The logical continuation of the VFR1200F model, which Honda offered the user in 2008, was to become a dual-purpose model. This is exactly the sequence that the concern proposed several years earlier, first releasing the VFR800F model, and then, based on it, the vfr800x crossrunner .
The developers did not disappoint expectations and in 2010 the touring enduro Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer was presented to the public. According to the thumbnail diagram, the engine settings are changed, reducing the maximum power, but increasing traction at the bottom, a new instrument panel is tested, and two years later the motorcycle goes into production.
As was previously the case, the F model becomes a sport tourer, the X model a tourist and SUV.
Features of Honda VFR1200X
An unexpected and bold decision was the installation of a robotic gearbox, which immediately raised the bar for the popularity of the new motorcycle.
Owners of touring enduros are real conservatives who are wary of any innovations. Therefore, it is worth paying tribute to Honda for taking the risk of adding a DCT automatic transmission to its model line.
Conceived as a response to the release of the Yamaha Super Tenere, the Crosstourer managed to significantly advance its position in both the export and Japanese markets.
The production of the model continues, moreover, some parts from it were transferred without significant changes to its younger sister - vfr800x. In 2022, the younger one will finally become history, giving the older one room for sales.
Brief history of the model
- 2012 - start of production and sales.
Model
: Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer;
Honda VFR1200XD Crosstourer (DCT) (all regions). Factory designation
: VFR1200XC, VFR1200XDC.
- 2013 - no significant changes.
Model
: Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer;
Honda VFR1200XD Crosstourer (DCT) (all regions). Factory designation
: VFR1200XD, VFR1200XDD.
- 2014 - the Honda VFR1200X model has undergone minor changes, a 3-speed HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) system has appeared (before the advent of HSTC, the motorcycle was equipped with a simple switchable traction control), turn signals with an auto-off function, and the seat has been slightly changed.
Model
: Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer;
Honda VFR1200XD Crosstourer (DCT) (all regions). Factory designation
: VFR1200XE, VFR1200XDE.
- 2015 - no significant changes.
Model
: Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer;
Honda VFR1200XD Crosstourer (DCT) (all regions). Factory designation
: VFR1200XF, VFR1200XDF.
- 2016 - the engine began to comply with the Euro-4 standard, a 12V cigarette lighter socket appeared, a lever for changing the height/tilt of the windshield appeared near the dashboard, mode S (on the DCT box) now has 3 modes.
Model
: Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer;
Honda VFR1200XD Crosstourer (DCT) (all regions). Factory designation
: VFR1200XG, VFR1200XDG.
- 2017 - no significant changes.
Model
: Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer;
Honda VFR1200XD Crosstourer (DCT) (all regions). Factory designation
: VFR1200XH, VFR1200XDH.
- 2018 is the last year of production.
Model
: Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer;
Honda VFR1200XD Crosstourer (DCT) (all regions). Factory designation
: VFR1200XJ, VFR1200XDJ.
Specifications
By tradition, a retuned engine from the prototype, version F, was installed on the motorcycle. It also has 4 cylinders, 4 strokes.
The pistons are V-shaped, but the angle between them has been reduced to 760 . This solution created a loss of overall power, but made it possible to achieve good traction at low and medium speeds - the operating ranges for enduro models.
The V-shaped engine can be called “bottomless” - it is absolutely indifferent to it whether you are driving alone around the city or overtaking a truck on the highway with a full load.
The final x-ki had the following parameters:
- working volume - 1238 cm3;
- power - 129 hp;
- number of valves - 16;
- cylinders - 4;
- cooling - liquid;
- fuel supply - injector;
- ignition - transistor;
- start - electric starter;
- fuel tank - 21 l.
Transmission and clutch
The gearbox on the bike is 6-speed. By default, it is configured for robotic gear shifting (automatic transmission).
But the user has the opportunity to turn off the robot at any time and switch to a standard mechanical system.
Manual downshifting is initiated by the minus key on the left handlebar. There are also a lot of buttons that take some getting used to.
The robot offers two modes:
- S (sport) , when the gears are changed instantly, the revolutions are barely allowed.
- D(dual) . In this mode, the bike “thinks” that we are driving off-road and the speed will constantly change, so up gears are engaged with some delay , and down gears are engaged almost like in a sport.
Switching between modes N, D and S occurs using the buttons on the right handle.
Known to Honda users, the attention to detail and concern for safety made it possible to create the ideal robotic box. The mechanics are turned on only to check whether it works.
- The main drive is carried out by a cardan shaft .
- Multi-plate clutch, oil bath.
- Power transmission from the handle is via a hydraulic line .
Brakes
Front brakes.
Rear brakes.
With such parameters of the engine and gearbox, the bike received appropriate brakes. Drive - hydraulic main. Type - disk.
Front brakes:
- number of disks - 2;
- diameter - 310 mm;
- support - 3-piston.
Rear brakes:
- number of disks - 1;
- diameter - 256 mm;
- support - 3-piston.
Models sent to European countries receive combi brakes + ABS (hence the need for a 3rd piston).
According to the developers, in recent years the solution has been used on all bikes of this model. Earlier ones can be additionally installed in authorized services.
Styling
The design of the VFR1200X is made in a sporty style. The lack of volume at the front of the bike gives it a light feel.
The headlight configuration consists of high beam lamps. The lighting and efficient windshield are positioned in the middle to help centralize mass, while also providing excellent wind protection. Channels in the fairing at the front of the bike reduce the frontal area, and an air duct cools the radiators.
The rear is highly functional with an integrated luggage compartment and a grab rail to which optional saddlebags are attached. LED indicators, used for the first time in this model, ensure optimal visibility.
Driving characteristics, fuel consumption
The motorcycle feels confident on winding roads, taking tight turns with confidence and predictability.
Despite the reduced power, the maximum speed indicated in the documents for the motorcycle is 200 km/h . According to users, this speed can be achieved with fully loaded cases and a second number (if you want to lose the first or second). We managed to accelerate a clean bike on a good autobahn to 235 km/h .
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption is modest (by class standards). For 100 km, a fully functional bike at cruising speed ( ~150 km/h ) will require only 5.5 liters .
Acceleration to hundreds
The acceleration of up to 100 km indicated in the documents will allow you to compete with many sports - 4 seconds.
Dimensions and weight
It’s interesting that installing a robotic gearbox changed the weight by only 10 kg:
- Curb weight without robot (on mechanics) - 275 kg .
- Curb weight with automatic transmission - 285 kg .
The overall dimensions changed only once, when the manufacturer decided to offer the bike in Japanese markets. The changes affected the height of the saddle and, accordingly, the ground clearance. Thus, even when casting the frame, it was known where the motorcycle would go from the factory.
- 2285 mm - length;
- 915 - width;
- 1335 — in height (according to mirrors);
- Wheelbase - 1595 mm.
Seat height:
- for the Japanese version - 810 mm;
- for all others - 850 mm.
The clearance of the Japanese version is 165 mm, the rest - 180 mm.
Wheelbase
The VFR1200X CrossTourer has good ergonomics. The seat height is 850 mm, but thanks to its narrow profile it provides good maneuverability. The aluminum double-hinged frame is a hollow protection block, which ensures good rigidity of all elements.
Designed for use on an extremely varied range of road surfaces, the front and rear suspension provide stable and smooth handling. The 43mm inverted fork softens road imperfections even during tight cornering and heavy braking.
The adjustable windshield on the VFR1200X enhances practicality. The mechanism is simple and user-friendly, allowing the driver to adjust the screen height to any desired level using one gloved hand.
The spoked wheels are designed to absorb impacts created by rough road surfaces and work with the suspension to provide a comfortable ride quality. Tubeless tires - 110/80-R19 at the front and 150/70-R17 at the rear - are balanced and have good grip.
The combined ABS system on the VFR1200X includes both lightweight brake control and the added assurance of an anti-lock braking system. ABS works between two front 310mm disc/three-piston calipers and a rear 276mm disc/two-piston caliper.
For whom is it intended?
According to the developers, the motorcycle was designed for a person of average height. But if you adjust the height of the footpegs and adjust the steering wheel, even a tall biker will be able to ride comfortably.
The seating position in the saddle is classic endura, designed for standing riding.
If we take into account the presence of the “Japanese” version with a lower saddle height, even a short person can buy a motorcycle. To a tricky question from journalists: are developers classified as low? biker girls, was the answer - if she can cope with a machine weighing almost 300 kg - why not. With a large number of orders, they are ready to think about releasing a Limited Edition - a little lighter.
Appearance
This is probably the main advantage of the model compared to classmates from different eras. The Honda VFR 1200X Cross Tourer is beautiful, there's no doubt about it. Neat spoked wheels, a chrome exhaust pipe, a smoothly rising but high tank - all this is harmoniously combined and makes the motorcycle aesthetically pleasing and modern.
Of course, if you don't like the new trends, you won't like this bike either. But here it comes down to the peculiarities of the aesthetic worldview, and the modernity of the lines cannot be counted among the disadvantages of the car. Objectively, this is only a plus, because it makes it easier to adjust the filling to the body and make the motorcycle more modern and technologically advanced.
Competitors
When asked about the competitors of the developers, in addition to Super Tenere from Yamaha, they also name the German goose - BMW R1200GS and the Japanese Versys 1000 from Kawasaki.
BMW R1200GS.
Kawasaki Versys 1000.
Users answer the question about competitors like this:
- crosstourer is better than super tenere in terms of fuel consumption and ergonomics;
- it is better than the German in terms of weight and driving performance;
- better than the ducati multistrada 1200 because it rarely breaks;
- and finally, Kawasaki is better because it’s Honda.
Flaws
Users note only one downside to the bike - the robot’s modes are tight.
If the user prefers to drive in a different gear than the robot suggests, you need to switch to mechanics. Returning to the robot will engage an inconvenient gear. But there is also a workaround - click the modes when you get into a traffic jam. When driving between rows, steer in S, on an open road - in D.
And also note the short front wing . If you attach a mudguard from an old tire to it, or extend the rear part, the filter in the radiator will have to be changed two to three times less often.
Advantages
On the move, the Crosstourer feels surprisingly light compared to similar models from competing companies.
- Acceleration dynamics.
- Good energy-intensive footpegs that dampen even hints of vibration.
- A comfortable saddle allows both driver and passenger to ride long distances without any problems.
- Reliability.
- Moderate fuel consumption.
What do the owners say?
Judging by the reviews, the car is perfect for conquering routes of thousands of kilometers. Not only road motorcycles, but even sports tourists are often unable to cope with such a task. This machine does not often require maintenance, which makes the task easier and reduces risks.
IMPORTANT! The good thing about the motorcycle is that it’s easy to get spare parts for it now. However, repairs somewhere in an unknown workshop in another country are not the best solution. So it’s better to avoid such a situation and check the bike in advance before going on a long journey. And if you suspect a malfunction, it is better to re-diagnosis.
The visibility through the mirrors is praised, as is the seating comfort. Not everyone likes the dashboard, but there are no objective complaints about it. According to the description of those who have been driving this bike for a long time, the machine is perfect for people who want to purchase a beautiful and practical touring enduro.
The VFR 1200X Crosstourer isn't the best model in its class, but it's still decent. And one of its main advantages is modernity. No matter how good the same old Africa Twin is, if something happens to the motorcycle, repairing it will be problematic. So, if the question arises about buying an enduro tourist, you should think about this model.
