Honda VFR1200FA

The Honda VFR1200FA is one of the most technologically advanced motorcycles built by the Japanese manufacturer. It is powered by a compact 1,237 cc V4 Unicam engine that combines Throttle By Wire and Traction Control systems to deliver mind blowing performances and maximum safety. The engine is fed by a 19 litres fuel tank and its power is kept in leash by a six speed transmission.

The motorcycle’s speed is kept under control by a sophisticated braking system especially tuned for the needs of a sport bike. It includes powerful new six-piston calipers for the front and a dual-piston caliper at the rear that bite on large full-floating discs (320 mm front; 276 mm rear). Moreover, you also get a lightweight Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that helps you maximize the safety of braking on difficult surfaces.

Revolutionary. Radical. Choose your superlative, and chances are it applies to the incredible VFR1200FA. This is a bike that showcases the best of Honda’s forward thinking and advanced engineering. Its super-compact 1,237 cc V4 Unicam engine brings together sophisticated Throttle By Wire and Traction Control systems for superior response, performance and safety.

And the chassis is just as advanced, with a lightweight shaft-drive system that routes the shaft below the swingarm pivot point to eliminate the squat and lift of conventional shaft drives without resorting to the complex and heavy countermeasures used by some competing models, and the peace of mind of Honda’s proven Combined Braking System with ABS. Whether your destination is across town or across time zones, the journey is always a thrill on a Honda VFR1200FA.

• The VFR1200FA’s Traction Control system carefully monitors a range of different parameters, looking for unusual fluctuations that could suggest an imminent loss of traction at the rear tire. If the system believes wheelspin is imminent, engine power is momentarily reduced, thereby maintaining traction.
• Light and compact 1,237 cc liquid-cooled 76-degree V-4 engine pumps out amazing levels of power with a distinctive feel and sound. By combining many of Honda’s most advanced technologies, engineers managed to create a remarkably compact engine.
• Unique cylinder layout locates the rear cylinders side by side but close together, and the front cylinders more widely spaced. This layout allows for a slim, compact “waist” that fits comfortably between the rider’s legs. It also improves mass centralization, thereby contributing to the bike’s balanced feel and ease of control.
• The engine also incorporates a special high-strength Symmetrically Coupled Phase-shift Crankshaft that features a 28-degree crankpin offset that works in concert with the 76-degree V angle to essentially negate primary engine vibration for smooth running. And because the powerplant therefore has perfect primary balance, the need for a balance shaft is eliminated, which allows for a more compact engine and also yields a weight savings of nearly 1.4 kg (3 lb).
• Lightweight and compact Unicam™ valve train allows for significantly shorter and smaller cylinder heads with no loss in efficiency. It’s the same technology used in Honda’s potent CRF motocross bikes.
• Also borrowed from the CRF range and the RC211V MotoGP bike is the sealed crankcase system that reduces the pumping loss created through piston movement, marking the first time this system has been used on a street motorcycle.
• The engine’s performance is delivered where it’s most useful and most enjoyable. Its linear torque curve is focused in the low-end and midrange, making it possible for the rider to simply roll on and off the throttle while powering through bends. This effortless control makes the VFR1200FA great fun to ride – this is a sportbike with real-world-usable power.
• Asymmetrical exhaust lengths between front and rear cylinders further improve power output and add to the VFR1200FA’s unique sound and feel.
• Engineered to provide excellent cornering clearance and minimal intrusion to the feet of the rider and passenger, the high-volume, twin-outlet muffler produces an unobtrusive but fantastically stirring note. At low revs the sound is almost like a human heartbeat. Further up the rev range, once the internal servo-operated exhaust valve is opened, the sound changes to a truly inspiring, hard-edged V-4 howl.
• A slipper clutch allows quick downshifting and improved control under deceleration. It’s similar to the clutch on the CBR1000RRA.
• A throttle-by-wire system replaces the throttle cable with sophisticated electronics. It provides light, precise fuel metering at all engine rpm, the system’s accuracy gives the rider increased levels of control.
• The next-generation shaft-drive system routes the shaft below the swingarm pivot point to eliminate the squat and lift of conventional shaft drives without resorting to complex and heavy countermeasures as found on some competing models. Special dampers eliminate any excessive slack or jerkiness in the system, resulting in smooth on- and off-throttle transitions.
• The patented layered fairing design creates a uniquely beautiful shape and, at the same time, optimal airflow and heat management. The fairing incorporates two layers. Air entering between the layers and through two oval-shaped spaces in the front of the fairing is channelled in exactly the directions needed to enhance the bike’s stability at higher speeds. Plus, by channelling air through smaller apertures before it reaches the radiators and thereby increasing its velocity, engine cooling is optimized and the hot, exhausted air is carried quickly away from the rider and passenger for a cooler, more comfortable ride. The heat generated by the engine is also channelled away to keep hot air away from the rider.
• Honda Pro-Arm single-side swingarm with single gas-charged shock features a handy remote spring-preload adjuster, rebound damping adjustability, and 130 mm (5.1 inches) of travel. At the front the VFR1200FA boasts a stout, sport-oriented 43 mm inverted cartridge fork with spring preload adjustability and 108 mm (4.3 inches) of travel.
• The VFR1200FA is equipped with a sophisticated braking system that’s ideal for all-round sportbike use. Powerful new six-piston calipers for the front and a dual-piston caliper at the rear act on large full-floating discs (320 mm front; 276 mm rear). Honda’s Combined Braking System creates the optimal balance of front and rear braking forces, while the compact and lightweight Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) lets you brake with confidence on even difficult surfaces.

Additional features

• Large 19-litre fuel tank means more kilometres of fun between gas stops.
• New-technology seat construction permits a higher level of seat shaping and forming detail for excellent rider and passenger comfort and a sleek look.
• Integral saddlebag mounts come standard.
• New painting technologies, specially developed at Honda’s new high-tech Kumamoto factory, result in a level of finish far above normal production standards.
• The handlebar and the layout of the controls are the result of careful study of ergonomics and rider needs. The designers looked at the time required to reach controls comfortably and the ease of operation— particularly during cornering.