Honda showed off its brand-new VFR1200F to members of the press yesterday afternoon at the American Honda headquarters in Torrance, California, giving us a look at the bike and releasing some basic information.

The good word is that we'll get to ride the 1237cc, 76-degree V-four sports tourer sometime in December with the bike set for a Spring 2010 release. Honda has yet to release a price on the high-tech bike, but says that will also be decided by December.

Here's what Honda had to say about the latest incarnation of the VFR family...

Drawing from a longstanding legacy of innovation within Honda's V-4 lineup, the 2010 VFR1200F embodies the new generation of V-4 technology and unsurpassed rider benefits, setting the stage for Honda's next 50 years. Honda's V-4 heritage and VFR tradition is fully realized in the VFR1200F. It has been re-created in astonishingly innovative form through the fusion of advanced technology imported from the MotoGP world and other cutting-edge environments. Net result: a futuristic sport motorcycle created for the sheer joy of riding, custom tailored for experienced hands who ride hard, ride long, ride far and ride often.

Features/Benefits

Features

- Honda MotoGP V-4 engine technology and architecture bring cutting-edge performance to the VFR1200F.

- Unique cylinder layout with rear two cylinders located innermost on the crankshaft and front cylinders located outboard narrows the rider interface aboard the VFR1200F.

- Throttle By Wire for next-generation throttle response.

- Optional Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission with manual mode and automatic mode with two D/S modes and paddle-style shifters offers unparalleled freedom through innovative technology.

- Next-generation shaft drive system with offset pivot point and sliding constant-velocity joint for a new level of shaft-drive performance and control.

- Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

Engine/Drivetrain

- Light and compact 1237cc liquid-cooled 76-degree V-4 pumps out amazing levels of power with a distinctive V-4 feel and sound.

- Symmetrically Coupled Phase-shift Crankshaft uses 28-degree crankpin offset to eliminate primary engine vibration.

- Asymmetrical exhaust lengths between front and rear cylinders boost power production and enhance power feel.

- Lightweight and compact Unicam® valvetrain allows for significantly smaller cylinder heads.

- Honda slipper clutch in manual-shift model allows unencumbered sport riding.

Chassis/Suspension

- GP technology layer-concept aero fairing for unrivaled air management.

- Honda Pro Arm® single-sided swingarm with single gas-charged shock delivers cutting-edge rear suspension action; features handy remote spring preload adjuster, rebound damping adjustability and 5.1 inches of travel.

- Stout, sport-oriented 43mm inverted cartridge fork with spring preload adjustability and 4.7 inches of travel.

- New controls with smoother and more precise tactile feel enhance the riding experience.

- New-technology seat construction permits a higher level of seat shaping and forming details.

- Saddlebag mounts come standard on both versions of the VFR1200F.

Specifications

Model: VFR1200F / VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission

Engine Type: 1237cc liquid-cooled 76° V-4

Bore and Stroke: 81mm x 60mm

Compression ratio: 12.0:1

Valve Train: SOHC; four valves per cylinder

Induction: PGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, 44mm throttle bodies and 12-hole injectors

Ignition: Digital transistorized with electronic advance

Transmission: Six-speed (VFR1200F) / Six-speed automatic with two modes and manual mode (VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission)

Final Drive: Shaft

Suspension
Front: 43mm cartridge fork with spring preload adjustability; 4.7 inches travel
Rear: Pro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link® single gas-charged shock with remote spring preload adjustability and rebound damping adjustability; 5.1 inches travel

Brakes
Front: Dual full-floating 320mm discs with CBS six-piston calipers with ABS
Rear: Single 276mm disc with CBS two-piston caliper with ABS

Tires
Front: 120/70 ZR17 radial
Rear: 190/55 ZR17 radial

Wheelbase: 60.8 inches (1545mm)

Rake (Caster angle): 25°30'

Trail: 101.0mm (4.0 inches)

Seat Height: 32.1 inches (815mm)

Fuel Capacity: 4.9 gallons

Color: Candy Red

Curb Weight*: 591 pounds (VFR1200F) / 613 pounds (VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission)

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel--ready to ride.

Meets current CARB and EPA standards.

Specifications subject to change.