ChassisThe VFR1200F rolling chassis centers on a four-piece aluminum twin-spar diamond configuration frame that is both lightweight and rigid.
The swingarm and driveshaft lengths are optimized without extending the overall length of the motorcycle through the use of another
clever and sophisticated touch: the output shaft is placed below the transmission countershaft to create a more compact engine and
allow for a longer swingarm without extending the total wheelbase--a move that enhances both handling and traction without resorting to
dimensions beyond the moderate 60.8-inch wheelbase.
Honda's distinctive single-sided Pro-Arm swingarm is placed within a wide-span frame swingarm pivot area for increased chassis
rigidity, and the swingarm pivot sits in an offset position above the driveshaft. This highly developed shaft drive system features a
drive shaft that passes below the swingarm pivot. This allows a wider swingarm pivot/frame mounting structure resulting in greater
strength and rigidity. A sliding constant velocity (CV) joint compensates for drive shaft length variations throughout the rear wheel's
arc of travel. Thanks to this new configuration and the rigidity of the pivot structure, the new shaft drive system enhances cornering
ability, high-speed handling and traction capability compared to prior-generation shaft drives.
The VFR1200F's single-sided Pro-Arm® swingarm system incorporates a single Pro-Link® gas-charged shock that includes a handy,
easy-to-alter remote spring preload adjuster, and the shock is also adjustable for rebound damping. The shock delivers 5.1 inches of
wheel travel, while up front the 43mm inverted cartridge fork delivers 4.7 inches of travel and also offers spring preload
adjustability. All together, this combination of adjustability in the suspension at both ends give the VFR1200F a broad range of
application, be it hard sport riding, more casual long-distance trips or two-up adventuring.
The VFR1200F also features sophisticated brake technology that complements its sporting abilities. Powerful new six-piston front
calipers act on large 320mm floating discs and the two-piston rear caliper works against a 276mm disc. Honda's Combined Braking System
(CBS) creates the optimal balance of front and rear braking forces. With this particular CBS setup, actuation of the front brake lever
activates all pistons in the right-side caliper, and four pistons on the left side; the other two pistons are actuated when the rear
brake is applied. However, to maintain equal braking force when the front brake is applied, those right-side pistons measure 25mm in
diameter while in the left caliper the pistons measure 27mm and 30mm in diameter. In this case, asymmetrical brake pistons equal
balanced braking loads--another bit of forward thinking that makes the VFR1200F so advanced. Also, the addition of a compact and
lightweight ABS supports both the motorcycle's exceptional sports riding potential and its long-distance proficiency.
A balance of positive and negative bodywork surfaces gives the VFR1200F a light, open look while also creating a profile that slices
through the wind with the least possible resistance. In addition to this modern, cutting-edge look comes a number of distinct benefits.
Closer inspection reveals that Honda's designers and engineers worked together to utilize this uniquely attractive shape to also
generate optimal airflow and maximize heat management. The fairing design incorporates two layers that harness flowing air to gain
several dynamic advantages. Air entering between the layers and through two oval-shaped spaces in the front of the fairing is channeled
to enhance the bike's handling at higher speeds and cool the engine, and air is also deflected around the rider's legs for a cooler,
more comfortable ride.
Engine cooling is optimized by effectively increasing the speed of the airflow before it reaches the radiators by channeling it through
tapered apertures. An additional vent in the side of the bodywork directs air downwards for engine cooling. And the hot, exhausted air
is channeled away from the rider for greater comfort. Further ducting and heat shielding technology channel heat away from the rider's
environment, thus improving comfort for both the rider and passenger.
For decades, Honda products have stood out among the crowd thanks to a distinctively high level of fit and finish, but the 2010
VFR1200F raises the stakes even higher than ever before in the arena of quality control. A high attention to detail and quality is
evident everywhere, but take special notice of where the front cowl and body are fused together, creating one smooth, unified,
aerodynamic surface. This incredibly tight and precise fit comes courtesy of a new generation of rectangular-shaped fasteners that
locate body panels within two dimensions for a fit that is tighter than would otherwise be possible with conventional fasteners. And of
course the very latest production technologies used at the new Kumamoto Plant in Japan where the VFR1200F is built contribute to the
bike's exceptional fit and finish. It's classic Honda attention to detail, but at its newest and finest.
Note also that new Honda technology is at work in the seat. Here you'll see shaping and forming details like never before, thanks to a
new process that literally bonds the seat cover (which has a special, tactile surface) to the seat foam. Net result: exquisite control
to shape every part of the seat for improved ergonomics as well as the ability to execute intricate patterns.
More attention to detail has been showered upon key components of the VFR1200F that interact with the rider's fingertips through new
premium control elements. Here Honda's engineers have developed next-generation switches and controls for the VFR1200F that return a
smoother and more precise feel when actuated; the tactile response feels more direct than ever before.
From the finest details to the grandest application of racetrack technology, the 2010 VFR1200F comes laden with innovation upon
innovation, a machine that once again changes the state of the motorcycling art. In each case, however, the target of these benefits
remains the same: The rider. The VFR1200F brings to motorcycling enthusiasts a unique blend of elegant sophistication and hard-core
sport performance never before offered to the riding public. Such a unique and lofty mission serves as the perfect target for the 2010
V-4 VFR1200F, a machine that traces its deep and rich V-4 heritage to a true revolution in sport bike design, and one that is bound to
repeat the sport-altering history of its famed forebears.