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New Honda VFR: Details, specs

Earlier this year Wheels24 showcased some leaked shots of Honda’s hotly anticipated VFR1200F. Now we have finally managed to get our hands on the first official images of the new sports-tourer along with all its details.

According to Honda the VFR1200F’s engine was designed to provide its rider with high speed, quick acceleration and a strong, engaging feeling coming from the engine’s power characteristics. 

The company also wanted to deliver the invigorating engine sound and feel that characterise V4 sports bikes, but with an additional focus on comfortable, responsive power delivery. 

Its linear torque curve is 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 bike is capable of riding between 130km/h and 195 km/h without needing to change gears, leaving you free to enjoy the ride.

A unique cylinder layout was developed to minimise unpleasant vibrations. Instead of the traditional V4 cylinder configuration, with the cylinders evenly spaced front-to-rear, the VFR1200F adopts a clever solution in order to centralise mass and at the same time achieve a compact, space-saving solution. 

The 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’ that fits comfortably between the rider’s legs. It also supports mass centralisation, thus contributing to the bike’s balanced feel and ease of control. With no right-left couple imbalance, the need for a balancer is eliminated and friction is reduced. 

The new V4 typically produces more than 80% of its maximum torque (115.3Nm/8 500 r/min) at 3 000r/min. To allow the rider to comfortably take full advantage of this torque, delivery is smoothed by four drivetrain dampers, which further eliminate uncomfortable vibration and backlash.

For inspiration on how to create a snappier throttle response and improved fuel consumption, Honda turned to its CRF range of motocrossers. The logic was straightforward: in an environment where space, performance and weight are at a premium this technology was perfect for a project where mass centralisation and ergonomics were prime design criteria. 

Also borrowed from the CRF range is the sealed crankcase system where mechanical pumping losses are eliminated by the use of a scavenge pump to vent the unwanted crankcase pressure waves to atmosphere. This system has never been used on a road machine before but the gains for the rider are identical. 

A compact new transmission layout contributes to high-speed stability, better cornering and improved traction capability. 

In the new configuration the output shaft is placed in front of the counter shaft to enhance road-holding. Moving the output shaft forwards leaves room for a longer swing-arm without extending the wheelbase length thus improving stability and traction simultaneously.

Honda opted for a shaft drive system, and the company claims always behaves like a conventional chain drive regardless of how aggressive the rider is with the throttle, but without the need for regular maintenance. 

This shaft drive system features an offset pivot point that eliminates “rise” and a sliding constant velocity joint that takes up any variations in length during the rear wheel’s arc of travel. At the output shaft a clutch damper absorbs any backlash.

For its frame, the VFR1200F followed a aluminium twin-spar diamond configuration which is both lightweight and rigid. 

The swingarm and driveshaft length are optimised without extending the overall length of the motorcycle – which means the bike handles well around corners, while the driveshaft remains long for improved levels of traction. Meanwhile, the long swingarm contributes to balanced, manoeuvring and high-speed stability. 

To ensure this bike stops exactly when you want it to, the VFR has been fitted with the most highly developed brake technology for all-round sports bike use Pow.erful new six-piston calipers act on large discs (320mm at the front and 276mm at the rear) while Honda’s Combined Braking System creates the optimal balance of front and rear braking forces. 

The addition of a standard-fit compact and lightweight ABS supports both the motorcycle’s sports riding potential and its touring proficiency.

Three colour options will be available upon its launch to emphasise the highly polished look and clean, crisp lines: Candy Prominence Red, Seal Silver Metallic and Pearl Sunbeam White.

Technical Specification:

Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke V-4 

Displacement: 1 237cm3 

Max. Power: 127 kW @ 10 000r/min 

Max. Torque: 129 Nm @ 8 750r/min 

Kerb Weight: 267 kg

Maximum permissible mass: 463 kg

Suspension Front: 43 mm HMAS telescopic fork 

Suspension Rear: Pro-Link with gas-charged HMAS damper 

Wheels Front: 17-inch 5-spoke hollow gravity die cast aluminium

Wheels Rear: 17-inch 7-spoke gravity die cast aluminium

Breaks Front: 320mm 6-piston calipers, ABS and sintered metal pads

Breaks Rear: 276mm 6-piston caliper, ABS and sintered metal pads

 
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