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Honda VFR1200F

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The Honda VFR1200F is the 7th generation Honda sport touring motorcycle from the VF and VFR line motorcycles powered by a transverse mounted V4 engine . The VFR1200F has several new technologies including the first dual clutch transmission offered on a motorcycle.

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50-488: When the sixth generation VFR800 was discontinued, it was followed by both the 2014 VFR800F (RC79) and the larger VFR1200. The VFR1200F was discontinued in 2017, as it no longer complied with new emission standards and noise regulations. The first V4 concept bike was unveiled at the 2008 Intermot show in Cologne , Germany. It had distinctive design elements that were to appear in the production VFR1200F, in particular

100-602: A conventional constant-mesh manual transmission , with shaft-drive , or an automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The DCT version, known in North America as the VFR1200A or in other markets as the VFR1200D, has dual clutches, one operating 1st, 3rd and 5th gears, the other operating 2nd, 4th, and 6th gears. The dual clutches are able to switch quickly between gears and can operate in one of three modes: 'D', which

150-410: A conventional manual transmission like engine braking and clutch engagement as the internal components are very similar except the clutch operation is controlled by an electric motor and computer rather than the rider. Both models feature a slipper clutch to reduce wheel spin during hard engine braking and a shaft-drive system to transmit power to the rear wheel. The shaft-drive system is bolted to

200-430: A different mechanism. Traffic regulations in many countries require trucks to always drive with an engaged gear, which in turn provides a certain amount of engine braking (viscous losses to the engine oil and air pumped through the engine and friction losses to the cylinder walls and bearings) when no accelerator pedal is applied. The term "engine braking" refers to the braking effect that occurs in gasoline engines when

250-424: A down-shift, which induces a faster spinning drivetrain to engage with the engine. Engine braking is a viable method of controlling the speed at which a vehicle travels downhill. By shifting to a lower gear in a manual transmission , or applying "low" mode on an automatic transmission , engine braking reduces the need to repeatedly apply the foot brake , lowering the risk of the brakes overheating. While some of

300-484: A freewheel device on the transmission to make engine braking optional. Most two-stroke motorcycle engines since the 1970s have had lubrication by an oil pump , independent of the throttle and fuel system, such as Suzuki's Posi-Force system. In electric and hybrid vehicles, electric motors provide the drivetrain resistance, recharging the onboard battery using energy recovered from the vehicle's kinetic motion which would otherwise have been wasted. In hybrid vehicles ,

350-435: A limited effect, and more advanced systems as described below are near universal on newer heavy vehicles. A compression release brake (also known as a Jacobs brake or "jake brake"), is the type of brake most commonly confused with real engine braking; it is used mainly in large diesel trucks and works by opening the exhaust valves at the top of the compression stroke, so the large amount of energy stored in that compressed air

400-663: A new instrument panel, and revised aerodynamic bodywork with LED lighting, though the engine and chassis remain largely unchanged from the previous sixth-generation model. Continued from the sixth-generation model is also the 2006 refined version of the VTEC system. The side-mounted radiators were dropped in favour of dual front-mounted units. The model is sold worldwide. In the US market, it is available in two versions: Standard and Deluxe. The Deluxe version adds ABS, traction control, grip heaters, center stand, and self-canceling turn signals. Outside

450-401: A restriction in the exhaust, much like the intake throttle causes in a gasoline engine. In simple terms, it works by increasing the back-pressure of the exhaust. Nearly all of these brakes are butterfly valves similar to a throttle valve, mounted downstream of the turbocharger if there is one. Modern diesels are subject to many strict controls on emissions and often have many obstructions in

500-416: A throttle body and thus cannot draw a vacuum in the intake manifold. In heavy vehicles the engine is often made to provide extra braking power to take some strain off the vehicle's regular brake system and to help avoid overheating the brakes. In its simplest form this consists of a butterfly valve that restricts the exhaust flow. This is referred to as an exhaust brake and mostly found on older trucks. It has

550-406: Is a fuel-efficient fully automatic mode; 'S', a sports automatic mode, which changes gear at higher engine speeds; and manual mode, in which the rider changes gear using paddles fitted to the handlebars. This gearbox was the first of its type fitted to a large capacity motorcycle, although dual-clutch transmissions were already used in a number of automobiles. The DCT gearbox retains characteristics of

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600-444: Is a generally accepted practice and can help save wear on friction brakes. It is even used in some motor sports to reduce the risk of the friction brakes overheating. Additionally, fuel injection engines generally do not use fuel while engine braking. This is known as deceleration fuel cut-off (DFCO). Although no longer in production in most countries, there are still plenty of carbureted engines in service, with which engine braking

650-401: Is initiated by an electronically actuated oil spool valve, which sends oil pressure to the lifter actuators, which then move the engagement pins into place above the valve stem, allowing the remaining two valves to open. This design allows for variable valve timing as well, since the cam lobe profiles can be made different. After much criticism of the abruptness of power transition, Honda lowered

700-438: Is no balance shaft , further lightening the engine. Instead of conventional direct mechanical connection from the rider's twistgrip to the throttle, electronic throttle control ("throttle by wire") commands the engine control unit to modulate engine power output. The configuration of the cylinders is also unusual. The V4 has the rear bank of cylinders paired closely together, with the big ends of their connecting rods on

750-425: Is not returned to the crankshaft but is released into the atmosphere. It is very effective method of braking, creating large amounts of braking force which significantly extends friction brake life – a 565 hp (421 kW) diesel engine can produce up to 600 hp (450 kW) of braking power at 2,100 RPM. Normally, during the compression stroke, energy is used as the upward-traveling piston compresses air in

800-544: Is only 34 cc greater in volume than the VFR750F but, being wider in bore and shorter in stroke, is both more oversquare and more powerful than its predecessor, with the stroke reduced from 48.6 to 48mm, and the bore increased from 70 to 72mm. Nevertheless, rather than being a direct development of the previous, carbureted VFR750F engine, the VFR800 engine was a detuned power plant based on the fuel-injected engine designed for

850-768: The Ariel Atom sports car, with the VFR1200's V4 engine for use in a new motorcycle, the Ariel Ace . Honda VFR800 The Honda VFR800 ( Interceptor ) is a sport touring motorcycle made by Honda since 1998. The model was the successor to the VFR750F and shares the V4 engine configuration with the Honda VF and VFR series. The VFR800 name was given to three successive iterations of Honda V4 motorcycles: The VFR800

900-569: The RC45 of 1994. The RVF750R RC45 engine, although a development of the VFR750R RC30 and originally derived from the VFR750F RC24 , was very different from Honda's previous V4s as the gear drive for the camshafts was moved from the center of the engine to the engine's right-side (next to the clutch-pack). Another change was the two side-mounted radiators as opposed to one at the front of

950-464: The accelerator pedal is released. This causes fuel injection to cease and the throttle valve to close almost completely, greatly restricting forced airflow from, for example, a turbocharger. The restriction causes a strong manifold vacuum which the cylinders have to work against, sapping much of the potential energy out of the system over time and producing the majority of the engine-braking effect. This vacuum manifold effect can often be amplified by

1000-438: The "B" mode acts like a lower gear, using the higher RPM of the internal combustion engine to waste energy, preventing the battery from being overcharged. Almost all electric and hybrid vehicles are able to convert kinetic motion into electricity, i.e. regenerative brakes , but since the internal combustion engine is not used to slow the vehicle when using regenerative braking, it is not the same as engine braking. Engine braking

1050-560: The 1992 Honda CBR1000F . It was based on the Unified Braking System that was introduced on the 1983 GL1100 . The sixth generation VFR was introduced in 2002. It featured dual underseat exhausts, optional ABS , DCBS linked brakes, and optional hard luggage. It featured chain-driven cams rather than the gear-driven cams of earlier VFRs, and VTEC valve actuation. In 2006 the VFR 800 received some minor upgrades, which included

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1100-426: The H.I.S.S. (Honda Ignition Security System) immobiliser system in an effort to combat theft. The VFR800 has a CBS linked braking system . This is a departure from traditional motorcycle braking system where front and rear braking are independent of each other. In this system, the front brake lever applies pressure to four (or later Gen 6, five) of the six front brake caliper pistons . The rotational movement of

1150-496: The US, only the Deluxe version is sold. Engine braking Engine braking occurs when the retarding forces within an internal combustion engine are used to slow down a motor vehicle , as opposed to using additional external braking mechanisms such as friction brakes or magnetic brakes . The term is often confused with several other types of braking, most notably compression-release braking or "jake braking" which uses

1200-622: The VFR1200F began in October 2009 and first models were delivered in early 2010. The transverse-mounted V4 architecture is kept from previous VFR models though the engine and gearbox are completely new with displacement increased from 800 to 1200 cubic centimeters. A slightly de-tuned version of the engine, and the same gearbox, have been used on the VFR1200X Crosstourer , a dual-sport motorcycle launched in 2011. The VFR1200F

1250-472: The VFR1200F has been the main complaint raised by motorcyclists, coupled with the new engine's higher-than-expected fuel consumption. On-road tests have shown a maximum distance from a single tank of less than 300 kilometres (186 mi), with some press reviewers running out of fuel after just 240 kilometres (150 mi). Honda have agreed to supply the Ariel Motor Company , British makers of

1300-528: The VTEC activation rpm threshold to 6,400 rpm in 2006. The VTEC disengages two cylinder valves when the engine speed drops again below 6,100 rpm. A facelifted VFR800 debuted at the 2013 EICMA show in Milan, Italy. The revised model features a new single sided exhaust system, akin to the fifth-generation one, lighter wheels, and additional mass-reduction, lowering the curb weight by 10 kg (22 lb). The new VFR also features traction control,

1350-533: The X-shaped headlights. Leaks and spy photos of a new Honda appeared in various places including online and print news outlets. Honda created teaser websites in Fall 2009, in which parts of the a new V4 were shown tantalizingly, and a countdown timer was displayed. Eight years after the introduction of the previous 6th generation VFR800 Honda unveiled the production VFR1200F at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show . Production of

1400-491: The brake lever into a separate braking computer before the system applies hydraulic pressure to the brakes. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) now as standard equipment rather than optional equipment as they were in the previous generation. During front brake lever activation, all the right-side caliper pistons are applied, along with four of the pistons on the left side. When the rear brake is applied, the other two left-side pistons are actuated. To maintain equal braking force when using just

1450-426: The brakes from overheating or excessive wear. If it is applied before the brakes have been used, it can leave the brakes available to make emergency stops. The desired speed is maintained by using engine braking to counteract gravitational acceleration. Potential transmission wear caused by engine braking can be mitigated by certain techniques. Slipping the clutch to complete a downshift wears the clutch plate as it slows

1500-438: The braking force is produced due to friction in the drive train , this is negligible compared to the effect from the manifold vacuum caused by the air-flow restriction. On an automatic transmission, engine braking often spontaneously increases the engine RPM, causing a sudden revving to occur even without applying the accelerator pedal. Diesel engines in personal cars provide little engine braking as they are not equipped with

1550-465: The change of the tachometer face from black to white, a re-mapped ECU to provide a smoother transition into VTEC, clear turn signal lenses and upgrades to the electrical wiring to fix issues with the charging system. The VFR800 was phased out after the 2009 model year in the United States, when Honda introduced the larger VFR1200F ; but the VFR1200 was not a direct replacement for the VFR800;

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1600-399: The compressed air, there is no "spring back" so the engine must expend yet more energy pulling the piston back down again. This type of brake produces extreme amounts of noise pollution if there is no muffler on the intake manifold of the engine, loud enough to disturb the surrounding area. Anecdotally, it sounds similar to a jackhammer , however, the loudness is between 10 and 20 times

1650-408: The cylinder; the compressed air then acts as a compressed spring and pushes the piston back down. However, with the jake brake in operation, the compressed air is suddenly released just before the piston begins its downward travel (this sudden release of compressed air creates audible sound waves similar to the expanding gases escaping from the muzzle of a firearm ). Having lost the energy stored within

1700-595: The engine front as on the VFR750. The engine was tuned for road use in the VFR800, so that torque was improved throughout the rev range while maximum power was only slightly higher than the VFR750. The VFR800's frame uses the engine as a stressed member, this was derived from the VTR1000 Firestorm , and retains the trademark VFR single-sided swingarm pivoted from the aft of the crankcase . It uses normal 'right-side-up' front forks . In 2000, Honda updated

1750-431: The engine runs on electric power to dissipate excess energy when the battery has been fully recharged. As soon as the accelerator is released enough to slow the engine, engine braking comes into effect as long as the wheels remain connected via the transmission to the engine. A slipping or disengaged clutch , or a torque converter , would disengage the wheels or absorb braking energy. The braking force varies depending on

1800-460: The engine, and the gear the transmission is in. The lower the gear, the higher the braking effect due to higher rpm and the torque transferred through the transmission (higher torque is delivered from the engine in lower gears). Engine braking avoids wear on brakes, and can help a driver maintain control of the vehicle. Active use of engine braking by shifting into a lower gear can help control speed while driving down very steep and long slopes, saving

1850-477: The exhaust, which cause them to feel like they have some engine braking like a gasoline engine. The main ones are: Engine braking in a premix two-stroke engine can be extremely harmful to the engine, because cylinder and piston lubricant is delivered to each cylinder mixed with fuel. Consequently, during engine braking, the engine starves not only of fuel but also lubricant, causing accelerated wear. Many old two-stroke cars ( Saab Automobile , Wartburg 353 , etc.) had

1900-444: The fifth-generation VFR (RC46) with a catalytic converter , oxygen sensors , and an EFI system that would enter closed-loop mode under highway (cruising) operation. These also came with a temperature-actuated fast idle system, negating the need for a choke lever. The rear-view mirrors got updated as well, with Honda forgoing the old rubberized stalks, instead opting for rustproof metal ones. Bikes supplied for Europe also came with

1950-528: The frame on a swinging pivot mount. Engineers developed a two-part shaft connected by a spline that allows the system to flex under load mimicking the feel and performance benefits of a traditional chain drive . The VFR1200F incorporates the C-ABS combined braking system sourced from the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR sportbikes. C-ABS distributes the braking forces completely electronically sending information from

2000-510: The front brake, the right-side pistons are slightly smaller than the left-side pistons. Reactions to the production VFR1200 were mixed at its introduction. Some had expected a return of the VFR to its racing past because of a much more sport-focused concept model along with V4 engine architecture sourced from the Honda RC212V MotoGP bike. Others noted Honda continued its tradition of using the VFR line to showcase new technologies:

2050-403: The inner sides of the crank journals . The forward bank of cylinders is conversely set outboard of the rear bank, with the big end journals mounted on the outer sides of the crank journals. This design allows for a much narrower engine at the rear, which makes the bike slimmer where it contacts the rider and allows an easier reach to the ground from the seat. The VFR1200F is available with either

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2100-454: The left caliper when engaged actuates a secondary master cylinder and applies pressure to one of the rear caliper's pistons. The rear brake pedal is directly attached to the remaining pistons (two in the rear, and one or two in the front). The CBS system is designated "dual" as both hand lever and foot pedal each control both front and rear brakes; commonly, the foot pedal only operates the rear brake. Honda first introduced this braking system on

2150-407: The new design was viewed with mixed to negative reactions by the general public and press, Plaza was supported by other designers who felt the VFR represented a new design trend where the function is the primary design goal with aesthetics used to complement the aerodynamic profile of the motorcycle. The new engine incorporates the single overhead camshaft distribution system called " Unicam " which

2200-482: The previous VFR800 introduced Honda's VTEC to the worldwide market, and the new VFR1200 became the first production motorcycle to have a DCT automatic transmission . Traction control was added to all 2012 models at no additional cost though it was not available on first-year models. The reduction in fuel tank capacity from 22 L (4.8 imp gal; 5.8 US gal) on the previous VFR800 down to 18.5 L (4.1 imp gal; 4.9 US gal) on

2250-421: The sound pressure level of a jackhammer (10 to 13 dB greater). Numerous cities, municipalities, states, and provinces have banned the use of unmuffled compression brakes, which are typically only legal on roads away from populations. In Australia, traffic enforcement cameras are currently being tested that automatically photograph heavy vehicles that use compression braking. An exhaust brake works by causing

2300-530: The true successor being the 2014 VFR800F (RC79). The VFR800 was the first non- JDM motorcycle to use VTEC valve-gear. Honda used VTEC to meet tightening noise and emissions standards and to increase the peak engine horsepower. Based on the VTEC-E system, the simplified motorcycle version of VTEC employs only two of the four valves per cylinder when operating at lower engine speeds. All four valves per cylinder are engaged above approximately 6,800 rpm. This

2350-477: The vehicle will not regain traction until the wheels are allowed to turn more quickly. If the driver reduces engine braking by shifting back up, or disengaging the clutch on a manual transmission, traction can be regained. In hybrid electric vehicles , like the Toyota Prius , engine braking is simulated by the computer software to match the feel of a traditional automatic transmission. For long downhill runs,

2400-404: The vehicle, doing the job of the brake pads or shoes. A well-executed rev-match in the same setting minimizes stresses on transmission components, so engine braking does the work of slowing the vehicle. Improper engine braking technique can cause the wheels to skid (also called shift-locking), especially on slippery surfaces, as a result of too much deceleration. As in a skid caused by overbraking,

2450-528: Was primarily designed in Honda's Italian and German design studios under the supervision of Spanish designer Teofilo Plaza. The exterior features a variety of aerodynamic enhancements taken from the Honda MotoGP bike including a dual-layered fairing designed to pull heat away from the rider and an X-shaped bulbous front nose to keep the vehicle stable at high speeds as well as increase turn-in handling. While

2500-471: Was tested on Honda's offroad machines. This compact system reduces engine size, allowing it to be placed further forward in the frame while lowering the bike's center of gravity . This allows for better front-wheel traction when cornering . A 28° positioning of crank pins and a specific firing order of the cylinders (1&4 and 2&3 layout instead of the regular 1&3 and 2&4) resulted in an engine with perfect primary balance . Because of this, there

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