There are thousands of different motorcycles made every year; there are hundreds of different dirt bikes, road bikes, adventure bikes and cruiser bikes.And there are dozens of different brands and types of sports/touring bikes. But, when it comes right down to it, the one bike that has consistently been the most popular in the last category has been Honda’s VFR range. As an unashamed VFR fanatic, I am always attracted to any news items that involve or concern my favourite bike so, imagine my utter surprise this morning when I logged on to Facebook and saw a news item that said “Honda releases new VFR800 for 2014” “What?” I thought, “This can’t be for real.”
Despite being a bit “out of the loop” at the moment, I am still keeping a close enough eye on the market to have a fair idea of what it is doing, but this story just came right out of left field. When Honda finally decided to replace the aging VFR, three years ago, we were subjected to months and months of rumours, spy photos and speculation before the 1200 was finally released in October 2010. Anticipation turned quickly to horror, though, when we realised what a total cock-up Honda had made of replacing its beloved V4 flag ship. Overweight, under-tanked, over complicated, grossly over priced and ugly, the VFR1200F was a dog’s breakfast that deserved to sink like a stone and that is exactly what has happened. Latest news suggests that the 1200 is being withdrawn from sale with some dealers still holding stock on their floors that have been there for over three years. It came as no surprise to discover that the 800 was kept on as a catalogue model and that it has continued to sell despite it having been “officially” superseded.
The bottom line? Honda just didn’t listen to its constituency. Like when the buffoon who ran Ford in Australia all those years ago and who told us that we would eventually love the AU Falcon because Ford knew what was best for us, Honda thought that they could impose their solution on their buyers and that we would come around to their way of thinking and see the 1200 and the logical successor to the beloved VFR. Well, guess what? We didn’t. Buyers deserted Honda dealerships in droves as Honda’s mis-reading of the market drove them into the arms of Triumph and BMW.
But this morning, stunning news. Honda has re-invented the VFR800! In total secrecy and without any rumours or speculation, Honda dropped the news at the EICMA at Milan Motor Show this morning and took us all by complete surprise. And it all looks pretty much exactly what we were asking for all along. No 1000cc engine which is a bit of a disappointment, but a 10kg drop in overall weight will probably compensate adequately. Better suspension, radial brakes, traction control, ABS, heated grips as standard, adjustable seat and handlebar height, new electronics, brand new body design, no more hokey under-seat mufflers and suddenly they are back in the game.
You can read the whole story here, pictures and all. Am I excited? Hell, yes!
Am I dying to ride one? Hell, yes, again.