Planning to buy 2017 VFR1200X

[ArthurY]

Anything to watch out for?

Have a few questions:

How long will the shaft last before I need to replace it?
I am only 5' 8" inseam 30". Will be able to handle the 33+" seat ht and the weight when I come to a stop?
Any annoying vibrations on the handlebar at freeway speed riding?
Any deficiencies that will make this bike uncomfortable for long distance riding (i.e. over 500 miles per day)

[Beer Belly]

Originally Posted by ArthurY

Anything to watch out for?

Have a few questions:

How long will the shaft last before I need to replace it?

They are very reliable, no need to worry here.

I am only 5' 8" inseam 30". Will be able to handle the 33+" seat ht and the weight when I come to a stop?

you might struggle depending on your leg length, you can always get a low seat if needs be. The bikes are very top heavy at a stand still, but that disappears as soon as you get moving. It's really only an issue when you need to push them around, especially on a bit of an incline.

Any annoying vibrations on the handlebar at freeway speed riding?

Smooth as silk, the engines are the best part about the CT

Any deficiencies that will make this bike uncomfortable for long distance riding (i.e. over 500 miles per day)

Its subjective but I find the seat is a bit of a plank. Otherwise the seating position is very comfy, upright with plenty of leg room.
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[DE65Y]

I measure up identicly to yourself and I agree with Beer belly.

But I would add, the lower seat didn't seem to help me as I felt it caused my legs to spread wider
because of the frame.
I didn't want to lower the bike too much so my first move was to buy an adventure style boot with a
taller heel and added an insole. (every mm helps  )
Then the last resort was to lower the bike. I aimed for about 20mm
not exactly sure what it did drop by as it's not the easiest things to measure.

[Oregonian]

Are you going to buy one of the new ones at the dealership in Oregon that has 5 new bikes for sale?

If so, here is some info and a few suggestions.

Go early in the day and be prepared to take five or six hours to get it done.  I know, it makes no sense but that is a common experience at that dealership.  The bike is unlikely to be ready and the sales guy is unlikely to have completed the things you asked for.

The VFR 1200X needs to have the brake fluid flushed early and often.  You're asking for trouble even on a short ride back to Seattle.  I would schedule an appointment for that afternoon at EDR Performance in Beaverton.  I would neither trust the dealership to actually do the job, nor would I trust their competence in getting it done.

There is also a high chance the dealership won't get the registration paperwork to you in a timely fashion.  See this thread:  https://www.vfrdiscussion.com/index.php?/forums/topic/99544-brand-new-2015/

[ArthurY]

Originally Posted by Oregonian

The VFR 1200X needs to have the brake fluid flushed early and often.  You're asking for trouble even on a short ride back to Seattle. 

In general, brake fluids need to be replaced every 2 years; so that moisture will not corrode the internal components. Why does this model need early fluid replacement? Please explain further.

I guess if the bike has been sitting in the dealership for years with fluids in there, there is a high chance that the brake components may well be compromised. If that is so, they need to be replaced. Replacing the fluids may help but will not get rid of the root cause.

[ArthurY]

Thanks, @beerbelly and @DE65Y.
Points taken.

[DaveinNC]

Originally Posted by ArthurY

In general, brake fluids need to be replaced every 2 years; so that moisture will not corrode the internal components. Why does this model need early fluid replacement? Please explain further.

I guess if the bike has been sitting in the dealership for years with fluids in there, there is a high chance that the brake components may well be compromised. If that is so, they need to be replaced. Replacing the fluids may help but will not get rid of the root cause.

Nobody knows why not even Honda, but they are aware of it. It happens on both the X and F models and has something to do with the factory fill fluid and the linked ABS unit. After a thorough flush with a high-quality DOT 4 synthetic fluid, the problem is gone. I have not heard of it returning after a complete flush. You can go ahead and replace the brake system or whatever it is that you are describing but it's a waste of time and you are just pissing away money. A simple fluid change resolves the issue. After that, you can resume a normal service schedule. Personally, I installed speed bleeders so a full flush takes all of 20 minutes. I'll be doing mine every 2 years. 

[Ernest_T_Bass]

Originally Posted by ArthurY

Anything to watch out for?

Have a few questions:

Any deficiencies that will make this bike uncomfortable for long distance riding (i.e. over 500 miles per day)

Lots of discussion here about the uncomfortable seat.  If you're going to do 500-mile days, you'll be replacing the stock seat.