MarcosSantiago
Well-known member
Agreed! The 1200 is good only for a few people, the old VFR 800 was perfect.
I hope they bring it to North America.
Agreed! The 1200 is good only for a few people, the old VFR 800 was perfect.
I hope they bring it to North America.
No, it doesn't look particularly modern but it certainly appeals to the market it caters too - 40-60 year old people who spend a lot of time in the saddle. Personally I don't care for SS look with sky pointing broomsticks for a tail or the "naked" madness with grotesque forms.
M
Marinoni
Guest
↑ this !!
Shaman
Well-known member
So... for middleweight sport touring, compare it to Ducati Multistrada, Aprilia Caponord, KTM Adventure, Triumph Tiger, BMW GS800, Kawasaki Z1000SX, Moto Guzzi Norge? Trying not to go to the big-engined bikes but the 1200 twins mentioned are more comparable to midsize 4cyl bikes in both weight and size/purpose. Only talking about new bikes, of course...
I don't think it compares well to any of the bikes on that list except perhaps the BMW and the Norge, which is more "quirky" and interesting than the VFR, IMHO. Some are kind-of adventure bikes but other than the KTM I don't think you'd actually want to spend time offroad with them... though the Duc, Ape and KTM at least have got sophisticated anti-lock/traction systems.
Maybe it's a better price? :/
I don't think it compares well to any of the bikes on that list except perhaps the BMW and the Norge, which is more "quirky" and interesting than the VFR, IMHO. Some are kind-of adventure bikes but other than the KTM I don't think you'd actually want to spend time offroad with them... though the Duc, Ape and KTM at least have got sophisticated anti-lock/traction systems.
Maybe it's a better price? :/
M
Marinoni
Guest
if it ever comes to Canada, its mine !!
We can assume that, not hard to beat what BMW charges for a 800 twin.
Most of these bikes are in a slightly different class, albeit not true dirt fans, as you say. They are taller, half faired, off-road derivatives.
VFR800 competes more with the likes of Triumph Sprint, BMW F800 or Ninja 1000; and that is the kind of comparison I would like to see somewhere as I'm a potential buyer. With the emphasis on sport in the sport-touring segment. As for the price, anything with a Moto Guzzi, Aprilia, KTM or BMW name on it, generally comes with a hefty tag.
Shaman
Well-known member
There is no Triumph Sprint (new). The GS800/F800 yes, although they're a lot lighter with a fair bit less power.
The Ninja SX, the Multistrada, the Caponord and the KTM are all quicker than the VFR, and probably about as fast. I dunno, I'd cross-shop them, personally... maybe not the Adventure. I'd check on the pricing, I think they are indeed more expensive than the VFR but you'd have to shop them out. I'll bet the Ninja isn't.
The Ninja SX, the Multistrada, the Caponord and the KTM are all quicker than the VFR, and probably about as fast. I dunno, I'd cross-shop them, personally... maybe not the Adventure. I'd check on the pricing, I think they are indeed more expensive than the VFR but you'd have to shop them out. I'll bet the Ninja isn't.
I'm not saying these bikes are slower, just that they are more off road marketed than something like a VFR. I agree that spec wise, borders between categories blend sometimes and it's more aesthetics than anything that dictate the genre. Even tire size seems to be all the same on most bikes nowadays.
So I'm not exactly proclaiming that you're comparing apples to oranges but maybe limes to lemons
Nevertheless, from personal experience, a fully faired, lower bike is more comfortable for highway touring. I also dislike the upright sitting position many tourers offer. A moderate lean is ideal for me and that's why I always enjoyed bikes like SVs and VFRs.
Also first time I hear about Triumph Sprint not being sold. There is a 2013 model and I am pretty sure I have watched some youtube videos about a 2014. If anything maybe they stopped importing them here? I really don't know.
BMW F800GT is a bit smaller and lighter but it caters to the exact same group of buyers. Older review here, illustrating my point:
http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-out...f800st-vs-honda-vfr800-interceptor-86719.html
Quick google, there is a 2014 Sprint:
http://www.cpuhunter.com/4792/trium...rbird-tiger-explorer-and-street-triple-for-uk
So I'm not exactly proclaiming that you're comparing apples to oranges but maybe limes to lemons
Nevertheless, from personal experience, a fully faired, lower bike is more comfortable for highway touring. I also dislike the upright sitting position many tourers offer. A moderate lean is ideal for me and that's why I always enjoyed bikes like SVs and VFRs.
Also first time I hear about Triumph Sprint not being sold. There is a 2013 model and I am pretty sure I have watched some youtube videos about a 2014. If anything maybe they stopped importing them here? I really don't know.
BMW F800GT is a bit smaller and lighter but it caters to the exact same group of buyers. Older review here, illustrating my point:
http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-out...f800st-vs-honda-vfr800-interceptor-86719.html
Quick google, there is a 2014 Sprint:
http://www.cpuhunter.com/4792/trium...rbird-tiger-explorer-and-street-triple-for-uk
Last edited:
I expect the price of the VFR800 to be high ...
2009 Honda VFR800A MSRP (introduced in 2002) - $11,999 USD
2014 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX ABS MSRP - $11,999 USD
Shaman
Well-known member
Hrm. I think they have a Sprint *G*T rather than *S*T now. I think that's my confusion.
I had a 2005 Sprint ST for four seasons, and really enjoyed the bike. However, it was a first-year bike and it had enough problems that it eventually frustrated me with the bike... time to move on, I traded it on the Tuono and I still have that 6 seasons later. A 2008+ Sprint ST is a very good bike, in my opinion... not really the best at anything but very competent, with a bit of character.
I had a 2005 Sprint ST for four seasons, and really enjoyed the bike. However, it was a first-year bike and it had enough problems that it eventually frustrated me with the bike... time to move on, I traded it on the Tuono and I still have that 6 seasons later. A 2008+ Sprint ST is a very good bike, in my opinion... not really the best at anything but very competent, with a bit of character.
I adore single sided swing arm bikes for the ease of tire replacement (as long as they have a centre stand). That's why Sprint was a top candidate to replace my old VFR800. This new VFR800 may not be the most advanced bike out there, I concur. Engine doesn't seem to be updated, just re-tuned. However, it was always bike that had a great rep based on it's flawless operation and longevity and that is what older crowd tends to gravitate to. Don't fix what's not broken.
I guess the questions that remain to be answered are whether it is coming here or not and what the MSRP will be.
I guess the questions that remain to be answered are whether it is coming here or not and what the MSRP will be.
silverbullet132
Well-known member
I wouldn't count on that considering that most of the targeted market doesn't care about racing which is the reason they buy a VFR, not a CBR.
However, I am certain that Hong Kong will be able to satisfy your needs with a full set of Repsol plastics, within few months of new models arrival.
On a serious note, I agree that some sport touring models could use more lively colours but I don't see the need for a million of stickers.
However, I am certain that Hong Kong will be able to satisfy your needs with a full set of Repsol plastics, within few months of new models arrival.
On a serious note, I agree that some sport touring models could use more lively colours but I don't see the need for a million of stickers.
I meant like the 2007 anniversary edition VFR800. I love that paint scheme...and yes, I'm not really wowed at all by the solid colours of the big pig vfr1200 or the colours of the new vfr800 right now. I've seen them in person and it's a high quality finish but it doesn't do much for me....except maybe the pearl white VFRs I've seen.
muay_thai_dan
Well-known member
I like it!
