Honda’s massively awaited VFR1200F has finally broken cover (officially), claiming a mix of the latest race-track bred technologies, adapted and evolved to please all types of riders. Honda’s goal was to create a sports bike with long-distance capabilities.
The VFR1200F’s engine, a liquid-cooled 4-stroke UNICAM 76° 1237cc V4, has been designed to provide high speed and rapid acceleration. The engine’s performance is delivered via a linear torque curve, focused in the low and mid range, making it possible for the rider to simply roll on and off the throttle while powering through bends.
The new V4 produces more than 80% of its maximum torque (claimed at 115.3Nm @ 8,500rpm) at 3,000rpm, allowing the rider to access drive low down in the rev range.
Instead of the traditional V4 cylinder configuration, with the cylinders evenly spaced front-to-rear, the VFR’s rear cylinders are placed side by side but close together, while the front cylinders are more widely spaced. This layout allows for a slim, compact ‘waist’, and aids mass centralisation.
A new Symmetrically Coupled Phase-shift Crankshaft (S.C.P.C.) operates with a 28° throw, reducing primary vibration and noise, and eliminating the need for a power-sapping balance shaft.
The VFR1200F features a shaft drive system claimed to feel like chain drive, with an offset pivot point that eliminates ‘rise’ and a sliding cv joint that takes up any variations in length during the rear wheel’s arc of travel. Cunning, if it really works.
The throttle is fly-by-wire and there’s a slipper clutch to prevent any nasty moments when you’re getting a bit lively with it. Honda claim 170bhp, and a kerb weight of 267kg. The fork is preload adjustable only, and the shock is preload and rebound adjustable, while it features ABS, but not CBS braking.
This is Honda’s most important bike since the Fireblade, and we can’t wait to try it. Read the launch report here soon.
