Shop Motorcycle Gear,
Parts and Apparel.

2011 Honda VFR1200F Comparison Review Photo Gallery

2011 Honda VFR1200F Comparison Review

See photos of the Honda VFR1200F in the 2011 Honda VFR1200F Comparison photo gallery. Read more in the 2011 Road Sport Shootout.

2011 Honda VFR1200F Dyno Chart

The VFR brings a different character to the comparison with its 76-degree 1237cc V-Four.

The arrangement of the Honda’s 76-degree Vee pattern positions the rearward cylinders inside the forward pair. This gives the VFR a quite narrow cockpit.

The compact feel belies its 587-pound curb weight, the heaviest in our test. The Honda certainly doesn’t feel the heaviest on the road, as it excels in the handling department.

The Honda impressed our testing crew with its build quality, the glossy paint particularly fetching seen in the flesh.

The neutral handling VFR initiates turns and transitions so intuitively, it borders on telepathic.

A slight forward pitch and low handlebar placement characterize the VFR riding position.

The Honda chassis is best suited to sporty terrain, the neutral-handling VFR transmitting ample feedback and stability

Our testing crew credits the V-Four for beating a different drum than the Inline Four conformity, giving it the edge for personality and sound.

The clattering V-Four gives the Honda a rhythm unlike anything else in this testing company.

Our test unit isn’t equipped with the option dual clutch transmission, but the standard six-speed transmission is bulletproof.

Downshifts in particular are drama free on the VFR courtesy of its slipper clutch. Only the precise Yamaha gearbox rates higher.

That the Honda weighs almost 20 pounds more than the other bikes shocks our test riders, as it doesn’t begin to feel its weight except in low-speed maneuvering, and even then is much lighter on its toes than the BMW

The Honda doesn’t feel like it needs to be coaxed into anything. Its 60.8-inch wheelbase, though one of the longest in this class, doesn’t inhibit quick turning or feel stretched out.

Complementing the Honda’s handling are class-leading brakes.

The Honda VFR1200F turns the quarter mile in 10.6 seconds at 131.6 mph.