Honda VFR1200X Cross Tourer looks pretty darn good with the optional bar work and fog lights. The outstanding highlights of the package for me are the well-tuned engine, amazing comfort and excellent luggage system that really keeps the machine slim and agile even when fully loaded.
It does boast 180mm of ground clearance, sturdy spoked rims and handguards, but like all machines of this genre, much work is needed for it to be turned into a serious off-road mount. Honda does offer modest optional crashbars (dubbed cowl ornaments to satisfy lawyers as they are not crash tested to the various standard required around the world), as fitted to our test bike; but for serious protection buyers will need to turn to aftermarket manufacturers for a sturdy full-length bash plate to protect the undercarriage, crankcases and shock linkage, likewise for the radiator.
Taken from the VFR1200F sports-touring machine the compact v-four engine has been tuned for more low and mid-range torque at the expense of the donor machine’s thumping top end power. Off the bottom the response while strong, is also crisp, easy to control and is virtually impossible to stall. On the road the engine ticks a little over 3000rpm at 100km/h and is silky smooth. Strong highway overtaking urge is only a tweak of the wrist away. The only slight negative against the engine is the surprising lack of acoustics.
In the city the gearbox (wider ratios between 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th than VFR1200F) can be a little agricultural on the first-to-second shift but otherwise is smooth. One of the primary concerns for any rider interested in this type of motorcycle is comfort and here the VFR1200X certainly excels. Numerous times I went 300km between stops, including one 364km stint, only stopping for fuel before getting straight back on the road.
The steering is sublime. At the rear the single shock proves better controlled than the VFR1200F sports-tourer machine it stems from. The brakes are extremely powerful and backed up by the excellent, but non-switchable, ABS system. The primary complaints are the lack of an ‘off’ button for the ABS system when venturing off-road, and that, unlike some competitors, the rear brake is not de-linked from the front when used independently. The bar style tachometer is an okay compromise to free up the extra space for a larger LCD which is put to good use. Ambient and engine temps, a fuel gauge and clock, two tripmeters and an independent fuel countdown meter that activates when the engine management system calculates less than a 70km range is remaining.
Overall the VFR1200X is proving an excellent touring machine. Exceptional comfort levels combine with a grunty engine (the v-four perhaps the finest donk in this class of motorcycle), and fairly taut chassis to provide an excellent package for the competitive $19,990 (plus on roads) list price. It’s great to see Honda Australia once again getting serious about offering good value for money. The shaft drive and 12,000km service intervals should also keep ongoing running costs minimal.
Specifications of Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer
Displacement – 1,237cc
Engine Type – 76° v-four
Bore x Stroke – 81 x 60mm
Compression Ratio – 12: 1
Induction – EFI
Transmission – Six-speed
Final Drive – Shaft
Dimensions (LxWxH) – 2,285mm x 915mm x 1,335mm
Wheelbase – 1,595mm
Seat Height – 850mm
Ground Clearance – 180mm
Fuel Capacity – 21.5 litres
Kerb Weight – 275kg
Rake (Caster Angle) – 28°
Trail – 107mm
Front Suspension – 43mm telescopic fork, preload and rebound adjustable
Rear Suspension – Pro-Link single shock, hydraulically assisted preload adjustment, rebound
Front Brakes – 310mm discs, combined ABS
Rear Brake – 276mm disc, combined ABS
Warranty – Two years, unlimited kilometres
RRP – $19,990 plus on roads
Positives: Excellent engine, Supreme comfort, Excellent optional integrated luggage, Competitively priced, More agile than you expect
Negatives: Fork small bump response not supple enough. ABS not switchable, combined brakes not ideal off-road. A sport setting for traction control would be nice. Will be a little tall for some.
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