2012 Honda VFR 1200F vs 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Honda VFR 1200F 2012 Honda VFR 1200F

Naked bike

Engine
V4, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
262.0 pounds
2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
666.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsModel ID: TRX90XAmphibian.
ColoursCandy BlueBlack Denim, Vivid Black, Ember Red Sunglo
WarrantyOne year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)99 mm122 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)3.9 inches4.8 inches
Seat Height810 mm / 31.9 in.650 mm / 25.6 in.
Wheelbase1,544 mm / 60.8 in.1,702 mm / 67.0 in.
Height927 mm / 36.5 in.1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length1,488 mm / 58.6 in.2,365 mm / 93.1 in.
Width894 mm / 35.2 in.1,600 mm / 63.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-4.70 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.31 quarts
Dry Weight-288.9 kg / 637.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons
Wet Weight118.8 kg / 262.0 lbs302.1 kg / 666.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Max Torque-112.95 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 83.3 ft.lbs) @ 6750
Engine
Fuel ControlSOHCDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
CO2-147.6 CO
Displacement (cc)1237.00 cc1250.08 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)81.0 x 60.0 mm105.0 x 72.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.2 x 2.4 inches4.1 x 2.8 inches
Displacement (ci)75.48 cubic inches76.28 cubic inches
Engine TypeV4, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Engine Detail76 degrees V-4Liquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-Twin
Fuel SystemInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with automatic enrichment circuit, 44mm throttle bodies and 12-hole injectorsInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio12.0:111.5:1
EmissionsMeets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Exhaust-Straight-shot exhaust with brushed finish dual mufflers; black end caps and exhaust shield
Fuel Consumption-6.36 litres/100 km (15.7 km/l or 36.98 mpg)
IgnitionDigital transistorized with electronic advance-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchAutomaticMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Belt
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveO-ring-sealed chainGear, 117/64 ratio primary drive
Chassis
Suspension - Front43mm cartridge fork with spring-preload adjustabilityIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Suspension - RearPro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single gas-charged shock with remote spring-preload adjustability and rebound-damping adjustabilityIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Rake25.5°34.0°
Trail101 mm / 4.0 in.142 mm / 5.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front66 mm / 4.7 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear66 mm / 2.6 in.-
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights, tachometer
Lighting system-High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), coolant temperature, low fuel warnings
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.9 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)276 mm-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. CBS six-piston calipers with ABSSingle disc. 4-piston
Brakes - RearSingle disc. CBS two-piston calipers with ABSSingle disc. 2-piston
Rims-Black, Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Orange Pinstripe
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17-
Tyres - Rear190/55-ZR17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special

The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special edges out the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F thanks to its lower seat height and greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Honda VFR 1200F - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 650 mm vs 810 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • More ground clearance: 122 mm vs 99 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2012 Honda VFR 1200F vs 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F and 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special?
The 2012 Honda VFR 1200F uses V4, four-stroke, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F or the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has the lower seat at 650 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Honda VFR 1200F sits higher at 810 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F or the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda VFR 1200F has the edge in dual front discs, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special stands out for lower seat height and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.