Honda talks VFR1200 engine details

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Honda_VFR1200_Engine.jpgUnicam, no balancer, phase-pin crankshaft, 28° firing order, the width of a v-twin and the length of an inline-four; it looks like this all-new 1200cc V4 will be joining the dual-clutch gearbox to make the Honda VFR1200 a seriously high-tech orca. In this video, Honda senior engine manager Tsutomu Ishii gets down and dirty with details on the company’s new flagship engine.  >

via Solo Moto Treinta

  • http://www.txsbr.com/ Ben

    It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a bike teased out like this VFR.

  • AadmanZ`

    I am not sure I have ever seen a bike teased out like this..

  • http://sr500project.blogspot.com/ Anders

    Don’t understand much, but I’m still convinced.

  • generic1776

    The tease is working though. Despite the automatic tranny, I’m pretty excited to see all the wizardry that is developed.

    (Wes, have you guys seen any verification of the stuff posted up on thekneeslider regarding the engine management system?)

    • http://hellforleathermagazine.com Wes Siler

      Those patents and info are over a year old and very speculative. This is official material.

  • nataku83

    So… calling it a SOHC engine would make it sound too low performance, so they dubbed the term ‘unicam’ ? Gotta love those marketing geniuses.

    As a Sabre V4 owner who’s stalling on doing a cam swap, only having 2 camshafts sounds like a good idea…

  • Hobo Mike

    “orca” seems about right.

  • waps

    Let’s see if they will manage to be ready with this project before they loose their jobs. There is no secret that the Japanese industry is doing really badly. The V-4 funky stuff is exciting, but I already have the new Fireblade. I like it an I am not planning to sell it. The recession has it’s requirements. Why don’t you finally make a bulletproof SM-style V-twin people can afford? Give us something we can use and be proud of in the real world.

  • Mike

    @ waps: I share your concern. You asked why Honda doesn’t make a bulletproof SM-style V-twin people can afford.

    I have some ideas:
    In rich western regions where motorcycling is generally a hobby and not a necessity, people can afford to buy the best in technology — or they can waste their money on fads and fashion image. These motorcylists unfortunately seem to have abandoned the lightwight classes — no one rides less than a 600cc engine on the street, and most just opt for liter bikes (not because they’re more fun or better, but because they’re bigger! Bigger, bigger, bigger!) Thus motorcycle manufacturers are pandering to the fat bourgoisie who take pride in polishing chrome or, just as bad, bragging about peak HP figures while sitting by their parked Hayabusas at the local bar.

    We should be glad that at least Honda does offer a few real-world rider alternatives, and that they seem to still push motorcycling technology forward for streetbikes that are actually used on a daily basis. The new VFR — not a V-twin — will be Honda’s latest technological statement. I’m happy to see it finally arrive, I have strongly preferred Honda’s V-four engine better than any V-twin, but I am saddened that the newest one will be aimed at western markets who want bigger, fatter machinery. Let us hope that 500cc and 750cc versions of the VFR are released soon, at a price that new, less affluent motorcycle riders can afford.