Motorcyclist

2010 Honda VFR1200F - MR. Sophisticated

Honda builds an automatic for the sportbike people
Nothing offends hardcore sport riders more than automatic transmissions. They see something sacred in manipulating clutch and shift levers in perfect synchronicity, demonstrating their mastery over a high-performance machine. At the same time, MotoGP and Superbike racers-the best riders in the world-use quick-shifters to circumvent their clutches, while Formula 1 drivers employ paddle-shifters to the same effect. Clearly, automatic shifting is not just for scooters.

They say: "For experienced hands who ride hard, ride far and ride often."
We say: "The Dual Clutch Transmission is an all-new experience for your left hand."

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Jamie

Honda, Guzzi, both in the early 70's (if memory serves) and, more recently, Aprilia (the "Shiver"?) and Yamaha with an XJ1300 derivative (maybe only for the European market?) have launched automatic models. In most cases, the world-wide trade press has been impressed and has reported or even raved accordingly...

In ALL cases, the buying public, by and large, has REJECTED such ill-advised products.

The same will undoubtedly happen to Honda's new "hippopotamus".

Jamie

Speedtrip

Not a pretty bike and down right porky at 600 lbs. The automatic tranny adds 16 pounds over the standard. I believe you can still buy a FJR1300 with an automatic shift and the Aprilia is the Mana. Cool thing about the Mana is a storage compartment where the fuel tank usually sits that will hold a full face helmet.

The 1200 VFR is aimed at the BMW uber sport tourers and cost about the same. Not sure when they hit the dealers but would like to lay eyes on one in the flesh.

motowebmaster

I heard some good feedback from onlookers at the Dallas IMS, but agree that it will take a reality check before final judgment is made.

The price is a barrier, but if the economy doesn't improve that issue will likely change.

Jamie

Oooops! You're right: the Aprilia is the Mana and the Yam is the FJR1300-A. Both gathering dust in dealer showrooms.

Honda had actually two automatic bastards in the mid seventies: the CB 750 AT and the CB T 400 AT. Both commercial flops throughout the world, except for a few police-related fleet deals here and there

Jamie.

motowebmaster

We may not see the automatic version initially, which is fine with me. At this point I'd be happy with just the opportunity to sit on one.

This is starting to feel like the Daytona675 when it was rolled out

The Prophet

As far as automatic transmissions are concerned...

To each his own.

Personally, I have never owned an Automatic Trans car as my own daily driver. Yes, the wife and kids have had many, but I've always had a manual shift car since the good old MGB days of high school back in the 60's. I have always enjoyed the freedom to shift to whatever gear I chose, and the perhaps placebo effect of "controlling" the car on my own.

To this very day, whenever I drive my wife's SUV, I instictively try to step on the clutch and shift whilst driving, which drives her nuts (which is probably why I do it!).

This translates to bikes for me as well. Can't say I've ever tried an automatic bike, although yes, I rode a Lambretta Motor Scooter (a 1959 if memory serves) once, and recall it very vaguely.

Seems like it would take a lot of the fun and challenge out of it - gear selection approaching various radius corners, shifting through the gears on a nice, open country road, downshifting to a quick stop...

Take that away and doesn't the "fun factor" significantly diminish?

I read the article in Motorcyclist Magazine, and I need to say that I don't buy at all into the obtuse comparison with MotoGP, Formula 1, Drag Racing, etc. Not a very well thought out comparison. Should we all get racing slicks and street ride while knee puck scraping at 200 MPH as well? Apples for apples please.

On the other hand, it would open up a whole new entry point for many, many new riders, who otherwise would balk at the need to learn to shift. That said, maybe I could finally get my wife to try riding, as this gear shifting dilemna has been a major "no" vote getter from her. It could also possibly open up opportunities for handicapped folks.

Like most "new-tech" things, I'd look for the technology to become established, then the costs to the consumer will level out in a few years and become affordable to the masses.

Ride Safe (while shifting)!

Bob

__________________

• A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu
• Motorcyles are not my whole life, but they make my life whole. ` me

motowebmaster

Why Ford and GM build new Mustangs and Camaros with automatic transmissions is beyond my comprehension. Since our new administration is into fixing things, they should require that all sports cars be built with manual shifters

My Camaro wasn't a powerhouse vehicle, but had a smooth shifter. The MustangGT that came after was an intense vehicle with plenty of power, just chewed up it's drivetrain

Could we imagine some moments where an automatic would allow us to better enjoy the ride, certainly! What we're not sure of is if we would notice it during a VFR1200F test ride; if dealers offer up demo bikes at all.

On the other hand, all-day riding comfort is over-rated.

__________________
Shawn
My Photos

Jamie

Road comparo in the current issue of french Moto Journal weekly (hope I am not infringing on their copyrights):

Honda brand new VFR 1200 vs BMW K1300S vs Kawa ZZR 1400 ABS.

The LOSER is the Honda (the BMW is 1st) deemed "disappointing", "too heavy" and "devoid of charm".

Ironically enough, the report reads somewhat apologetic about its own conclusion.

Jamie

motowebmaster

Can you post a link to the article?