Honda has introduced the VFR1200F, the first Honda motorcycle that incorporates ‘throttle-by-wire’ technology. VFR1200F also offer its impressive optional Dual-Clutch Transmission that enables riding without clutch or shift levers, the technology similar to that seen on many high-end sports cars, allowing the ease of an automatic transmission but with the directness of a traditional manual gearbox. The 2010 VFR1200F ride is extremely surprising. It is simple, easy and comfortable, but agile and manageable even in city traffic. Overall, the 2010 VFR1200F is a perfect combination of a sportbike and luxurious touring motorcycle.
The VFR features state-of-the-art engine technology and a chassis that is equally ready to handle anything we can put it through on the street. The VFR is simply entertaining to ride and that means it is going to be equally at home in the canyons or gobbling up highway miles. As far as the class of motorcycle it belongs in, well let’s just say the 2010 VFR1200F represents the next evolution of the touring market. It’s fast, fun and offers almost everything a rider could expect from a motorcycle.
Behind the moderately high windscreen is a high-end gauge panel that includes all the info a rider could want. Front and center is an analog tachometer flanked by LCD displays for speed, fuel level, coolant and ambient temps, fuel consumption, a clock and a gear-position indicator. Reversed locations for the horn and turnsignal switches is said to be an ergonomic improvement, allowing quicker access to the horn, although you’ll be beeping instead of signaling until getting used to it. Surprising for such a technology-intensive machine, self-canceling signals aren’t part of the package.
The 1237cc V-4 emits a low-octave purr when fired up, and the 28-degree piston throw produces a sound distinct from previous Honda V-4s. From the side of the road, the exhaust note sounds not unlike a revvier BMW Boxer motor, but once at higher rpm when the exhaust valve opens up, the drone changes to a growl similar to a MotoGP bike.
Honda’s press materials state the VFR’s engine produces 167 crankshaft horsepower at 10,000 rpm. My butt dyno estimated about 135 horses by the time they made their way through the transmission along the single-sided aluminum swingarm and shaft drive to the rear tire. Max torque of 95.1 ft-lbs arrives at 8750 revs, but just as important is that 90% of it is said to be available at just 4000 rpm. A ride-by-wire throttle – Honda’s first – helps keep the V-4 power as linear and refined as possible, and it pulls well from as low as 2500 rpm. A slight abruptness during throttle pick-up is a minor foible, but a smooth wrist keeps chassis pitching to a minimum.
[Source: Autoblog]
