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Difference between revisions of "Honda VFR1200F development"
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==Engine== | ==Engine== | ||
At the heart of the VFR1200F rests a light and compact 1237cc liquid-cooled 76-degree V-4 engine that draws directly from [[Honda RC212V|Honda's V-4 RC212V]] MotoGP technology. Mass centralization plays a key role throughout this design, and as a result the VFR1200F incorporates a unique cylinder layout placing the rear two cylinders inboard in the center of the crankshaft, while the front cylinders are located outboard. Such a configuration narrows the rear cylinder head substantially as well as the entire rear section of the engine, right at the key rider/motorcycle interface--the seating area. Because the engine boasts remarkably slim dimensions, especially at the rear cylinders--overall, it's more compact than the engine from the 781cc Interceptor--the entire chassis and seating area of this 1237cc machine features a distinctly narrowed profile. These pronounced, wasp-waisted ergonomics allow the rider to sit down in the bike rather than feeling perched atop the machine, and as another benefit the rider has a shorter reach down to the ground when bringing the bike to a stop. | At the heart of the VFR1200F rests a light and compact 1237cc liquid-cooled 76-degree V-4 engine that draws directly from [[Honda RC212V|Honda's V-4 RC212V]] MotoGP technology. Mass centralization plays a key role throughout this design, and as a result the VFR1200F incorporates a unique cylinder layout placing the rear two cylinders inboard in the center of the crankshaft, while the front cylinders are located outboard. Such a configuration narrows the rear cylinder head substantially as well as the entire rear section of the engine, right at the key rider/motorcycle interface--the seating area. Because the engine boasts remarkably slim dimensions, especially at the rear cylinders--overall, it's more compact than the engine from the 781cc Interceptor--the entire chassis and seating area of this 1237cc machine features a distinctly narrowed profile. These pronounced, wasp-waisted [[ergonomics]] allow the rider to sit down in the bike rather than feeling perched atop the machine, and as another benefit the rider has a shorter reach down to the ground when bringing the bike to a stop. | ||
The VFR1200F engine also incorporates a special high-strength Symmetrically Coupled Phase-shift Crankshaft that features a 28-degree crankpin offset that works in concert with the 76-degree Vee angle to essentially negate primary engine vibration for smooth running. And because the powerplant now has perfect primary balance, the need for a balance shaft is eliminated, which allows for a more compact engine and also yields a weight savings of nearly 3 pounds. To accentuate the V-4 feel of the VFR1200F, a unique ignition sequence of 104 degrees–256 degrees–104 degrees–256 degrees between cylinder firings highlights the distinctive VFR beat. Another design element that adds to the VFR1200F's distinctive feel can be found in the exhaust system: note that the head pipes for the two front cylinders carry a substantially longer length than the headers for the rear cylinders, a Honda first. This asymmetrical pipe length alters the tuning of the exhaust pulses to create a unique power delivery, an intriguing blend of V-4 torque and aggressive in-line rush. And make no mistake: the VFR1200F delivers Honda's famous V-4 power in spades, as more than 90 percent of peak engine torque kicks in at a mere 4000 rpm, giving this machine incredible roll-on acceleration in every gear. | The VFR1200F engine also incorporates a special high-strength Symmetrically Coupled Phase-shift Crankshaft that features a 28-degree crankpin offset that works in concert with the 76-degree Vee angle to essentially negate primary engine vibration for smooth running. And because the powerplant now has perfect primary balance, the need for a balance shaft is eliminated, which allows for a more compact engine and also yields a weight savings of nearly 3 pounds. To accentuate the V-4 feel of the VFR1200F, a unique ignition sequence of 104 degrees–256 degrees–104 degrees–256 degrees between cylinder firings highlights the distinctive VFR beat. Another design element that adds to the VFR1200F's distinctive feel can be found in the exhaust system: note that the head pipes for the two front cylinders carry a substantially longer length than the headers for the rear cylinders, a Honda first. This asymmetrical pipe length alters the tuning of the exhaust pulses to create a unique power delivery, an intriguing blend of V-4 torque and aggressive in-line rush. And make no mistake: the VFR1200F delivers Honda's famous V-4 power in spades, as more than 90 percent of peak engine torque kicks in at a mere 4000 rpm, giving this machine incredible roll-on acceleration in every gear. | ||
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For decades, Honda products have stood out among the crowd thanks to a distinctively high level of fit and finish, but the 2010 VFR1200F raises the stakes even higher than ever before in the arena of quality control. A high attention to detail and quality is evident everywhere, but take special notice of where the front cowl and body are fused together, creating one smooth, unified, aerodynamic surface. This incredibly tight and precise fit comes courtesy of a new generation of rectangular-shaped fasteners that locate body panels within two dimensions for a fit that is tighter than would otherwise be possible with conventional fasteners. And of course the very latest production technologies used at the new Kumamoto Plant in Japan where the VFR1200F is built contribute to the bike's exceptional fit and finish. It's classic Honda attention to detail, but at its newest and finest. | For decades, Honda products have stood out among the crowd thanks to a distinctively high level of fit and finish, but the 2010 VFR1200F raises the stakes even higher than ever before in the arena of quality control. A high attention to detail and quality is evident everywhere, but take special notice of where the front cowl and body are fused together, creating one smooth, unified, aerodynamic surface. This incredibly tight and precise fit comes courtesy of a new generation of rectangular-shaped fasteners that locate body panels within two dimensions for a fit that is tighter than would otherwise be possible with conventional fasteners. And of course the very latest production technologies used at the new Kumamoto Plant in Japan where the VFR1200F is built contribute to the bike's exceptional fit and finish. It's classic Honda attention to detail, but at its newest and finest. | ||
Note also that new Honda technology is at work in the seat. Here you'll see shaping and forming details like never before, thanks to a new process that literally bonds the seat cover (which has a special, tactile surface) to the seat foam. Net result: exquisite control to shape every part of the seat for improved ergonomics as well as the ability to execute intricate patterns. | Note also that new Honda technology is at work in the seat. Here you'll see shaping and forming details like never before, thanks to a new process that literally bonds the seat cover (which has a special, tactile surface) to the seat foam. Net result: exquisite control to shape every part of the seat for improved [[ergonomics]] as well as the ability to execute intricate patterns. | ||
More attention to detail has been showered upon key components of the VFR1200F that interact with the rider's fingertips through new premium control elements. Here Honda's engineers have developed next-generation switches and controls for the VFR1200F that return a smoother and more precise feel when actuated; the tactile response feels more direct than ever before. | More attention to detail has been showered upon key components of the VFR1200F that interact with the rider's fingertips through new premium control elements. Here Honda's engineers have developed next-generation switches and controls for the VFR1200F that return a smoother and more precise feel when actuated; the tactile response feels more direct than ever before. | ||