The VFR1200F is the seventh-generation Honda sport touring motorcycle from the VF and VFR line, powered by a transverse-mounted V4 engine. It introduced several new technologies, including the first dual clutch transmission offered on a motorcycle.
Honda VFR1200F at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Generation | seventh VFR |
| Production | October 2009 – 2017 |
| First deliveries | early 2010 |
| Engine | 1,237 cc transverse V4 |
| Displacement increase | from 800 to 1,200 cc |
| Dual clutch transmission | first on a motorcycle |
| Concept shown | 2008 Intermot, Cologne |
| Production debut | 2009 Tokyo Motor Show |
| Design supervision | Teofilo Plaza |
| Headlights | X-shaped |
| End of production | 2017, emissions and noise rules |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the VFR1200F.
History of the Honda VFR1200F
Concept and launch
The first V4 concept bike was unveiled at the 2008 Intermot show in Cologne with design elements that appeared on the production VFR1200F, in particular the X-shaped headlights. Honda created teaser websites in autumn 2009 showing parts of the new V4 with a countdown timer, and eight years after the previous sixth-generation VFR800 it unveiled the production VFR1200F at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.
Production and engineering
Production began in October 2009 and the first models were delivered in early 2010. The transverse V4 architecture was carried over from earlier VFRs, but the engine and gearbox were completely new, with displacement increased from 800 to 1,200 cc. A slightly detuned version of the engine and the same gearbox were used in the VFR1200X Crosstourer dual-sport launched in 2011.
Design
The VFR1200F was primarily designed in Honda’s Italian and German studios under the supervision of Spanish designer Teofilo Plaza. The exterior had aerodynamic features 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 bike stable at high speed and improve turn-in. The design drew mixed to negative reactions. The model was discontinued in 2017 as it no longer complied with new emission standards and noise regulations.
Design and features
- Dual clutch transmission: the first fitted to a production motorcycle.
- 1,237 cc V4: a completely new engine and gearbox.
- MotoGP aerodynamics: dual-layer fairing and X-shaped nose.
- Crosstourer link: the same engine and gearbox in detuned form.
Honda VFR1200F versions
- VFR1200F (2010): the sport tourer.
- VFR1200X Crosstourer (2011): the detuned dual-sport version.
- V4 concept (2008): the show bike that previewed the design.
The VFR1200F sits above the Honda VFR800 and shares its engine with the Crosstourer. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda VFR1200F, English Wikipedia: concept, production, engine, design, end
