What’s up guys? You guys are probably sick to death at the point of the new Honda VFR1200. I know I am. The amount of press that Honda has been cramming down our throats has been, quite literally, choking us to death.

Well, get ready for more, because apparently Honda of the UK has effectively banned owners of VFR800 and other previous VFRs from riding the 2010 Honda VFR1200. I know what you are thinking, WHAT?!?

MCN, England’s largest bike publication, had scheduled a loan of a VFR1200, nicknamed Shamu in order to get real riders’ opinions of the new bike. But, when Honda got wind of MCN’s plans to put VFR owners on the bike and then publish their opinions, they balked, ordering the paper not to allow anyone but editorial staff on the heavyweight V4. MCN’s response? They won’t test it. Cheers! Right?

European journalists have been complaining about everything from the VFR1200′s 591lbs weight to the expected price of repair following a low-speed spill to much more serious criticisms like the 160-mile tank range and the uncomfortable seat. Following that coverage, Honda’s refusal to allow consumers on to the bike before it reaches showrooms is damning. Many other publications claim that that demonstrates a shocking lack of faith in their own product’s ability to weather criticism.

Hmmm… I have a different take. With the downward facing global economy, our great friends at MCN tried to do something different and push the envelope with this particular testing. Sure, regular schmoes get to test ride new bikes for the first time. Of course, they would have the public on their side!

Honda’s concern and refusal are standard operating procedure. Think of the liability! These are not trained professional riders/writers. It’s going to be a fiasco. Honda did right but that doesn’t mean they won’t pay for it. Much like other media, the motorcycle community is going to tear Honda a new one over this.

The motorcycle media is going to have a feeding frenzy over this. Sorry Honda. All I can do is not join in. All things aside, things are not shaping up well for the new VFR…

Stay tuned for more updates, folks.

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