Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer – touring enduro

VFR 1200 X Crosstourer

- Honda motorcycle model

The Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer touring enduro model was first presented in 2010 at the EICMA Motorcycle Show, and began its mass production in 2012. The main reason for the creation of this motorcycle was Honda’s desire to compete with the top models in the “Tourist Enduro” class - BMW R1200GS, Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere and Triumph Tiger Explorer. In addition, it was necessary to offer a more modern replacement for the Honda XL1000V Varadero.

As the basis for the new model, it was decided to take the platform of the flagship sports tour Honda VFR1200F, the engine of which was retuned to increase traction at low speeds. As a result, the engine of the new Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer became less revving and lost 43 hp. power, however, it became more torquey at the bottom and approached the characteristics of the flagship enduro-tourers - 129 hp. power and 126 Nm of torque.

Also, in addition to the main version of the motorcycle, a version with an automatic robotic gearbox with two clutches (DCT - dual clutch transmission) was offered. All European versions of the motorcycle were equipped as stock with a combined braking system with ABS (C-ABS).

Other features of the Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer include a 4-cylinder V-engine, an aluminum frame, adjustable suspension in the form of an inverted fork at the front and a progressive monoshock absorber at the rear, a cantilever rear swingarm, spoked wheels, cardan drive, hydraulic clutch, 6-speed gearbox, fuel 21.5 liter tank and 275 kg curb weight (for the version with a manual transmission).

The Crosstourer is available in many countries around the world and is officially sold in Japan. Japanese versions are distinguished by a reduced seat height (850 → 810 mm) and lower ground clearance (180 → 165 mm) compared to export versions.

Since 2015, the line of “dual sport” motorcycles has been supplemented by a new model - the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin. This model is more off-road and is a modern reincarnation of the legendary Honda Africa Twin.

2018 was the final year of production for the Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer.

The “younger brother” of the model is the Honda VFR800X Crossrunner.

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.

Comfort

The car is more comfortable on the road than off-road. However, the model is capable of overcoming the rigors of rough terrain. The main thing is not to abuse this opportunity in order to extend the life of the bike as a whole. This, in principle, applies to any touring enduro. It’s just that this model is not one of the most reliable, and therefore it’s worth paying special attention to this point.

The driver's seating position is comfortable, especially if the person is already accustomed to touring enduros. It is important to take into account that there is a rapid acceleration to 100, which means that special care is required when starting to move and when accelerating. This skill develops over time, so it's better to start with something simpler.

Dimensions and weight

The dimensions of this car are impressive: the tank is colossal in size, the ground clearance and weight are large even for enduro tourists. Of course, the length, width and height match. Well, the saddle height here is average. If you look at the photos and videos, this machine is larger in size not only than a sportbike and cross-country motorcycle, but also many of its classmates.

Dimensions:

• tank – 21.5 l;
• ground clearance – 180 mm;
• curb weight – 275 kg;
• height – 1335 mm;
• width – 915 mm;
• length – 2285 mm;
• seat height – 850 mm.

It is clear that such dimensions affect fuel consumption and maximum speed. But these parameters here are not only acceptable, but also approximate. However, like other technical characteristics of this motorcycle.

Dear friends, I want to tell you about a short trip to the city of Suzdal for the Total Flame 2022 bike festival, which I made on a Honda vfr1200x crosstourer motorcycle. I left on Friday, when the bright sun was shining, but soon a total storm set in - rain, hail, stormy winds, and all this for 250 km to the intended goal. At that moment, the only thing I was happy about was the choice of motorcycle for this trip. I’ll explain why: Firstly, while my poor friends were jerking off the gearboxes of their little ones, I was smoothly riding a touring bike with an automatic transmission, without bothering about gears and clutch. Yes, you can say that a motorcycle with an automatic transmission is like a non-alcoholic beer or a rubber woman, but guys, it really was convenient and comfortable, for the sake of this you can discard all speculation and stereotypes. After all, just a few years ago no one thought that such features as ABS or traction control could be installed on mass-produced motorcycles. And, it seems to me, motorcycles with automatic transmission are a good option for long trips and city riding, provided that the moment when electric motors displace internal combustion engines from the market is not far off. Secondly, this model is equipped with a V-shaped 4-cylinder engine with a power of 130 horsepower and a torque of 126 Nm, which perfectly pulls 275 kg of curb weight + the fart who sits behind the wheel (over 80 kg). The motorcycle is very playful considering its dimensions, tank volume and cardan. But, despite the fact that Honda engineers tried to program the gearbox in such a way as to reduce fuel consumption, thereby the motorcycle travels in 6th gear at a speed of 60-70 km/h, but, as my trip showed, there are no savings as such no, and the average fuel consumption was 8.5 liters per 100 km with a tank volume of 21 liters. This is one of two things that puzzled me. I’ll write about the second one a little later.

Thirdly, I was pleasantly surprised by the suspension, since there are no roads in our country, I practically didn’t notice it and at times I even dozed off)) The fully adjustable 43mm front fork together with the progressive rear monoshock absorber coped perfectly with all the unevenness of the road surface. Plus, the mega comfortable sofa I was sitting on kept my ass in its rounded natural shape.

The fourth point, since bad weather accompanied me all the way there and back, I repeatedly had to test the motorcycle’s electronic systems: ABS and three-level traction control. You have to try really hard to fall on this motorcycle, because everything works perfectly.

Well, in conclusion, I would like to note the wind protection, which is adjustable in height with a slight movement of the hand, as well as the instrument panel (perfectly readable, with a set of all the necessary indicators), and even when driving while standing, everything is clearly visible.

Now I’ll touch on a few disadvantages, they are not significant, but I think it’s worth mentioning them: Not very convenient ergonomics: the left handle of the steering wheel is too overloaded with buttons. It contains: a light control key (low/high), a horn, turn indicators, emergency lights, heated steering grips, by the way, I’ll consider this a plus, because in such bad weather, the heating was really pleasing; as well as gear shift paddles. As you drove, you had to look at what you were turning on, so as not to make a mistake and turn on the high beam instead of the turn signal, for example.

Since the manufacturer positions this model as a tourist model, it must have cruise control. It should, but it isn't there. Not critical, but not logical.

The optics were a bit disappointing. Direct competitors of the VFR1200X have been using LEDs and fog lights for a long time.

Bottom line: despite the fact that there are many touring-enduro bikes on the market, the Honda VFR1200X does not stand out against the background of its competitors (BMW, Yamaha, Triumph) due to its features, which will appeal to many.

+box +engine +suspension +dashboard +wind protection +driver's seat -fuel consumption -ergonomics of controls -no cruise control -optics

I sincerely thank the office for the provided motorcycle. Honda representative office in Russia. Py. Sy. The fest, by the way, was a success, but that’s another story)

Specifications

Large, reliable brakes, enormous fork and rear suspension travel, a powerful engine – it’s all present. So, if you need a motorcycle for harsh weather conditions, this is an excellent choice. Yes, maybe not as good as Africa Twin, but still decent.

Less than six liters per hundred kilometers is a good indicator. Because of this, long-distance operation will not be expensive. An extremely important parameter for any touring bike. The cardan drive is driven by weight. The six-speed gearbox explains the speed capabilities of this car.

Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer

2014 Crosstourer

Since crossovers suddenly became the titular caste of the motorcycle industry, every manufacturer is trying to provide them with the best technologies and options. So at Honda, when creating the all-terrain intercontinental airliner VFR1200X Crosstourer in 2012, they decided to take as a basis not just anything, but a top-end sports tourer. Let's figure out what you should prepare for and what to look for when choosing a used one.

STORY

Having presented the Honda V4 Crosstourer concept at the 2010 Milan EICMA exhibition, the Japanese de facto demonstrated to the target audience what a new product awaits everyone: a massive and comfortable tourist crossover, focused primarily on asphalt. Moreover, the thoroughness of its development made it possible to talk about its imminent appearance in the company’s model range. Therefore, no one was surprised that the production VFR1200X, presented a year later, the successor to the Varadero model and the main competitor to the super-successful BMW R1200GS, differed from its prototype only in certain strokes.

As you might guess, the Crosstourer was built on the basis of the VFR1200F sports tourer (see “Moto” No. 3–2016). The four-cylinder V-engine was severely derated (only 129 hp versus Vyfer’s 172 hp), but at the same time traction improved (especially in the range from 2000 to 4000 rpm) and fuel consumption was reduced, which together with a larger capacity gas tank, the range increased to 300 km. Switchable traction control is included as standard equipment. The newcomer inherited from the VFR1200F such an option as an automated transmission with two clutches DCT, the settings of which were also adjusted.

Shaft drive to the rear wheel, a diagonal frame made of aluminum alloy, a cantilever mounting of the rear wheel, a combined braking system with ABS - all this was inherited from the VFR1200F. But the suspension is its own: at the premiere show, Honda specialists proudly reported that the fork and monoshock absorber are adjustable by spring preload and rebound hydraulics, and their travel has been increased, although they forgot to say how much.

The 2016 modernization allowed the large Honda crossover to meet the Euro-4 environmental standard and at the same time receive an adjustable windshield, a 12V socket and a lowered seat, and versions with a DCT robotic transmission also received three levels of “sport” S mode.

FOR WHAT

Those who expect off-road exploits from the Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer can safely pass by. The element of a crossover is multi-day asphalt marathons, in which it impresses with its speed and comfort. Especially the version with the DCT “robot”, which, due to the lack of clutch and gear shift levers familiar to most motorcyclists, requires some getting used to at first (for example, when moving in sluggish traffic jams or starting from a standstill in difficult conditions), but it fully justifies its existence in the open air .

However, the main dominant of the Honda “long-hauler” is the V-shaped “four” from the “sport-tourist” VFR1200F, which, despite the reduced number of “horses”, is always ready to show its violent temper. The motorcycle, as if pulled by an elastic gust of wind, accelerates softly and quickly from literally any engine speed. It's a pity that the suspension capabilities don't match the engine's potential.

If you do not take into account its low survivability, the characteristics of the monoshock absorber are generally selected well, both for single movement in space and for pair skating (you only need to slightly tighten the rebound hydraulics and tighten the spring preload). But the Japanese engineers frankly went too far with the softness of the inverted fork, as a result of which any gullies and rough edges with sharp edges make the Crosstourer convulse.

This is partly due to the fact that the curb weight of the VFR1200X, by the standards of the off-road genre, is excessively high: as much as 275 kg in the “mechanical” version and 10 kg heavier in the “automatic” version. And if nature has not endowed you with great health, then all this “elephant-likeness” with an inflated center of gravity can play a bad joke on you, especially when maneuvering slowly. Sometimes it reaches the point of absurdity: for some, lifting a motorcycle from a side stand is already a problem, and if it falls, it’s a complete disaster. So marks on plastic from contact with a hard surface are the norm rather than the exception.

CHOICE

As with the cross-platform “sport tourer,” when choosing a used Crosstourer, the first step is to find out about the origin of the motorcycle. Because on the secondary market, along with full-powered “Europeans” and “Americans,” there are often also domestic Japanese examples, the engine of which, according to island legislation, is strangled to 106 hp. and 125 Nm. They can be easily recognized by the black plastic covers on the engine covers, thin exhaust pipes, a small hole in the muffler and the absence of a VIN code in the vehicle title. But returning the lost “livestock” is difficult: to do this, you will have to not only reflash the “brains”, but also fork out for a full exhaust, new airbox restrictors and intake manifolds. In addition, on the “automatic” version of the DCT, the original software of the “robot” may begin to conflict with non-native injection maps.

Although the DCT automatic transmission sometimes gets buggy even without outside intervention, getting stuck in some gear, say, after a short coasting trip with the ignition off, which is why the “robot” simply refuses to respond to “manual” shifts, and the motorcycle refuses to start. And okay, it would be possible to squeeze the clutch lever, but it’s not there. Nevertheless, there is no need to be scared: it’s worth driving the Honda back and forth in the parking lot so that the “brains” finally determine the number of the activated gear, and everything will work again. Similar symptoms, by the way, also appear when the adjustment of the side stand sensor goes wrong.

However, the V-shaped “four” itself is considered reliable. It is ready to cover 150–200 thousand km without much hassle, and the blissful picture during this period can only be spoiled by a leaking water pump. Provided, of course, that she was given proper maintenance, purchased high-quality consumables, and monitored the tensioners of both timing chains and valve clearances (alas, increased wear on the timing system chains and valve seats is a common occurrence).

The main headache of “Crosstourers” released before 2015 is the cardan cross. And all because the unit tends to overheat, as a result of which by 15–16 thousand km it can crumble or jam: in the first case, the motorcycle simply stops, and in the second, the rear wheel is blocked at full speed. Upon learning of the identified defect, Honda conducted a recall campaign to replace the crosspiece, but caution never hurts.

You don't need a tool to check it: just move the cardan boot. A sign of overheating and the imminent death of the crosspiece is the green varnish with which it was coated at the factory, blackened by high temperature. And although this part is rolled into the forks and is sold only assembled with a driveshaft, owners of large VFRs are consoled by the fact that domestic Kulibins have not only selected an alternative option (the GMB GUN-28 spider), but have also learned to change it.

In addition, during inspection, it also makes sense to evaluate the operation of the power valve at the outlet: incomplete opening or sticking will be a sign of a soured cable drive (it’s enough just to lubricate it) or a dying servo drive (just change it).

The “Vyfera-X” suspension is comfortable and generally quite reliable. At least while it's fresh. However, by 20 thousand, the hydraulics often begin to “get tired” and the seals begin to leak. In addition, the spring preload adjustment knob turns sour over time in almost everyone. And an inverted fork, due to a lack of damping when driving through gullies, closes with shock during the compression stroke.

The cure for suspension ailments is known, but it’s difficult to call it budget-friendly: for example, a set of Italian Matris in the form of F20K cartridges (F20H225K) and an M46KD monoshock absorber (MH223.1KDIS) will lighten your wallet by at least 1,600 euros, and only a Touratech or Nitron mono-shock absorber NTR ADV R3 – no less than 1100 euros. Therefore, when upgrading the suspension, many owners make do with a modest set of stiffer springs (for the fork - from 9 to 10 N/mm) and thicker shock-absorbing fluid (from 10w to 15w): for such a kit produced by the Dutch Hyperpro in European online stores they charge from 260 euros.

It’s interesting that the Japanese traditionally save on lubrication of bearings (both wheels and steering column) and rear suspension arms. Therefore, in order to delay the moment of their death (in the conditions of eternal shaking in domestic directions, this happens unexpectedly quickly), you should not be lazy and spend some amount of personal time for additional maintenance.

TUNING

The range of the factory options catalog is modest: a pair of side cases with a capacity of 35 and 39 liters, one type of central case with a volume of 39 liters, an anti-theft brace, an alarm system, a lowered saddle, a high glass, heated grips, fog lights, a 12 V socket, a case and a central stand. Taking into account the fact that the price tag on them is frankly inflated, many are more willing to vote with their wallets for third-party manufacturers (for example, Touratech, SW-Motech, Kappa, Givi or MRA), especially since they have a much larger choice.

WHERE TO LOOK

The model is not the most widespread, although it has a certain circle of admirers. The overwhelming number of offers on the market are from private owners. If you want equipment “without mileage in the CIS,” then the road goes straight to numerous “gray” importers.

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.

Model history

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 - no significant changes. 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 - no significant changes. 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 - no significant changes. Model: Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer; Honda VFR1200XD Crosstourer (DCT) (all regions). Factory designation: VFR1200XJ, VFR1200XDJ.

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.