India's Best Import Superbike

Smooth, sweet and sensual is how the V4 burble of the new Honda VFR1200 sounds at idle. According to Honda, this is just the beginning of an all-new V4 dynasty that will expand in the coming years. Honda's DCT system is the world's first fully automatic motorcycle dual-clutch transmission built for large-displacement sport bikes. While the technology has been around for quite sometime on sportscars, it has now successfully filtered down to motorcycles with Honda's latest innovation. 

The DCT-equipped VFR1200F is available as an option and it comes without the shift or clutch levers. Honda's DCT mechanism features two auto modes - D-mode (Drive) and the S-mode (Sport). The D-Mode is a fully automatic system while the Sport mode offers further two settings. In the Sport AT-Mode, the DCT will shift gears just short of the redline when the throttle is pinned to stop, while in the Sport-MT, the rider can initiate the shifts with the paddle-shifters on the left-hand side of the handlebar. The new Honda VFR1200F does the job of delivering power in a friendlier and accessible manner, exceedingly well. The powerplant can deliver superbike-like performance yet posses the capability for relaxed long distance touring as well as play the role of your daily commuter with equal efficiency. In the Candy Prominence Red paint scheme, the VFR1200F looks very elegant and while some might find the large fairing slightly bland for their taste, in flesh the VFR1200F looks stunning as the contours highlight all the aerodynamic curves designed to shield the rider from wind-blasts.

Quick Facts

Engine: 1,237cc Liquid cooled V4

Power: 172PS@ 10,000rpm

Torque: 129Nm @ 7,250rpm

Transmission: 6-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 1,545 mm

LxWxH: 2250 x 755 x 1220 mm

Weight: 267kg

Performance

0-100 km/h: NA

Top speed: NA

0-400 metres: NA

Variants

VFR1200F (Ex-showroom, New Delhi): 17.50 lakh

Cheers:

1. The Dual Clutch Transmission opens up a new comfort zone for the enthusiasts

2. The VFR has excellent handling dynamics mixed with a very torquey V4 motor

Sneers:

1. The 267kg weight of the bike makes it difficult to handle in tight parking spots

2. With just 18.5 litres of fuel tank capacity, one has to take frequent stops for refueling

1st Runner Up

Honda CB1000R

Certainly the most practical and sensible choice of wheels to choose from the Indian superbike bazaar that is ideal for our road conditions without compromising on the fun- factor. Extremely comfy riding posture, cushy saddle, flat bars and a very potent 1000cc powerplant, the CB1000R is everything for everyone. The styling on this bloke makes it a complete head-turner while the solid grunt from the motor means one doesn’t have to keep dancing on the gear lever.

Other Rivals

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Ducati Hyper Motard

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Ducati Sport Classic

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Ducati Street Fighter

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Ducati 848

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Ducati 1198

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Ducati 1198S

And the 1198S takes the awesomeness to a newer level with more power and high-tech components

Honda CBR1000RR

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Suzuki Hayabusa

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Suzuki Intruder

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Suzuki Bandit 1250S

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Suzuki GSXR1000

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Yamaha YZF-R1

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Yamaha MT-01

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Yamaha VMAX

Straight-line bruiser known to rip apart drag strips around the world and chew and spit out tyres, this one ain’t for the faint-hearted!