Manufacturer | Honda |
---|---|
Production | 2009–2017 |
Predecessor | VFR800, Super Blackbird [1] |
Successor | Honda NT1100 |
Class | Sport touring |
Engine | 1,237 cc (75.5 cu in), UNICAM, 76° V4 Throttle by wire |
Bore / stroke | 81 mm × 60 mm (3.2 in × 2.4 in) |
Compression ratio | 12.0:1 |
Top speed | 175 mph (282 km/h) [2] (Engine restricted) |
Power | 127 kW (170 hp) @ 10,000 rpm 173 hp (129 kW) (148.94hp|rear wheel) [2] |
Torque | 129 N⋅m (95 lb⋅ft) @ 8,750 rpm 84.68 lb⋅ft (114.81 N⋅m) (rear wheel) [2] 90% of the torque available at 4,000 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed constant-mesh manual or optional dual-clutch automatic gearbox, shaft drive |
Suspension | Front: 43 mm telescopic fork, preload and rebound adjustable Rear: Pro-link with rebound and remote preload adjust, single-sided swingarm |
Brakes | Front: 320 mm dual disc, 6-piston, Combined ABS Rear: 276 mm single disc, 2-piston, C-ABS |
Tires | Front: 120/70 ZR17 Rear: 190/55 ZR17 |
Rake, trail | 25.5°, 101 mm (4.0 in) |
Wheelbase | 1,545 mm (60.8 in) |
Dimensions | L: 2,250 mm (89 in) W: 755 mm (29.7 in) H: 1,220 mm (48 in) |
Seat height | 815 mm (32.1 in) |
Weight | 267 kg (589 lb) (wet) |
Fuel capacity | 18.5 L (4.1 imp gal; 4.9 US gal) |
Oil capacity | 4 L (4.2 US qt) |
Fuel consumption | 15.5 km/L (44 mpg‑imp; 36 mpg‑US) |
Turning radius | 3.5 m (11 ft) |
Related | Honda Crosstourer Honda VFR800 |
The Honda VFR1200F is the 7th generation Honda sport touring motorcycle from the VF and VFR line motorcycles powered by a transverse mounted V4 engine. The VFR1200F has several new technologies including the first dual clutch transmission offered on a motorcycle. [1] [3] [4]
When the sixth generation VFR800 was discontinued, it was followed by both the 2014 VFR800F (RC79) and the larger VFR1200.
The VFR1200F was discontinued in 2017, as it no longer complied with new emission standards and noise regulations. [5]
The first V4 concept bike was unveiled at the 2008 Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. [6] [7] It had distinctive design elements that were to appear in the production VFR1200F, in particular the X-shaped headlights. Leaks and spy photos of a new Honda appeared in various places including online and print news outlets. [8] [9] Honda created teaser websites in Fall 2009, in which parts of the a new V4 were shown tantalizingly, and a countdown timer was displayed. [10] [11] Eight years after the introduction of the previous 6th generation VFR800 Honda unveiled the production VFR1200F at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. [12]
Production of the VFR1200F began in October 2009 and first models were delivered in early 2010. [4] The transverse-mounted V4 architecture is kept from previous VFR models though the engine and gearbox are completely new with displacement increased from 800 to 1200 cubic centimeters. A slightly de-tuned version of the engine, and the same gearbox, have been used on the VFR1200X Crosstourer, a dual-sport motorcycle launched in 2011. [13] [14]
The VFR1200F was primarily designed in Honda's Italian and German design studios under the supervision of Spanish designer Teofilo Plaza. The exterior features a variety of aerodynamic enhancements taken from the Honda MotoGP bike including a dual-layered fairing designed to pull heat away from the rider and an X-shaped bulbous front nose to keep the vehicle stable at high speeds as well as increase turn-in handling. While the new design was viewed with mixed to negative reactions by the general public and press, Plaza was supported by other designers who felt the VFR represented a new design trend where the function is the primary design goal with aesthetics used to complement the aerodynamic profile of the motorcycle. [15]
The new engine incorporates the single overhead camshaft distribution system called "Unicam" which was tested on Honda's offroad machines. This compact system reduces engine size, allowing it to be placed further forward in the frame while lowering the bike's center of gravity. This allows for better front-wheel traction when cornering. A 28° positioning of crank pins and a specific firing order of the cylinders (1&4 and 2&3 layout instead of the regular 1&3 and 2&4) resulted in an engine with perfect primary balance. Because of this, there is no balance shaft, further lightening the engine. [16]
Instead of conventional direct mechanical connection from the rider's twistgrip to the throttle, electronic throttle control ("throttle by wire") commands the engine control unit to modulate engine power output.
The configuration of the cylinders is also unusual. The V4 has the rear bank of cylinders paired closely together, with the big ends of their connecting rods on the inner sides of the crank journals. The forward bank of cylinders is conversely set outboard of the rear bank, with the big end journals mounted on the outer sides of the crank journals. This design allows for a much narrower engine at the rear, which makes the bike slimmer where it contacts the rider and allows an easier reach to the ground from the seat.
The VFR1200F is available with either a conventional constant-mesh manual transmission, with shaft-drive, or an automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT). [17] The DCT version, known in North America as the VFR1200A or in other markets as the VFR1200D, has dual clutches, one operating 1st, 3rd and 5th gears, the other operating 2nd, 4th, and 6th gears. The dual clutches are able to switch quickly between gears and can operate in one of three modes: 'D', which is a fuel-efficient fully automatic mode; 'S', a sports automatic mode, which changes gear at higher engine speeds; and manual mode, in which the rider changes gear using paddles fitted to the handlebars. This gearbox was the first of its type fitted to a large capacity motorcycle, although dual-clutch transmissions were already used in a number of automobiles. The DCT gearbox retains characteristics of a conventional manual transmission like engine braking and clutch engagement as the internal components are very similar except the clutch operation is controlled by an electric motor and computer rather than the rider. [3]
Both models feature a slipper clutch to reduce wheel spin during hard engine braking and a shaft-drive system to transmit power to the rear wheel. The shaft-drive system is bolted to the frame on a swinging pivot mount. Engineers developed a two-part shaft connected by a spline that allows the system to flex under load mimicking the feel and performance benefits of a traditional chain drive. [18]
The VFR1200F incorporates the C-ABS combined braking system sourced from the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR sportbikes. C-ABS distributes the braking forces completely electronically sending information from the brake lever into a separate braking computer before the system applies hydraulic pressure to the brakes. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) now as standard equipment rather than optional equipment as they were in the previous generation. During front brake lever activation, all the right-side caliper pistons are applied, along with four of the pistons on the left side. When the rear brake is applied, the other two left-side pistons are actuated. To maintain equal braking force when using just the front brake, the right-side pistons are slightly smaller than the left-side pistons. [19]
Reactions to the production VFR1200 were mixed at its introduction. Some had expected a return of the VFR to its racing past because of a much more sport-focused concept model along with V4 engine architecture sourced from the Honda RC212V MotoGP bike. Others noted Honda continued its tradition of using the VFR line to showcase new technologies: the previous VFR800 introduced Honda's VTEC to the worldwide market, and the new VFR1200 became the first production motorcycle to have a DCT automatic transmission. Traction control was added to all 2012 models at no additional cost though it was not available on first-year models. [20]
The reduction in fuel tank capacity from 22 L (4.8 imp gal; 5.8 US gal) on the previous VFR800 down to 18.5 L (4.1 imp gal; 4.9 US gal) on the VFR1200F has been the main complaint raised by motorcyclists, coupled with the new engine's higher-than-expected fuel consumption. On-road tests have shown a maximum distance from a single tank of less than 300 kilometres (186 mi), [21] with some press reviewers running out of fuel after just 240 kilometres (150 mi). [22]
Honda have agreed to supply the Ariel Motor Company, British makers of the Ariel Atom sports car, with the VFR1200's V4 engine for use in a new motorcycle, the Ariel Ace. [23]
The Honda VF and VFR series is a range of motorcycles first introduced in 1982 by Honda featuring V4 engines.
The Honda Magna is a cruiser motorcycle made from 1982 to 1988 and 1994 to 2003 and was the second Honda to use their new V4 engine shared with the VF750S Sabre and a few years later a related engine was fitted to the VF750F 'Interceptor', the later models used a retuned engine from the VFR750F with fins added to the outside of the engine. The engine technology and layout was a descendant of Honda's racing V4 machines, such as the NS750 and NR750. The introduction of this engine on the Magna and the Sabre in 1982, was a milestone in the evolution of motorcycles that would culminate in 1983 with the introduction of the Interceptor V4. The V45's performance is comparable to that of Valkyries and Honda's 1800 cc V-twin cruisers. However, its mix of performance, reliability, and refinement was overshadowed by the more powerful 1,098 cc "V65" Magna in 1983.
The Honda ST series, also known as the Pan-European in Europe, is a duo of Sport Touring motorcycles comprising the ST1100 and the later ST1300.
A semi-automatic transmission is a multiple-speed transmission where part of its operation is automated, but the driver's input is still required to launch the vehicle from a standstill and to manually change gears. Semi-automatic transmissions were almost exclusively used in motorcycles and are based on conventional manual transmissions or sequential manual transmissions, but use an automatic clutch system. But some semi-automatic transmissions have also been based on standard hydraulic automatic transmissions with torque converters and planetary gearsets.
The Honda Shadow refers to a family of cruiser-type motorcycles made by Honda since 1983. The Shadow line features motorcycles with a liquid-cooled 45 or 52-degree V-twin engine ranging from 125 to 1,100 cc engine displacement. The 250 cc Honda Rebel is associated with the Shadow line in certain markets.
The Honda VFR400 series of motorcycles were a related series of 399 cc V4-engined motorcycles, which were essentially scaled-down versions of the larger VFR race models of the day. They were mainly developed for, and sold in, the Japanese domestic market, in part due to the tougher motorcycle drivers' license restrictions in Japan at the time for motorcycles with displacement exceeding 400cc.
The Honda VFR800 (Interceptor) is a sport touring motorcycle made by Honda since 1998. The model was the successor to the VFR750F and shares the V4 engine configuration with the Honda VF and VFR series.
The Yamaha YZF-R1, or simply R1, is a 998 cc (60.9 cu in) sports motorcycle made by Yamaha. It was first released in 1998, undergoing significant updates in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2018 and 2020.
The Honda VFR750F is a motorcycle manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda from 1986 to 1997. The motorcycle is a very sporty sport tourer, and is powered by a 750 cc (46 cu in) V4 engine developed from the earlier VF750F models. The VFR was announced in 1986, after an initial press viewing at the 1985 Bol d'Or.
A motorcycle engine is an engine that powers a motorcycle. Motorcycle engines are typically two-stroke or four-stroke internal combustion engines, but other engine types, such as Wankels and electric motors, have been used.
The Yamaha FJR1300A and FJR1300AE/AS are sport touring motorcycles made by Yamaha Motor Company. Both models have a 1,298 cc inline-four engine. The AE/AS model has an electronically controlled clutch and gear shifting system called YCC-S. The clutch and transmissions of the AE/AS models are identical to that of the standard FJR model.
The BMW R1200RT is a touring or sport touring motorcycle that was manufactured from 2005 to 2019 by BMW Motorrad to replace the R1150RT model. It features a 1,170 cc (71 cu in) flat-twin engine with a six-speed gearbox and shaft drive.
In 1996 Yamaha introduced the Royal Star motorcycle. This motorcycle uses the basic power package from the Yamaha Venture Royale.
The Aprilia RST1000 Futura is a sport touring motorcycle that was produced by Aprilia from 2001 to 2004. It is equipped with a 113 horsepower (85 kW) four-stroke 60° V-twin engine with electric-start, liquid cooling and electronic fuel-injection. The engine is broadly similar to that fitted to the Aprilia SL1000 Falco.
A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is a type of multi-speed vehicle transmission system, that uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets. The design is often similar to two separate manual transmissions with their respective clutches contained within one housing, and working as one unit. In car and truck applications, the DCT functions as an automatic transmission, requiring no driver input to change gears.
The Honda CBR250R, CBR300R and CB300F are lightweight 249.5–286 cc (15.23–17.45 cu in) displacement single-cylinder motorcycles made by Honda since 2011.
A motorcycle transmission is a transmission created specifically for motorcycle applications. They may also be found in use on other light vehicles such as motor tricycles and quadbikes, go-karts, offroad buggies, auto rickshaws, mowers, and other utility vehicles, microcars, and even some superlight racing cars.
The Honda Crosstourer is an adventure motorcycle made by Honda since 2012. It was announced at the 2011 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. The 1,237 cc (75.5 cu in) V4 engine is a re-tuned version of the engine that was first used on the 2010 VFR1200F model. The fuel injection mapping, camshaft, and valve timing have all been revised to produce lower power than the VFR1200F, claimed by Honda to be 95 kW (127 hp) versus 127 kW (170 hp), but the power output is focused at lower and middle engine speeds.
The Honda NC700D/NC750D Integra is a motorcycle/scooter hybrid made by Honda since 2012. Known internally as the RC62, the Integra was originally unveiled as the New Mid Concept in 2010, before being presented in production form at EICMA 2011 in Milan. The Integra shares a platform with two motorcycle variants, the NC700S (RC61) and the NC700X (RC63). All three variants are powered by a 670 cc engine derived from the unit used in the Honda Fit automobile. The Integra will be available with two different power outputs, one version develops a peak power output of 38.1 kW (51.1 hp) at 6,250 rpm and 62 N⋅m (46 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,750 rpm, while the other has a lower output of 35 kW (47 hp) and 60 N⋅m (44 lb⋅ft) to meet 2013 A2 European licensing regulations.
The Honda NC700 series is a family of motorcycles produced by Honda since 2012. NC700 series was a 'new concept', being unlike conventional motorcycles, a bike designed for commuters, new or veteran riders. The series also includes the motorcycle/scooter hybrid NC700D Integra. The NC700 series is classed as a commuter model bike which has incorporated design and mechanical elements from various motorcycle types. The riding position is similar to standard bike styles. There is a helmet-sized internal storage in place of the traditional fuel tank, which in turn is located under the seat. The series is often marketed as fun to ride, easy to handle and very fuel efficient.