oregonian

It smells very strongly of burning oil. And it looks like motor oil on a white rag.

I thought it was the clutch arm also, but it isn't oily at all. It doesn't come back with the same pattern each time. Sometimes it is half an inch left, right or lower than in the photo. I can smell oil when I stop at a light. The volume of oil is very small.

I agree, but it reoccurs everytime I wipe it off and go for a ride.

Is this a typical gasket leak? When riding the bike, it pops up on that location but I can't tell where it starts. Help/opinions/advice appreciated.

It really was a crazy idea and it didn't sell well in the US. Honda Europe sold a ton of them. Honda intended for it to be a replacement for the ST1300. I have both a VFR 1200X and VFR 1200F, both with DCT. The F model is a ridiculous rocket ship - 0-60 is quoted some places as 2.6 seconds. It gobbles up the miles, but the power is so addictive and tempting that it really doesn't make sense as a sports tourer. The X has the same engine, but tuned for mid range and not nearly as much horsepower. Both models are great fun to ride because of the engine and the typical Honda quality. In the UK, Ariel (the company that makes the Atom car) took the engine and chassis and made both the Ace - a bobber version and a naked bike version. They sell for roughly $50k and the backlog is years. They use the engine from the VFR 1200F for both bikes, but I'm sure the bobber would be more suited to the VFR 1200X engine due to the relaxed nature of that powerplant. The X is great for blasting around, but so damn top heavy that it requires a bunch of extra thought (at least from me) at stops and low speed. My only complaint with both bikes is they exhibit very odd and dangerous behavior with mildly old brake fluid. I typically flush it annually on both bikes just to be safe.

I have a VFR 1200X DCT also. They're incredibly fun. The bike likes to be ridden in the higher rpm ranges. The engine sings and the big beast comes alive. Consider buying an Akrapovic exhaust for it - not the one you can get in the US with two outlets, but the Euro only version you can still find (new) in lots of listings on eBay. It sounds great, looks great and transforms the bike. Also flush the brake fluid immediately and often. These bikes develop very strange brake problems with mildly old fluid. Have fun figuring out how you like to use the DCT modes. Some users swear the computer learns your style and adjust accordingly.

I have a VFR1200X DCT and a VFR 1200F DCT. The transmission was considered cutting edge in 2010 (when the F came out) and wasn't very popular. Honda limited power in first and second gears (in order to save the gearbox from abuse) and a lot of riders complained. Now, they sell 4 Goldwings with DCT for everyone one bike with standard transmission. The bikes share the same engine, but with completely different tuning and some other changes that give the X more torque in the middle of the powerband. The X is great for long range use and the F is a 175 hp rocket. I typically ride the X in sport 3 mode and the F in manual paddle shift mode. Both bikes are ridiculously large due to the size of the engine. My 2016 FJ 09 is much more enjoyable for standard riding due to the weight and responsiveness of the engine. If I had to only have one bike, the FJ would be it.

What can you do about that rear seat area? That's the one thing that stops me from buying this bike.

It appears to have been laid down on the right side and dropped on the left side. The seller states $200 in parts to make it right, but that is way too low. It would cost more than that to have a mechanic install the parts if you got them for free. I'm guessing there isn't much risk to buying the bike and the price is good since it has the Akra exhaust. Was the ecu flashed or tuned? If I bought it, I'd be tempted to put cover protection over the scratched part in order to hide it and to protect the parts from future damage.

As a long time Honda owner, I was initially negatively surprised by the quality of my 2016 FJ 09. However, I have come to see it as a difference in strategy between the two brands more than a difference in ability to make good bikes. I now appreciate them for what they are. I really like the design of the FJ and even like the super-basic dash. One of the big implications of the difference in quality relates to prices of parts. I just bought black FJ 09 wheels to replace the blue ones and the price was around $600 total. If the bike were a Honda, I'd be looking at closer to $1,500.

Hairspray is the trick to installing grip puppies.

Anybody have a clue whether or not the new wheels will fit on the old bikes? They look great and must be significantly lighter if they are indeed forged.