Honda VFR1200: Big tourer at home on road or track

Honda's VFR1200 will hit the legal limit before the need to hit second gear. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

Honda's VFR1200 has to be the answer to a question few people ask. For it's a sports tourer you could take to the race track.

But the qualities that'd make it very fast indeed on smooth tarmac with no speed limits somewhat compromise its everyday and touring abilities.

The 1237cc engine uses a V4 format that links it to the original, 1982 VFR750. Now there's a different cylinder layout with widely-spaced front cylinders and snug rears to impart a narrow waist and help centralise weight.

A new manual transmission uses a slipper clutch to prevent rear wheel lockup, and transmits power via shaft drive.

And there's plenty of power, though you'll break the speed limit before you hit its peak in first gear, 100km/h arriving at over 9000rpm with the 127kW max at 10,000.

That's more power than a 2.0-litre Subaru Impreza R Sport, delivered through a single wheel instead of four. Hubba hubba.

Better yet, once you get over 6000rpm that distinctive V4 growl begins to build, an open-throated clarion call to high-speed hoonery.

Shame it sounds like a sewing machine at low revs, but then it doesn't really come together then. Or on the tight bends and bumpy surfaces of a typical New Zealand back road, despite its very effective widely adjustable suspension and excellent brakes, the front and rears linked for better stability and backed up by ABS.

Oh, it'll putter along our open highways at 100 if you wish, but it's not at home there. It's happier at the sort of speeds that need a race track - or would get you arrested.

I'm afraid I'm not sold; it's neither the best big-engined sports bike nor the best tourer, not withstanding its cutting edge looks, that very efficient fairing, and those rather smart optional 35-litre panniers and 31-litre top box ($2343.30 and $2154.24 respectively).

Mind you I'm smaller than the average rider and though I liked getting my feet flat thanks to the narrow waist, I wasn't so happy with how top-heavy the fairly hefty VFR felt with a full tank.

A taller rider might have no such issue, and be more prepared to embrace the bike's sporting heart while ignoring the real-world compromises it demands.

Honda VFR1200
$29,645
We like
High tech good looks

We don't like
Neither a sports bike to approach its CBR sibling, nor a true tourer; high-speed promise useless at NZ limits

Powertrain
1237cc liquid-cooled unicam 76-degree V-4, six speed transmission, shaft drive

Performance
127kW at 10,000rpm and 129Nm at 8750rpm

Vital stats
2250mm long, 815mm seat height
267kg wet weight
18.5-litre fuel tank