Honda Crosstourer 1200 Bike Overview
Like the Honda Crossrunner, the Crosstourer 1200 takes an existing Honda V-four sporty-tourer, and repackages it into a taller, adventure-styled tourer instead. Here, the donor bike is the VFR1200, with its high-tech SOHC V-four engine bolted into an aluminium frame, shaft final drive and a single-sided rear swingarm – all lifted straight from the VFR12. That engine gets a fairly hefty detune though, with peak power dropping from 170bhp to 127bhp, with corresponding beefing up of the low-down and midrange torque.
It’s still a very fast bike though, even considering its beefy all-up mass of 275kg ready-to-ride. If you’re in a hurry, it’s well up to carrying two people and their luggage across Europe at a very high rate of knots.
Honda also offers a DCT version, with an automatic dual-clutch transmission. This adds a chunk of mass – 10kg – and plenty of convenience. If you have any off-road pretentions though, the manual bike will be a better option. Having said that, the close-fitting front mudguard, 19-inch front and that massive weight all mean the Crosstourer is much more of a road bike than anything else (the Africa Twin is Honda’s serious heavyweight dirt-wrangler).
Compared with the very latest machines from BMW (R1250 GS) and Ducati (Multistrada) though, the Crosstourer is a bit down on tech for the road. Its dash, rider aids and electronics package is a little dated now.
Like all Hondas though, the VFR1200X is much better to ride than it looks on paper. The Japanese firm just ‘knows’ how to make a great bike, and for the heavyweight adventure-styled touring class, this is definitely a strong contender.
Take a look at the Honda Crosstourer 1200 now…
Honda Crosstourer 1200 Bike Spec
- Capacity1237cc
- Top speed131mph
- Weight275kg
- Average fuel consumption39mph
- Seat height850mm
- EngineLiquid cooled, four stroke, 6v DOHC, fuel injection
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Owner Reviews
Pros
Comfortable riding position
Cons
Heavy bike
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Very comfortable to ride. As a taller rider, it is a lot kinder on the wrists & legs than a tourer or sports bike.
Exceptional build quality.only problem i've had, was intermittent. Quickly identified by local dealer as water in brake fluid
Brakes very responsive
Very smooth ride, corners well, but is a heavy bike.
Very powerful
Very reasonable running costs. Insurance cheaper than previous sports bike & good on fuel
Pros
I'm inspired and impressed every time I get on the Crosstourer, it's a blast and well worth the money. Needs a little practice and confidence to get the best out of it as there's a lot more to it than just sitting upright on the flat! It requires aftermarket upgrades to get it to a comfort level suited to your stature and ergonomics. The price point and reliability makes it an obvious choice over its direct competitors. Keep it clean and maintained and it will go on for ever (well, at least it looks that way already)
Cons
Get a reputable product designer to make the fairings and graphics look as breathtaking as the performance!!
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Stunning all rounder, can be thrown around the lanes and up the mountain twisties with ease while maintaining a super smooth ride
Huge grunt, V-powered awesomeness. Torque torque and more torque and enough grunt to leave the BMW 1200 GS standing!
Get a reputable product designer to make the fairings and graphics look as breathtaking as the performance!!
Honda engineering... built to outlast the rider!
Progressive, precise & powerful
Pros
Pros are: – comfortable riding position – amazing engine performance – great wind deflection – filetring is not an issue – adjustable traction control Overall it is an amazing bike. Very well built and should you wish to use for city commuting or long distance touring it has lots to offer to riders. You will definitely feel the comfort and the ease of use of the bike. As I mentioned earlier the engine is capable of providing a more sportier approach for not just a steady touring pace.
Cons
Cons: – high centre of gravity which requires more body positioning in turns – top box doesn't have pads to protect the back of a pillion passenger (hinges can be quite uncomfortable is not wearing proper riding gear. – asymmetric side panniers because of exhaust pipe (right hand side box significantly smaller capacity)
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It is very smooth and nimble to accelerate. You definitely feel the 126bhp as you open the throttle and gives you an amazing boost around 4000 revs.
The v4 engine has and incredible power that that can give a boost to this 285kg monster at any gear should you need it.
Cons:– high centre of gravity which requires more body positioning in turns– top box doesn't have pads to protect the back of a pillion passenger (hinges can be quite uncomfortable is not wearing proper riding gear.– asymmetric side panniers because of exhaust pipe (right hand side box significantly smaller capacity)
As I am quite tall 6'4" it is perfect for me. Seat height is at 85cm. Shorter riders may not be able to put their full foot down when stationary but for me it is ideal. Also the footrest is at a very comfortable position, gives your leg almost a 90 bend which makes longer runs easier to endure. My Highlander edition came with a higher screen which is deflecting all the wind even at higher speeds and also hand guards which do the same at your hands. Shaft drive requires very little upkeep and works flawlessly in all weather conditions. Spring load can be manually adjusted to set it to your riding style.
Honda equip all their new bikes with a combined brake system which allows you a better control over the bike regardless of which lever or handle you are using for you braking. If you pull the front brake it will give the rear break a certain percentage of brake force and the vice versa. It is very smooth, maybe too smooth. I could do with a bit more stopping power on a heavy bike like this but it never affect your safety, I am just used to a more sudden grip on my previous bikes.
Pros
Pure pleasure to ride. everything. BRILLIANT!!!
Cons
Could do with losing some weight
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Smooth ride, but a heavy beast, not for the faint hearted.
Briliant power on tap, but watch out for cameras
Running costs low, fuel a little heavy, but if you want the power, you have to fuel it.
Honda …..classic engineering
Dual ABS. Fantastic
Pros
The v-four engine is the best. Lots of torque and power but still very smooth. A very well built and efficient touring motorcycle.
Cons
Slow speed manoeuvres and man handling the bike is difficult due to weight being carried high on the bike. It's top heavy!
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Pros
Dominates the road, utterly reliable, perfect for my needs. Typical honda, not gadget laden, utterly reliable, does what it should.
Cons
Exhaust tone
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It's heavy and takes some muscling around
Good enough for the size and type of bike – should sound a little more like a v4
Running costs are better than many bikes I've had. Fuel consumption is what I expected from a heavy 1200 v4.
Typical honda–top build quality and utterly reliable
Linked & abs – the best of this type I've tried
Pros
A fab bike for cruising big distances fully loaded with a pillion.
Cons
It might as well be invisible - in approx 5 years of ownership, I've had half a dozen peers say "nice bike mate"! Dunno why - we think the Crosstourer is a great looking bike! Really needs cruise control! Why wasn't this even an option Honda - the Crosstourer is ride by wire! Also - odd thing at "complain" about - but it's a bit too east to go fast. Try high speed on a naked like my fave CB1000R+ - you'd get blown off the back!
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Plush suspension - front & rear even when heavily loaded
Powerful - massive torque. Can nail most things off the lights. 134bhp. Can cruise at motorway plus speeds all day long. Zero vibes too!
A bit juicy on the fuel front, but that might have something to do with right hand action... I generally get between 170 & 190 from a 21l tank.
It's a Honda - need I say more? A+ especially the paint finish on the tank which is gorgeous - even after ~5 years!
Powerful & progressive.
Pros
It's ability to take me anywhere in reasonable comfort.
Cons
I would reduce the weight.
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Rides well for its weight, I have scraped the pegs so I can say it corners very well.
Powerful engine, could do with more, but show me a biker that doesn't want more.
Running costs are not bad for a big bike, regularly returns over 40 mpg.
Usual honda build quality, only problems I have had are a replacement shaft ( done under warranty) and a broken rear spoke.
Brilliant brakes, abs works well. No complaints.