Setting my hair on fire.

[Darkrider]

Originally Posted by Megadan

The F (sport version) ran from 2010 to 2016, but the last 2 years were basically carry overs from 2014. It was a bit of a flop. Honda made a great bike, but killed it with compromise in the worst way. Very powerful engine, but too soft of a suspension with only preload adjustment, so not the greatest sport bike. Ergonomics too heavily favor sport riding. It is still comfy, but it doesn't match the plushness of the suspension. High price tag, but almost no extra features to show for it and a very basic dash.

With a bit of work on the suspension and ecu tuning side of things, it really turns the bike into what it should have been.

The X model had a few tweaks to make it a better adventure bike. A bit less HP, and a bit more torque below 4000rpm. Obviously cosmetic and suspension changes as well.

Was not sure when the F was discontinued...hell it was a surprise to suddenly see the X version popping up in the dealership when i went to go look at the 1200s again. But then again i still have my original "F" the VF750F that started the line up so no big loss from my point of view. Truth be told i thought i would eventually move onto a newer VFR from that bike instead i ended up on the Softail. Go figure.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Darkrider

Was not sure when the F was discontinued...hell it was a surprise to suddenly see the X version popping up in the dealership when i went to go look at the 1200s again. But then again i still have my original "F" the VF750F that started the line up so no big loss from my point of view. Truth be told i thought i would eventually move onto a newer VFR from that bike instead i ended up on the Softail. Go figure.

The X was actually in development during the release of the F in 2010, and first started being sold in 2012. I think they had always planned on making more than one bike with the platform, which I think worked out well for them. The F makes over 40 more hp, but the X ended up being the more popular bike. I think a lot of that had to do with the X being a much more focused machine, and a much better comfy cruiser that can somewhat do fire roads and the like. Plus, it came in at the right point of the Adventure bike boom. So the F flopped, and the X is still a strong selling bike.

What I find kind of funny about the 1200's though, is how much of a love or hate it kind of bike it is, especially among VFR fans. The people that hate it think it's too big, too heavy, or the engine's new layout isn't correct for the family, blah blah. Those that love them (me) think their opinions are dumb.

[Megadan]

Trying to get this bike sorted out, which is why my Hawk has been getting no attention.

Even though Honda says this bike can go 8000 miles between oil changes, I have some Pro Honda HP4S 10w30 and OEM oil filters on the way. Some Motul DOT 4 fluid to flush the brakes and clutch, Redline Lightweight Shockproof 80w90, an air filter, and I ordered some new tires for it yesterday, some Bridgestone T31 Battlaxes.

Also doing some lighting upgrades when I have the fairings off, and I will be sending the ECU off to Guhl motorsports for a reflash when I take the panels off to do said lighting and air filter.

Put the Corbin seat on that the bike came with after giving it a good clean up. Much much better, in both comfort and looks.

[BlackBike]

Whoo, that thing is beautiful. Keep out the throttle so much. We want you around here a while longer. Yes flashy paint attracts flashy lights, ask me how I know (warning only fortunately).

[david3921]

Dan, love the looks of this bike but that exhaust has got to go. The stock can is a huge, ugly, chrome, wedged shape monstrosity, though. I've seen the Akrapovic on one and it looks nice but, I would imagine, pretty pricey. Maybe it's the carbon look that's throwing it off for me. Is that just a cover?

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by david3921

Dan, love the looks of this bike but that exhaust has got to go. The stock can is a huge, ugly, chrome, wedged shape monstrosity, though. I've seen the Akrapovic on one and it looks nice but, I would imagine, pretty pricey. Maybe it's the carbon look that's throwing it off for me. Is that just a cover?

I don't disagree with you. There are two problems with the aftermarket exhaust options.

1. Most don't work with the factory panniers, they will either take up the space the panniers sit in, or melt them. If I didn't want to keep them and use them, then I would just toss a Competition Werkes GP exhaust for it and call it a day. It will be loud, but sounds REALLY good.

2. The ones that do fit all look bad. Even the Akrapovic low mount for said Panniers looks hideous, and honestly doesn't sound that great.

There is ONE exhaust that I like the look and sound of that does work with the Panniers. It is probably the best looking exhaust made for this bike as well. The DAM exhaust, which will cost about 600 bucks from Belgium... Seen here.


I do plan on getting my hands on one here soon.... BUT. I have other priorities. First big priority is sorting out the suspension, which just took the number one spot after my left fork seal started leaking. Not a big deal, I was going to do the suspension either way, but I was going to wait until next month. It just got moved up.



But hey, at least I have nice new Bridgestone T31 Evo GT spec tires for the bike to not use.

[Megadan]

Back to the DAM exhaust. 3 things I like about it.

1. High quality. Dam systems are fully stainless steel and hand made. Every bike they make an exhaust for is fully engineered to the bike with full dyno and road testing.

2. Sound. They give this bike a good smooth tone, and on top of that, they aren't obnoxiously loud. Only hair over 95db without the silencer, and 92db with it, which is actually quieter than the stock exhaust lol. This massive two brothers exhaust currently on the bike is 101db for comparison

3. The styling just matches the bike. The lines match the body perfectly AND expose most of that rear wheel. It also makes the bike look much more elegant and sporty. The stock muffler is so big it makes the bike look chunky.

This is probably the best sound recording of said exhaust on a 1200. The 1:45 mark he switches locations and you get a much better feel for the sound. I can almost promise you that you still don't hear the real sound, but its going to be close. A lot of the deeper tones are muted vs. reality, and after hearing a Two Brothers recording, vs what I know my bike sounds like, very different.