Discussion
Thanks to those on here that contributed to my interest in a VFR... ultimately, I upsold myself to a more modern, shaft-driven, poorer tank range flagship.
So here it (she?) is, resplendent in the crap sounding, but great looking, 'Candy Prominence Red'. In my view, the design has aged really well.
I think that this is the GT spec with akrapovic, centre stand, hard colour coded luggage and mumble mumble some other things that I haven't yet googled.
The previous owners seem to have kitted it out well, however. The vinyl bodywork protection is a bonus for a 2012 bike - thanks to that guy/girl!
My immediate observations from the eighty mile ride home from Southampton on the dual carriageways.
- lots of buffeting from the powerbronze screen (I've never fancied this brand anyway)
- a slight knocking from the front (worn bearings somewhere?)
- slightly numb fingers after sitting on the endless 50mph avg speed camera on the M27 (cruise control would've been great, is one thing that I never thought that I'd hear myself saying as a biker)
- the luggage is easy to lift off
- it's quite heavy to move around when off the bike and to push myself backwards on anything other than flat ground
- the seat edges are frayed and need addressing (perhaps an upgrade with a seat specialist as the same time?)
- the switch for the genuine heated grips is damaged and covered with electrical tape, however, they are (claimed to be) functional
- it's had a new rear shock in the last year/2,000 miles under used approved warranty, as the remote preload adjuster failed
- power, power, power is awesome
- stable
- characterful
- vehicles clear out of my way in lane three (unless they are two excitable and distracted girls in a little Corsa, apparently)
- it gets another look when I walk away
- it likes to drink fuel when travelling at a generous pace (thank you to the seller for supplying with 3/4 tank)
My first steps are to ensure that Crescent Honda upload the info for the last four services on the Honda 'extranet', so that the history and warranty work then ask Doble to give it a service and health check, tighten up the bodywork with any replacement clips etc.
I also need to start experimenting with screens and I think that I'll start with a spoiler. There is a genuine Honda option, but it's a clear screen and I've always liked the look of smoked screens on a red Honda.
Then come the early Sunday morning rides over the winter when everyone is sleeping, to bond with the new ride...
So here it (she?) is, resplendent in the crap sounding, but great looking, 'Candy Prominence Red'. In my view, the design has aged really well.
I think that this is the GT spec with akrapovic, centre stand, hard colour coded luggage and mumble mumble some other things that I haven't yet googled.
The previous owners seem to have kitted it out well, however. The vinyl bodywork protection is a bonus for a 2012 bike - thanks to that guy/girl!
My immediate observations from the eighty mile ride home from Southampton on the dual carriageways.
- lots of buffeting from the powerbronze screen (I've never fancied this brand anyway)
- a slight knocking from the front (worn bearings somewhere?)
- slightly numb fingers after sitting on the endless 50mph avg speed camera on the M27 (cruise control would've been great, is one thing that I never thought that I'd hear myself saying as a biker)
- the luggage is easy to lift off
- it's quite heavy to move around when off the bike and to push myself backwards on anything other than flat ground
- the seat edges are frayed and need addressing (perhaps an upgrade with a seat specialist as the same time?)
- the switch for the genuine heated grips is damaged and covered with electrical tape, however, they are (claimed to be) functional
- it's had a new rear shock in the last year/2,000 miles under used approved warranty, as the remote preload adjuster failed
- power, power, power is awesome
- stable
- characterful
- vehicles clear out of my way in lane three (unless they are two excitable and distracted girls in a little Corsa, apparently)
- it gets another look when I walk away
- it likes to drink fuel when travelling at a generous pace (thank you to the seller for supplying with 3/4 tank)
My first steps are to ensure that Crescent Honda upload the info for the last four services on the Honda 'extranet', so that the history and warranty work then ask Doble to give it a service and health check, tighten up the bodywork with any replacement clips etc.
I also need to start experimenting with screens and I think that I'll start with a spoiler. There is a genuine Honda option, but it's a clear screen and I've always liked the look of smoked screens on a red Honda.
Then come the early Sunday morning rides over the winter when everyone is sleeping, to bond with the new ride...
Yes, those two minor things seem to be the only issues with them. I think the earlier ones had a shaft recall but not sure if it affected the facelift. I'm thinking of getting one so interested how you find it. Agreed that they could do with cruise though! There are some manual and electronic aftermarket attempts, but not sure I'd trust them. But it looks good. Enjoy.
Ah brilliant!
Re the heated grips switch, one disintegrated on me on a test ride. I was fretting as it left a smatter of tiny pieces on a road somewhere, but the guy just said something along the lines of "ah they do that," or it's known about or something. I imagine by now there's a modified or improved replacement!
I always liked the nice luggage setup on these, and the fancy bodywork approach. Apologies if you mentioned already but if not, what tyres is it on?
Re the heated grips switch, one disintegrated on me on a test ride. I was fretting as it left a smatter of tiny pieces on a road somewhere, but the guy just said something along the lines of "ah they do that," or it's known about or something. I imagine by now there's a modified or improved replacement!
I always liked the nice luggage setup on these, and the fancy bodywork approach. Apologies if you mentioned already but if not, what tyres is it on?
I had a DCT version for a couple of years and liked most things about it with the exception of the fuel range and weight. I found the OE screen worked well for me, no noticeable buffeting. I can recommend Tony Archer in Huddersfield for seat refurbs, he will do it to suit your needs.. Yes the brake calipers need to kept clean to prevent them binding, as for the knocking get the head bearings checked out may need a relube and adjustment. If you do your own maintenance and need a genuine Honda workshop manual they can be ordered from David Silvers or Fowlers, approx £60 when I got one. They are decent solid bikes though, I'm running my second Crosstourer at the moment which is alsk very good but again very heavy..
GriffoDP said:
Ah brilliant!
Re the heated grips switch, one disintegrated on me on a test ride. I was fretting as it left a smatter of tiny pieces on a road somewhere, but the guy just said something along the lines of "ah they do that," or it's known about or something. I imagine by now there's a modified or improved replacement!
Yeah, that is also a thing. But I also think it is about the third most serious issue with these bikes Re the heated grips switch, one disintegrated on me on a test ride. I was fretting as it left a smatter of tiny pieces on a road somewhere, but the guy just said something along the lines of "ah they do that," or it's known about or something. I imagine by now there's a modified or improved replacement!
SilverB said:
I had a DCT version for a couple of years and liked most things about it with the exception of the fuel range and weight. I found the OE screen worked well for me, no noticeable buffeting. I can recommend Tony Archer in Huddersfield for seat refurbs, he will do it to suit your needs.. Yes the brake calipers need to kept clean to prevent them binding, as for the knocking get the head bearings checked out may need a relube and adjustment. If you do your own maintenance and need a genuine Honda workshop manual they can be ordered from David Silvers or Fowlers, approx £60 when I got one. They are decent solid bikes though, I'm running my second Crosstourer at the moment which is alsk very good but again very heavy..
How do they compare to ride?Do you mean the Dct version or the Crosstourer? I wasnt overly enamored withe Dct but it was the first gen and has been refined a lot since, I also run a recent Dct version of the Nc750x which is a much better system. As for the Crosstourer it carries its weight higher than the F and it's really noticeable at a standstill or pushing it around but once moving the weight disappears. I find the riding position to be more comfy, upright with less knee bend. The motor is great, less power than the F but more torque lower down, doesn't seem to mind which gear it's in. Handling is ok but you are aware of the mass, it tips in quicker than the F, I guess partly due to the skinnier tyres. It's a decent motorway / A road cruiser but the standard seat is uncomfortable.
Salted_Peanut said:
Great bike 
I'm 5' 7", if there's any reference points from you both.SilverB said:
I found the OE screen worked well for me, no noticeable buffeting.
Like SilverB, I found the OE screen was excellent. YMMV – we're all different heights – but I'd be tempted to buy an original Honda screen.I'm afraid I'm way taller than 5' 7", but you could always ask via one of the VFR forums (e.g. the VFR Owners Club on Facebook or https://vfrworld.com/ ).
SilverB said:
Do you mean the Dct version or the Crosstourer? I wasnt overly enamored withe Dct but it was the first gen and has been refined a lot since, I also run a recent Dct version of the Nc750x which is a much better system. As for the Crosstourer it carries its weight higher than the F and it's really noticeable at a standstill or pushing it around but once moving the weight disappears. I find the riding position to be more comfy, upright with less knee bend. The motor is great, less power than the F but more torque lower down, doesn't seem to mind which gear it's in. Handling is ok but you are aware of the mass, it tips in quicker than the F, I guess partly due to the skinnier tyres. It's a decent motorway / A road cruiser but the standard seat is uncomfortable.
Interesting - thanksThanks for the tips.
I have seen a couple of screens on ebay and also the 'spoiler' - it'll cost about £95 for both, though I'd check with Honda for a price first.
Seats - there seem to be a few:
Elite Comfort Seats from Sussex Motorcycles.
Else Made
Sargent Motorcycle Seats - though they don't advertise an option for the 1200?(!)
Corbin Seats
I have seen a couple of screens on ebay and also the 'spoiler' - it'll cost about £95 for both, though I'd check with Honda for a price first.
Seats - there seem to be a few:
Elite Comfort Seats from Sussex Motorcycles.
Else Made
Sargent Motorcycle Seats - though they don't advertise an option for the 1200?(!)
Corbin Seats
Nice bike, mister.
I'm limited to automatics only - kinda laziness when I did my test, and more laziness now - and the auto version of this would appeal to me if I actually needed to cover miles. As it is, I'll be selling my oldish scooter fairly soon before moving to Wales, and then look to get something appropriate.
If you're in the area on a ride sometime, I'm a fan of the B3046 from Basingstoke to Winchester via Alresford. It's a nice part of the world.
I'm limited to automatics only - kinda laziness when I did my test, and more laziness now - and the auto version of this would appeal to me if I actually needed to cover miles. As it is, I'll be selling my oldish scooter fairly soon before moving to Wales, and then look to get something appropriate.
If you're in the area on a ride sometime, I'm a fan of the B3046 from Basingstoke to Winchester via Alresford. It's a nice part of the world.
Krikkit said:
Did Honda do an accessory comfort seat? Also worth considering if they did.
That's a good tip, considering that the chap from Sussex motorcycle called me this evening. He said that these are moulded seats and they won't look as 'vacuum packed' as they do from factory if he works on them. Additionally, he says that the covering on them hardens over the years like "elephant hide" and makes them uncomfortable. For that reason, it may be well worth seeking out a replacement seat and also, investigating the existence of a comfort upgrade. In fact, I might have a ganders on ebay or online for some contemporary brochures.Northbrook said:
Nice bike, mister.
I'm limited to automatics only - kinda laziness when I did my test, and more laziness now - and the auto version of this would appeal to me if I actually needed to cover miles. As it is, I'll be selling my oldish scooter fairly soon before moving to Wales, and then look to get something appropriate.
If you're in the area on a ride sometime, I'm a fan of the B3046 from Basingstoke to Winchester via Alresford. It's a nice part of the world.
Thank you NB, that's off the A272 and I'll welcome an extension to my favourite routes:I'm limited to automatics only - kinda laziness when I did my test, and more laziness now - and the auto version of this would appeal to me if I actually needed to cover miles. As it is, I'll be selling my oldish scooter fairly soon before moving to Wales, and then look to get something appropriate.
If you're in the area on a ride sometime, I'm a fan of the B3046 from Basingstoke to Winchester via Alresford. It's a nice part of the world.
BolideMichael in the Surrey forum said:
Drive from Box Hill south on the A24, then turn off at a main junction of the dual carriageway to the Ockley Road and take the B2127 to Ewhurst.
The head on the B2128 towards Rudgewick and onto the Loxwood Road towards Loxwood (this can have a load of cyclists). Turn left onto the B2133 towards the A272 and turn right onto the A272.
Turn left onto Kingspit Lane and onto the A283 towards Egdean and onto the A2138 through Fittleworth.
From there I like to either head left towards the A29 Bury Hill for a stop at the top where there is a biker stop/cafe/trail or right towards Bignor Hill Roman Villa and onto the A285 to Goodwood cutting across to East Lavant.
Head north on the A286 and a cheeky left onto the B2141 towards South Harting, through Shroud, Langrish and end up at Loomies for a tea. From there, loop ad infinitum and enjoy.
Yes, the council killed the nationals over a decade ago (pre-dating the popularity of cycling), but that won't prevent you from enjoying the secret roads.
I'm going to have to start heading towards Hampshire or Sussex to seek out more early morning biking routes, though over the winter I suspect that I won't encounter groups of enthusiastic cyclists on my favourite roads.The head on the B2128 towards Rudgewick and onto the Loxwood Road towards Loxwood (this can have a load of cyclists). Turn left onto the B2133 towards the A272 and turn right onto the A272.
Turn left onto Kingspit Lane and onto the A283 towards Egdean and onto the A2138 through Fittleworth.
From there I like to either head left towards the A29 Bury Hill for a stop at the top where there is a biker stop/cafe/trail or right towards Bignor Hill Roman Villa and onto the A285 to Goodwood cutting across to East Lavant.
Head north on the A286 and a cheeky left onto the B2141 towards South Harting, through Shroud, Langrish and end up at Loomies for a tea. From there, loop ad infinitum and enjoy.
Yes, the council killed the nationals over a decade ago (pre-dating the popularity of cycling), but that won't prevent you from enjoying the secret roads.
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