MackerVFRR

Looking for HeliBars in decent shape for my 2010 VFR1200F. Need the manual (Non DCT) version. Would also be interested in a Spiegler/ LSL Handlebar Conversion. Please DM me if you can help me out. Thanks! -- Andrew

On a more specific note I can vouch for "Toby" as a steering Damper - I had one on my 2000 R6 back in the day. That R6 had a short wheelbase and was known for being a little skittish - especially in the head shake department. I picked up a Toby for next to nothing on eBay and what a difference it made. I've ridden all my sportbike with dampers since that day. That said, I don't run one on the 1200 either. While I would agree the bike doesn't necessarily "need" a Damper, nor does it "need" a pipe or "need" an Ecu Reflash - but that doesn't stop people from doing those things and improving their bikes. I have always enjoyed the front end stability and cornering confidence that goes along with that on all of my damper equipped bikes. So if you like that feeling as well then by all means go for it.

Just creeped your FB post and saw the windscreen - looks very much like what I'm looking for. Time to place an order. Thanks again Sir!

Good to know Sir! My next question is how dark is the dark smoke? Is it see through at all? I'm looking for that "Goldilocks" solution - I don't want it so dark I can't see through it, and not too light that I wonder why I even bothered...

I assume you guys are referring to double lane highways, because in my expeditions to the US anything more than 2 lanes becomes a free-for-all. Whatever lane can move marginally faster than the next becomes the one to pass on

Personally I noticed a difference with the OEM Deflector. It's not a night-and-day difference by any means, but I prefer it. Some great ideas and opinions - so have any of you guys mounted the OEM Deflector alongside your tinted/aftermarket screen? I'm curious about the fit and the appearance of the clear lip on top of a tinted shield ...

Has anybody tried this? I was considering the ZG SR Series Dark Smoke windscreen, which is advertised as having the same dimensions as stock. Has anybody run this screen or any other with the add-on deflector? The previous owner included the accessory and I gave it a whirl late last season and I kinda like it. What I don't like is all the dirt that's very visible that I can't seem to clean out very well out of those little windows behind the stock clear screen - plus I prefer the look of the smoke. Thoughts? It's on my "winter list" and I'm wondering whether or not to pull the trigger...

I own an RC, the 1200 and an ST - so by design my garage contains 3 levels of bar height. The stock VFR is the sweet spot IMO. The RC clip-ons are high compared with modern supersports, but still are not exactly touring level. The ST is designed for the long haul, but the position trades control for comfort. The VFR toes the line between the two and hits the sweet spot in comfort vs control. But bars are very subjective - we're all different shapes and sizes and have different strengths, weaknesses and medical conditions. As a Physical Therapist this is where I'll plug building leg and core strength to improve riding comfort. Ridden properly, clip-on height should (almost) be negligible as your legs and core do the work, not just your back and wrists. When you're only using your back and wrists it's like lifting a couch with a buddy, but he doesn't carry his weight. The job is meant to be done by multiple muscle groups and it's no small wonder wrists and back get sore - just like you would carrying that couch alone. Only other thing I'd add is to make sure you ride the bike for a bit to really take it in. I had a lot of vibration issues when I first bought the bike and was preparing to throw lots of money at a solution. With time and miles under my belt my issues have almost completely resolved on their own (acclimatization?) and with money in my pocket. Welcome to the enlightened 7th Gen Fraternity

Thank You Sir! I sold my '03 VFR800 in preparation for the 1200, so we are walking similar paths. No regrets on the switch - it's a better bike in almost every way, plus I haven't seen a single one around my area in the 7 years this bike has been around - so I also get to be unexpectedly rare/unique. Any version of the RC51 is money. The black looks sharp too - I just have a personal preference against black motorcycles for safety/visibility reasons. That said I have been SERIOUSLY tempted of late by the 2012 R1 50th Anniversary. RC51 character/sound with modern looks, more power, better tech, lighter, and more parts/accessories availability. Plus that vintage racing paint scheme is gorgeous. And while the '51 is quasi rare only 2000 of the R1 were produced - and I'm sure a few have been binned by now. Along with the 1200 it would make for a rare garage around my parts.

^^I thank you kind sir - that was the idea - I grew up on inline 4 supersports and went in search of something different, and being a "Honda Guy" the Honda V's have been very rewarding. Honda is king of the V4 (and would continue to be if they weren't just rolling over for Aprilia) IMO they should abandon the inline 4 platform in their top tier sportbikes and make a name for themselves with the unique engine configuration and sound of the V4 - like Ducati have with their L-Twin, or Yamaha have done successfully with the Crossplane. The RC211V and it's successors are perfect proof of great sound and incredible performance. But I digress. In my humble opinion you would have fun at the twisties with the ST. I have surprised myself with the enjoyment I've eeked out of that machine in the corners - as long as your expectations are realistic and you don't ride it back to back with a supersport I think you'd be very satisfied with the handling. Once you get the thing moving it corners quite easily and I can carry a decent amount of lean angle. I must admit I don't ride it that way often though. Better for long distances at high speeds in serene comfort. I have other tools in the toolbox for that sort of thing. You mentioned the Concours 1400, and truth be told, the best of that era was probably the Connie. Personally I can't bring myself to buy a Kawi, but I'll admit the 1400 seems like a tremendous machine.

I own a VFR1200 and an ST1300 and really enjoy them both. I wanted something to do longer rides on, and expand my motorcycling horizons - and the ST is perfect for that task. I've ridden that thing multiple times for over 3hrs without so much as a 5 min break - I wouldn't dream of it on the VFR. You can pile the miles on these things; Smooth, comfortable and with a huge range. It's not what I'd call an exciting bike though. People talk about the 1200 being heavy - they obviously havent ridden the ST. It's also very quiet and sounds like the Jetsons car. I don't think I would own it as my sole machine - I haven't ridden one but I hear the FJR is a bit more exciting. That being said - when you're piling on the miles you don't want a loud droning exhaust note or other motorcycle attributes that give a bike "character" adding to your fatigue. Once it's moving though it's a great motorcycle - it's no supersport, but it can still corner pretty aggressively. It's also sneaky fast - I found myself driving 30-40km/h faster than I thought I was, because the big V4 makes power so smoothly and effortlessly. What opinions are "VERY" divided? In my research the ST received nearly universal praise aside from the knock that it isn't as exciting as some machines - but a lot of Honda's get accused of that because they're so well engineered they often don't provide enough "drama" for some riders

Thanks for the reply gentlemen! You can never have too many riding contacts. I have no experience with the cannonball runs whatsoever - but they sound like a decent time

I absolutely loved the ownership of my '06 RR, but I too looked to revamp the stable and added a VFR800 which started my love affair with the VFR. My first ride I thought it was heavy and slow (after spending my entire career on supersports) but damn was it comfortable by comparison, and who knew luggage could be so useful, or that riding below 10'000rpm could actually be fun. The VFR is the ultimate "Street Sport" bike - and I took the plunge on a 1200 earlier this season as it seemed like an incredibly well engineered machine, and a natural upgrade to a machine I loved. I am very pleased with my purchase - I've owned 8 bikes in my 13 years riding and this is by far my favorite. In my research the only issue I came across was that sometimes the rear preload adjuster can seize if not used on a regularly basis, combined with being exposed to the elements. Also aside from being slippery the seat material is prone to premature rips and tears, especially around the edges of the seat pan. My example was very low mileage and still had small underside seat tears despite. Other than that you have the chance to own a motorcycle that is a very versatile and rewarding riding experience, combined with relatively exclusivity, as the bike never really caught on in the North American market due to high price, unrealistic expectations, economic downturn etc

I was all set to reply to this, as I too went through some part # confusion with my Canadian dealer over the pannier tumbler set, when I saw that this is a stale 4 year old thread. I think you may have missed the date on this one DangerousDave