2012 Honda Crosstourer (VFR1200X)

[Spider]

The August 2011 issue of Motorcyclist mag has a snapshot and description of an upcoming Honda adventure bike built around the VFR1200 frame and engine. Called the 2012 Honda Crosstourer, or VFR1200X. Looks interesting, although they predict a US price of 15,599. Anyone hear or see anything more about it (just in case it beats the S-10 to a showroom near me)?

G

 

[colorider]

There's been a bunch of discussion/speculation over on ADVrider for sometime on the Crosstourer. I would certainly not be holding my breath to see it here in the US anytime soon.

I'll stick with my SuperT, Thank you!!!

 

[HoebSTer]

Yeah, I'll too stick to the Yamaha!!! And this comes from a Honda fan!!!! Honda has missed the boat one too many times this go around!!!! Good product, just no creativity or leading innovation anymore in the cycle arena!!! I will come and give you a ride on my Tenere as you wait for Honda to bring something into the STates!!! Oh, and grab your check-book!!!! It's priced close to a BMW!!!

 

[markjenn]

It's definitely coming. I don't see a V4 as a very desirable engine configuration for an adventure bike, but it will be fast and smooth. If you can stand the bulk, weight, and cost, it should be a viable alternative to the new Multistrada, big Tiger, and other more pavement-oriented adventure bikes. But the GS and S10 nailed the right type of bike for me.

- Mark

 

[~TABASCO~]

Unless its significantly different than there concept bike that is all over the net, this thing is a PRETENDER and a fake Adv! (might be a Starbucks Adv bike, might even be able to maneuver around those Starbuck parking lot speed bumps) As most know its a VFR with a few different bits bolted on it.. One thing that kinda surprised me was the front forks on a few different test mules.. The front forks are like 38mm or something.. (I can go look it up but forgot this second)... These are traditional road forks that are small... What the heck? If they introduce 'this' model, its 99% poser bike... I ride a Honda everyday to work. I have nothing wrong with the brand. But this bike is la'mo...
I just recently came across a price, in this post or another forum.. They are crazy for these lame parts on this expensive bike... Who knows what there goals are... At the last second they are going to throw direct injection on the heads, and throw on a GP style 'semi-auto' transmition and the rest of the bike is crap... then there whole sales pitch is, kick ass EFI and an auto trans for an ADV bike....

Heeelllllllllllloooooooooooooooooooooooo....... HONDA... are you home? Is anyone in there?....... Go read a little ADVrider.com Mr Honda.... I think some of the Engineers drink a bit to much green mermaid ?

 

[fredz43]

There were some spy pics of a test mule on ADV and one thing noted is that it has inverted forks, unlike the concept model that was at the Euro shows.

 

[~TABASCO~]

Coolz..... maybe they read my post....

 

[fredz43]

Coolz..... maybe they read my post....

I'm betting they did.

Too late, though. We already have Super Teneres ordered.

 

[GrahamD]

There are many "poser" adventurer riders out there. There is not that much in the way of crappy roads in Europe either. so it may work out, but I don't see the thing being that popular where shitty roads over big distances come into play, like most of the Southern Hemisphere, but it should make a good tourer, we will see I suppose.

Cheers
Graham

 

[k woo]

................ "poser".

 

[MotorcopBBQ]

Honda should have brought the Varadero to the states years ago. The Crosstour is chain drive..No thanks

 

[~TABASCO~]

Honda should have brought the Varadero to the states years ago. The Crosstour is chain drive..No thanks

X2

 

[colorider]

Honda should have brought the Varadero to the states years ago. The Crosstour is chain drive..No thanks

The Varadero is chain, but the 1200cc Crosstourer (concept) is shaft drive.

 

[MotorcopBBQ]

looks like honda dumped the shaft drive

 

[HoebSTer]

Motor cop, that is the crossrunner not the cross tourer which has shaft.

 

[MotorcopBBQ]

Ohhhhh, I see. 8) I'll beat a beverage this things winds up being chain drive, because this The crossrunner is chain. Honda is just going to slap on panniers, windshield and a crash bar. Come on guys don’t you see it! ;D

 

[Buckeye56]

The Crossrunner is based on the VFR800 with it's chain drive while the Crosstour is based on the newer VFR1200 which is shaft drive.

I rode the DCT versin of the 1200 last summer at STAR in Taos, NM. Once you get your head wrapped around not reaching for the clutch lever you find that it works quite well. One thing I didn't care for was its propensity to upshift into second almost immediately when starting off. This was in "auto" mode and was a bit of a PITA when making a turn at a stop sign.

 

[MotorcopBBQ]

+1 Buckeye wins

 

[Yahmy]

No no no and again No! They will surely not see me on an automatic bike on a dirt road! No! I just cannot even imagine it.

 

[mobyfubar]

A couple observations: the VFR1200 is available with a manual - the DCT is optional. Also, I agree with Buckeye56 about how quickly it upshifted, but that was in D mode. In S mode it would wind up a lot further before upshifting, or you could put it in "manual" mode where you have to push the up/down buttons to shift (except when stopping, when it will always downshift to first).

Not what I'm looking for, but it actually is pretty slick. I really expect Honda to start offering the DCT on other bikes, like the 'wing or cruisers.

All that said, the Crosstourer just doesn't sing to me like the XT1200Z does.

PS - I demoed the Tiger 800 last week and it is very nice. Engine is great but I'm biased toward triples Would make an excellent all-rounder, but not spacious enough for two-up (if I'm one of the two )