VFR1200X 2013
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the motorcycle
and should remain with the motorcycle when it is resold.
This publication includes the latest production information available
before printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make
changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written
permission.
The vehicle pictured in this owner’s manual may not match your actual
vehicle.
© 2012 Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of a new
Honda motorcycle. Your selection of a
Honda makes you part of a worldwide family
of satisfied customers who appreciate
Honda’s reputation for building quality into
every product.
To ensure your safety and riding pleasure:
● Read this owner’s manual carefully.
● Follow all recommendations and
procedures contained in this manual.
● Pay close attention to safety messages
contained in this manual and on the
motorcycle.
● The following codes in this manual indicate
each country.
● The illustrations here in are based on the
VFR1200XD ED type.
Country Codes
Code Country
VFR1200X
E UK
ED European direct sales
F France, Belgium
U Australia, New Zealand
KO Korea
VFR1200XD
E UK
ED European direct sales
F France, Belgium
U Australia, New Zealand
BR, II BR Brazil
*The specifications may vary with each locale.
A Few Words About Safety
3
DANGER
3
WARNING
3
CAUTION
NOTICE
Your safety, and the safety of others, is very
important. Operating this motorcycle safely is
an important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about
safety, we have provided operating
procedures and other information on safety
labels and in this manual. This information
alerts you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to
warn you about all hazards associated with
operating or maintaining a motorcycle. You
must use your own good judgement.
You will find important safety information in
a variety of forms, including:
● Safety labels on the motorcycle
● Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert
symbol and one of three signal words:
DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
Other important information is
provided under the following titles:
Information to help you avoid
damage to your motorcycle, other
property, or the environment.
Contents
Motorcycle Safety P. 2
Operation Guide P. 18
Maintenance P. 48
Troubleshooting P. 90
Information P. 111
Specifications P. 125
Index P. 128
Motorcycle Safety
This section contains important information for safe riding of your motorcycle.
Please read this section to ensure rider and passenger safety.
Safety Guidelines .........................................P. 3
Image Labels.................................................P. 6
Safety Precautions .....................................P. 11
Riding Precautions .....................................P. 12
Accessories & Modifications......................P. 16
Loading .......................................................P. 17
Safety Guidelines
Motorcycle Safety
Safety Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to ensure your safety:
● Perform all routine and regular inspections
specified in this manual.
● Stop the engine and keep sparks and flame
away before filling the fuel tank.
● Do not run the engine in enclosed or partly
enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide in exhaust
gases is toxic and can kill you.
Always Wear a Helmet
It’s a proven fact: helmets and protective
apparel significantly reduce the number and
severity of head and other injuries. So always
wear an approved motorcycle helmet and
protective apparel.
2 P. 11
Before Riding
Make sure that you are physically fit, mentally
focused and free of alcohol and drugs. Check
that you and your passenger are both wearing
an approved motorcycle helmet and protective
apparel. Instruct your passenger on holding
onto the grab rails, leaning with you in turns,
and keeping their feet on the footpegs, even
when the motorcycle is stopped.
Take Time to Learn & Practice
Even if you have ridden other motorcycles,
practice riding in a safe area to become familiar
with how this motorcycle works and handles,
and to become accustomed to the motorcycle’s
size and weight.
Ride Defensively
Always pay attention to other vehicles around
you, and do not assume that other drivers see
you. Be prepared to stop quickly or perform an
evasive maneuver.
continued
3
Safety Guidelines
Motorcycle Safety
Make Yourself Easy to See
Make yourself more visible, especially at night,
by wearing bright reflective clothing,
positioning yourself so other drivers can see
you, signaling before turning or changing lanes,
and using your horn when necessary.
Ride within Your Limits
Never ride beyond your personal abilities or
faster than conditions warrant. Fatigue and
inattention can impair your ability to use good
judgement and ride safely.
Don’t Drink and Ride
Alcohol and riding don’t mix. Even one
alcoholic drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and your
reaction time gets worse with every additional
drink. Don’t drink and ride, and don’t let your
friends drink and ride either.
4
Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition
It’s important to keep your motorcycle properly
maintained and in safe riding condition.
Inspect your motorcycle before every ride and
perform all recommended maintenance. Never
exceed load limits (
your motorcycle or install accessories that
would make your motorcycle unsafe (
2 P. 17), and do not modify
2 P. 16).
If You are Involved in a Crash
Personal safety is your first priority. If you or
anyone else has been injured, take time to
assess the severity of the injuries and whether it
is safe to continue riding. Call for emergency
assistance if needed. Also follow applicable
laws and regulations if another person or
vehicle is involved in the crash.
If you decide to continue riding, first evaluate
the condition of your motorcycle. If the engine
is still running, turn it off. Inspect for fluid leaks,
Safety Guidelines
Motorcycle Safety
3
WARNING
check the tightness of critical nuts and bolts,
and check the handlebar, control levers, brakes,
and wheels. Ride slowly and cautiously.
Your motorcycle may have suffered damage
that is not immediately apparent. Have your
motorcycle thoroughly checked at a qualified
service facility as soon as possible.
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill you.
Avoid any areas or activities that
expose you to carbon monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide,
a colourless, odorless gas. Breathing carbon
monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and
may lead to death.
If you run the engine in confined or even partly
enclosed area, the air you breathe could contain
a dangerous amount of carbon monoxide.
Never run your motorcycle inside a garage or
other enclosure.
5
Image Labels
Motorcycle Safety
Except KO, BR, II BR type
Image Labels
The following pages describe the label
meanings. Some labels warn you of
potential hazards that could cause serious
injury. Others provide important safety
information. Read this information carefully
and don’t remove the labels.
If a label comes off or becomes hard to read,
contact your dealer for a replacement.
There is a specific symbol on each label.
The meanings of each symbol and label are
as follows.
6
Read instructions contained in Owner’s
Manual carefully.
Read instructions contained in Shop Manual
carefully. In the interest of safety, take the
motorcycle to be serviced only by your dealer.
DANGER (with RED background)
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if
you don’t follow instructions.
WARNING (with ORANGE background)
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if
you don’t follow instructions.
CAUTION (with YELLOW background)
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
Image Labels
Motorcycle Safety
BATTERY LABEL
DANGER
• Keep flame and spark away from the battery.
Battery produce explosive gas that can cause
explosion.
• Wear the eye protection and rubber gloves when
handling the battery, or you can get burned or
lose your eyesight by the battery electrolyte.
• Do not allow children and other people to touch
a battery unless they understand proper
handling and hazards of the battery very well.
• Handle the battery electrolyte with extreme care
as it contains dilute sulfuric acid. Contact with
your skin or eyes can burn you or cause loss of
your eyesight.
• Read this manual carefully and understand it
before handling the battery. Neglect of the
instructions can cause personal injury and
damage to the motorcycle.
• Do not use a battery with the electrolyte at or
below the lower level mark. It can explode
causing serious injury.
continued
7
Image Labels
Motorcycle Safety
RADIATOR CAP LABEL
DANGER
NEVER OPEN WHEN HOT.
Hot coolant will scald you.
Relief pressure valve begins to open at 1.1 kgf/cm
2
.
ACCESSORIES AND LOADING WARNING LABEL
WARNING
ACCESSORIES AND LOADING
• The safety stability and handling of this motorcycle may be
affected by the addition of accessories and luggage.
• Read carefully the instructions contained in user’s manual and
installation guide before installing any accessory.
• The total weight of accessories and luggage added to rider’s and
passenger’s weight should not exceed 194 kg (428 lb), which is
the maximum weight capacity.
• The luggage weight must not exceed 18.5 kg (41 lb) under any
circumstances.
• The fitting of large fork-mounted or large handlebar mounted
fairing is not recommended.
8
Image Labels
Motorcycle Safety
REAR CUSHION LABEL
GAS FILLED
Do not open. Do not heat.
TYRE INFORMATION LABEL
Cold tyre pressure:
[Driver only]
Front 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm2, 36 psi)
Rear 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm2, 42 psi)
[Driver and passenger]
Front 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm2, 36 psi)
Rear 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm2, 42 psi)
Tyre size:
Front 110/80R19M/C 59V
Rear 150/70R17M/C 69V
Tyre brand: PIRELLI BRIDGESTONE
Front SCORPION TRAIL E BW-501 RADIAL F
Rear SCORPION TRAIL E BW-502 RADIAL F
continued
9
Image Labels
Motorcycle Safety
10
SAFETY REMINDER LABEL
For your protection, always wear helmet, protective apparel.
FUEL LABEL
Unleaded petrol only
Premium Recommended
CARGO LIMIT LABEL
Do not exceed 10 kg (22 lb)
Safety Precautions
Motorcycle Safety
3
WARNING
Safety Precautions
● Ride cautiously and keep your hands on the
handlebar and feet on the footpegs.
● Keep passenger’s hands onto the grab rail,
passenger’s feet on the footpegs while
riding.
● Always consider the safety of your passenger,
as well as other drivers and riders.
Protective Apparel
Make sure that you and any passenger are
wearing an approved motorcycle helmet, eye
protection, and high-visibility protective
clothing. Ride defensively in response to
weather and road conditions.
Helmet
❙
Safety-standard certified, high-visibility, correct
size for your head
● Must fit comfortably but securely, with the
chin strap fastened
● Face shield with unobstructed field of vision
or other approved eye protection
Not wearing a helmet increases the
chance of serious injury or death in a
crash.
Make sure that you and any passenger
always wear an approved helmet and
protective apparel.
Gloves
❙
Full-finger leather gloves with high abrasion
resistance
Boots or Riding Shoes
❙
Sturdy boots with non-slip soles and ankle
protection
Jacket and Trousers
❙
Protective, highly visible, long-sleeved jacket
and durable trousers for riding (or a protective
suit).
11
Riding Precautions
Motorcycle Safety
Riding Precautions
Running-in Period
During the first 500 km (300 miles) of running,
follow these guidelines to ensure your
motorcycle’s future reliability and performance.
● Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
● Avoid hard braking and rapid down-shifts.
● Ride conservatively.
12
Brakes
Observe the following guidelines:
● Avoid excessively hard braking and down-
shifts.
u Sudden braking can reduce the motorcycle
stability.
u Where possible, reduce speed before
turning; otherwise you risk sliding out.
● Exercise caution on low traction surfaces.
u The tyres slip more easily on such surfaces
and braking distances are longer.
● Avoid continuous braking.
u Repeated braking, such as when
descending long, steep slopes can
seriously overheat the brakes, reducing
their effectiveness. Use engine braking
with intermittent use of the brakes to
reduce speed.
Riding Precautions
Motorcycle Safety
Combined ABS
❙
Your motorcycle is equipped with a brake
system that distributes the braking force
between the front and rear brakes.
The distribution of the braking force applied to
the front and rear brakes is different when
operating the lever only and when operating
the pedal only.
For full braking effectiveness, operate both the
lever and pedal together.
This model is also equipped with an Anti-lock
Brake System (ABS) designed to help prevent
the brakes from locking up during hard braking.
Always use the recommended tyres to ensure
correct ABS operation.
● ABS does not reduce braking distance. In
certain circumstances, ABS may result in a
longer stopping distance.
● ABS does not function at speeds below 10
km/h (6 mph).
● The brake lever and pedal may recoil slightly
when applying the brakes. This is normal.
Engine Braking
❙
Engine braking helps slow your motorcycle
down when you release the throttle. For further
slowing action, downshift to a lower gear. Use
engine braking with intermittent use of the
brakes to reduce speed when descending long,
steep slopes.
Wet or Rainy Conditions
❙
Road surfaces are slippery when wet, and wet
brakes further reduce braking efficiency.
Exercise extra caution when braking in wet
conditions.
If the brakes get wet, apply the brakes while
riding at low speed to help them dry.
continued
13
Riding Precautions
Motorcycle Safety
Parking
● Park on a firm, level paved surface.
● If you must park on a slight incline or loose
surface, park so that the motorcycle cannot
move or fall over.
● Make sure that high-temperature parts
cannot come into contact with flammable
materials.
● Do not touch the engine, muffler, brakes and
other high-temperature parts until they cool
down.
● To reduce the likelihood of theft, always lock
the handlebar and remove the key when
leaving the motorcycle unattended.
Use of an anti-theft device is also
recommended.
Parking with the Side Stand
❙
1.
Stop the engine.
2.
Push the side stand down.
14
3.
Slowly lean the motorcycle to the left until its
weight rests on the side stand.
4.
Turn the handlebar fully to the left.
u Turning the handlebar to the right reduces
stability and may cause the motorcycle to
fall.
5.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position
and remove the key.
2 P. 35
Riding Precautions
Motorcycle Safety
Refuelling and Fuel Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to protect the engine
and catalytic converter:
● Use only unleaded petrol.
● Use recommended octane number. Using
lower octane petrol will result in decreased
engine performance.
● Do not use fuels containing a high
concentration of alcohol.
● Do not use stale or contaminated petrol or an
2 P. 116
oil/petrol mixture.
● Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
TCS does not work in case of rear wheel lock
caused by a sudden closing of the throttle.
Do not close the throttle suddenly especially on
the slippery road surface.
TCS may not compensate rough condition of
roads or rapid and improper throttle operations.
Always ride with a sufficient caution to the road
and weather conditions.
In certain unusual conditions when your
motorcycle gets stuck in shallow mud or fresh
snow, it may be easier to free it with the TCS
temporarily switched off.
It may also help to make it easier to maintain
TCS (Traction Control System)
TCS (Traction Control System) assists you in
maintaining traction while accelerating on
slippery surfaces by regulating the engine’s
power output when it senses the rear wheel
the balance and control in such condition as
riding in an off-road terrain.
Always use the recommended tyres to ensure
correct TCS operation.
starting to lose traction.
15
Accessories & Modifications
Motorcycle Safety
3
WARNING
Accessories &
Modifications
We strongly advise that you do not add any
accessories that were not specifically designed
for your motorcycle by Honda or make
modifications to your motorcycle from its
original design. Doing so can make it unsafe.
Modifying your motorcycle may also void your
warranty and make your motorcycle illegal to
operate on public roads and highways. Before
deciding to install accessories on your
motorcycle be certain the modification is safe
and legal.
16
Improper accessories or modifications
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.
Do not pull a trailer with, or attach a sidecar to,
your motorcycle. Your motorcycle was not
designed for these attachments, and their use
can seriously impair your motorcycle’s handling.
Motorcycle Safety
Loading
3
WARNING
Loading
● Carrying extra weight affects your
motorcycle’s handling, braking and stability.
Always ride at a safe speed for the load you
are carrying.
● Avoid carrying an excessive load and keep
within specified load limits.
2 Maximum weight capacity / Maximum
luggage weight P. 125
● Tie all luggage securely, evenly balanced and
close to the centre of the motorcycle.
● Do not place objects near the lights or the
muffler.
Overloading or improper loading can
cause a crash and you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
17
Operation Guide
Parts Location
Rear brake fluid reservoir (P76)
Right engine heat guard
(P65)
Front brake fluid reservoir
(P76)
Throttle grip (P82)
Engine oil fill cap (P68)
Engine oil drain bolt (P69)
Engine oil filter (P69)
Coolant reserve tank (P74)
Battery (P67)
Main fuse B (P110)
Front brake lever (P84)
Clutch oil filter (VFR1200XD)
(P72)
Right under cowl (P65)
Engine oil level inspection
window
(P68)
18
Operation Guide
Shift lever (VFR1200X)
(P40)
Side stand (P80)
Clutch lever (VFR1200X) (P84)
Seat (P63)
Fuse box (P109)
Final gear cover (P64)
Clutch fluid reservoir (VFR1200X) (P79)
Parking brake lever (VFR1200XD) (P78)
Front suspension spring
preload /rebound damping
adjuster (P85)
Rear suspension rebound
damping adjuster
(P86)
Final drive oil drain bolt
(P81)
Final drive oil fill hole cap
(P81)
Main fuse A (P109)
19
Operation Guide
Instruments
button & button
(E type only)
Press and hold both buttons to change the speed, mileage and fuel mileage units (“km/h” &
“km” & “km/L” or “mph” & “mile” & “mile/L”) for the speedometer, odometer, and
tripmeter.
Press button to select either ”km/h” & “km” & “km/L” or “mph” & “mile” & “mile/L”,
then press button to set.
TOTAL/TRIP
FCD
FCD
TOTAL/TRIP
button
FCD
button
TOTAL/TRIP
Tachometer
NOTICE
Do not operate the engine in the
tachometer red zone. Excessive engine
speed can adversely affect engine life.
Tachometer red zone
(excessive engine rpm range)
(VFR1200X)
20
Operation Guide
Fuel gauge
Remaining fuel when only
1st (E) segment starts flashing:
approximately 4.0 litres
(1.06 US gal, 0.88 Imp gal)
Speedometer
Display Check
When the ignition switch is turned on, all the mode and digital segments will show. If any
part of these displays does not come on when it should, have your dealer check for problems.
At the same time, the available
driving distance is displayed.
continued
21
Instruments (Continued)
Operation Guide
button
FCD
button
TOTAL/TRIP
Clock (12-hour display)
To set the clock (P24)
Air temperature gauge (AIR)
Display range: -10 to 50 ºC
• Below -11 ºC: “ ” displays
• Above 50 ºC:
- Air temperature gauge (flashing digits)
u The temperature readout may be incorrect
at low speeds due to reflected heat.
22
Operation Guide
Odometer [TOTAL] & Tripmeter [TRIP A/B]
button switches between odometer & tripmeters.
• Odometer: Total distance ridden.
• Tripmeter: Distance ridden since tripmeter was reset (press and hold
button to reset to 0.0 km/mile. At the same time reset the average fuel mileage).
TOTAL/TRIP
TOTAL/TRIP
Coolant temperature gauge ( )
• Above 122 ºC:
- High coolant temperature indicator lights
- 5th (H) segment flashes
u Even if the engine coolant temperature is low, the cooling fan may start running when you rev
up the engine. This is normal.
Gear position indicator
Shows 1st to 6th gear position.
Backlight brightness adjustment (P25)
continued
23
Instruments (Continued)
Operation Guide
FCD
FCD
TOTAL/TRIP
FCD
TOTAL/TRIP
To set the clock:
!a Turn the ignition switch ON while pressing
and holding the button. The hour
digits start flashing.
!b Press button until the desired hour is
displayed.
u Press and hold to advance the hour fast.
!c Press button. The minute
digits start flashing.
!d Press button until the desired minute
is displayed.
u Press and hold to advance the minute
fast.
24
!e Press button. The clock is
set.
u The time can also be set by turning the
ignition switch off.
The display will stop flashing automatically
and the adjustment will be cancelled if the
button is not pressed for about 30 seconds.
Operation Guide
Backlight brightness adjustment:
TOTAL/TRIP
FCD
TOTAL/TRIP
You can adjust the brightness five levels.
!a Press and hold button when
!b Press button until the desired
!c Press button. The brightness
the display in the odometer.
The brightness digits start flashing.
brightness is displayed.
is set.
u The brightness can also be set by turning
the ignition switch off.
The adjustment will be cancelled if the
button is not pressed for about 30 seconds.
25
Instruments (Continued)
Operation Guide
Fuel mileage meter
The current fuel mileage, average fuel mileage and no indication can be selected to press
the button.
FCD
Current fuel
mileage
Average fuel
mileage
No
indication
26
Operation Guide
When the 1st (E) segment of the fuel gauge is flashed
Available driving distance is displayed. Then the amount of remaining fuel, current fuel
mileage, average fuel mileage, no indication and available driving distance can be selected
to press the button.
FCD
Available
driving
distance
Amount of
remaining
fuel
No
indication
Current fuel
mileage
Average fuel
mileage
continued
27
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