Monday Afternoon Moto News - IronHorse Auction Date Set & Honda VFR1200F Sales

We probably all heard that American IronHorse has closed and its assets will be offered at auction by a liquidation specialist. Well, they have finally set a date for the auction itself - bids may be entered on items in the auction up until 17:00 (local time) 19 March 2010 and the auction will be taking place in New York City on 23 March 2010. All trademarks will be up for sale as well as the entire builder's shop (tools, patents, motorcycles, motorcycle parts, etc.). For all of the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yl3lowt

In the UK, the Honda VFR1200F became the top-selling motorcycle in the nation during the month of February. This comes at the expense of critics there which pretty much panned the new sport-tourer from the team at Honda - MCN(UK) called it a serious let-down and not worth the asking price. Given the competition, it was not exactly un-called for - the VFR needs a little more high-tech equipment to really unseat such tourers as the BMW models, Ducati's Multistrada and even the Guzzi Stelvio ABS. But, the buyers seem happy enough...and Honda is the one laughing its way to the bank...

http://tinyurl.com/y8ak7c9

More Afternoon Moto News - Motorcycle Cannonball & Honda VFR1200F

There is even more to read on the upcoming Motorcycle Cannonball...it is a race across the US with pre-1918 motorcycles. It does sound a bit insane - even if you are a rider of such machines - but it is going to be something worth participating in if you have the means. After all, it is high adventure and it will be a part of you for the rest of your life - you will NEVER forget it!

http://tinyurl.com/y876otu

And, someone at Motorcyclist has managed to put a brand new 2010 Honda VFR1200F on a dyno. It was not an easy task as there are so many electronic rider aids which must be turned off to do a proper run on the HP measuring system. In the end, they found it had 142 hp and 81.4 ft-lb of torque at the rear wheel. With all of the controversy surrounding this bike now, some might actually be put to rest with these results.

http://tinyurl.com/yby2nle

More Morning Moto News - FB Corse, VFR800RR Bioblade & MCN Motorcycle Show

FB Corse has officially announced that John Hopkins will no longer be their rider for the select rounds of the MotoGP series in 2010. Instead, they have selected another high-profile rider whose name we have yet to know. They insist that all is still on track for their first race, so they should be getting to testing very soon.

http://tinyurl.com/ybscz92

Could the replacement be Garry McCoy: http://tinyurl.com/ydy53fb

So, the VFR1200F was not as spectacular as we all expected it would be - Honda missed the mark a bit with that one. But, some Belgians have brought to us something Honda should have considered a rather long time ago. A 1999 VFR800 has been modified with Fireblade (CBR1000RR) suspension and a special engine adaptation which allows the bike to run on bio-fuel. Bio-fuel! And, it still turns out a respectable 134 HP and only weighs 212 kg (full of fuel). Honestly, if it is ever built and sold, I will buy one! Take a look at the VFR800RR Bioblade.

http://tinyurl.com/yazx7gt

At the upcoming MCN London Motorcycle Show, iconic race bikes from seasons past will be on display. These include Valentino Rossi's 2009 YZR-M1, Barry Sheene's Yamaha OW53, Kevin Schwantz's 1993 RGV500 and more. For all of the information, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y87f6cx

Even More Morning Moto News - Honda UK Bans VFR Riders, Rickman-Enfield Interceptor & Mustang Motorcycle

Honda UK has come down hard on anyone trying to get current VFR owners - those who have Honda VFR motorcycles which were made before 2010 - to test the new VFR1200F and comparing the two. No one knows why they have done this, except that maybe the new VFR is not as good as the older models??? Anyway, MCN (UK) was going to do a full test with the new model with riders of the old models and Honda UK stopped it - so, MCN sent their VFR1200F back to Honda! Good job MCN!

http://tinyurl.com/ygrzyu4

And, now some short posts which lead to long links.

First up is a great example of a 1971 Rickman-Enfield Interceptor. They only made around 127 of these, so you will not find many on the market, but you can look here and learn of a great motorcycle from the past.

http://tinyurl.com/yhxl7h2

Now we have heard that the old-school (1947 - 1965) Mustang is coming back. Thanks to California Scooter Company, we have a new version which is a four-stroke, instead of the old two-stroke, and is designed with Lilliputians in mind. It is something even I remember seeing in grade school when I was working at a motorcycle shop in Texas.

http://tinyurl.com/ykmvzkh

More Wednesday Moto News from Just About Everywhere, Part 2

And, even more...

Other designers are rallying behind the new 2010 Honda VFR1200F as many web posts have derided the machine as being 'ugly'. Even Pierre Terblanche has stepped up in its defense. The designer behind the new model, Teofilo Plaza, also designed the 2008 Honda Fireblade (CBR1000RR to US readers) and that was the first model of the 'snub-nosed' design. Many professional designers say that the VFR is ahead of its time.

http://tinyurl.com/yd5rzqw

We finally get news of the whereabouts of Davide Tardozzi after he left the Ducati World Superbike team. He will now be working for the BMW World Superbike team - at least for the next three years. The reasoning behind his departure from Ducati were never officially given, but it probably had to do with the Haga/Fabrizio 2009 WSBK effort...

http://tinyurl.com/yj5pg7h

Now even the Los Angeles police know what most of us have known for some time - BMW motorcycles are much less expensive to maintain than Harley-Davidsons. Most of us have already owned enough motorcycles to learn that lesson, but it took LA a while. Anyway, they have decided to purchase BMW R1200 RT-Ps for their motorcycle officers instead of the usual H-D. It will cost them less and save them some much needed money.

http://tinyurl.com/ylft33z

China Is Part of 2010 Honda VFR1200F Sales Plan

It's true, Honda will be selling the 2010 Honda VFR1200F in China as soon as possible. The first target is, of course, Europe (the price will be an issue) and the US, but China is firmly on that list. Until recently, only motorcycles with smaller displacements were allowed in Chinese cities, so this is a big deal for them and the motorcycle riders of China.

http://tinyurl.com/y9ttcxz

Honda of America Announces MSRP for 2010 Honda VFR1200F

And, it will not be as expensive as first thought. The 2010 Honda VFR1200F will be US$15,999 for the base model. There is no information on the VFR1200F DTC-equipped version yet, but it is expected soon. This price point does put it square at the bottom of the prices for such sport-tourers - at least against the European competition...

http://tinyurl.com/yk3xvfs

First Bad Impression: 2010 Honda VFR1200F

The first long-distance road ride aboard the new 2010 Honda VFR1200F at MCN (UK) did not go very well. Their rider complained that the bike is just not up to snuff against the competition - BMW, Ducati, etc. And, it does not even connect with you emotionally. Maybe he was having a bad day, or maybe it is true that the new Honda is just not where it should be...yet.

http://tinyurl.com/yh63k85

This could be a big part of the reason; if it were reversed, I wouldn't even be interested as I could find something else in that price range which would have more useful features.

http://tinyurl.com/yjpq23m

EICMA: Honda Releases Details on 5 Other 2010 Motorcycles

We have seen all the press on the all-new 2010 Honda VFR1200F - and there is a lot of it out there! However, some of their lesser known 2010 updates were released to the public today. Four of these bikes are cruisers - the 2010 Honda Sabre, 2010 Honda Stateline, 2010 Honda Interstate, and 2010 Honda Shadow RS. The final bike is the very stable and smooth 2010 Honda ST1300. The new cruisers are all new additions to Honda's extensive V-twin line-up and will be well received by their faithful. The 2010 ST1300, though, only receives minor updates from the 2009 model, but does it really need anything else...or, will the VFR1200F be where these buyers turn next?

http://tinyurl.com/ycpvlus

2010 Honda VFR1200 Tourer May Be the Most Advanced Motorcycle Ever

After a careful examination of the patents and design features present on the 2010 Honda VFR1200T (Tourer), it may actually convince you that I am not exaggerating in that title. According to this article, the writer seems to demonstrate that the new Interceptor (nomenclature?) is the safest motorcycle produced thus far. It seems that it will even come equipped with an airbag - I believe I missed that in the other reports on the press launch. Anyway, take a look and I bet you will be impressed.

http://tinyurl.com/yhxhzlq

P.S. This is on Gizmag, so it is loaded with ads and seems to bog down a little...

Finally: Press Introduced to the 2010 Honda VFR1200F

It seems like years that I have been waiting for this motorcycle. I still remember pouring over the various patents which Honda filed for the new machine and wondering when - and if - we would ever see it. So, after all of the hype, here it is! The 2010 Honda VFR1200F redefines the sport-touring segment as we know it - and that is amazing! This is actually the first 'official' ride as the Canadian article mentioned a few days ago was a very rare opportunity for a motorcycle this important.

http://tinyurl.com/yg9byl9

P.S. I will add other riding impressions as I see them.

http://tinyurl.com/yhbmnqx

Honda Displayed More Than Electric Concept Motorcycles at the Tokyo Motor Show

OK, what is this? Number 6 or 7? It's pretty interesting, actually. Honda put on display several petrol-powered motorcycles as well as the nifty EV-Cub. A lovely, wish we had it in the US, Red-White-Blue CBR1000RR (pictured at left). It's not actually gorgeous or anything, just very well done and it makes up for some of the so-called 'piecemeal' look of the fairing. The real beauty, though is certainly the CB1100 'Customize Concept' - the usual, "will it be produced or not" bike - and they had a VFR1200F as well. Another, we-will-not-get-it-in-the- US beast of a road burner has to be the 2010 CB1300 Super Touring. It could be an excellent sport-tourer as is, but the front fairing should be changed a bit, and it could use some more modern features (though I do not have specifications yet). It would be nice to see it compared to the ST1300...Anyway, have a look - pretty pictures follow the link - very shiny.

http://tinyurl.com/yldfg5h

Even More Praise - and a Good Explanation of the Technology - for the 2010 Honda VFR1200F's Dual-Clutch Transmission

OK, long title again...but, worth it. The new Honda VFR1200F has a very new dual-clutch transmission. At least it is new to the motorcycle world. Automobiles have had them for some time in an effort to improve fuel-efficiency and gain performance. So, this should tell you what to expect from the new Interceptor (I wonder if they will keep that nomenclature?).

http://tinyurl.com/yle89x3

Very First Ride: 2010 Honda VFR1200F in Canada (Yes, Canada)

I was astounded to see this as well, but very glad that it did happen. I am certain that the author of the story feels the same way - happy, that is. The all-new Honda VFR1200F is just simply an amazing piece of technology - it has some many patents...well, enough to put a nuclear submarine to shame. Apparently, it is also an incredible ride able to equal or rival anything from the European manufacturers. Mr. Honda would be proud! Now, I just want to see it in person to decide on the looks/style.

http://tinyurl.com/ykgjtf4

Up-Close Images of Honda's New VFR1200F

Want to look more closely at Honda's new for 2010 VFR1200F? Well, click the link below and have a look at the provided photos. They are not of the best quality, but if you are like me and too poor or just too busy to attend the Tokyo Motor Show or EICMA Milan, this will be the closest you get until Honda ships it to dealers.

http://tinyurl.com/yz49vgp

Honda VFR1200F Details Finally Given at American Honda

We have been reading about the rumors and the patents and the fancy new technology to be built into the new Honda VFR1200F Interceptor. But, we have been awaiting an official unveiling for a rather long time. Well, it finally occurred yesterday at the Torrance, California HQ of American Honda. It was also unveiled in the U.K., but I do not have those details as of yet...It is an interesting machine, I must say, and I most certainly want to see one up close and in person as soon as I am able! A demo ride would be much appreciated!

http://tinyurl.com/yde8ra7

From MCN (UK): http://tinyurl.com/yl3vfct

An Interview With Honda UK's VFR1200F Test Rider

Dave Hancock is his name and his review of the new sport-touring motorcycle is just glowing. Of course, he may be a bit biased as the same company which makes the new 2010-model machine is the one paying him. However, it does seem that he is being honest in his portrayal of the ride.

http://tinyurl.com/yabkcm4

Honda Confirms VFR1200 and CB1100 for Tokyo Motorcycle Show

The constantly rumored and reported VFR1200F will be making an appearance at the 2009 Tokyo Motorcycle Show, which takes place 24 October - 4 November. Also, along with the new Interceptor comes the retro-styled CB1100 as seen at left...it just oozes nostalgia and yet it has very modern technology on board.

http://tinyurl.com/y9y9p7c

MCN (UK) Shows Honda VFR1200 in Production Colors and Specs

While filming a Honda promotional video in the Alps, MCN (UK) caught some photos of the new Honda VFR12000 in action. See what it looks like before the press introduction...

http://tinyurl.com/lz5289

Honda to Introduce New Scooter - PCX 125 - in Thailand

It may not sound that important, but this scooter may very well be sold at a dealership near you. It will run a novel 125c.c. engine which can do 118 miles per gallon! It does this with an electronic system that will shut off the engine when stopped and then instantly start it back up once the throttle is opened. Looks like Honda is spreading is tech around to all their models as the VFR1200 will have a similar, though not as drastic, system.

http://tinyurl.com/ooodbf