Honda VFR1200F breaks cover

The much-anticipated VFR1200F V-four sportstourer has been officially released by Honda - and the overwhelming interest has nearly been enough to push the bike's website into meltdown.

But we pushed on and, as you can imagine, there's a lot to talk about on the all-new shaft-driven machine. Here are some of the major highlights:

-    It's a 76-degree liquid-cooled V-four, measuring 1237cc (81mm x 60mm bore and stroke
-    The compression ratio is 12.0:1, and it utilises the UNICAM single overhead camshaft design from the CRF motocrossers.
-    There's a Symmetrically Coupled Phase-shift Crankshaft (S.C.P.C.) with a mere a 28-degree crankpin offset. So, no counterbalancer required.
-    Fuel duties are handled by throttle-by-wire technology, and a slipper clutch is fitted, similar to the one on the CBR1000RR Fireblade.
-    There are four 44mm throttle bodies, each with a single 12-hole injector spraying fuel.
-    Maximum claimed power is 171hp at 10,000rpm, and 129Nm at 8750rpm.
-    Transmission is either a standard six-speed unit with slipper clutch on the base model, or Honda's all-new automated-manual dual-clutch set-up.
-    The bike is cushioned by a 43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload, and a Pro Arm® single-sided swingarm with preload and rebound adjustment.
-    The engine is claimed to produce more than 80 percent of its maximum torque (115.3Nm at 8500rpm) at 3000rpm.
-    Spent gases are emitted via an asymmetrical-length exhaust system between the front and rear cylinders, said to "boost power production and enhance power feel." The muffler looks cool.
-    Seat height is 815mm, ground clearance 130mm, and kerb weight (ready to ride is 267kg) for the base model.
-    Colours are Candy Prominence Red, Seal Silver Metallic and Pearl Sunbeam White
-    It has an aluminum twin-spare frame
-    Multi-spoke (five on the front, seven on  the rear) die-cast aluminium wheels with Dunlop rubber.

The VFR1200F will be available in Australia by the first quarter of next year, with pricing to be announced.

It will make its public debut in Tokyo on October 24.

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