While at the Americade Motorcycle rally I was able to get on a VFR1200 for a test ride. I had no intentions of trying the Dual clutch model, but after talking with one of the nice ladies that was working the demo tent, she convinced me to try out the dual clutch model just to appreciate the technology if nothing else. I figured that the bike would handle the same either way, so why not. Now I have ridden the FJR1300 electric shift (
YUCK) and the Can-Am Spider Electric shift (eh...), so I didn't have super high hopes, but I was sweeetly surprized!
The transmission is modeled after Formula One cars where, while you are in one gear, the next gear is being held ready to go by the second clutch. All you need to do is hit a button and you have switched gears. Super quick, super slick. There was no 10 second lag between gears (FJR). There was no annoying blip of the throttle every time that you down shifted (Spider). AND, when you put it in Auto shift mode, the bike was always in the right gear (There are two auto shift modes - Sporting and economy. Both worked great).
I have always been a fan of a clutch. I will make no statement otherwise. BUT, Honda really did their Homework on this tranny and it came out well. other than that, I liked that rest of the bike, too.
The Viffer rode great, was nice a smooth, and when you cracked open the throttle, it would just sing. I'm not a huge fan of the looks of the exhaust, but the functionality of it is great.
The VFR1200 has jumped to the top of my list for bikes that I want. If I were to go into a dealer to buy one, I would want the manual transmission. BUT, if they had a manual and a dual clutch sitting side by side and they offered a small discount on the Dual clutch, I would grab it up in a heart beat.
