Very good review mate. You said it all! My story with CT is somewhat special. Been out there aiming to get the Africa Twin DCT (of course, like anyone else!), did my homework for months (test ride of rental bikes, research, AT user manual reading, etc ..) just to come to a final conclusion and realization; “For God’s sake, there’s one motorcycle from Honda and it’s been out there before Honda had reincarnated its legendary name of Africa Twin (and by doing so, effectively killed off the Crosstourer). That’s it, lets do a little research on Crosstourer.” I did remind myself about the already existing Crosstourer, went into the topic a bit deeper, sat on it, took it for a ride, and instantly forgot about underpowered Africa Twin. 1 year, 20 thousand kilometers and Iron Butt Saddle Sore 1600K challenge later, I’m typing this comment here and planning my upcoming tour of Italian and Austrian Alps with 2017 Crosstourer DCT. Got it last year from Honda dealership with only 10000 km on its odometer after a certain gentleman had returned it to the dealership and took the Africa Twin because everyone else around him had told him to do so! Thank you for that mate! So glad I’m not just another sheep in the herd.
I also totaly agree. I own a CT for aprox. 16 months now and bought it with 10k km. on the dash. Now its on almost 60k km. no crazy stuff going on. Just the usual. Oil,brake pads etc. Oh and ofcourse every 48k km. new sprakplugs... i love it i love it everytime i start that engine!!! honda baby!!!!
Got to correct you. The 2015 and before HAVE an adjustable screen. There are two positions to chose from, low and higher. Requires unbolting and repositioning though. Otherwise, you're right. It's an amazing, fabulous machine, especially with the dct gearbox!
Thanks for the review, amazingly helpful. I've spent the last 2 months looking for a suitable adventure bike to suit my needs. It appears that the VFR 1200X ct is the bike for me. I've found one that's not too pricey , has been for sale for a while which makes me think that they are not that well known . And yes , 1st and foremost ... Its a Honda. Hopefully going to buy next week. Cheers 👍
Just bought a 2018 model with all the goodies to replace my Triumph Sprint GT. First impressions are good but it is big (not that the Sprint GT was small it just carried the weight lower).
I am agree with all the points, and I plan to own one soon. but don't forget also yamaha super tenere 1200 . I think it's a good competitor and looks more attractive. ( what you think ?)
Yes the super tenere is the closest thing to the Crosstourer...1200cc...shaft drive...same price point....personally I don't like the looks of it....and the build quality is not as good 👍
There is another issue worth mentioning. Several owners reported that rear suspension needle bearings become dry after the while (or they not been greased properly in the factory), and need to be checked even in low mileage CT's. Checked them out on my CT yesterday and 2 out of 4 were bone dry despite the fact that bike is only 1.5 year old. Dry bearings may cause rear shock support (dog bone) split in the half.
Hi Matt I know exactly what you are referring to, I have read the CT forum article. That bikes rear suspension had been messed about with prior to the fault occurring. The rear suspension is exposed to road muck (like many other bikes, ZZR1400 for one) so regular maintenance is important. At least access is easy.
This bike was the top of my shortlist, now crossed off completely. 2 reasons: 1. low speed throttle snatch - which you covered. Fair play. 2. mpg and range - 41mpg x 21 litres = range
Throttle snatch is easily adapted to with experience and can also be fully remedied using a booster plug.... Tank is actually 21.5 litres which is 1.5 more than BMW R1200 GS (the world's best selling adventure bike... ahem) .... I can easily get 200 mile range on a CT tank with normal riding which is plenty... Nobody makes a "bigger tank" for any bike.... where on earth would it go? I suggest rotopax fuel reserve tanks...or £20,000 plus for a BMW GSA or Multistrada Enduro....in which case always have a good book with you to read whilst waiting for the recovery truck 😁😁😁👍
Well, you've missed a treat. I have had a CT for three years and 20k miles. No snatchy throttle, comfy seat for a 300 mile day and fuel for 200plus miles. Your loss!
Thanks for this video. I am surprised not to hear about shaft / cardan issues. I am doubting a lot. Did not do a test ride yet, but from what i read the play / noice would be a greater issue to me than the weight. Anyone?
This bike BOMED in the USA and now I can buy one new (2017 model) off the showroom for $9000. I'm thinking about it. No way would I pay 15k for this over other options but for 9k...someone want to talk me into it? :D Thanks for the video Mr. Bingley!
@@thebingleywheeler Great video of thie great machine. Had the same question about the deflector, as this link is out of date (just found your Channel). Little help? Cheers.
Not for me alas...I had my 2019 Z1000sx from new...fantastic bike but physically too small for me at 6'1".... long rides were uncomfortable...same with VFR 800....physical size...bit too cramped for me but fine for most folks 👍😊
@@mattbaran5413 I Owned the 2015 VFR800 for two years, I really missed the torque of bigger cc bikes and the non adjustable screen created buffeting to my 6 foot height. I tried to like it but could not warm to it. I bought the VFR1200 and love the engine.
@@thebingleywheeler It is cheaper to built for them, The VFR ticks all the boxes, Shaft, V4, Anti lock, Combined, DCT. Way over built esp for big guys. I am 6'8" 320 that bike is perfect, smaller riders may be intimidated, this is why it did not go over big here in the USA. Love it.
I think that they're following style over substance.... building to a trend rather than to practical realities....yes the CT is big and heavy but I'm 6'1" and 196 pounds so perfect 😊
![กี่หมื่นฟ้า | Your Sky Series EP.1 [1/4]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vLGjxFL6U_I/mqdefault.jpg)
Very good review mate. You said it all! My story with CT is somewhat special. Been out there aiming to get the Africa Twin DCT (of course, like anyone else!), did my homework for months (test ride of rental bikes, research, AT user manual reading, etc ..) just to come to a final conclusion and realization; “For God’s sake, there’s one motorcycle from Honda and it’s been out there before Honda had reincarnated its legendary name of Africa Twin (and by doing so, effectively killed off the Crosstourer). That’s it, lets do a little research on Crosstourer.”
I did remind myself about the already existing Crosstourer, went into the topic a bit deeper, sat on it, took it for a ride, and instantly forgot about underpowered Africa Twin.
1 year, 20 thousand kilometers and Iron Butt Saddle Sore 1600K challenge later, I’m typing this comment here and planning my upcoming tour of Italian and Austrian Alps with 2017 Crosstourer DCT.
Got it last year from Honda dealership with only 10000 km on its odometer after a certain gentleman had returned it to the dealership and took the Africa Twin because everyone else around him had told him to do so! Thank you for that mate!
So glad I’m not just another sheep in the herd.
100% agree with this great review, love my CT, I have had it fot 4 years, what a bike!
I also totaly agree. I own a CT for aprox. 16 months now and bought it with 10k km. on the dash. Now its on almost 60k km. no crazy stuff going on. Just the usual. Oil,brake pads etc. Oh and ofcourse every 48k km. new sprakplugs... i love it i love it everytime i start that engine!!! honda baby!!!!
Very similar story to the one I got here. What a bike.
Had one for three years now and absolutely love it. Underrated by people who haven't rode one.
They are something of a well kept secret aren't they....love mine and trust it completely 👍😊
It’s the Adventure bikers riders best kept secret. So underrated.
Got to correct you. The 2015 and before HAVE an adjustable screen. There are two positions to chose from, low and higher. Requires unbolting and repositioning though. Otherwise, you're right. It's an amazing, fabulous machine, especially with the dct gearbox!
I found one finally and purchased it. Thank you for the videos. Made the purchasing decision easy.
Cheers buddy it makes it all worth while when it helps you out... you'll love that bike😁👍
Thanks for the review, amazingly helpful. I've spent the last 2 months looking for a suitable adventure bike to suit my needs. It appears that the VFR 1200X ct is the bike for me. I've found one that's not too pricey , has been for sale for a while which makes me think that they are not that well known . And yes , 1st and foremost ... Its a Honda. Hopefully going to buy next week.
Cheers 👍
You are most welcome....it will give you many years of loyal service 😊👍
Keep up with your videos buddy, thanks! 🙌🏽
Just bought a 2018 model with all the goodies to replace my Triumph Sprint GT. First impressions are good but it is big (not that the Sprint GT was small it just carried the weight lower).
It's a bike that should never let you down..... heavy yes but so well builtv👍
Thank you for making this video! I just subscribed and please keep it up. Thanks again.
Hi and thank you too you are most welcome 😊👍
Good video. Thanks for sharing.
Some owners said the bike is top heavy and does not do very well in twisties.
Is this your experience?
Awesome bike, highly fun to ride, I have had mine for 4 years, never looked back.
Totally agree with all the points made in the vid both positive and negative. 👍
Thank you Dave much appreciate
I am agree with all the points, and I plan to own one soon. but don't forget also yamaha super tenere 1200 . I think it's a good competitor and looks more attractive. ( what you think ?)
Yes the super tenere is the closest thing to the Crosstourer...1200cc...shaft drive...same price point....personally I don't like the looks of it....and the build quality is not as good 👍
Hi have you got a link to the Gigi crash bar bags please cannot find them cheers Craig
There is another issue worth mentioning. Several owners reported that rear suspension needle bearings become dry after the while (or they not been greased properly in the factory), and need to be checked even in low mileage CT's. Checked them out on my CT yesterday and 2 out of 4 were bone dry despite the fact that bike is only 1.5 year old.
Dry bearings may cause rear shock support (dog bone) split in the half.
Hi thanks where exactly are these bearings (bottom of rear shock area?)
Hi Matt I know exactly what you are referring to, I have read the CT forum article. That bikes rear suspension had been messed about with prior to the fault occurring. The rear suspension is exposed to road muck (like many other bikes, ZZR1400 for one) so regular maintenance is important. At least access is easy.
@@thebingleywheeler Check "CT suspension failure" online
This bike was the top of my shortlist, now crossed off completely. 2 reasons: 1. low speed throttle snatch - which you covered. Fair play. 2. mpg and range - 41mpg x 21 litres = range
Throttle snatch is easily adapted to with experience and can also be fully remedied using a booster plug.... Tank is actually 21.5 litres which is 1.5 more than BMW R1200 GS (the world's best selling adventure bike... ahem) .... I can easily get 200 mile range on a CT tank with normal riding which is plenty... Nobody makes a "bigger tank" for any bike.... where on earth would it go? I suggest rotopax fuel reserve tanks...or £20,000 plus for a BMW GSA or Multistrada Enduro....in which case always have a good book with you to read whilst waiting for the recovery truck 😁😁😁👍
Well, you've missed a treat. I have had a CT for three years and 20k miles. No snatchy throttle, comfy seat for a 300 mile day and fuel for 200plus miles. Your loss!
@@thebingleywheeler Recovery truck 🤣
when was the last year of manufacture of these?
Hi not made since 2019
Would you buy this bike if your inseam is only 30" (72cm) ?
Probably not..... You'd likely be on tiptoe and the bike is very top beavy
Thanks for this video. I am surprised not to hear about shaft / cardan issues. I am doubting a lot. Did not do a test ride yet, but from what i read the play / noice would be a greater issue to me than the weight. Anyone?
Hi thank you...yes shaft drive indeed 👍😊
No probs so far. Honda makes good shafts (cardan)
This bike BOMED in the USA and now I can buy one new (2017 model) off the showroom for $9000. I'm thinking about it. No way would I pay 15k for this over other options but for 9k...someone want to talk me into it? :D Thanks for the video Mr. Bingley!
Thank you for the Videos. What brand/model is your bike's windscreen deflector? Subscribed.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293685793054 Hi and thank you.... it's a straightforward fit and effective 👍
@@thebingleywheeler Great video of thie great machine. Had the same question about the deflector, as this link is out of date (just found your Channel). Little help? Cheers.
Or a Kawasaki versys 1000 ? sounds like that’s more comfortable than the crosstourer no need for an extra cushion for that
Not for me alas...I had my 2019 Z1000sx from new...fantastic bike but physically too small for me at 6'1".... long rides were uncomfortable...same with VFR 800....physical size...bit too cramped for me but fine for most folks 👍😊
I've tried both a Versys1K and a crosstourer and the the former is lighter, it also felt more top heavy to me. The CT also has shaft drive
So what about the Honda vfr800x ?
Had one for about 1 year and changed it for CT. Try CT first then check CR.
@@mattbaran5413 I Owned the 2015 VFR800 for two years, I really missed the torque of bigger cc bikes and the non adjustable screen created buffeting to my 6 foot height. I tried to like it but could not warm to it. I bought the VFR1200 and love the engine.
@@michaeleric418 Same here.
Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer, is in a class of it's own. Africa twin is nowhere near the capabilities of this bike...
Totally agree....AT is at the centre of Honda's R&D at the moment sadly
@@thebingleywheeler It is cheaper to built for them, The VFR ticks all the boxes, Shaft, V4, Anti lock, Combined, DCT. Way over built esp for big guys. I am 6'8" 320 that bike is perfect, smaller riders may be intimidated, this is why it did not go over big here in the USA. Love it.
I think that they're following style over substance.... building to a trend rather than to practical realities....yes the CT is big and heavy but I'm 6'1" and 196 pounds so perfect 😊
@@thebingleywheeler LOL Like a toy for big guys like us...
@@dapoppa2256 👍😁😁😁
IMO, Honda seats always suck! Changed every one.