Honda 1200x crosstourer review

Like the Honda Crossrunner, the Honda 1200x crosstourer review takes an existing Honda V-four sporty-tourer, and repackages it into a taller, adventure-styled tourer instead. That engine gets a fairly hefty detune though, with peak power dropping from bhp to bhp, with corresponding beefing up of the low-down and midrange torque.

Shortly after its groundbreaking VFRF sport tourer was introduced for , Honda launched an adventure-styled bike for based on the same smooth and powerful 1,cc V-4 engine used in the VFR. Except that in late , one dollar only bought about 77 yen, which meant that the bike would be too pricey for the American market. So while the Europeans went Crosstouring, we waited—a pity because in many respects it was a better fit for us Yanks than the VFRF, which Honda has since dropped from its lineup. In the meantime, Combined ABS was added to the Crosstourer in , and the model received a new seat for improved comfort and an easier reach to the ground, self-canceling turn signals, Honda Selectable Torque Control HSTC, or traction control and software refinements to the optional Dual Clutch Transmission DCT to give the automatic shifting system a more natural feel, both on the highway and on back roads. For , the bike gets a one-hand adjustable windscreen, a 12V socket up front with an optional one available for the rear, and three levels for the Sport mode in the optional DCT. Weighing a claimed pounds ready to ride with 5.

Honda 1200x crosstourer review

As the old saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but BMW has the cash in the bank when it comes to having a look that sells. Which means that for some adventure riders the Crosstourer will be too neat and coiffured; more of a clean shirted halftime substitute than the grizzled veteran of a muddy first half. But it put enough sparkle in my eye to ensure the first date started off on a good footing. In addition, if you select automatic mode and then use the manual override — i. Clever, eh? The road ride A couple of streets from the hotel and we were on a motorway heading south with the sun on our backs and a blue sky overhead. From the off, the speed and power of the Crosstourer was never something that needed great contemplation. This is a very fast bike, period. As the pace picked up I began to wonder why Honda had bothered fitting the standard screen on the Crosstourer. Leaving the motorway we headed into the hills, flicked the auto from D to S sports mode and the pace leapt well to the north of spirited. If Carlsberg were to tune a V4 engine for an adventure bike then the torque curve would be identical to that found on the Crosstourer. For a big, heavy, adventure-style bike the handing and stability on the twisties was impressive and I reckon it would be fair to say that not many would buy the Crosstourer and ride it at the sort of pace and aggressiveness that ours were put through on the launch test.

The riding position is comfortable over long distances but still leaves you feeling fully in control of the bike.

BikeSocial Publisher since January Cried when Bike Trader stopped publishing a weekly publication. Does a motorcycle have to be exciting to be good? Is it possible that any cc motorcycle that makes bhp and out-accelerates Ferraris can be anything other than exciting? He wanted to build a sporty adventure bike in the VFR tradition. Sounds good to me, but every time I ride one it takes a while for me to appreciate how much I like it. This is a bike that brings out the sensible in me.

BikeSocial Publisher since January Cried when Bike Trader stopped publishing a weekly publication. Does a motorcycle have to be exciting to be good? Is it possible that any cc motorcycle that makes bhp and out-accelerates Ferraris can be anything other than exciting? He wanted to build a sporty adventure bike in the VFR tradition. Sounds good to me, but every time I ride one it takes a while for me to appreciate how much I like it. This is a bike that brings out the sensible in me. My journeys in the last few weeks have been calm and measured, without the usual eye-widening, sphincter-clenching overtakes or holding onto the throttle for an extra half-second just for the hell of it that makes two-wheeled winter riding worth doing.

Honda 1200x crosstourer review

While it looks like a big adventure motorcycle, it is classified as a sport touring machine and we found that it is capable of pounding the pavement on long hauls and eating up the most twisty canyon roads. After spending a week and a half logging about 1, Miles on the VFRX, I came away with a pretty good idea where this bike belongs in the motorcycle universe. My goal was to leave Los Angeles and get lost on the VFR, so I packed my bags, strapped them down on the passenger pillion, and suited up for an adventure. Where would I go?

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It just does everything so well You cant compare this with a BM as they are so very different but having ridden both for us two up with luggage all day comfort there is not much to beat it. Only thing which was replaced under warranty was floppy gear selector switch for DCT on right handlebar. Dash screen like a 70s moped. Honda C The adjustable windscreen is a godsend for both the long hauls and short jaunts along the interstate. Honda equip all their new bikes with a combined brake system which allows you a better control over the bike regardless of which lever or handle you are using for you braking. At the rear the single shock proves better controlled than the VFRF sports-tourer machine it stems from. Have made several trips around France with my wife as pillion and comfort has never been a issue. Reckon I've made a wise choice ignoring the BMW biased press and got myself a quality built ride. No brushing, no scrubbing, just squirt and hose. Worked well. On this mph is like 50mph on a naked. Is the X and sport touring bke or an ADV bike? Haven't been this confident in the wet since I rode the VFR

The Japanese are big on manners. They told us that a great many riders are looking for things other than outright on-paper performance, race-inspired, neck-cramping riding positions and MotoGP inspired styling. So for our generation of arthritic, myopic pile-sufferers thankfully not me, just yet we need something different.

DCT gearbox great around London commuting but must be careful of accidental lurching forward when gearing is engaged. On a big off-roader like the Cross Tourer an open tread rear can be demolished in km without trying too hard. And yet, this is a bike that makes more power than my old GSX-R, has a beautiful, smooth engine, flawless power delivery, traction control, ABS and suspension that does comfort and control like only Honda knows how to. No issues in the 2 yrs of ownership. Mine has every available Honda accessory for this model, even the cover. Gloves: Racer Mickey. Like the Honda Crossrunner, the Crosstourer takes an existing Honda V-four sporty-tourer, and repackages it into a taller, adventure-styled tourer instead. Ride this incredible route through the Lake District. The original one tips me towards the tank where it's only a few inches wide. Standard screen is surprisingly good. The Honda luggage is light but easily marked.