Honda has finally took the wraps off is all-new 2010 VFR1200F sport touring motorcycle and it was well worth the wait considering the thing was designed from the ground up as “a ten in every respect”. It’s most outstanding feature is the V-4 engine, but only because the dual-clutch automatic transmission is optional.
The 2010 Honda VFR1200F has to be the most aggressive, refined and most likely comfortable new entry in its segment, a bike claimed to adapt to any style of riding or riding situation naturally. It looks like a Honda from every angle, but this motorcycle has also come to show its manufacturer’s achieved goals as it is “a futuristic sport motorcycle for the sheer joy of riding”. Read the press release after the jump.
Honda has taken the 2010 Honda VFR1200 to the alps for some nice action pics ahead of next month’s official unveiling and this is where it was spotted by a very dedicated MotoBlog reader, who got the chance to take a few pictures with the bike before it blasted down the tight mountain roads.
Although it was initially thought that the new VFR will have generous dimensions, it hasn’t, so that the innovative technologies such as the dual clutch transmission and variable cylinder management can make a strong point in this industry. Also, we reckon it doesn’t weigh much either.
Although Honda has been gradually releasing information about the new VFR1200 engine and dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission, we never got the change to actually hear that V4 running until now, when we’ve come across this video.
The engine has a healthy idle grunt and, although revved probably not higher than 3000-3500 rpm, it sounds insane. The fact is that no exhaust will ever replace a potent engine of large displacement.
Honda designers and engineers are busy working on the all-new VFR1200 sport-touring motorcycle, as the bike will be unveiled next month, and they’re no cheapskates when it comes to revealing technical information along the way. Last week, we found about the development of a dual clutch transmission that they’re preparing for this all-new model and now the Japanese company has released a video in which Honda senior engine manager Tsutomu Ishii takes us through the details of the 1200cc V4 engine.
The mastermind behind this motorcycle engine explains how they managed to achieve the width of a v-twin and the length of an inline-four, while the freshly created unit has a unicam head design, phase-pin crankshaft, 28° firing order and no balancer. Watch Honda’s official video after the jump.
The fact that Honda is planning to launch an all-new VFR model powered by a 1200cc V4 engine in 2010 is no news for any of our readers, but the fact that the all-new bike will feature a dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission does sound fairly interesting even for those who aren’t that much into motorcycles.
Derived from a similar system used in the car industry for several years, Honda’s much more compact three-mode system is supposed to offer faster and yet smoother shifts. Riders of next year’s VFR will be able to select one of three different modes: two fully automatic ones and a manual (although not classic) shifting mode.
Having two clutches, it means that each one will be responsible for an equal number of gears among the six available.
We’ve attached Honda’s dual-clutch demonstration video as well as the press release after the break.
Next year, Honda plans to release the VFR1200T not only as the Pan European replacement, but as the world’s most technologically-advanced motorcycle too. Because such a project is only undergone if the initial feedback is positive, the company has leaked the future bike’s sketches in an attempt to get an early start with the process. The friends from MCN were there to land a helping hand and now they speculate regarding the possible color schemes that the new VFR might receive.
The bike looks absolutely amazing regardless of the color schemes, but these do help in forming a better opinion of what Honda will create and so encourage people to mention what they think about what they see. So, what do you think about the 2010 Honda VRF1200T?
Some Nazi took Hitler’s VFR and crashed it. The Fuhrer was already planning on buying another one when he was announced that his crew of Nazis took the liberty to buy him a BMW GS. We can’t reproduce the rest, but you’re invited to watch the video. Try not to feel guilty for anything…that’s how well the video is made.
A&A Performance has created a supercharger kit that bolts on directly on to the 5th generation VFR engine and increases power with more than 50 percent. As the dyno results show, the V4 engine with entirely stock internals develops almost 160 horsepower on 93 octane pump gas.
The blower kit has just been finalized and it seems that each and every detail was taken in consideration, achieving a complete, high quality product that is clearly the work of an experienced and innovative engineer. His name is Dan and he already began diversifying his offer. The next bikes that he plans to supercharge are 6th generation Hondas as well as the Kawasaki ZX-10R and the Suzuki GSX-R1000.
The ’98-’01 VFR800 Supercharger Kit costs $5,495 + shipping so you can reserve yours and wait for shipments to begin about May 1st.
Honda has had a busy year designing the all-new 2009 VFR1000F and VFR1000GT motorcycles. Now, after the introduction of the 2008 CBR1000RR, I would expect a sportier VFR, but this is more than I can take.
And you haven’t even heard the best of it. Inspiring on the 990cc RC211V racing bike, Honda has derived their first V5 engine to be fitted on a street bike and a Ferrari-style push-button gearchange. This last move is meant to help riders get the best out of the MotoGP-style engine, but it is also suppose to be smooth and progressive. For that purpose, Honda retains the shaft final drive and the single-sided swingarm that is a VFR specific feature.
There will be two models going on Honda’s production lines, the “F” (a sportier version) and the “GT” (sport-touring), but a VFR remains a VFR no matter what. While the first reminds us of the CBR series, the second looks like an ST1300 that has undergone a diet. Just look at those lines!
Honda has long planned the introduction of the new VFR and it seems that 2009 is the perfect year. I can believe this after five years of work at the new model, but the time surely pays off as the bike promises to stands for refinement, performance and a sense for style.
Waiting to be unveiled this fall, the new Honda sport-tourer comes at the perfect time to find its place in the garages of VFR 800 and CBR 1100 XX Super Black Bird owners.
What will make it take versatility to a whole new level is the long-bragged 1000cc V5 engine inspired on the 990cc one on the RC211V. With three cylinders in the front and two in the back, the new powerplant promises to send the R1-powered Yamaha FZ1 back on the drawing board.
I most appreciate the fact that it apparently didn’t fall in the “sport bike” sin. But don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen cars with V5 engines and it will definitely be sporty, but the seat is designed for comfort and the handlebars will keep the rider well relaxed and still not feel like riding on top of it. You can say that by simply looking at it so imagine what it is to actually ride one. Patience my friends, patience!
The project has been lead by engineer Yoshiteru Kinoshita helped by a team of HRC Honda designers together with the same people that made the 2008 CBR1000RR the best motorcycle in its class today and we reckon the new VFR will follow the same success graphic as it will feature new everything (frame, suspensions, brakes, gearbox).
First presented in 1986, the VFR is an equivalent for touring and reliability. Related to the fact that it withstood the test of time I invite you to share your opinions with us.
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