Living with the Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2012 9:09 pm
Well, that's my first season with the Crosstourer, I hope to get it out maybe another one or two runs this month but if the gritters appear that'll be it for this year.
Any way, only 4000 miles on the VFR1200X this year due to health issues. I'm still coming to grips with the power and speed of the bike. It's sooo silky smooth power delivery it's easy to rack up high speeds if not paying attention.
I use the bike for long distance hauls rather than to the shops, I use the @T for that! I've also put a couple of thousand miles on the Varadero this season but it is more and more being left sitting as I pick the Crosstourer or the Africa Twin!
Ok, as for the VFR1200X Crosstourer, I have fitted Givi crashbars in case I drop it on tracks, topbox is my Honda OEM from the Varadero which it also shares with the @T. Givi quick release racks have been adapted to take my alli Alpos side boxes. A couple of power sockets, one in the dash and one under the seat cover the satnav and charging so it's prepped for touring.
The bike takes around 20 litres of fuel and usually manages 220 to 230 miles to empty so averaging at 50 to 53mpg. The adjustable suspension takes a bit of setting up but once set the bike rides very well and pegs can be touched down occasionally. The traction control and anti wheelie have their uses too, as do the linked ABS brakes, making the VFR a brilliant handling bike which is very easy to ride.
This is one of the quickest bikes I've ever owned! Powerwise, it will break all UK speed limits in first gear before the limiter, second gear will very nearly see three figures as the bike hits the rev limiter! Wheelies from 60mph to 80mph in 2nd gear off the throttle! It does occasionally lift the front in 3rd and 4th gears putting it on the back wheel into three figured speeds. This bike is just a THUG!
For people looking for a competent touring adventure bike I think this is a worthy contender against the BMW1200GS, the Ducati Multistrada and the Yamaha XT1200Z, with Honda build quality and three year warranty and Euro recovery it's a sound package. I've enjoyed my first season on the bike and plan on doing a lot more miles on it next year!
Just thought I'd share my experience with the Crosstourer.
Any way, only 4000 miles on the VFR1200X this year due to health issues. I'm still coming to grips with the power and speed of the bike. It's sooo silky smooth power delivery it's easy to rack up high speeds if not paying attention.
I use the bike for long distance hauls rather than to the shops, I use the @T for that! I've also put a couple of thousand miles on the Varadero this season but it is more and more being left sitting as I pick the Crosstourer or the Africa Twin!
Ok, as for the VFR1200X Crosstourer, I have fitted Givi crashbars in case I drop it on tracks, topbox is my Honda OEM from the Varadero which it also shares with the @T. Givi quick release racks have been adapted to take my alli Alpos side boxes. A couple of power sockets, one in the dash and one under the seat cover the satnav and charging so it's prepped for touring.
The bike takes around 20 litres of fuel and usually manages 220 to 230 miles to empty so averaging at 50 to 53mpg. The adjustable suspension takes a bit of setting up but once set the bike rides very well and pegs can be touched down occasionally. The traction control and anti wheelie have their uses too, as do the linked ABS brakes, making the VFR a brilliant handling bike which is very easy to ride.
This is one of the quickest bikes I've ever owned! Powerwise, it will break all UK speed limits in first gear before the limiter, second gear will very nearly see three figures as the bike hits the rev limiter! Wheelies from 60mph to 80mph in 2nd gear off the throttle! It does occasionally lift the front in 3rd and 4th gears putting it on the back wheel into three figured speeds. This bike is just a THUG!
For people looking for a competent touring adventure bike I think this is a worthy contender against the BMW1200GS, the Ducati Multistrada and the Yamaha XT1200Z, with Honda build quality and three year warranty and Euro recovery it's a sound package. I've enjoyed my first season on the bike and plan on doing a lot more miles on it next year!
Just thought I'd share my experience with the Crosstourer.
