Good S10 article in March issue of Road Bike mag..............

[pqsqac]

The reviewer loved the S10 and had nothing but positive things to say about the bike, worth reading for sure. The mag also did a review on the 2011 Triumph Sprint GT ABS sport-touring triple. One thing else I saw on page 68 was an ad for a front fender extender that uses compression clamps to hold it in place instead of screws or two-way tape. It gives 5 inches of extra length to the BMW R1200GS it would be nice if they put one out for the S10.

 

[Mondo Endo]

It seems like everyone at the mags were skeptical of the S10 being a real challenger to the GS at first but after testing all reports are how really good it is... Now the new Hondas on the other hand seem to be more of an ADV styling exersize than a challenge. Using a VFR800 with new body work doesnt make an ADV bike, likewise using the VFR 1200 with an auto trans is a joke. Honda has dropped the ball lately and cant seem to find its way, the only bright spot for them is the CBR 250.

 

[markjenn]

Using a VFR800 with new body work doesnt make an ADV bike, likewise using the VFR 1200 with an auto trans is a joke. Honda has dropped the ball lately and cant seem to find its way, the only bright spot for them is the CBR 250.

I agree, the Crossrunner will probably be a non-starter - it has been almost universally panned in the press as a VFR800 "in Adv drag". I'll be very surprised if Honda builds it; if they do, it will be further confirmation that Honda has lost their mind. It smacks of Honda desperately trying to amortize tooling for the VTEC VFR800 that never sold remotely close to expectations.

I do think they'll continue with the VFR1200-based Crosstourer. The V4 seems like a poor-choice for an adventure bike and it will be heavy, but us S10'ers really don't have anything to crow about concerning weight. And bikes like the big Tiger and Multistrada show there is a market for big, heavy, powerful, smooth, road-biased adventure bikes.

Definitely a lot of activity in this segment. I love it.

- Mark

 

[rocca]

The Crossrunner is definitely coming (in Europe at least). It's not being touted by Honda as an adventure bike but rather as a "tall" road sports/ touring machine in the mould of the Yamaha TDM. Which itself has done pretty well over the years, in a number of Euro markets particularly, so there's no reason why the Crossrunner shouldn't also find buyers.

 

[MortiisMachine]

there will always be someone out there who will want it, personally Honda have not made a bike that has blown my skirt up for some time, not to sure what there game plan has been over the last few years

 

[Mike Sisson]

The Crossrunner is definitely coming (in Europe at least). It's not being touted by Honda as an adventure bike but rather as a "tall" road sports/ touring machine in the mould of the Yamaha TDM. Which itself has done pretty well over the years, in a number of Euro markets particularly, so there's no reason why the Crossrunner shouldn't also find buyers.

I think the main use of all these big "Adventure Tourers" (myself included) is an upright, powerful traveling platform that is brisk in corners and can haul our gear without having to go the Goldwing/Cruiser/Sport touring route. Less body work and able to do the occasional dirt road. Added bonus is the occasional tip-over doesn't end up costing $2k. I'm happy to see all the recent interest and more choices makes for more competition and better bikes. It's a win/win for us all. I know certain riders will/are pounding the crap out of 'em off road but the reality is the majority will not see this use. Make no mistake, I am in AWE of the some of the things guys do with GSA's and the like... ???..I'm just not good enough and have old, wobbly knees....

 

[markjenn]

I wouldn't lump the Crossrunner into the mold of the GS or S10. It's a VFR800 with different bodywork.

- Mark