jeremyr62

For UK dwellers, Timpsons can clone HISS keys. I had two keys cut from an Ebay supplier and I paid the extra for the transponder chip. As I mentioned above I couldn't program these to the bike, probably due to the ECU being flashed. My programming loom was fine as I used it to successfully program a a key for my NC750. Timpsons used their own transponder chip. Not dirt cheap, but I suspect a lot less than getting one from Honda and very convenient.

Thanks John. My bike had the exact same issue as yours. I suspect it is the ECU flashing that trips a flag to prevent further key programming. I am just guessing though, I have no proof. I have spare dumb keys now so if I have to, I will go down the cloning route.

Probably very old news but just in case it hasn't been posted before, I discovered a 6 point 46mm socket I had in my toolbox (from when I briefly owned a VFR800FiW) fits onto the preload adjuster knob, as long as you take the small plastic fairing off to give a bit more clearance. This makes freeing it up a lot easier when it has seized.

Put the battery from the 800 into the 1200 and see what happens? It does sound like the battery has had it.

I'll be trying to program some spare transponder keys soon. Did you ever work out why your bike was different? My bike may have been been reflashed too. I searched Youtube and found other examples of issues but these seemed to be related to incompatible transponder chips. None of the examples mirrored your HISS light staying off either. I assume the XHORSE clones the existing key so in theory you could have many cloned keys as you wanted.

To throw a spanner in the works when I bought my 2011 DCT it came with a Puig double bubble type screen. I am 6ft 3in. The buffeting was moderate but I am not seeking a windless ride. I have naked bikes too so I can put up with plenty of wind. I didn't like the look of the Puig and I prefer my bikes as standard as possible so I bought the OE screen. There's really not much difference IMO. If you want smooth air you'll need to lose height and buy a bike with an electric screen.

Don't know about over there but over here, Ebay is the first port of call for parts. Breakers use Ebay too. If the US is like Europe, The 1200 is not popular so demand for parts is not that high, yet. It may change as the VFR has received some decent press coverage recently in the UK as a very good value sports tourer, but I doubt it will ever be an in demand bike. The plastics should sell easily enough but you will just have to look at Ebay to see what the going rate is.

For info, I am the OP. I removed my driveshaft to grease the splines at either end. It's a relatively easy job. I did write it up and post it but not on this site. I can if anyone is interested. I did it because as an ex FJR owner we were all obsessed with driveshaft splines. The recall instructions give a Honda mechanic just over an hour to do a DCT. Took me a smidge longer than that but I can see how it could be done in that time.

I bought the bike. It doesn't have the stamp on the frame. Honda confirmed it had been done though, and lo and behold, there was even confirmation in the service history the PO gave me. The bike had it done in the UK before it was imported in 2017. The reg was KX11XOV before it was imported into Ireland.

They did get back to me. The bike I was interested in had no outstanding recalls. So I assume this means the drive shaft was replaced.

Nope, I wasn't mistaken. No response from Honda Ireland to the seller of the bike or the prospective buyer of the bike (me). Can't say I'm surprised.

Hoho. That ship sailed a few years ago. Still got yours I assume?

I rang Honda Ireland. Looks like I am mistaken. They said you just have to email technicalissues@hondaireland.ie with the VIN and they will get back to you if there are any outstanding recalls. Will see if that works.

I don't think there are any Honda Main dealers in Ireland. Just bikes shops with a tenuous link at best.

I agree but there are loads of unmodded bike out there. An example of why Ireland is different. I had a GSX-R750K7. I heard about the front master cylinder recall, not from Suzuki I may add. I had the bike from new. I managed to find out who was doing the recall locally. I took the bike to them, they said if I wanted it done free, I had to take it to Dublin at my expense. So Suzuki would only do it for free if you took it to their assigned dealer in Dublin. The fact that this was a problem with the front brake master cylinder didn't seem to faze them or make them think this might not be a good idea. I wasn't prepared to ride the bike (or trailer it at my own expense) 200km with a potentially defective master cylinder, so I had to cough up to get it done locally. Hence my rather jaundiced view of dealers here. His facebook page says he can. Low speed. low gear handling. I took the 2014 VFR to Provence onto roads I know and it was horrible.