2010 Honda VFR1200

Honda  just unveiled its all-new 2010 VFR1200F sport touring bike.

Drawing from a longstanding legacy of innovation within Honda’s V-4 lineup, the 2010 VFR1200F embodies the new generation of V-4 technology and unsurpassed rider benefits, setting the stage for Honda’s next 50 years. Honda’s V-4 heritage and VFR tradition is fully realized in the VFR1200F. It has been re-created in astonishingly innovative form through the fusion of advanced technology imported from the MotoGP world and other cutting-edge environments. Net result: a futuristic sport motorcycle created for the sheer joy of riding, custom tailored for experienced hands who ride hard, ride long, ride far and ride often.

Instead of having the four cylinders in a symmetrical V, the two rear cylinders are as close together as if they were in a parallel twin – which makes the engine as narrow as possible between the rider’s knees – while the front cylinders are slightly further apart. The cylinder head design is borrowed from Honda’s CRF line and uses a single overhead camshaft to operate the inlet valves directly and the exhaust valves via rockers.

Another CRF trick is the use of a vent pump to scavenge crankcase pressure to the airbox. It’s never before been used on a road bike, says Honda, but the effect is the same as on the motocrossers – instant response to the fly-by-wire throttle and improved fuel consumption
Honda claims 127kW at 10 000rpm and 129Nm at 8750rpm, on a kerb weight of 267kg.

The VFR1200F will be available at launch in South Africa late in the first quarter of 2010 with a six-speed manual gearbox and shaft drive. Honda SA has no plans to bring in the high-tech, dual-clutch semi-automatic version.

Even the manual transmission is unusual, however, in that its output shaft is in front of the countershaft rather than behind it to make the engine cases more compact without resorting to a vertically stacked layout.

A slipper clutch prevents the rear wheel from locking under engine braking and the universal joint of the shaft drive is offset to prevent the climbing under acceleration and squatting when the throttle is suddenly closed; an issue that has always been problematic on shaft-driven bikes.

The compact engine allows a long, single-sided swingarm within a short wheelbase for optimum handling, a rear monoshock, and adjustable 43mm forks modulating wheel movement.

Six-piston brake callipers clamp down on 320mm discs in front, and a 276mm disc at the rear, linked by Honda’s notoriously complex yet effective combined braking system and the electronic anti-lock brakes that were introduced on the CBR600 and CBR1000RR for 2009.

The frame and fuel tank have been kept as narrow as possible in the middle and seat height reduced (thanks to the compact cylinder heads and narrower rear V of the engine) so the rider sits “in” the bike rather than on it for improved control and feedback – and the side benefit that it’s easier for riders with shorter legs to reach the ground.

The VFR1200F’s layered fairing positively vents hot air away from the rider and improves high-speed stability, says Honda, while channelling cool, dense, slightly pressurised air into the airbox for more efficient combustion.

The headlight is the same as that of the CBR1000RR but uses total internal reflection to illuminate a “light bar” on either side, forming a lit X on the front of the fairing.

Features

• Honda MotoGP V-4 engine technology and architecture bring cutting-edge performance to the VFR1200F.
• Unique cylinder layout with rear two cylinders located innermost on the crankshaft and front cylinders located outboard narrows the rider interface aboard the VFR1200F.
• Throttle By Wire for next-generation throttle response.
• Optional Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission with manual mode and automatic mode with two D/S modes and paddle-style shifters offers unparalleled freedom through innovative technology.
• Next-generation shaft drive system with offset pivot point and sliding constant-velocity joint for a new level of shaft-drive performance and control.
• Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

Engine/Drivetrain

• Light and compact 1237cc liquid-cooled 76-degree V-4 pumps out amazing levels of power with a distinctive V-4 feel and sound.
• Symmetrically Coupled Phase-shift Crankshaft uses 28-degree crankpin offset to eliminate primary engine vibration.
• Asymmetrical exhaust lengths between front and rear cylinders boost power production and enhance power feel.
• Lightweight and compact Unicam® valvetrain allows for significantly smaller cylinder heads.
• Honda slipper clutch in manual-shift model allows unencumbered sport riding.

Chassis/Suspension

• GP technology layer-concept aero fairing for unrivaled air management.
• Honda Pro Arm® single-sided swingarm with single gas-charged shock delivers cutting-edge rear suspension action; features handy remote spring preload adjuster, rebound damping adjustability and 5.1 inches of travel.
• Stout, sport-oriented 43mm inverted cartridge fork with spring preload adjustability and 4.7 inches of travel.
• New controls with smoother and more precise tactile feel enhance the riding experience.
• New-technology seat construction permits a higher level of seat shaping and forming details.
• Saddlebag mounts come standard on both versions of the VFR1200F.

The VFR1200F will be available in metallic red, silver or pearl white; prices will be announced at the time of launch.

SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Cylinders: Four.
Capacity: 1237cc.
Bore x stroke: 81 x 60mm.
Compression ratio: 12.0:1.
Valvegear: SOHC with four overhead valves per cylinder.
Power: 127kW at 10 000rpm.
Torque: 129Nm at 8750rpm.
Induction:PGM-FI electronic fuel-injection with four throttle bodies.
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance.
Starting: Electric.
TRANSMISSION
Clutch: Hydraulically-actuated multiplate wet slipper clutch.
Transmission: Six-speed constant-mesh gearbox with final drive by offset shaft.
SUSPENSION
Front: 43mm inverted cartridge forks adjustable for preload.
Rear: Pro-link rising-rate linkage with remote-reservoir gas-filled monoshock adjustable for preload and rebound damping.
BRAKES
Front: Dual 320mm discs with Nissin six-pot opposed-piston callipers.
Rear: 276mm disc with Nissin three-piston floating calliper.
TYRES
Front: 120/70 – 17 tubeless.
Rear: 190/55 – 17 tubeless.
DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT
Wheelbase: 1545mm.
Seat height: 815mm.
Kerb weight: 267kg.
FUEL TANK
18.5 litres.
MANUFACTURER SUPPORT
Two years unlimited distance warranty.
SERVICE INTERVALS
5000km

 

-Honda Press release