Honda has created a dual-clutch automatic gearbox for motorcycles, which seems like the ideal technique to significantly reduce the enjoyment of canyon carving.
The iconic VFR Interceptor will ship to our shores in 2010 with the dual-clutch transmission as well as the standard anti-lock brakes and VTEC engine. This is the first time a dual-clutch transmission has been mounted to a production sportbike. If you’re wondering whether the VFR from next year will be more technologically advanced than the vehicle parked in your garage, the answer is most likely yes.
The Honda RC30 racer that lapped the Isle of Man served as the inspiration for the V4 engine in the VFR, which is short for “V-Four Racing.” The VFR is also known as the “Interceptor.” Originally intended for competition, the Interceptor was transformed into a sport-tourer in the mid- to late-1990s after the introduction of the Suzuki GSX-R, a new generation supersport. Since then, it has served as both Honda’s sport-touring and technological standard, which is why Honda chose it for the dual-clutch transmission’s world premiere.
This new component has a “light, compact design that enables it to be integrated with current engines without requiring significant layout adjustment. What about the additional rotational mass that the dual clutch design introduces? When power is prioritized, that is the kiss of death, which may be why Honda states that the gearbox will debut on “a new VFR large-displacement sport bike.” Without a question, that is the VFR1200 we anticipate seeing in 2019.
There are three ride settings available in the transmission, giving the user a choice between a standard “D mode, a sporty automatic “S option, and a traditional six-speed manual mode for purists who prefer to be reminded that they are in fact riding a motorbike.
We called Honda to get more information to satisfy your insatiable thirst for knowledge about how much it would cost, how quickly it will operate, and when we might see it on other models, but Honda told us to starve. More information won’t be released until later this fall.
As for Honda’s rivals, none of them are sportbikes with dual-clutch transmissions. To reduce clutch-hand stress on long journeys across continents, Yamaha offers clutchless shifting on the FJ1300AE, and Aprilia offers the Mana 850 with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The end of the world, when the pilot is riding a bitch, is right around the corner.
Being mentally and mechanically at one with the bike is, in our opinion, one of the greatest pleasures of riding. Until we’ve thrown a leg over a VFR that has one, we won’t pass judgment on Honda’s dual-clutch box, but until then, we’ll continue to believe automatic gearboxes belong on scooters.
Images of a 2002 VFR and a rendering of a dual-clutch transmission are provided by Honda, which really needs to refresh its photo library.
In This Article...
A Honda VFR is a type of CC.
The seventh-generation VFR stands apart somewhat because it has a larger engine, is heavier, and utilizes a shaft drive. People argue that the VFR motorbike series doesn’t last very long because of this. Really, the only things they have in common are a single-sided swing-arm, a V4 engine, and a typical sport-touring riding position.
The “7th generation VFR” or VFR1200F, however, is a substantially different motorbike. In reality, Wikipedia mentions the high-speed touring bike Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird and the 6th generation VFR800 as its forebears. Both of those bikes were replaced by this one.
From 2009 through 2017, Honda produced the VFR1200F, adding a few color schemes along the way.
- Power: 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) at 8750 rpm and 127 kW (170 hp) at 10000 rpm
- Ride by wire with traction control and ABS (called Honda Selectable Torque Control)
- DCT (automatic) transmission with paddle shifters as an option
- 1,237cc 76-degree V4 engine (water cooled)
It’s crucial to note the DCT because the VFR1200 was the first motorcycle in production to have one. In many later Honda bikes, including the classic Gold Wing, the Africa Twin, the brand-new Honda Rebel CMX1100 for 2021, as well as a few more models along the road, the same technology has been a popular alternative.
th Gen XHonda VFR1200X Crosstourer
Aside from the significant modifications made to the VFR, the 2012 VFR1200F also gave rise to an upright adventure-touring motorbike called the VFR1200X Crosstourer.
The Crosstourer is an upright adventure-touring variant of the VFR1200, much like the VFR800X Crossrunner is an upright version of the VFR800. The 1,237cc V4 engine is the same, but it is adjusted to produce less power, with a peak of 95 kW at 7750 rpm and a peak torque of 126 Nm at a noticeably lower 6500 rpm.
In addition, the VFR1200X has a variety of baggage attachments, spoked wheels with tubeless tires, and an adjustable screen.
In person, the VFR1200X appears to be a very tempting option for long-distance travel, but sales lagged behind the Africa Twin.
Oh, and if none of those possibilities appeal to you, think about the Ariel Ace, which combines a Honda VFR1200F engine with a few other parts in a totally different chassis. (It’s not a Honda, but I stumbled across the picture and I think it’s cool.)
A VFR motorcycle is what?
Since 1998, Honda has produced the sport touring motorcycle known as the VFR800 (Interceptor). The model shares the V4 engine configuration with the Honda VF and VFR series and was the VFR750F’s replacement. Honda is the maker of the Honda VFR800.
Honda VFR: Is it still produced?
Since its debut in 1986, the Honda VFR platform has attracted a sizable fanbase. The sport-distinctive tourer’s engineering and handling qualities helped the VFR750F build a devoted following of buyers, and Honda continued to perfect the recipe in succeeding generations. To stay up with the technology of the time, the firm rebuilt the exterior, chassis, and wheels in 1990. By 1998, the manufacturer began shipping the, and Team Red has since worked to improve the design.
In the United States, the VFR1200F took the place of its smaller sister in 2009, but due to Euro 4 requirements, Honda stopped making the big-bore model in 2017. The VFR800 has always been popular in foreign markets, but the eccentric sport-tourer could succumb to the same fate because of the impending Euro 5 emissions rules. Honda would have to overhaul its outdated engine to comply with the new regulations, unlike more contemporary models that can do so with a new exhaust or ECU upgrade. Despite these significant obstacles, many believe Honda will release a mill like this by 2023.
Although some models, including the Africa Twin and Rebel 1100, may share one engine, early indications suggest that the new VFR will have a platform-specific engine. Honda intends to proceed with the inline-four configuration for its flagship superbike in the near future after introducing the new CBR1000RR-R SP last year and experiencing success in British Superbike Championship. Having said that, a new V4 engine would directly target the well-established sport-touring market for the VFR.
Similar to the most recent Africa Twin, a VFR800 update might need an increase in displacement to comply with the aforementioned rules. Many believe that in order to comply with Euro 5 while maintaining the same power statistics for the new VFR, forced induction will also be necessary, regardless of engine volume. The rumor mill is now peddling figures between 900 and 1,000 cc, but only time will tell if Honda brings back their sportiest tourer and makes it a liter bike once more.
Has the Honda VFR VTEC?
With several new features, including the notorious variable valve technology, the 2017 VFR is likely the most technologically advanced sports/tourer we have yet to see (VTEC). In other words, the VTEC engine operates with two valves per cylinder until 7,000 rpm, at which point it switches to four valves per cylinder.
Which VFR is the finest to purchase?
Honda made a remarkable motorbike even better in 1994 by giving it supermodel aesthetics while keeping the iconic VFR characteristics of legendary dependability, steady performance, and unmatched comfort. The design became less angular and added side panels with louvres reminiscent of Ferrari.
A Honda VFR 750 was used by MCN in 2010 as part of the long-term test fleet. Learn how we arrived here.
Because of this bike’s and its brothers’ legendary status, the name “Viffer” is now commonly used to refer to all Honda VFR models. Should you want to participate in the discussion with current and prior owners, there is a forum specifically dedicated to them.
Of course, you might be looking for the fabled race bike Honda VFR750R RC30.
Honda VFR VTEC: What is it?
Long touted as a sports bike for tourers and a tourer for sports bike riders, the Honda VF800 VTEC certainly seems to encompass everything the VFR800 VTEC has to offer. The VF800 VTEC handles itself effectively whether you want to buy a bike for commuting or use it for longer trips.
The engine is sporty enough to perform well on track days, especially when it comes to how this bike handles turns, and has enough power and torque to allow for comfortable overtaking on a highway. Again, this is why it can be utilized both on the racetrack and on those more winding rural roads: it makes sharp, relatively light turns.
Only a few riders claim that the bike gives them a numb bum after a few hundred kilometers or so, which is relatively comfortable for a sporty tourer. The handlebar riser option makes it possible to change the riding position, which, despite being somewhat canted forward, seems to be the ideal amount. The VFR800 VTEC’s degree of suspension seems to be the major area of criticism, but you shouldn’t have too much difficulty with it as long as you don’t ride off-road or hit any really rough patches of pavement.
The VFR800 VTEC is offered in two different versions, with earlier models selling for a great price. As you would expect from a high-quality Honda, the newer models do have a tendency to retain their value.
What exactly does VFR mean?
It basically signifies that the aircraft is meant to operate in visual meteorological circumstances when using visual flight rules (VMC, i.e. nice and clear weather). Avoid flying in VFR when there are clouds, a lot of precipitation, poor visibility, or other unfavorable weather conditions. In visual meteorological conditions, general aviation flying and flight training are most common.
Honda stopped producing the VFR when?
Honda modified the VFR in 2006 in an effort to appease owners while the V-TEC system’s storm clouds continued to loom. Although the new color-matched bodywork and clear indicator lenses were merely cosmetic upgrades, the improved V-TEC timing for a more seamless transition between two and four valves made all the difference. The VFR was back, but the world had already changed.
Honda has neglected the VFR for the past seven years while adventure bikes have replaced sports tourers as the new standard. When Honda unveiled the VFR1200F in 2009, many believed the smaller VFR’s days were numbered because it was unaltered and largely forgotten about in Honda’s product lineup. Given that a brand-new VFR800 is set to carry on this illustrious dynasty for 2014, it appears that our predictions about the demise of this famous sports tourer were premature.
With a fresh new look, a brand-new telescopic fork, Pro-arm swingarm, wheels, and body work, this edition has been updated. The new-look VFR is ten kilograms lighter than the previous model and has Honda’s exclusive new self-cancelling indicators, heated grips, a Traction Control System, and ABS as standard equipment.
Are VFR800 motorcycles good?
The VFR800 is the ideal all-purpose vehicle. It has tons of power, stunning looks, is simple to ride, is ideal for twisting roads, is ideal for touring, and the V4 engine produces an incredible sound. Even with all of the luggage in tow, it still rides well. The rearview mirrors actually serve their intended purpose!