General Interest

New Honda VFR 1200 V4 Official Launch

Honda have just officially launched the VFR 1200 V4, so pop along to their UK website for all the gen:-

Check out the latest Asphalt & Rubber review.

New Honda VFR 1200 V4 Pre-Launch Details

This image of the long awaited Honda VFR 1200 V4 was mocked up by Vanjey Design earlier this year.  The latest spy shots of Honda's road test design (in both Italy and California), confirmed by Honda to be due for launch later this year (2009) and for sale early 2010, seem to support this 'well informed'  image.  It appears that only minor detailing is adrift of actuality, such as the styling of the exhaust can, although its position and layout are correct.

We strongly suggest that you click on the above image and check out the extensive information given on the Asphalt & Rubber web site, in particular watch the videos and inspect the images explaining the operation of a motorcycle first on this model:  Dual-Clutch Transmission operation - fascinating and a must-have.  There's also description of Honda's Cylinder Management System that alters the number of cylinders in use according to power requirements and the 'Unicam' replacement for the conventional DOHC arrangement, all part of their highly successful weight saving regime.  This all results in an engine block considerably smaller than a conventional inline DOHC four.  It also appears to be shaft drive.

  To quote from Asphalt & Rubber's website; 'As Honda continues to dribble out all the details on the VFR1200, more information about the V4 motor is starting to surface, and it is shaping up to be one of the most technologically advanced power plants in the motorcycle world'.

Although Honda are at pains to make clear that they do not see this new machine as a replacement for the Blackbird and the smaller capacity VFR, on the contrary a whole new philosophy and way forward for the company, it will certainly be regarded as such by those Blackbird and VFR devotees who have so long awaited a replacement.  Maybe a bit late perhaps, given the loss of faithful Blackbird owners to the Kawasaki ZZR1400, but it does look as though this ground-breaking new Honda will be set to win them back and gain even more satisfied customers.

It may not be a case of 'The Blackbird is dead, long live the Blackbird', but it sure does look as though there's a worthy successor.  Of course, the proof will be in the riding, so we'll look forward to this opportunity sometime in 2010.

And if it's to be believed, an Italian spy shot of the actual test bike (click on the images for more) .....

Compare this with those snapped in California .....

Lensman's 1,000 Mile Charity Endurance Run

If you didn't know, I'm going to be doing a 1,000 mile motorcycle endurance ride in June of this year, which must be covered in 24 hours.  It will see me doing a circular route from York up to Wick in Scotland and back again.  So far a total of 102 riders have signed up and, if enough finish, we could also set a new World Record. I'm raising money for the British Legion and the Poppy Appeal 2009, and would be extremely grateful if you could spare a minute to have a look at my sponsorship page (just click on the image to the left). If you know anybody in your address book that you think would like to sponsor me then please forward the link onto them as well. I appreciate that with the recession people may not appreciate sponsor forms being thrust upon them, so this will be the one and only time I'll be asking. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Paul

Read Paul's report on his successful Iron Butt run - just click on his image below:

We extend our sincere congratulations to Paul for his impressive achievement - BIG RESPECT TO THAT MAN.

Ferret's Biking Videos

Stuey's 2008 South of France Twisties Video	Punchy's 2007 TT Centenary Video	Geoff's video of his run over Arthur's Pass, South Island, New Zealand
Part 1 of a very long series of wonderful bends shot by Stu on his and Lainey's trip to Southern France.	Last year's holiday was to the TT for the centenary.  First time I've been to the Isle of Man on the bike, the last visit I made was back in the 60's.  The first run over the mountain was filmed from my mate's Triumph Tiger 1050, I'm right up his chuff on the Ace!!!	Ace video - ace road - ace riding

Other items of general interest will be added in due course.

Page Updated

10/10/2009 01:22