Has anybody changed from gs12 to the new vfr1200?

[neiljitsu]

Seriously considering changing to a 2010 vfr12, has anybody done the same? Or, if you had one for a test ride I would love to hear your thoughts.

 

[Ian M]

I moved to a VFR1200X, the Crosstourer, a month ago. Seriously impressive engine, even detuned to only 127bhp! The full fat VFR 1200 must be a real rocket ship.

 

[Davy F]

I demo'd the VFR1200. Seriously fast motorcycle, but the ergos were (for me) crap. Too much weight on the wrists (except at Warp 9 which is all to easy to do) and legs too cramped. But that aside, you won't be disappointed with how the VFR goes or handles. I'm quite sure it's be easy enough to get a demo ride on a VFR from your friendly Honda dealer.
The Crosstourer tho' is another ball of fun.

 

[pistolpete]

i also had a demo on the vfr only the dct auto thingy, i liked it for the power etc, wife hated the pillion seat, so i didnt even bother testing the manual version. If it were me i would keep the gs and with the amount of money it would cost to change to a vfr1200, probley buy a vfr800 pre vtec and have 2 bikes

 

[CdnGS]

If I were looking at a touring oriented sport bike the K1300S would be it for me based on ergos and comfort. The VFR is well put together though.

 

[neiljitsu]

Had a test ride on one today and couldn't wait to give it back. Bad seating, a bit snatchy and just bland. My mrs was on the back and hated it. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be "meh"

 

[Rasher]

Had a test ride on one today and couldn't wait to give it back. Bad seating, a bit snatchy and just bland

Honda can be very good at making bikes that feel bland, my opinion was it did everything well, comfy enough (compared to ZZR I had at the time) nuetral handling, reasonable power (after hopping off far more powerful bike) with a very flexible motor - possibly ideal for a sporty tourer....

It did however leave me a bit flat, had I not hopped off a faster better handling machine I may have been more tempted, but the fuel range was poor and the looks did not float my boat.

I think the Crosstourer is a better use of that motor / chassis / shaft, a far better touring proposition with loads of smooth effortless grunt.

If I wanted a faster do everything bike I would go for the Crosstourer or Adventurer, if I wanted speed and handling (with decent comfort) it would be another ZZR1400 - available at much less than (similar age / miles) K13's, with more power, better handling and cheaper servicing.

 

[Roymondo]

If I wanted a faster do everything bike I would go for the Crosstourer or Adventurer,

Did you mean GS Adventure, or Tiger Explorer?

 

[Rasher]

Yeah Explorer thingy - bit like the Honda, a fast road bike in adventure clothing, but most importantly more comfy than the sportstourers for most folk.

 

[Dave56]

How about giving the Yamaha Super Tenere a try, I`ve just replaced the GS for one and absolutely love it.....

 

[tog66]

I demo'd the VFR1200. Seriously fast motorcycle, but the ergos were (for me) crap. Too much weight on the wrists (except at Warp 9 which is all to easy to do) and legs too cramped. But that aside, you won't be disappointed with how the VFR goes or handles. I'm quite sure it's be easy enough to get a demo ride on a VFR from your friendly Honda dealer.
The Crosstourer tho' is another ball of fun.

how did the extra weight feel? a std R1200GD is 200KG and the honda spec says 275KG, that sounds a lot extra.

 

[Davy F]

how did the extra weight feel? a std R1200GD is 200KG and the honda spec says 275KG, that sounds a lot extra.

Typical Honda mass centralization voodoo at work, it didn't feel any heavier than my auld 12GS. But then, BMW quote weight figures that maybe aren't quite accurate..... There has been some pansy asses who said it was a struggle to lift it off the sidestand, but personally I had no problems at all.