AllAboutBikes.com Staff Writer
The 2010 Honda VFR 1200F is carrying on the legacy of the well-known and loved interceptor. Although Honda claims that the VFR1200 is all new, the spirit of the interceptor lives in the VFR1200 by virtue of performance and comfort.
The most notable aspect of the VFR is the light weight, liquid-cooled 76-degree 1237cc V4 engine. The camshaft configuration allows for a narrow seat for the rider to straddle. The cylinders facing the rear of the motorcycle are positioned on the inside of the crankshaft and the cylinders facing the front of the motorcycle are positioned on the outside of the crankshaft. A single-overhead camshaft called a “Unicam” minimizes the amount of rotating mass in the valve train by working the intake valves directly with the camshaft and the exhaust valves with rockers.
The VFR is available in a dual-clutch version with manual mode and automatic mode operated by paddle-style shifters. The dual-clutch design uses two clutches that engage at opposing times for seamless shifts.
The power travels to the rear wheel by means of a driveshaft with an offset pivot point and sliding constant-velocity joint, giving high-mileage riders a hassle-free experience. A single-sided swing arm with just over 5 inches of travel and rebound dampening adjustability helps this bike handle the bumps.
Fly-by-wire technology will open up the flood gates for fuel to start the combustion process on the first production bike with fly-by-wire throttle control.
