Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer X Review
Bike Tested: Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer X; Road Test No. 1055; Test Location: Malaysia
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 18 lakhs (est.)
The Crosstourer X is a sporty and an adventurous offering from Honda
The adventure touring segment has come a long way, especially in the global context. Not anyone and everyone were interested in these out and out adventure tourers and that demanded the need of a motorcycle that could best do touring and a slight bit of off-roading as well, a dual-sport bike to be precise. Honda entered this very segment almost seven years ago with the Crosstourer and we got a chance to sample the vehicle during our recent visit to Malaysia. It’s a rather interesting bike, read on to find why…
Motor Quest: Also known as the VFR1200X, the Honda Crosstourer was announced at the 2010 EICMA motorcycle show. The vehicle uses the same 1237cc V4 engine from the VFR1200F but in a different state of tune and rivals the BMW R1200GS and the Triumph Tiger 1200.
The Honda Crosstourer X is based on the VFR1200F
Styling – The Crosstourer X being a dual-sport motorcycle can be easily mistaken for a proper adventure tourer. Justifying the aforementioned statement is the presence of a small protruding beak which looks cute and spoke wheels and long travel suspension that aid while off-roading. Clearly, the bodywork and other styling elements are a stark departure from the VFR1200 (the fuel tank though has a resemblance to the VFR1200F). The front gets a single headlight setup with no LEDs and that’s a sigh! Below it sits the cute small beak and above is an adjustable windscreen. We particularly like how the spoke wheels have been finished and the minimalistic-looking rear profile. Overall, the Honda Crosstourer ticks all the boxes in our books when it comes to the design and looks.
The instrument console design could have been more appealing
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The instrument console on the Honda Crosstourer X is an all-digital unit with a tachometer on the top. Below it is the readout for speedometer, odometer and other information like clock, air temperature, engine temperature, twin trip meters and a fuel meter. The tell-tale lights are positioned on either side of the digital display. While the console could have been a tad bit bigger, the switchgear is of great quality. The RHS gets an engine kill switch, gear switch and an engine start button. The LHS gets a hazard light switch, horn button, and two switches for gear shifts, one for downshifts and another for upshifts. Next to the left switchgear is the hand brake adjustment module. Press a button and pull it, the handbrake gets activated. Quite cool, isn’t it?
The windscreen is adjustable but does feel a tad bit short for taller riders
Ergonomics – The ergonomics of the Honda Crosstourer X are just like any other touring bike. The handlebar is high and wide, footpegs are centre-set and the seat height is quite low and accessible. The seat is a single-piece unit and feels comfortable for both the rider and the pillion owing to the cushioning and the sheer size. Riding posture is upright and hence uber comfortable for what the bike is built for, long-distance touring. The rear grab rail is purposeful and apart from being just a grab handle, it can also be used to mount some luggage.
The Crosstourer’s V4 powertrain gets a revised cam timing for more grunt in the lower revs
Performance – The Crosstourer X comes powered by a 1237cc V4 engine that produces 127 HP of power and 126 Nm of torque. This is the same powertrain as in the VFR1200F but is tuned for lesser power and better low and mid-range grunt. This motorcycle might not be as exhilarating or exciting as the VFR1200F but it sure is a fun, capable and practical vehicle. There is a good amount of punch from the motor and add to it the superb refinement levels, the ride is definitely enjoyable. Acceleration is very linear and the V4 powerplant redlines at around 10,000 RPM.
The DCT automatic gearbox works like a charm
The Crosstourer X gets a standard 3-level traction control and is shaft-driven
The bike is available in both manual and automatic transmission variants and our test bike came equipped with a 6-speed DCT (automatic) gearbox. This unit is smooth and the responses are super quick. You can manually take control of things via the gear switches but you cannot hold onto a gear for a longer time as the DCT tends to upshift soon.
High speed stability is brilliant in the Honda Crosstourer all thanks to the weight
Riding Dynamics – The Honda Crosstourer X might not boast of a sophisticated suspension setup but still, the ride quality is just great. The motorcycle takes on anything in its stride with utmost ease and also stays composed to the tarmac at all times. The front end does feel light but that’s far from annoying or being a deal breaker. At 285 kgs, the bike is sure hefty but it manages to camouflage that weight beautifully when riding on an open stretch of road. The Crosstourer X is not a proper off-roader or a corner-carver by any means but what it enjoys doing the most is munching miles. Braking setup comprises of a twin-disc setup at the front and a single disc at the rear, both with ABS and they have the initial bite and offer great stopping power.
The bike loves to be ridden on the highways and can effortlessly munch miles
Verdict – The Honda Crosstourer X has impressed us and the Japanese bikemaker’s attempt at offering a no non-sense touring machine coupled with slight off-roading capability has truly paid off. The bike looks the part, is practical (with all the luggage carrying capacity), feature-rich, has superb ride quality and what really stands out in this package is the grunt-laden and properly punchy V4 motor and of course, its soundtrack which none of its competitors offers. The Crosstourer’s India launch is uncertain yet but if the company does decide to get it to our shores, it will come at a significant premium over the Africa Twin.
What’s Cool
* No non-sense styling
* Supremely comfortable seats and riding position
* V4 motor’s soundtrack and performance
* Responsive DCT gearbox
* Great ride and handling balance
What’s Not So Cool
* No LED headlights
* Instrument console feels dated
* Heavy
Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer X Specifications
* Engine: 1237cc, Liquid-Cooled, V4
* Power: 127 HP @ 7750 RPM
* Torque: 126 Nm @ 6500 RPM
* Transmission: 6-speed DCT automatic gearbox with Shaft drive
* Top Speed: 210 km/hr
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Fuel Consumption: 11-15 km/l
* Suspension: 43 mm telescopic forks (Front), Pro-link with gas-charged shock (Rear)
* Tyre Size: 110/80/19 (Front), 150/70/17 (Rear)
* Brakes: 310 mm Twin Discs (Front), 276 mm Disc (Rear), ABS
Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer X Dimensions
* Overall length x width x height: 2285 mm X 915 mm X 1460 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.5-litres
* Ground Clearance: 180 mm
* Wheelbase: 1595 mm
* Kerb weight: 285 kgs (wet)
Further Reading –
Honda CBR500R Test Ride Review
Honda CB1100 RS Test Ride Review
Honda Gold Wing Test Ride Review
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