BMW S 1000 R versus Honda VFR1200 F
BMW S 1000 R
Naked
Honda VFR1200 F
Sporttourer
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2009 bis 2016
RRP 16.000 €
RRP
waveform
waveform
Competitors
Pros:
- Full of performance ...
- .. but still easy to control
- high-quality workmanship
- cool sound
Pros:
- Extremely good brakes
- Drives like an Intercity
- Touring-ready
- good pillion comfort
- beefy engine
Cons:
- Pillion operation only for emergencies
- Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
- Traction control only from 2012
- heavy machine, nothing for beginners
- Torque weakness up to 3,500 rpm
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight : 199 (max: 407 ) kg
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight : 199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.545 mm
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 815 mm
Weight : 267 kg
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 815 mm
Weight : 267 kg
Engine
Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Four-cylinder four-stroke V-engine 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.237 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 81 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.237 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 81 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Performance
Maximum speed: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 266 km
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 266 km
Maximum speed: 250 km/h
Performance: 173 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 129 NM bei 8.750 U/Min Tank contents: 19 Litre
Performance: 173 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 129 NM bei 8.750 U/Min Tank contents: 19 Litre
Chassis
Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork with 43 mm tube diameter (travel 109 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyres: 190/55-ZR17
Telescopic fork with 43 mm tube diameter (travel 109 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyres: 190/55-ZR17
Brakes
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 220 mm)
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 220 mm)
Front brake
Double disc brake front with six-piston fixed calipers, floating brake discs (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake rear with double piston caliper (∅ 276 mm)
Double disc brake front with six-piston fixed calipers, floating brake discs (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake rear with double piston caliper (∅ 276 mm)
Conclusion - what sticks
The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!
Conclusion - what gets stuck
The Honda VFR 1200 F is one of the most beautiful motorcycles for me. She's no less than a design icon and there's no motorcycle that looks like it. Admittedly, design is a matter of taste, but at least the VFR shouldn't leave anyone cold. Their appearance arouses emotions and that's exactly what motorcycles should do, right?The VFR is certainly not a beginner's motorcycle, but it has far too much power and is too heavy. But if you already have motorcycle experience and stand on big ships, you will be thrilled by the absolutely sovereign idea that the VFR delivers on motorways and country roads. If you are looking for a small, agile motorcycle for the city, you probably won't have read this test article until this one anyway. ;-)
The test motorcycle was kindly provided by Motorrad Ruser.
