Comments on: Honda VFR1200F DCT, the ride and review

By: Bill Gannon

Bill Gannon — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:21:30 +0000

I have the DCT model, and it is awesome, I can’t stop riding the darn thing. So much more fun, much easier to get in and out of traffic with, feels stable at 90 mph, turns great, comfortable seat, lots of power anywhere in the rpm range.

A few negatives: Non-cancelling turn signals
Handle bars about 2″ too low for my height 6′ 2″
No accessories curently available including bags
Not enough instrumentation

D mode is just fine around town
S mode is great for twisties, but holds the lower gears too long around town, definitely a Sport mode
Manual is plain awesome

Silky smooth transmission, I know most are “automatic doubters”…my advice convince your dealer to get one and demo it….you will BUY it

By: Todd

Todd — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 05:17:28 +0000

I agree the ride was a little disappointing, wishing we could have ridden a much more spirited pace and gone a lot further, but hey, we got to go to Santa Barbara all expenses paid, right?!? It was nice meeting you and I enjoyed the write up…

todd

By: mrs road captain

mrs road captain — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 03:21:33 +0000

I can’t say that I’ve ever ridden a sport bike, but I can’t imagine that the riding position is comfortable at all. I do however know exactly what you mean about the clutch position. Hubby’s Low Rider has its clutch set so the sweet spot is very far out. the few times I pull his bike out of the garage for him it’s like I have to finesse the friction zone with my fingertips…not exactly a feeling of control! I much prefer the setting of my clutch – way in tight where I can get full use of what little strength I have in my petite hand. It is one of few major differences between our bikes which are otherwise practically siblings.

We have been contacted by H-D to attend a media event, but I can only hope that our blog one day gets the recognition that you have in the motorcycle industry. It would be totally awesome to have teh opportunity to participate in something like this! Can’t wait to hear about SOA!!!

By: Lizzie

Lizzie — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:48:09 +0000

Brad, Honda seems pretty hot and heavy about this technology so I wouldn’t be surprised if we’d see this on more and more of their bikes in the future. The Goldwing is already a rolling sofa, so why not add the DCT to it!

Janet: I was contacted by someone in Honda’s marketing dept. They used to the web to find everyone in the consumer group through web forums, Facebook and blogs. Honda did a fantastic job making everyone feel special and appreciated.

By: Janet/Corn Dog

Janet/Corn Dog — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:13:03 +0000

Liz, I’m curious how you came upon this opportunity – what a blast!

What I find really interesting here is your analysis using the automatic shifting mode – how your shifting would have differed from what the computer decided to do.

And a couple other quick comments – full-face helmet: YUCK!! And leaned-forward riding position – double YUCK! LOL If they are going to make bikes like this they need to put “boob grooves” in the tank so us busty chicks have a place for “the girls” to ride without smooshing!

GREAT write-up, thanks for sharing your trip!

By: Brad

Brad — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:03:46 +0000

There are times when I would love to have automatic on my Ultra Classic. In stop and go traffic for example. The concept is interesting and the paddle system is intriging but I just can’t fathom it without see the bike first hand. Does make you wonder when they will be dropping something like this on a Goldwing.