Excerpt from: Happenings
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| August 18, 2009 | | Photos have been leaked, bike coming soon | Once everyone's choice for the best all around motorcycle, the VFR never really got back to its sweet spot.
Honda showed a radical front end to the world, leaked rumors of a 5 cylinder bike, which apparently was scrapped or too difficult to manufacture, and now finally is releasing details on a 2010 model that will be released in 2009.
The look is a significant upgrade from what we are used to. Some details, like the exhaust, will take serious getting used to.
The bike will run on two cylinders as sort of a parallel twin 600, to save fuel when not wicking it up. The other two cylinders will kick in when needed. Personally, I have never been a fan of these systems. It is difficult to get a smooth transition, and there seem to be a lot of fussy problems associated with this path.
Shaft drive is a nice feature, if you don't like dealing with grease and maintenance on a chain. Personally, I prefer shaft drive for the most part, on a bike that has touring capability.
The big news, for me, is that the bike is supposed to have the new C-ABS brakes. This is a major plus.
Let's face it, power in a 1200 cc motorcycle is not a difficult deal any more. Using that power is difficult, even for experienced riders. Making time on the road requires great handling and great brakes.
A confidence inspiring braking system, particularly if the confidence is justified, will make a lot of riders happy with this motorcycle. I am anxiously awaiting the first road tests, and will be interested in seeinf one of these bikes in the flesh.
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