2nd VFR1200 Mikoviking from Australia

[Mikoviking]

I have just bought a 2017/18 VFR1200 X to replace my faithful Triumph Sprint GT 1050 which is going to a new home. I had previously owned the VFR1200 F which I really enjoyed but sadly was taken out by a Wallaby that bolted out in front of me while I was doing 90km/h. I love my Sport Tourers as i tend to clock up big kilometres on my bikes and like the comfort and performance they offer. I rode 300 klm's back from purchasing the bike through rain storms and some great twisting country roads and enjoyed this big bike. (It makes my Sprint GT look small in comparison) .I have some suspension adjustments to make as I am only 85 kg compared to the 120 kg previous owner. First impressions, love the screen which allows me to ride at 130 kmh with visor up ,something I could not do on the Sprint GT. The motor, though down in HP to the road version (170 HP vrs 130 HP) still has great torque and character at sane road speeds. The new bike has all the goodies which the previous owner added at a great expense so I am chuffed at my purchase. The standard Australian country roads are poor so having a bike with longer suspension and a long wheelbase is an advantage to fatigue free riding. Anyhow I hope to get tips on suspension set ups and such in the future. Cheers from  QLD Australia

[Dave56]

Hi there Mikoviking and along to the colleCTive.
Sounds like you got yourself a well sorted CT there, enjoy. 

[Mikoviking]

I test rode a few bikes before including the new V Strom which was nice, but by the time you add all the extras it was to expensive and had a relatively tame engine. I found this well maintained one with all the goodies with 13000 km on the clock at a fair price. $15,000 AU and the owner had spent a lot more than that but sadly due to Covid did not get to do his big ride.

[Potter]

Hi Mikoviking
I also went from a Sprint GT 1050 to a VFR1200X.
They are very different machines - I did some long journeys on the Sprint and enjoyed the experience but the CT is so much more engaging to ride. I get a buzz every time I go out. As for comfort and carrying capacity .... no complaints at all with the OEM seat & luggage.
Enjoy!

[Mikoviking]

That is good to know, I thought long and hard what to replace the GT with, it was a easy bike to travel with. My options included the new Kawasaki 1000 SX or another VFR1200F. I did try the baby brother the 2015 VFR800 Crossrunner for 2 years but found the engine was underwhelming missing the generous torque I was accustomed to and the non adjustable fairing created fatiguing buffeting on my long trips. So far the CT has met my expectations of what a long distance comfortable steed should be.