A few hundred VFR1200Fs were just recalled overseas, but Honda says this will not apply to U.S. models and maintains its optimism about its new machine.The VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) was written about when it was announced last summer, then after it was ridden by American journalists in Japan last fall, and has been selling in other markets for a little while now.
Whether or not the dual-clutch transmission really offers performance gains for motorcycles could be shown if we raced a DCT-equipped bike against one without – or if Honda developed this transmission for a CBR.
One area where the VFR won’t perform as well is in a rider’s ability to wheelie, unless he crests a road and nails the gas just right in first gear. And if there was ever any enjoyment in controlling a motorcycle with a traditional clutch and foot shifter, that, too, is gone.
But Honda wasn’t aiming at those considerations in creating a bike that goes after the same customers and costs more than comparable BMWs. Tony Defranze, senior product planner for Honda, confirmed informally that the VFR is built to a high enough level that it could be labeled an Acura, if there were any such plans to do so.
Either way, an Acura-level owner experience is offered, and Honda has 15 carefully designed accessories to enhance the package adding up to $4,399.25 over the base price of $17,499.
Whether or not the dual-clutch transmission really offers performance gains for motorcycles could be shown if we raced a DCT-equipped bike against one without – or if Honda developed this transmission for a CBR.
One area where the VFR won’t perform as well is in a rider’s ability to wheelie, unless he crests a road and nails the gas just right in first gear. And if there was ever any enjoyment in controlling a motorcycle with a traditional clutch and foot shifter, that, too, is gone.
But Honda wasn’t aiming at those considerations in creating a bike that goes after the same customers and costs more than comparable BMWs. Tony Defranze, senior product planner for Honda, confirmed informally that the VFR is built to a high enough level that it could be labeled an Acura, if there were any such plans to do so.
Either way, an Acura-level owner experience is offered, and Honda has 15 carefully designed accessories to enhance the package adding up to $4,399.25 over the base price of $17,499.
