New Honda VFR1200F

Exhilarating Honda V4 performance. Instant power with every twist of the throttle. There is something utterly compelling about the V4 engine of the new Honda VFR1200F.

A remarkable blend of raw power, never-ending torque and advanced mass centralisation. All expressed in the beat and feel that only a V4 configuration from Honda can deliver.

The technology used to achieve this is at once both simple and highly complex in its execution. For example, by completely redesigning the engine layout, Honda were able to produce a shorter engine that allowed them more freedom when positioning it within the frame. This enabled the creation of near perfect weight distribution.

The innovation of a new 28° phased shift crankshaft was simple but very effective – reducing the vibration associated with a traditional V4 configuration, but retaining the distinctive linear power delivery and physical sensation that V4 owners know and love. The closed crankcase and UNICAM technology come from the RC212V MotoGP motorcycle and motocross race machines, while the unique voice of the new exhaust speaks a language to stir the soul.

Needless to say that it's an another piece of beauty from the Japanese giant and being priced at

Rs. 19,25,625 on road Delhi, it again proves the fact that the most gorgeous beauties the world are either costly, poisonous or married to someone else.

Cranking out a top bang of around 135 horses @ 10000 rpms at rear wheel and a max torque of 95.1 fl lb @ 8750 rpms through its 28 degree V4, you get confused if it's a heavy sports bike or a light super sports tourer!! The best of this torque figure is that, about 90% of it comes at 4000 rpms which is ideal for touring.
Also, the Ride-By-Wire throttle, helps to keep the V4 power as linear as possible, as smooth as possible and pulls cleanly from as low as 2500 rpms.
So, what's so special about the Honda VFR1200F after all? Well it's a piece of technology usually found on some high end sports cars - Dual Clutch Transmission. Well the big thing about this bike is that it does not have a clutch lever (now don't start that WTF thing).

For a bike of this caliber, it seems pretty strange. But that's the remarkable piece of technology that has been implemented on this machine.

So,what is this Dual Clutch Transmission? Basically it's an attempt to provide the rider with Automatic Transmission with the preciseness of Manual Transmission. This feat is achieved by implementing two different clutches. While one is providing the transmission drive to the rear wheel through the shaft, the other clutch is having the next gear pre-selected and ready to engage as soon as the computer or the rider fires the trigger.
So, basically the computer is controlling the hydraulic systems and solenoid valves located behind the right-side engine cover. The clutch transmission is smooth and firm, pulling away from stop to start cleanly like the manual clutch. So, why should the rider complain about the absence of the clutch lever. Plain and simple hop on and ride on!!

At 267.16 kg kerb weight it definitely a heavy ass machine (arround 17 kg more heavier than the Suzuki Bandit), but with at extra amount of kick at 10000 rpms, the machine is even sports track ready. But again we need to consider that this is not a Hayabusa (the ultimate Sport-Tourer you can get in the country), so, this machine is not for track days.
Speaking of the Hayabusa, the seating on the VFR is a bit sportier than say the Suzuki Bandit. The clip-on a bit lower and the foot peg a bit more rear-set.

But it's not un-comfortable like VFR's track day cousin the Firblade. It's plain and simple a bit sporty.
As a package wise stand point, the Honda VFR 1200F is an immense deal. Great design, great finish, great architecture and engineering. But is it value for money? Rs. 19,25,625 on road Delhi, it's definitely a costly deal, falling in the range of the Yamaha V-Max. But again Yamaha V-Max is a 200 horses Yam-Dude which makes the VFR feel pony infront of itself. At the same stage we have the Suzuki Bandit, which can give all the joys of Sports-Touring in the country at a price tag of around Rs. 9 lakhs on road in Delhi.