will fly.(deceptively quick)
Thank you.
Ooops didn't see this vid. Any updates? Cheers
hi, ant, looking forward to next vid, its been a while.
Great review, thanks for the indepth opinion! :)
Just on a short notice, since english is not my mother tongue:
What is the "pesky little silver panel" you talk about, that's got a crack?
What do you mean at 3:45? :D I only understand "the tavern" or "the cabbage" :)
Otherwise, I really appreciate your review!
The pesky little panel is the small silver panel just below your seat ,the righthand panel all tend to cracki at their mounting polnt.At 3.45 I was taking about the tappet gap, or valve clearance
it is an emotive subject because due to valve wear the gap could get closer and if to tight could cause valves to burn out, but I have never yet found at the service interval they have needed adjustment. I did check mine at
30,000 miles and we're still in tolerance. Taking to one of Honda own mechanics also said that as yet he not yet had to do any adjustments at the first advisable check
Ah, ok, understood. I think I know what plastic panel you mean. But it's just cracked and doesn't really pose any "threat" or damage, right?
And I didn't know you were talking about the valve clearances there, ok. I only have made similar experiences to yours with my Hondas (Shadow anda VFr 800). Though I had the valves checked, they didn't need adjustment and I could have skipped a valve-interval or two with ease, I was told.
I guess that's the Honda-reliabity working for us.