Honda continues to squeeze the new-model toothpaste tube, formally introducing five more members of its 2012 lineup for the U.S. We already know about the Gold Wing and updates to the CBRs, but here’s the deal on a quintet of models we had not yet heard about.
New matte-gray paint highlights the 2012 CB1000R naked bike, which will return to dealers in March 2012 otherwise unchanged. After a successful launch last year, the surprisingly popular CBR250R returns in February bearing three color schemes—black, red/white/blue and red/silver. The irrepressible Ruckus likewise gets new paint, a red/white scheme. And the Silver Wing big scooter whirrs into 2012 unchanged. Both scooters will hit showrooms in February.
Moving on. Good news for sport-touring enthusiasts is that Honda has returned the tech-laden VFR1200F to the line for 2012 after a year’s hiatus. And it doesn’t just sneak in but instead roars up to the curb with standard traction control for the burly 1237cc V-Four. It might actually need TC, thanks to a boost in low-rpm power compared with the 2010 model. Honda claims an unspecified amount of extra torque arrives between 2000 and 4000 rpm. At the same time, the company says the VFR’s fuel economy has improved. Sounds like the computer guys have been working overtime.
While a traditional manual six-speed remains available, Honda took the year off to refine the dual-clutch automatic manual trans (DCT). Refinement in Honda’s parlance means “revised software to make it more user-friendly. [The new] software takes note of the way you ride and then optimizes the shift points.” Two automatic drive modes remain—a sedate D mode and a sportier S mode—as does the finger-operated manual mode. Linked brakes with ABS are standard on both shift-it-yourself and lazy-boy versions.
Honda apparently listened to customer comments about limited range because the VFR’s fuel tank is marginally larger—5.0 gallons instead of 4.9—a tiny but nonetheless useful addition to the increased Ms per G claimed for the big Viffer. A new trip computer displays current and average mpg as well as a miles-to-empty estimate—a good confidence builder for stretching fill-ups. To make those longer rides more comfortable, the 2012 bike has a revised seat. “It features a flat and expansive seating area, with the space to adopt a range of different seating positions,” so says Honda. It’s also 0.2 inches closer to the ground. Candy Blue replaces Candy Red. For the swoopy bodywork, that is. The seat’s still black.
Honda has not yet released list prices for these models or has said when the VFR will get to dealers.
