Hey guys, I’ve been meaning to share my experience with the Honda VFR1200R, and today’s the day. It all started when I decided to get into the used motorcycle market.
First things first, I had to figure out what I really wanted. I mean, there are tons of bikes out there, right? I spent a good chunk of time just researching different models and what they were known for. You wouldn’t believe how many forums and reviews I sifted through. I even found some interesting stuff about the older VFR800s and the RC30. Turns out, the RC30 was like a special edition made for racing. Who knew?
Initial Research
- Read tons of reviews.
- Scoured online forums for owner experiences.
- Learned about the history of the VFR series, like the RC30.
After that, I narrowed it down to the VFR1200, but there were still choices to make. There’s the 2010 model and the 2012 one. From what I gathered, the 2012 model had some decent improvements. Oh, and people online kept talking about this ECU upgrade and a new exhaust. Sounded like something I should look into later on. Also, I remembered reading something about knowing everything you can about the bike before you even go see it. So, I made sure I was prepared.
Focusing on the VFR1200
- Compared 2010 and 2012 models.
- Noted the recommended ECU upgrade and exhaust.
- Prepared myself with all the knowledge I could find.
Next, I started looking at listings. I had to check the title records, of course. That’s like, rule number one when buying used, right? I also needed to check for any signs of wear and tear, and any recalls that might have been issued. It’s a lot of work, but you gotta do it. I saw a few that looked promising, and scheduled some visits to check them out in person.
Checking Out Listings
- Verified title records.
- Inspected for wear and tear, and any damages.
- Checked for any factory recalls.
Finally, the day came when I found the one. It was a beauty. But before I pulled the trigger, I made sure to give it a thorough test ride. Ran it in different modes, checked the fuel consumption. About 11.5 liters for 110 miles in ‘D’ mode. Not bad, I guess. This part was super important to me, so I really took my time with it.
After all that, I finally bought it! And let me tell you, it’s been a great ride so far. Sure, the VFR1200 was discontinued back in 2017, but it’s still a solid machine. It’s not perfect, but if you can find a good one, it’s definitely worth it. It’s a great all-around bike, and I even took it on a long trip already. It handled it like a champ! Of course, this was just my experience, but hopefully, it’ll be useful for some of you thinking about getting a used VFR1200R.
There’s definitely more that could be done like that ECU upgrade and probably a new exhaust. But right now, I’m just enjoying the ride. Maybe I’ll post an update once I get around to those modifications. Anyway, that’s my story. Ride safe, everyone!
