Motoring First Ride: Honda VFR1200F GT DCT
By James Baggott
Take a quick glance at the handlebars of this Honda VFR1200F and you can tell something is missing – but it often takes a while to work out exactly what. Even hard-nosed biker friends will struggle to spot that what this sports tourer is lacking is a clutch lever. You see, this is Honda’s DCT automatic model, a sort of giant, grown-up twist and go scooter that’s not nearly as horrifying to ride as it might sound. Most bikers will find the idea of losing control of the gears and letting a computer do the shifting for them a cardinal sin – and I’ll happily admit I was one of them – but then I learned to live with the Honda, and you know what: I think most riders will find it hard to go back to a ‘normal’ bike again. Hop on board the Honda and you’ll find the semi-automatic transmission doesn’t feel as far removed from a standard gearbox after all. The rider selects drive at the push of a button on the handlebars and that familiar ‘clonk’ of a bike’s gear being engaged is still apparent.
However, pulling away requires no slipping of the clutch or fumbling with your feet – you simply let the bike take care of swapping cogs and concentrate on riding. If you’re feeling lively, you can do it yourself by prodding up and down buttons on the handlebars – but chances are you probably won’t.
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That paragraph won’t convince many bikers to change to a DCT any time soon, but I can assure you as a devout gear shifter I’ve quickly learned to love it like I never expected I would. It’s really that good.
In fact, the VFR1200F has won me over in more ways than one. It helps that it’s got a glorious engine. The liquid cooled V4 lump produces 173bhp and is good for 165mph. It sounds wonderful and as the revs increase your helmet is filled with an intoxicating warble. You’ll find it quite addictive.
On the road it feels stable and solid to ride. The confidence it inspires in the corners right from the off makes it an easy bike to get on with, and one you’ll want to use whatever the weather. Rarely do you ride a bike that feels as stable in the wet as it does in the dry, but this Honda certainly does. The VFR is practical too. Our test model features luggage that comes as standard on the GT model, which consists of a top box and panniers (£725 optional extra on other models). These are easy to operate with the ignition key and fit everything you’ll need for a weekend away, or will cope admirably with an ad-hoc trip to the supermarket. The heated grips (costing £250 usually but standard on this GT) are a welcome addition too. They warm up quickly and lightly toast your fingers on colder morning rides.
The usual excellent Honda build quality is very much apparent. The fit and finish of the switchgear is beautiful and certainly feels like it justifies the £14,599 price tag. The shaft drive is an added bonus – it’s refined and convenient, reducing on cleaning rituals (especially with those classy white wheels) and cuts down on the need for maintenance.
There’s a lot to love about the VFR1200F. Once you get over the initial shock of not having to grab a clutch – and believe me you’ll go for it more than once before you remember it’s not there – then the VFR really is easy to fall for. Practical, comfortable, incredibly swift and great fun – it’s very close to being the perfect all-rounder you’ve always promised yourself.
The Knowledge
Model: Honda VFR1200F GT DCT
Price: £14,599 Engine: 1,237cc, V4 Power: 173bhp, 128Nm Top Speed: 165mph MPG: 42mpg
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