Honda is creating a PR nightmare for itself over its new VFR1200F bike. In light of Europe’s press being generally luke warm about the bike, Honda is getting very cold feet over any comparisons with former, mightier V4’s. According to internet rumour mill (on good authority), MCN followed its standard testing procedure in making the VFR1200 available to the general public and owners of other Honda VFRs for trial, after the initial press launch.

When Honda got wind of that, though, it got so scared it apparently told MCN that it wasn’t to allow the testing by the general public, and that only editorial staff were to be trusted near the bike (as if they’ve been anymore flattering than anyone else. Quote: “The new VFR is a good bike, but it’s not a great one. And after all the hype and expectation… that is not good enough.”)

And the gossip gets jucier: according to reports, MCN spat the dummy and told Honda to take the bike back. It’s a great response for a publication from whom we wouldn’t expect anything less than seriousness and professionalism. Honda’s actions smack of arrogance and will only put the bike further under negative scrutiny; although I feel sorry for the guy who had to deliver the message.

Source | Ash on bikes via HellforLeather

Continue reading: MCN to Honda: take back the VFR1200F

The guys from Moto-station got this new video of the Honda VFR1200F on native soil in Japan, on the road as well as some VFR1200F track action from Sugo. For more details on Honda’s new V4, see our VFR1200F road test and a closer look at the updated V4 engine.

Continue reading: Honda VFR1200F new video from Japan

Seeing as Honda won’t be at the 2009 EICMA this year, here are all the videos from the Tokyo motor show with the new 2010 Honda models. After the jump, check out the models, including the VFR1200F, Honda scooters, the Shadow 750 Black Spirit and more. For a look at the ABS CBR1000RR and CBR600RR, see our Honda ABS post from yesterday.

Continue reading: 2010 Honda model videos from Tokyo show

After the test ride of the Honda VFR1200F, here’s a close-up look of just what makes the Honda V4 tick, with these pics of the VFR1200F engine. You may feel you’re still looking at the classic V4, which you are, but the classic has a few new technological innovations, bringing power and torque up to speed for 2010.

The main feature of the new V4 is the reduced angle between the cylinder banks, now at 76 degrees. This brings many of the components closer together, with the thermal-clutch-gearbox complex now less encumbered.

The torque of the new Honda VFR1200F now reaches a total of 129 Nm at 8,750 rpm, although 90 percent of the torque is available at just 4,000 rpm. Even a big twin cylinder will pale at these figures. As already mentioned, the overally production quality of the new VFR1200F is impressive, and that can be seen in these pics of the engine, too.

Honda VFR1200F engine

While in Europe, there is a certain attitude of inferiority about Japanese bikes, whether you share that theory or not, it seems Honda has really pushed for a high quality motorcycle that will hold its reputation on the old continent, as well.

Source | Motosblog.fr

Continue reading: Honda VFR1200F engine close-up

The new Honda VFR1200F (Honda V4) has created total waves of publicity and interest since the first VFR1200F pics and videos. And our colleagues at Motoblog.it have got their hands on the first ever Honda VFR1200F test ride to see just what all the hype is about.

It’s easy to approach a much talked-of bike with some trepidation, if not downright scepticism, given the high expectations created by market hysteria. While this may mean that the guys at Motoblog undertook a test ride initially careful about enthusiasm for the new VFR1200F, happily for Honda, they can say they, at least, are convinced.

First up in what one notices about the bike is the quality of its materials: from the the assembly, to the finishings and paint job, this is all over a very well put together machine. The instrumentation is minimalist in style, clear and easy to read, and the fairing is sober in style, making it look slighter and more compact than the VFR1200F photos give it justice.

Continue reading: Honda VFR1200F first test ride: new V4 gives it all its got

The Honda VFR1200F accessories really show off the touring qualifications of this new bike, with plenty of bag storage and added comfort. The side bags have been designed for quick assembly and mounting and provide 35 litres of capacity. They have been developed in the wind tunnel to ensure aerodynamics are maintained and have been specifically designed for the new VFR1200F.

The storage options can be opened with the same ignition key, and the left side can even hold a full-face helmet. The rear hard shell case holds 31 litres of capacity and follows the same principles as the side compartments.

Internal nylon bags are included in the hard shell parts and are equipped with straps, handles and zippers for easy use. The seat is in Alcantara, the windshield is adjustable and the handles even have a warming feature (this is definitely for me!). In short, all you need for your touring pleasure.

Continue reading: Honda VFR1200F accessories

You can see the new road-sport Honda VFR1200F in these live pics and video. It is becoming much talked of due to its technical points and innovative design in what could become a radical bike for this sector. Love it or hate it, the new Honda V4 is polarising the market.

The new bike is described as better in person than in the pictures, and whether the style is your cup of tea or not, Honda has certainly delivered on the promise of making a bigger VFR. Don’t be mistaken, however, that this is just a revamped version of a previous bike. Honda has used the VFR1200F as an opportunity to build a totally new motorcycle.

It will be interesting to see how the Honda VFR1200F rides as there is some skepticism that they will be able to pull off the right mix of sports ride and touring ride. We’ll be showing you soon the accessories that convert this into a touring model, but check out the video for a better look at the VFR1200F. The second video after the jump gives an interesting explanation as to the new drive shaft and other technical points such as the new brakes, fairing and air flow.

Source | Bikeland.org

Continue reading: Honda VFR1200F live pics and video

The elegant new Honda VFR1200F appears in this promo video, and while a bit corny and hyperbolic, it gives you the full details. The new sport-tourer from Honda is capable of 127kW or 173 hp and 129 Nm of torque. See our previous post for the specs and details of the VFR1200F. No pricing is available yet.

Source | Hellforleather

Continue reading: Honda VFR1200F promo video

Three cheers for the new Honda V4, called the VFR1200F, seen in these debut pics. It’s been defined as a road sport model, marrying sports performance with the comfort and class of a tourer. It certainly has an impressive spec sheet (see after the jump) , and the design is equally as curious.

Designed by two Europeans and a Japanese engineer, the VFR1200F intends to create an ergonomically adapted bike to both sports and touring riding, united by incredible torque and power. It is also technologically artful, with new space management concepts for the rider, and easy to reach handle controls.

Overall it has a low seat, for the best flexibility and adaptability in its double use, an aerodynamic fuel tank and a wide body to accommodate the engine, that then tapers to the rear for comfort and style. The VFR1200F is equipped with a 1237cc, 76-degree, V4 engine with dual clutch automatic transmission and throttle by wire system. After the jump, you’ll find all the features and benefits, and the spec list of the new Honda V4.

Honda VFR1200F 2010

Continue reading: Honda VFR1200F pics and details

Honda will reveal the new VFR1200F in a few days’ time, and the V4 countdown has appeared on the dedicated site. The Honda presentation will take place in Tokyo on October 8, although we’ve already seen V4 spy shots that give us a very good idea of what to expect.

The Honda VFR1200F will arrive on the market with a twin clutch electronic transmission, available next spring, which will give it even more of a touring aspect to a bike already less sport than tourer. The first version will appear in January next year and will have a traditional transmission with six gears, but a revolutionary drive shaft.

Below are the spy shots of the Honda V4 which shows that the new VFR1200F will have a modern design, but still in the style of this revolutionary bike. It has touring options and seems to have a comfortable ride, but we’ll leave further conjecture for after the presentation.

Photos | Motoblog

Continue reading: Honda V4 countdown: VFR1200F to debut on October 8