It's been a long time coming but at last Honda's 2010 VFR1200F sports tourer has arrived today. The inspiring new VFR1200F will be available at your local main Honda Motorcycle dealer from this weekend, with the additional benefits of a three-year warranty and increased servicing intervals.

It's been a long time coming but at last Honda's 2010 VFR1200F sports tourer has arrived today. The inspiring new VFR1200F will be available at your local main Honda Motorcycle dealer from this weekend, with the additional benefits of a three-year warranty and increased servicing intervals.

With its sleek lines and style, superlative finish, impressive V4 engine and excellent handling under almost all road conditions, Honda believes that the VFR1200F sets a new era in the development of motorcycles, just as its famous Fireblade did nearly 18 years ago.

Honda is known throughout the world for producing utterly-dependable machines. This bike's low-maintenance shaft-drive has allowed Honda to set the VFR1200F's servicing intervals at 8,000 miles, or annually, after the initial 600-mile 'running-in' service. This reduces ongoing maintenance and servicing costs. Hopefully you're not likely to need it but the VFR1200F also comes with three years AA roadside assist cover.

With average fuel consumption (combined) of 43.7mpg, the VFR1200F's lovely smooth 1,237cc V4 engine produces prodigious amounts of torque - 95lb-ft at 8,750rpm - with power peaking at 172hp at 10,000rpm. The torque curve starts at about 3,500rpm and continues right to the top of the rev limit.

As for the machine's overall quality of build, the Honda's paint finish is exemplary and wherever you look the standard of construction cannot be faulted.

What does it cost?

Honda's new VFR1200F isn't cheap, priced as it is at �11,475 (excluding current registration and road taxes of �121). However, it comes comprehensively equipped with an exceptionally easy-to-read dashboard, anti-lock brakes, a twin-layer fairing and robust luggage mounts.

As is usual with Honda there is a long list of optional extras that can be added. Honda also plans to introduce a dual clutch transmission as an option later available at extra cost.

How does it handle?

Despite featuring a vacuum-moulded cast aluminium chassis, the VFR weighs in at a claimed kerb weight of 276kg so it's not exactly light. However, you'd be hard pressed to notice the Honda's bulk as it actually feels lighter than most of its contemporaries while out on the road, with agile handling.

Yes, there may be quicker bikes in its sports tourer class but try riding these machines for more than two or three hours without a break! With the VFR1200F you can ride practically all day and still feel fresh but exhilarated at the end of a long journey.

Verdict

Honda's all-new VFR1200F is a fine sports tourer which you can ride quickly for quite some distance without tiring. There's a beautiful exhaust note which turns into a rasping snarl the higher up the rev range you go. OK, this Honda is not cheap but then, on balance, this is an excellent machine that's probably worth paying a premium for, particularly when you take into consideration Honda's reputation for reliability and the VFR's long service intervals.

The VFR1200F will be available at your local main Honda Motorcycle dealer from this weekend.

HONDA VFR1200F

PRICE: �11,475 (excluding current registration and road taxes of �121)

ENGINE: 1,237cc, 16v V4, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single overhead camshaft developing 160bhp

WEIGHT: 276kg

FUEL CAPACITY: 18.5 litres

WEBSITE: www.honda.co.uk/

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