Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer – touring enduro

Model of the touring enduro Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer

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 lowered suspension, reduced seat height (850 → 810 mm), reduced engine performance (106 hp / 125 Nm) 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.

The main competitors of the Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer in the class:

• Yamaha XTZ1200 Super Tenere
• Kawasaki Versys 1000

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.

Motorcycle review

In 2014, the Honda Crosstourer VFR 1200x received a reinforced engine and a modified suspension. Thanks to the Choice Control option, the system allows the rider to select three different levels to control engine torque. The system can also be turned off if necessary. Honda's six-speed DCT transmission has received software tweaks to provide even more intuitive and natural performance, whether on or off-road.

The Honda Crosstourer VFR1200X is EURO4 fuel compatible and has increased practicality with an easily adjustable windshield, a 12V socket and three levels of S-mode in the DCT version. Two new colors will be available in 2021 – white and red.

Specifications

Technical characteristics of Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer:

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.

Reviews

Reviews about Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer:

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1. Yes, this is the best representative of 1200 cc big enduros at the moment.

2. It is better than Super Tenere in terms of ergonomics and fuel consumption.

3. It is better than the BMW R1200GS in terms of ergonomics and ride quality, as well as weight.

4. It's better than the Ducati Multistrada 1200 because it doesn't break.

Very light and comfortable on asphalt, easy to control on dirt and gravel. I was pleasantly surprised by the system of factory cases - they are aluminum, but at the same time light and airtight.

DCT allows you to fully concentrate on driving.

Not a sportbike. 235 km/h is the maximum that we managed to squeeze out of it (without panniers on a straight autobahn). Comfortable speed is 140-160 km/h. But unlike the VFR1200FD, you can feel the speed on the Crosstourer!

I would drive it 2000 km in a day, no questions asked.

Of course, I really liked the bike. DCT class, especially in traffic jams - you don’t have to press the clutch and click the gearbox - the robot does everything for you. The first couple of kilometers are unusual, but then you get used to it so much that you don’t want to change back to manual. The only thing I didn’t really like: D mode is too vegetable - in a traffic jam it’s much more convenient to use S-mode. But S-mode does not like low revs, and does not want to cruise in 6th gear: as soon as the revs drop to 4 thousand, it switches down to 5th. And even if you manually switch it higher, it will still switch to 5th. I like to drive in top gear and I don't like this behavior. Therefore, the algorithm is as follows: in a traffic jam we drive in S-mode, and when we reach an open road, we switch to D-mode. And, if you get stuck in a traffic jam again, we switch to S again. This is all, of course, a little unpleasant, but not scary - after all, pressing the button on the steering wheel once is not difficult. As for the rest, the DCT box is incomparable.

The engine, of course, is magnificent - no other gimbal adventure has such vigorous and confident acceleration. The bike accelerates to 200 in a matter of seconds - you just need to unscrew the handle. My TDM does this exercise much slower. Moreover, thanks to the excellent comfort and good wind protection (with high glass), the speed on the Crosstourer is not felt at all.

The bike steers excellently - easily and pleasantly. The Crosstourer doesn’t notice any unevenness or joints in the asphalt at all, even despite the clamped shock absorber on Sasha’s bike. In traffic it’s easier and faster with TDM: after all, the Crosstourer is a big and wide motorcycle. But this applies to all representatives of this class. Psychologically, its size did not cause any problems or discomfort - I just drove through traffic jams a little slower than on TDM. The driveshaft on the Crosstourer is excellent - you just don’t feel it. And this is great, because, for example, on the XT1200Z Super Tenere the cardan plays and jerks every time the throttle is opened and closed.

In general, my opinion has only become stronger: the Crosstourer is a great motorcycle for everything. Both for everyday city use and for long-distance driving.

To summarize: the Honda VFR1200X/XD Crosstourer has been the new king in the gimbal adventure class for 2 years now. As for the R1200GS and Super Tenere - now they are just the king's bitches wink.gif

And also about the reliability of DCT boxes: as far as I know, in Russia, officials in the entire history of sales of motors with DCT have not registered a single failure of these boxes. So it goes…

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.

Flaws

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.

Prices for all Hondas

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.