The ‘DCT’ bit of Honda’s new VFR1200F stands for ‘Ducal Clutch Transmission’, Honda’s name for it’s all-new, clutchless, semi-automatic transmission system which is so different it warrants a review all its own, and so impressive and revolutionary it heralds the start of an all-new technical era.
Engine
| rating |  |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating |  |
The DCT’s V4 is the same as the standard VFR1200F’s – meaty, flexible, smooth and brisk. What’s new is the revolutionary transmission – two full auto modes and a ‘Tiptronic’-style push-button, clutchless manual option. All work brilliantly, seamlessly and astonishingly smoothly, so much so you’ll wonder why we ever put up with cable clutches and crude gearchange levers. On the downside, it’s a lot to get used to, arguably unnecessary and many actually like the finesse and involvement conventional clutch and gear levers give.
Ride and Handling
| rating | |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating |  |
The standard Honda VFR1200F’s handling could be best described as solid, stable and smooth, and the DCT version’s no different despite an extra 10kg. Though a big, heavy machine, the VFR1200F carries its weight low and carves bends predictably – just don’t expect lightweight sportsbike-style flickability.
Equipment
| rating | |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating |  |
The base VFR1200F is slick enough, but has been criticised for lacking the goodies many rivals boast, such as electric screens and suspension, on-board computers and so-on. The addition of DCT, however, truly sets it apart.
Quality and Reliability
| rating | |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating | |
No problems here with the new VFR11200F DCT. Paint finish is sublime, quality, as you’d expect from Honda, excellent. To early to pronounce on reliability and the sophisticated electronics on the DCT are a potential minefield, so beware.
Value
| rating | |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating |  |
Whichever way you slice it, Honda’s new VFR1200F DCT isn’t cheap, but it’s technology is currently unique, works brilliantly and the base bike ain’t bad either. For a ground-breaking, super-effective, flagship superbike, the price seems to be the going rate these days.
Insurance
Insurance group: 17
Model History
2010: Honda VFR1200F DCT introduced
Other Versions
Honda VFR1200F: standard version has conventional gearbox and costs around £1000 less.
Specifications
| Top speed | 165mph |
|---|---|
| 1/4-mile acceleration | secs |
| Power | 173bhp |
| Torque | 95ftlb |
| Weight | 277kg |
| Seat height | 815mm |
| Fuel capacity | 18.5 litres |
| Average fuel consumption | 42mpg |
| Tank range | 140 miles |
| Insurance group | 17 |
| Engine size | 1237cc |
|---|---|
| Engine specification | Liquid-cooled, 16v 76º V4, shaft drive |
| Frame | Aluminium twin spar |
| Front suspension adjustment | 43mm usd forks, preload adjust |
| Rear suspension adjustment | Monoshock with preload and rebound damping adjustment |
| Front brakes | 2 x 320mm discs, six-piston callipers with C-ABS |
| Rear brake | 276mm disc, two-piston calliper, C-ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 190/55 x 17 |
No comments:
Post a Comment