Well, just got back from spending about 6 hours at the IMS show here in Greenville with some riding buddies of mine and after looking at what was new for this year, I headed to the Honda display to see the new VFR in the flesh. Had quite a group of people hanging around it, so at first glance, did not see a lot of it but when the crowd thinned out, I got a real good look at it. My thoughts on the bike without having it out on the open road under it's own power:
1. Lot of plastic (which in and of itself is not a problem for me as I ride an RT), but the plastic is of a quality that reminds me of a child's toy, very soft and pliable, kind of like the body panels of a Saturn. But also of a quality that doesn't feel or look substantial... the chrome accents around the front of the bike feel and look cheap for some reason. I can't put my finger on it, but I think the ST1300 is a slightly more substantial piece of machine with respect to the fairing and such.
2. The seating position is VERY sportbike-like. And the bars are funny for me, in that they are angled in, forcing your hands to grip them in a way that forces your elbows into your sides. Not comfortable for me at all, and I have been on a few bikes such as these before. Upon reaching for the bars, instantly the pressure on the wrists was telling... not a bike that I could live with in that setup... some bar backs and rotating out of the grips would be in order.
3. Light bike for what it is... and nice shaft drive setup, reminds me of the K1200/K1300 shaft design with it being on the left of the bike, a single sided swingarm, and long wheel base.
4. After talking to the American Honda Rep directly about a few things, I am wondering if they are going to sell a lot of these because of one factor: Price. The demo there was the non-Automatic model and had no bags or any type of accessory (heated grips, power plug in, etc.) and he said the price was going to be around $16,000.00. My first thought was yikes, that is BMW territory with the K1200S or heck, even the current ST1300/FJR1300 with electrically adjustable windshield and bags and a more complete touring package. I just don't see it. I bought my RT for not much more than that and while not a screamer that the VFR is, it is a more complete touring bike. To spec out a VFR with some comparable equipment, then it must me close to $17,500-$18,000. I guess you are buying all motor there. And interestingly... they had an 09 VFR Interceptor there as well, but NO ST1300... strange.
5. Lastly, after sitting on and staring at the VFR, I headed over to the Kawasaki booth and checked out the updated Concours14. Now that floats my boat! The four of us each sat on the C14 and were impressed... if I were in the market for a new bike and couldn't swing another RT/GT, the Connie just went to the head of the list (unless Honda is still holding back on us with the VFR1200T model).
And a side note... the show was packed to the gills with people, not what I expected with all the tales of woe for the motorcycle industry (although I wonder how many there in attendance are in the market for a new bike). Still, it was good to see the show with a lot of people on the floor.
Well, that is my take on the new VFR...
1. Lot of plastic (which in and of itself is not a problem for me as I ride an RT), but the plastic is of a quality that reminds me of a child's toy, very soft and pliable, kind of like the body panels of a Saturn. But also of a quality that doesn't feel or look substantial... the chrome accents around the front of the bike feel and look cheap for some reason. I can't put my finger on it, but I think the ST1300 is a slightly more substantial piece of machine with respect to the fairing and such.
2. The seating position is VERY sportbike-like. And the bars are funny for me, in that they are angled in, forcing your hands to grip them in a way that forces your elbows into your sides. Not comfortable for me at all, and I have been on a few bikes such as these before. Upon reaching for the bars, instantly the pressure on the wrists was telling... not a bike that I could live with in that setup... some bar backs and rotating out of the grips would be in order.
3. Light bike for what it is... and nice shaft drive setup, reminds me of the K1200/K1300 shaft design with it being on the left of the bike, a single sided swingarm, and long wheel base.
4. After talking to the American Honda Rep directly about a few things, I am wondering if they are going to sell a lot of these because of one factor: Price. The demo there was the non-Automatic model and had no bags or any type of accessory (heated grips, power plug in, etc.) and he said the price was going to be around $16,000.00. My first thought was yikes, that is BMW territory with the K1200S or heck, even the current ST1300/FJR1300 with electrically adjustable windshield and bags and a more complete touring package. I just don't see it. I bought my RT for not much more than that and while not a screamer that the VFR is, it is a more complete touring bike. To spec out a VFR with some comparable equipment, then it must me close to $17,500-$18,000. I guess you are buying all motor there. And interestingly... they had an 09 VFR Interceptor there as well, but NO ST1300... strange.
5. Lastly, after sitting on and staring at the VFR, I headed over to the Kawasaki booth and checked out the updated Concours14. Now that floats my boat! The four of us each sat on the C14 and were impressed... if I were in the market for a new bike and couldn't swing another RT/GT, the Connie just went to the head of the list (unless Honda is still holding back on us with the VFR1200T model).
And a side note... the show was packed to the gills with people, not what I expected with all the tales of woe for the motorcycle industry (although I wonder how many there in attendance are in the market for a new bike). Still, it was good to see the show with a lot of people on the floor.
Well, that is my take on the new VFR...
