Had my Crosstourer DCT for a couple of years now and Love. I've ridden it all over Europe and it ain't missed a beat. Has to be the most underrated bike ever. Thanks for the review TMF.
On my 2nd Crosstourer now.Absolutely fantastic bike and awesome power.The only thing I dont like is that the shaft can be clunky at times but it appears to be a trait with them. Well balanced and only notice the weight when I'm wheeling it into the garage. I do hope that Honda replaces it with a new V4 model instead of relying on people being persuaded to go for the Africa Twin. Rode the Africa Twin but it ain't got the performance of the CT. The CT is underrated and a lot of people only go for the GS because of the snob value.Never mind, while their bikes are in being sorted for warranty work I shall still be out there riding the CT.
My Honda dealer sad, V4 engine is cancelled since 2020 because of Euro 5,6,7,8....endless what comes! And two cyl. are lighter. Fuel consume maybe also a reason? But I'm happy with my CT DCT !
I have a 2015 DCT. Just a brilliant touring machine! No big heat issues like with the multistrada and just keeps going ALL day long. If they upgraded the electronics it would be the tourer to end all tourers.
I’m on my second Crosstourer, I’m currently riding the brilliant DCT version. Your correct with regards to its weight, but only really felt when wheeling it around the garage, once on the move it disappears. And that V4 engine is simply sublime, smooth, effortless and totally reliable, so very Honda. Your also spot on regards it being very underrated as it does tend to go “under the radar” somewhat. Thanks for including it in your test vids and if you get the chance try the DCT version, a revelation in motorcycle transmission.
its biggest gripe is still its weight. 285kg on the dct model is unacceptable and definitely has an impact on the bike's handling. the bmw gs, ktm super adventure, triumph tiger etc. eat this thing for breakfast. the only benefit of owning a honda is its reliability.
Totally agree Dave. Great bike but I just struggled to get it onto the centre stand so went back to an older 1200GS. Mind you I was glad of having the DCT as I broke my left wrist and I could still ride it.
Hi Dave, thanks for your input, I am very interested in the dct version too, do you have a view on capability with regards to riding with a pillion, + luggage for touring or longer rides as this would be my requirement. Thanks in anticipation. Rob Stamp
@@robstamp2793 Robert, I can assure you with confidence that it is a very comfortable bike two up and an exceptional one for touring as me and the wife have toured Tuscany on my first manual Highlander and have done both the Picos and Pyrenees on my DCT. To help with the wife’s comfort I adapted a garden sun lounger elasticated head rest and velcroed it to the top box as a padded back rest. If you need any further info or help Robert please feel free to PM me via the Crosstourer forum (Dave56) and I’ll give you my contact details 👍.
Honda's best kept secret. I've had two, manual and dct. Had an update in 2016, manually adjustable screen that you can do on the fly and improved traction control which you can turn off. Heavy yes, but that motor is a peach.
I’ve had the 2012 version of this bike for 3 years now, I’ve also got a Pan European ST1300 A8 for 5 yrs. The Pan is an amazing cruiser, the crosstourer is equally an amazing tourer but is more nippier. This bike feels like you can zip around corners with the big handle bars, not even thinking about counter steering as you do the Pan.Ive ridden both bikes all around Scotland from Yorkshire and regularly ride 900 miles in a weekend.Both bikes need cruise control in my opinion, but hey ho they both do what they’re designed to do effortlessly. My wife likes to ride 2 up with me on both bikes but prefers the Pan as there’s slightly more room than the Crosstourer.I prefer her riding the crosstourer because the weight distribution feels better. I’m 5 ft 8 ins tall and had the seat ‘scooped out a bit to enable me to get my feet on the ground more securely....... and bought a pair of boots with a bigger heel ‘. The weight is not a problem at all and the engine is one of the best kept secrets going ..... wow!! Who needs sports Bikes! This bike looks great, handles great, is ultra reliable and is very torquey. This is my opinion, but I strongly suggest you have a test ride whenever you get the opportunity....... you won’t be disappointed! Too much fuss is made about the GS...... try them both, compare the servicing costs, compare the reliability, compare the performance. Honda took their time in competing in the ‘Adventure Bike’ design with the Crosstourer....... but they did have the ‘baby’ of the format in the Africa Twin..... need I say more!
I love mine and won´t trade it for anything! That V4 connects to your soul like bluetooth... I don´t feel the weight while riding it, and I admit it´s very hard to get it out of the garage. But the most important thing about this bike is the reliability...
I am driving the Honda for 2 years now and have more than 40.000 km on it. And that only with km in course for cyclist. I am the only motard in the world that driving this great machine the rest have GS. I can tell you on and off road I kill the GS . I ride Paris Roubaix, tour de flandres, AGR,LBL even the national champions chips mountain bike, 110 km thruogh the woods, on this bike and I tell you BUY it. Follow me and you wil see, I drive them all and I mean all, this is the best motor bike HONDA VFR X many GR from HOLLAND, Marcel Goes.
Spot on review. Also agree that the DCT version is the one to get specially given the heavy clutch if you're intended use includes commuting. The DCT also carries a considerable premium second hand over the manual (and is much more difficult to find I found).
I took out the dct on a demo ride, one of the things I like to do is a turn in the road. Dropping down from 30mph to do the turn in the road I dropped the bike. It stayed in second gear during the turn. Bloody heavy to pick up.
Good to see this review, because the Crosstourer is an often forgotten about bike. I must admit the spec is a bit dated and they're a bit of a lardy looking thing, but my local Honda dealership has had some fantastic deals on these over the last year or two, so they can be a great value for money alternative to GS's and the like. I've always been put off them then because, for the last year or so, its looked like a model which has imminent discontinuation looming over it. I do think Honda has missed a trick by not updating this bike over the years because, with the lovely V4 engine, shaft drive and all day riding position, it has the potential to be a really great bike. It just needs a bit of a style makeover, to shed a few pounds and a few other tech updates and provided they keep the price at a sensible level, it's a competitor to any of the big tourers.
I originally thought the same as to it needing updated technology and to shed a few pounds, until I bought one. I LOVE the simplicity and relatively low-tech and the weight is only noticeable when pushing it around the garage. The handling absolutely surprised me, it handles very nicely on the highway where the extra weight is an advantage, yet still can be ridden in a sporty manner in the mountain and canyon twisties. I also own a Yamaha Tracer so between the two bikes I have a wide range of riding styles covered, sport, sport touring, touring and light adventure riding.
Always a consideration when buying a bike:Whats it like to check clearances eg:Take head off=cost factor?Thats why the Boxer motor is such an attraction in my view besides all the other factors.
My brother in the USA bought one of these three weeks ago and promptly wrote it off with 50 miles on the clock. He's now out of hospital but in rehab recovering from his shattered hip, cracked knee and cracked ribs. I've forwarded this review to him for his opinion. Brotherly love!!!! 😈
@@CBVTX Not at all. He was very impressed during his test ride and his truncated ride home. 100% rider fault. Just a loving brotherly thing to send him while he's still in pain and recovering.
Ooo little glimpse of Slovenia, looking forward to getting out there next year. I like the look of the bike, would probably suit the larger guy like me more and TC with ABS is all you really need electronics wise. Not a fan of the tinted screen though. Thanks for posting.
yes big and heavy but so is my GSA. It's a Honda and known for all it's Honda attributes. I would take the DCT for sure. And agree with others, the LC BMW's do sound horrible without plugs, and the yah and nah reliability, you roll the dice there as I have heard many horror stories yet mine keeps rolling trouble free so far. Not sure why but seems Honda never really cared to advertise this bike much in NA. Minus some bells and whistles, it can replace any GS/GSA. Its crazy to want to do true off road on our 600lb bikes, unless you're a pro racer. This would be a great alternative any day, and it sounds amazing. Thx for the quick review TMF
Just bought a V-Strom 650XT TMF. Your review 2 years ago made me think If I ever get another adventure bike, it'll be one of those. Light weight and fuel economy are two essentials that bikes like this Crosstourer can't compete with.
Can't help thinking Honda missed an opportunity here, it never really caught on in the UK. I test rode one and didn't really bond with it. Honda build quality excellent, with it's shaft drive and some needed touring extra's like cruise control, engine modes and a few other bits they could of been onto a winner. I think it is now due to be discontinued from the Honda range.
I had one. Steve Rose reviewed it and described it best saying something like its a bike you want to do a long trip, in winter, on motorways. Its a mile muncher. Not a bike to take a second look at though IMHO. Like a more nimble Pan. Depends what you want it for. Just be honest with yourself.
I’m also on my second Crosstourer. First was a 2013 Manual and now on a DCT. They’ve both been very good bikes. There’s no doubt that it a heavy bike but the real issue with the VFR1200X was highlighted by your remark that it was “ A bike that had passed you by” there’s also a few comments below from people saying they didn’t know the bike existed. Honda have never really got behind the CT. Add a few of the “toys” that the competition has (cruise,LED lights etc) and promote it properly and the Big H would be onto a winner. Sadly I feel the end of the CT is very near. Missed opportunity by Honda.
I have owned a VFR1200X since 2013, with 55,000 great miles completed... I have not taken mine off road, but in the hands of a competent rider, it manages very well.. Check out Big Bike Adventures to watch one being whizzed across the outback... sadly Honda appear to be discontinuing the model, as they have the F, perhaps because of Euro5... Given the focus of Honda on the Africa Twin, there seems to be no direct replacement by them in terms of a V4, shaft drive tubeless tyre adventure-tourer.. Sad really as I love it.. GS or Triumph next perhaps...?
Also I’ve owned this bikes since 2016. And I think it’s a great bike. But I have thought of updating it to Africa twin but what’s stopping me is the fact it’s not a shaft drive or I don’t like the sound of the twin engine where as the v4 is on a different level. The sound of the v4 gets you hooked and can’t let go that easy. But still even so if they could just put a shaft driver then I probably buy and keep 2 bikes lol.
@@TheMissendenFlyer Have taken delivery in the last week heavily discounted due to the bike being discontinued because of euro regs all efforts have gone into the Af T. they fight for almost the same market .loving the bike .
Never seen this colour. I own a CT MY 2017 in wine red. Unfortunatelly CT is no more in production. If l switch maybe only to a MY 2020. Excellent touring bike for long rides! 😊
A great video as usual , thank you. I am interested in the cross tourer dct model, and I wonder if you could get one of those for your considered review. It would be much appreciated. Also, on your tests, could you please consider giving a view on capability for riding with a pillion + luggage for touring or longer rides. Thanks in anticipation.
A stiff hydraulic clutch? Could there be something malfunctioning? I’m a huge fan of the older 800cc VFR’s, always liked the bipolar mild to manic shift when it opened the valves, thought it was a pity when Honda smoothed out the transition. Also thought it ill conceived to use the 1200cc as opposed to the existing 800cc; sometimes “new and improved” moves things backwards.
The VFR 1200s always struck me as an amazing engine with a very average bike attached to it. A very heavy, average bike. Personally, I just can't love it for some reason. The scenery was amazing. Slovenia looks like it's worth a visit.
I ordered a similar PUIG windscreen from amazon ( with compatibility for the CT), but the lower two holes for fixing it does not fit (1 cm each side). Solution, drilling new holes to the plexi (would look bad) or send it back. My experience, lot of aftermarket parts don't fit really.
Nice vid as per usual, but I'd like to see more variety..its turning into a touring/scrambler channel - which is fine if that's your bag. There arent too many uk bike channels, and invariably a search for a review means sitting through a lot of US stuff, where everything is super this or super bloody that. Try and get your paws on the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 400 - lower cc bikes are massively under appreciated. I think Yamaha are bringing out a 250cc 4 cylinder very soon. Ride safe.
Pros 1) V4 smoothest engine(Idle sound is not good for me. but above 4000rpm, that sound fantastic.) 2) Not good for shop mechanic (since I riding 78,000km with 1200X, no issues (except changing pads, tire, oil, coolant, fork seal)) 3) above 125mph, no weave with oem 3 boxes. Cons 1) Clutch lever was heavy. it makes you crazy when you riding on rush hour.(For M/T models) 2) Despite by high power, Tire size was small. (same as Air-cooled R1200GS, you put the power on rear wheel gently.) 3) TCS fxxx sucks. 4) Speed limit (230km/h on dash... not satisfied for speed freak. not me :) ) I thinks this bike replaces ST1300 Pan European. more powerful, more agile but more noisy, less fuel tank.
Totally agree that this bike replaces ST 1300. I moved from an F 800 GS to Pan Euro and VFR 1200 Crosstourer hits the sweat spot of my two recent bikes. I wasn’t using the GS enough for off road and I can ride ST 1300 all day 1178 kms 731 miles was my daily best this past summer in Canada covering almost three Prairie Provinces on my way to the twisties of British Columbia. A person just becomes a Big Fan of Honda V 4 engine quickly.
Hmm, nah not my favourite bike, 2,000,000 kilograms is a bit hefty. I was glued to the scenery though, looked like a beautiful place. Thanks again TMF.
for some reason the vfr800f, crossrunner and crosstourer seem to have been forgotten about , probably as you said to lack of any significant upgrade compared to their counterparts in the market. They are great bikes at affordable prices and very reliable, i own a 2019 vfr800f , brilliant bike but again over looked and not promoted by honda, good review as always tmf
Compared to my new gsa -20 ,first thing is that the honda is more top heavy,bmw much more balanced that makes driving more easy.second is the suspension far more superior on bmw,i love the v4 engine ,but i love the boxer to,better gearbox on bmw,better wind protection on bmw.bmw is so good compared ,mostly because of the balance very important on a motorbike.if you drive in terrain you will notice bmws superity.i do like the honda its comfy,cant compare it to a gs,on the other hand it costs twice as much
Honest bike. Honda was at least honest in the name instead of using the tired, and stupid, "adventure bike" title. Tell me, what bike isn't an adventure bike?
Uau, riding in my country. I hope you had a nice time on our roads. I see you were in the western part close to Croatian border. Next time try to go from the capitol Ljubljana to Koper (town on the sea) on the old road (new highway), really nice bikers road. Grettings from Vstrom rider.
Greetings back! You are very lucky to have such great biking roads on your doorstep - much more Slovenia coming up on the channel next year....stay tuned!
Looks like you were looking through that screen rather than over it. That V4 engine is a peach but the bike is too big and top heavy for the smaller rider. If you are on tippy toes you would drop it - sooner or later !
It is a good bike but suffers from two MAJOR conns. 1.very high fuel consumption and 2.at low rpms the shaft behaves veeeery badly. You can not drive without getting pissed at low rpms.
I've got a 2021 DCT and I get between 170-180miles from a full tank on my daily commute into London (driving sensibly of course). It's a better tank range than my old Deauville 700nt.
An Eco (cost) GSA then? Seemed fine for cruising the Slovinian greenery. But somehow the brief ride with you left me just a tad underwhelmed and disappointed with the bike and the scenery. Goes to show how spoiled we are, armchair riding the great bikes you get to ride. Methinks that had that ride been on a 1250GSA we would have heard a good few yeeeeehaaaaas!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Tasmania Australia, best roads in the world according to MCN. Shame the drivers aren't the best, but there are only 500k people in a place the size of Scotland so all good. 😁
What a hefty old girl. Honda scratching head, around then, for what can we call a new model? lets just rehash the VFR 1200 hence later as it was not succesful, the Africa Twin
Kevin - surprised that the last year of the R1200GS had so much trouble, it should’ve been the most reliable year in the series before the R1250GS. Sadly it is what it is though.
Had a 2012 model for 6years. Great bike. I did over 40,000 miles on it all over Europe. It never missed a beat. It got too heavy for me in the end. My mates went onto lighter bikes and I found it a bit difficult to get stopped quickly. I went for a BMW XR 1000 - another great all rounder . Not the build quality of a Honda though.
Since I bought a CrossTourer with DCT, my 2016 BMW GS is gathering dust in the garage. I hate the engine sound of these LC BMW's even with an Akrapovic on it (my old 1150GSA sounded so much better). The DCT is brilliant and I love the sound of that V4 and that with the stock exhaust.
Great bike.....just bought a 2019 in top Highlander spec.....this bike has the holy trinity of Touring attributes....reliability, comfort and carrying capacity....combined with legendary Honda build quality...who needs bells and whistles to go wrong! On which point....my older GSA has just cost me the thick end of a grand because a sensor linked to the esa packed in....and that cost was for a recon part! Enough said 😉
Yes it is a heavy bike but I find it very well balanced. Once the bike is moving I don't notice the weight slower corners are fine once you deal with the front end. I've had one for 5 years now and it's been brilliant. Standard screen is pretty poor by the way. Most owners change it.
What!!! No white van? How disappointing 😒 well I guess, they are all lurkin' around Great Missenden just waiting for you Andy, to come back and "play" 😂😂😂 Cheers
The Crosstourer was one of a few ADV bikes I test rode before I got the GS. I really wanted to like it because I had a VFR800. But not for me. The people that do have them absolutely love them so I wonder if I've missed a trick! Pretty good value and a peach of an engine.
It's a pity Honda haven't made the best of a genuinely great engine, you only have to watch any test of the Ariel Ace which is built around a tuned version of the VFR1200 engine, it goes like stink!
I’m a Big Fan of the Honda V 4 engine love the growl. I don’t know why Honda isn’t making these Bikes VFR 800 and 1200 Crosstourer available in North America. V 4 engine is just so bullet proof with years of reliability history and just works in so well with this Sport Tour ADV Hybrid styling. Slap a set of Mitas Dakars on this Puppy and there should be no problem on Gravel Dirt Roads and Highway. Allot of Bike for the Price point 127 hp 93 lbf⋅ft Torque.
2016 & 2017 year models only model years sold in the US. Mother Honda put all their efforts in the US in the Africa Twin, which is about 100 lbs lighter. I bought my 2016 model in August. Great deal to be had on new old stock right now. I Plan on riding to Alaska & Tuktoyaktuk, NWT ,CA in the next 10-12 years. It will be done riding my VFRX.
I can’t say about Canada. I bought mine in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the USA along the northern Gulf of Mexico Coast. There aren’t many seen in North America compared to other models. I also ride a 30th Anniversary Goldwing.
Tell me if I am wrong,Honda is always ahead of it's time and Ducati just proves it by making the new Multistrada v4 looking exactly like the Cross tourer!Cheers!!!!
I've had a 2016 DCT model here in the States since they arrived here in North America that same year. Europe had them since 2012 but they did some nice upgrades to the DCT transmission, adding additional modes, in '16 when introduced to NA. Glad to see a good review coming out (albeit very late in the model run) and by such a respected online voice as TMF. Honda deemed eventually that this model competed too closely with the Africa Twin in the States so the VFRX has been discontinued over here. The good news for anyone still interested though is that the bike can still be found on dealer showrooms and tucked away in warehouses and can be purchased at a supremely discounted price. Some have been found for as low as $7999 USD!! A wonderful bike in general and if you can find one at that price BUY IT!
You borrowed that Crosstourer but what bikes do CMT usually have in Slovenia? Same NC750 etc as on Gran Canaria? VFR1200 is a great engine, pity in UK Honda dropped the ‘F’ sports tourer version in preference to the Crosstourer adventure version. Shame they never used 1200 V4 in any other bikes.
Hi there. In Slovenia we have BMW F800s and Triumph Tiger 800s, plus for summer 2020 will be purchasing a couple of small bikes for the vertically challenged too.
Great value for money bike and a fantastic used buy especially for touring. We were in Slovenia 3 weeks ago and had a great time. Beautiful country and local food was simply mouth watering. We did a day trip from our rented vineyard cottage to the Island of Rab in Croatia, only a 3 hour ride. Also rode into Trieste in Italy after visiting The Postojna Caves. There are some great roads and some poor ones but such an enjoyable experience. Everything is within a few hours ride including an excursion to Austria. We stayed near Novo Mesto... You have to try a home made "Gibanica" if you haven't already... Had a go on a friend's Ktm 790 Enduro R there which was a hoot....hope you enjoyed your ride and visit
If they would update it with cruise control, new dash etc like the Africa Twin 1100 it would be a real winner as a touring bike. great review as always, a new Missendenflyer review is a highlight always on youtube.
Had my Crosstourer DCT for a couple of years now and Love. I've ridden it all over Europe and it ain't missed a beat. Has to be the most underrated bike ever. Thanks for the review TMF.
On my 2nd Crosstourer now.Absolutely fantastic bike and awesome power.The only thing I dont like is that the shaft can be clunky at times but it appears to be a trait with them.
Well balanced and only notice the weight when I'm wheeling it into the garage.
I do hope that Honda replaces it with a new V4 model instead of relying on people being persuaded to go for the Africa Twin.
Rode the Africa Twin but it ain't got the performance of the CT.
The CT is underrated and a lot of people only go for the GS because of the snob value.Never mind, while their bikes are in being sorted for warranty work I shall still be out there riding the CT.
My Honda dealer sad, V4 engine is cancelled since 2020 because of Euro 5,6,7,8....endless what comes! And two cyl. are lighter. Fuel consume maybe also a reason? But I'm happy with my CT DCT !
I have a 2015 DCT. Just a brilliant touring machine! No big heat issues like with the multistrada and just keeps going ALL day long. If they upgraded the electronics it would be the tourer to end all tourers.
I’m on my second Crosstourer, I’m currently riding the brilliant DCT version. Your correct with regards to its weight, but only really felt when wheeling it around the garage, once on the move it disappears.
And that V4 engine is simply sublime, smooth, effortless and totally reliable, so very Honda.
Your also spot on regards it being very underrated as it does tend to go “under the radar” somewhat.
Thanks for including it in your test vids and if you get the chance try the DCT version, a revelation in motorcycle transmission.
its biggest gripe is still its weight. 285kg on the dct model is unacceptable and definitely has an impact on the bike's handling. the bmw gs, ktm super adventure, triumph tiger etc. eat this thing for breakfast. the only benefit of owning a honda is its reliability.
Totally agree Dave. Great bike but I just struggled to get it onto the centre stand so went back to an older 1200GS. Mind you I was glad of having the DCT as I broke my left wrist and I could still ride it.
@@J0J0McM0M0 so when the bmw is parked up and the honda flys by you may think again .
Hi Dave, thanks for your input, I am very interested in the dct version too, do you have a view on capability with regards to riding with a pillion, + luggage for touring or longer rides as this would be my requirement. Thanks in anticipation. Rob Stamp
@@robstamp2793 Robert, I can assure you with confidence that it is a very comfortable bike two up and an exceptional one for touring as me and the wife have toured Tuscany on my first manual Highlander and have done both the Picos and Pyrenees on my DCT. To help with the wife’s comfort I adapted a garden sun lounger elasticated head rest and velcroed it to the top box as a padded back rest. If you need any further info or help Robert please feel free to PM me via the Crosstourer forum (Dave56) and I’ll give you my contact details 👍.
I bought a VFR800X Crossrunner brand new in May, the little version of the 1200. Awesome bike as well, underrated as well...
I've got one of those too, great bike, highly underrated.
Just changed my 800X for 1200X.
Very underrated bikes.
Honda's best kept secret. I've had two, manual and dct. Had an update in 2016, manually adjustable screen that you can do on the fly and improved traction control which you can turn off. Heavy yes, but that motor is a peach.
Which is best for mixed riding. ........... Manual or DCT ? Thanks
@@blackbird69xxx I prefer the dct in every scenario.
I’ve had the 2012 version of this bike for 3 years now, I’ve also got a Pan European ST1300 A8 for 5 yrs. The Pan is an amazing cruiser, the crosstourer is equally an amazing tourer but is more nippier. This bike feels like you can zip around corners with the big handle bars, not even thinking about counter steering as you do the Pan.Ive ridden both bikes all around Scotland from Yorkshire and regularly ride 900 miles in a weekend.Both bikes need cruise control in my opinion, but hey ho they both do what they’re designed to do effortlessly.
My wife likes to ride 2 up with me on both bikes but prefers the Pan as there’s slightly more room than the Crosstourer.I prefer her riding the crosstourer because the weight distribution feels better.
I’m 5 ft 8 ins tall and had the seat ‘scooped out a bit to enable me to get my feet on the ground more securely....... and bought a pair of boots with a bigger heel ‘. The weight is not a problem at all and the engine is one of the best kept secrets going ..... wow!! Who needs sports Bikes!
This bike looks great, handles great, is ultra reliable and is very torquey.
This is my opinion, but I strongly suggest you have a test ride whenever you get the opportunity....... you won’t be disappointed!
Too much fuss is made about the GS...... try them both, compare the servicing costs, compare the reliability, compare the performance.
Honda took their time in competing in the ‘Adventure Bike’ design with the Crosstourer....... but they did have the ‘baby’ of the format in the Africa Twin..... need I say more!
Thanks for the real world feedback!
Hi Andy im 50 and 5ft 10 . not sure about the weight, why do so many say its an issue ?
I love mine and won´t trade it for anything! That V4 connects to your soul like bluetooth... I don´t feel the weight while riding it, and I admit it´s very hard to get it out of the garage. But the most important thing about this bike is the reliability...
I am driving the Honda for 2 years now and have more than 40.000 km on it. And that only with km in course for cyclist. I am the only motard in the world that driving this great machine the rest have GS. I can tell you on and off road I kill the GS . I ride Paris Roubaix, tour de flandres, AGR,LBL even the national champions chips mountain bike, 110 km thruogh the woods, on this bike and I tell you BUY it.
Follow me and you wil see, I drive them all and I mean all, this is the best motor bike HONDA VFR X many GR from HOLLAND, Marcel Goes.
Great looking in those colours and who isn’t fed up seeing GS 12s all the time. 👍
Never knew this existed, but glad I now know, seems like a nice alternative to the all to common GS and multistrada's
Spot on review. Also agree that the DCT version is the one to get specially given the heavy clutch if you're intended use includes commuting. The DCT also carries a considerable premium second hand over the manual (and is much more difficult to find I found).
I took out the dct on a demo ride, one of the things I like to do is a turn in the road. Dropping down from 30mph to do the turn in the road I dropped the bike. It stayed in second gear during the turn. Bloody heavy to pick up.
Good to see this review, because the Crosstourer is an often forgotten about bike. I must admit the spec is a bit dated and they're a bit of a lardy looking thing, but my local Honda dealership has had some fantastic deals on these over the last year or two, so they can be a great value for money alternative to GS's and the like. I've always been put off them then because, for the last year or so, its looked like a model which has imminent discontinuation looming over it. I do think Honda has missed a trick by not updating this bike over the years because, with the lovely V4 engine, shaft drive and all day riding position, it has the potential to be a really great bike. It just needs a bit of a style makeover, to shed a few pounds and a few other tech updates and provided they keep the price at a sensible level, it's a competitor to any of the big tourers.
I originally thought the same as to it needing updated technology and to shed a few pounds, until I bought one. I LOVE the simplicity and relatively low-tech and the weight is only noticeable when pushing it around the garage. The handling absolutely surprised me, it handles very nicely on the highway where the extra weight is an advantage, yet still can be ridden in a sporty manner in the mountain and canyon twisties. I also own a Yamaha Tracer so between the two bikes I have a wide range of riding styles covered, sport, sport touring, touring and light adventure riding.
This is manual Crosstourer 277kg, DCT model is 10kg up! I have 2017 manual and for me weight is not problem. The bike is very agil and easy to ride!!!
Always a consideration when buying a bike:Whats it like to check clearances eg:Take head off=cost factor?Thats why the Boxer motor is such an attraction in my view besides all the other factors.
My brother in the USA bought one of these three weeks ago and promptly wrote it off with 50 miles on the clock. He's now out of hospital but in rehab recovering from his shattered hip, cracked knee and cracked ribs. I've forwarded this review to him for his opinion. Brotherly love!!!! 😈
Oh dear - sorry to hear that 🙁
Are you blaming your brother's injuries on the bike? If so, why?
@@CBVTX a little harsh let peoples anger go his brother could have purchased any make of bike
@@anthonyjarvis522 If you can't comprehend the comment /question, perhaps you shouldn't comment on it. How's that for harsh?
@@CBVTX Not at all. He was very impressed during his test ride and his truncated ride home. 100% rider fault. Just a loving brotherly thing to send him while he's still in pain and recovering.
Ooo little glimpse of Slovenia, looking forward to getting out there next year. I like the look of the bike, would probably suit the larger guy like me more and TC with ABS is all you really need electronics wise. Not a fan of the tinted screen though. Thanks for posting.
Yes, defo a bike for the, ahem, larger fellow....
Agreed on that screen, doesn’t do anything for the bike, and I’d find it annoying.
And dual braking, love my dct
yes big and heavy but so is my GSA. It's a Honda and known for all it's Honda attributes. I would take the DCT for sure. And agree with others, the LC BMW's do sound horrible without plugs, and the yah and nah reliability, you roll the dice there as I have heard many horror stories yet mine keeps rolling trouble free so far. Not sure why but seems Honda never really cared to advertise this bike much in NA. Minus some bells and whistles, it can replace any GS/GSA. Its crazy to want to do true off road on our 600lb bikes, unless you're a pro racer. This would be a great alternative any day, and it sounds amazing. Thx for the quick review TMF
You’re welcome Henry...
Just bought a V-Strom 650XT TMF. Your review 2 years ago made me think If I ever get another adventure bike, it'll be one of those.
Light weight and fuel economy are two essentials that bikes like this Crosstourer can't compete with.
different type of bike though very capable
Can't help thinking Honda missed an opportunity here, it never really caught on in the UK. I test rode one and didn't really bond with it. Honda build quality excellent, with it's shaft drive and some needed touring extra's like cruise control, engine modes and a few other bits they could of been onto a winner. I think it is now due to be discontinued from the Honda range.
Bought mine this year a 17 mod,manual .what is there to say ? Just a brilliant machine .paid 11 000 euro new.very happy with it .very
I had one. Steve Rose reviewed it and described it best saying something like its a bike you want to do a long trip, in winter, on motorways. Its a mile muncher. Not a bike to take a second look at though IMHO. Like a more nimble Pan. Depends what you want it for. Just be honest with yourself.
Always enjoy your movies. Looking at something like this as Honda are above reproach when it comes to build quality
I love the color..I hasn’t seen this color in the USA
I’m also on my second Crosstourer. First was a 2013 Manual and now on a DCT. They’ve both been very good bikes. There’s no doubt that it a heavy bike but the real issue with the VFR1200X was highlighted by your remark that it was “ A bike that had passed you by” there’s also a few comments below from people saying they didn’t know the bike existed. Honda have never really got behind the CT. Add a few of the “toys” that the competition has (cruise,LED lights etc) and promote it properly and the Big H would be onto a winner. Sadly I feel the end of the CT is very near. Missed opportunity by Honda.
I have owned a VFR1200X since 2013, with 55,000 great miles completed... I have not taken mine off road, but in the hands of a competent rider, it manages very well.. Check out Big Bike Adventures to watch one being whizzed across the outback... sadly Honda appear to be discontinuing the model, as they have the F, perhaps because of Euro5... Given the focus of Honda on the Africa Twin, there seems to be no direct replacement by them in terms of a V4, shaft drive tubeless tyre adventure-tourer.. Sad really as I love it.. GS or Triumph next perhaps...?
Sounds like that’s your choices (or multistrada?)
Also I’ve owned this bikes since 2016. And I think it’s a great bike. But I have thought of updating it to Africa twin but what’s stopping me is the fact it’s not a shaft drive or I don’t like the sound of the twin engine where as the v4 is on a different level. The sound of the v4 gets you hooked and can’t let go that easy. But still even so if they could just put a shaft driver then I probably buy and keep 2 bikes lol.
@@TheMissendenFlyer Have taken delivery in the last week heavily discounted due to the bike being discontinued because of euro regs all efforts have gone into the Af T. they fight for almost the same market .loving the bike .
What a fantastic ride! Love the scenery and the weather...wish I could have been there!
Lots more to come from Slovenia in the New Year!
I never even realized Honda offered this model - is it only a European bike? Cool review!
I don’t think so no...
Never seen this colour. I own a CT MY 2017 in wine red. Unfortunatelly CT is no more in production. If l switch maybe only to a MY 2020. Excellent touring bike for long rides! 😊
A great video as usual , thank you. I am interested in the cross tourer dct model, and I wonder if you could get one of those for your considered review. It would be much appreciated.
Also, on your tests, could you please consider giving a view on capability for riding with a pillion + luggage for touring or longer rides. Thanks in anticipation.
I’ll see what I can do
Love your videos. You seem like such a nice guy😉 Cheers from Norway 😎
That's very kind of you - thanks Bjorn!
Buzzing 85TT appeals to me much more.
its a nice bike but a different caliber to a 1200
VFR1200 - the bike that time forgot. Thanks for the review.
Cracking video grommet...how tall are you again? 5 foot 7 ? ;)
That's a pre-2016 VFR1200X. There was a change to the windscreen mounting in 2016.
Could not find one in the US state of North Carolina 1.5 years ago. They are like Unicorns over here. I have yet to see one in the realz.
How odd!
A stiff hydraulic clutch? Could there be something malfunctioning? I’m a huge fan of the older 800cc VFR’s, always liked the bipolar mild to manic shift when it opened the valves, thought it was a pity when Honda smoothed out the transition. Also thought it ill conceived to use the 1200cc as opposed to the existing 800cc; sometimes “new and improved” moves things backwards.
The VFR 1200s always struck me as an amazing engine with a very average bike attached to it. A very heavy, average bike. Personally, I just can't love it for some reason.
The scenery was amazing. Slovenia looks like it's worth a visit.
It certainly is - stay tuned for much more in Slovenia in the New Year....
The VFR1200 Engine is the one used by Ariel in their Bikes too.
I ordered a similar PUIG windscreen from amazon ( with compatibility for the CT), but the lower two holes for fixing it does not fit (1 cm each side). Solution, drilling new holes to the plexi (would look bad) or send it back. My experience, lot of aftermarket parts don't fit really.
Nice vid as per usual, but I'd like to see more variety..its turning into a touring/scrambler channel - which is fine if that's your bag. There arent too many uk bike channels, and invariably a search for a review means sitting through a lot of US stuff, where everything is super this or super bloody that. Try and get your paws on the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 400 - lower cc bikes are massively under appreciated. I think Yamaha are bringing out a 250cc 4 cylinder very soon. Ride safe.
Sounds cool - count me in!
I cannot belive that you are in my country. I hope you like it here.
Amazing place to ride....you are very lucky!
Great review love it 😀
very beautifull scenary
You aint seen nothing yet - full Slovenia series coming in the New year!
Pros
1) V4 smoothest engine(Idle sound is not good for me. but above 4000rpm, that sound fantastic.)
2) Not good for shop mechanic (since I riding 78,000km with 1200X, no issues (except changing pads, tire, oil, coolant, fork seal))
3) above 125mph, no weave with oem 3 boxes.
Cons
1) Clutch lever was heavy. it makes you crazy when you riding on rush hour.(For M/T models)
2) Despite by high power, Tire size was small. (same as Air-cooled R1200GS, you put the power on rear wheel gently.)
3) TCS fxxx sucks.
4) Speed limit (230km/h on dash... not satisfied for speed freak. not me :) )
I thinks this bike replaces ST1300 Pan European.
more powerful, more agile but more noisy, less fuel tank.
Totally agree that this bike replaces ST 1300. I moved from an F 800 GS to Pan Euro and VFR 1200 Crosstourer hits the sweat spot of my two recent bikes.
I wasn’t using the GS enough for off road and I can ride ST 1300 all day 1178 kms 731 miles was my daily best this past summer in Canada covering almost three Prairie Provinces on my way to the twisties of British Columbia. A person just becomes a Big Fan of Honda V 4 engine quickly.
TFT = LCD. TFT is used in LCD, it's not a different kind of display. I think you're more thinking about B&W VS colour?
Well thin film versus liquid crystal if I remember back to my electronics degree....
2 things you said which caught the attention. 1 is the curb weight and 2 it’s thirsty:-(
I would go for the 800 cross tour less weight. Slovenia is a great place to tour
Sure is - tour videos coming next year!
Oh man, you were in slovenia, and i missed that... Damn...
I'll be back!
Hmm, nah not my favourite bike, 2,000,000 kilograms is a bit hefty. I was glued to the scenery though, looked like a beautiful place. Thanks again TMF.
My full Slovenia tour is coming in the New Year Colin - fabulous place to ride...stay tuned!
Stick with my GSA, but Slovenia is on the bucket list😎
Yamaha super tenere or honda crossturer
What a great bike!!!!
for some reason the vfr800f, crossrunner and crosstourer seem to have been forgotten about , probably as you said to lack of any significant upgrade compared to their counterparts in the market. They are great bikes at affordable prices and very reliable, i own a 2019 vfr800f , brilliant bike but again over looked and not promoted by honda, good review as always tmf
Compared to my new gsa -20 ,first thing is that the honda is more top heavy,bmw much more balanced that makes driving more easy.second is the suspension far more superior on bmw,i love the v4 engine ,but i love the boxer to,better gearbox on bmw,better wind protection on bmw.bmw is so good compared ,mostly because of the balance very important on a motorbike.if you drive in terrain you will notice bmws superity.i do like the honda its comfy,cant compare it to a gs,on the other hand it costs twice as much
Well it’s a Honda 😎😂☝️🏍🇬🇧 beautiful roads in a beautiful country is allways good 😎☝️
Honest bike. Honda was at least honest in the name instead of using the tired, and stupid, "adventure bike" title. Tell me, what bike isn't an adventure bike?
Good point!
There is something wrong with my phone, just got a big ass black patch on my screen...
??
@@TheMissendenFlyer That Screen on The bike is gastly. On a mobile it takes up most of the screen lol
Aha! I see....sorry about that!
You were in my country? Nice 😁👍
Lots more to come from Slovenia in the New year!
@@TheMissendenFlyer nice to hear that. 👍 We have a lot to see and ride. 😁
Look at my videos. 😁
Uau, riding in my country. I hope you had a nice time on our roads. I see you were in the western part close to Croatian border. Next time try to go from the capitol Ljubljana to Koper (town on the sea) on the old road (new highway), really nice bikers road. Grettings from Vstrom rider.
Greetings back! You are very lucky to have such great biking roads on your doorstep - much more Slovenia coming up on the channel next year....stay tuned!
Yes you can see on the picture I drive a 1200 super tenerre, so you can see I drove them all. The HONDA is the best believe me
Looks like you were looking through that screen rather than over it. That V4 engine is a peach but the bike is too big and top heavy for the smaller rider. If you are on tippy toes you would drop it - sooner or later !
Yes it sure is a heavy ol beast....particularly when manoeuvring...
Randy Mamola like.
On the back.
At the Moto GP.
Round the track.........screamin......
It is a good bike but suffers from two MAJOR conns.
1.very high fuel consumption and
2.at low rpms the shaft behaves veeeery badly. You can not drive without getting pissed at low rpms.
Hello bud, I've been looking at this and your review of the cross runner.
Obviously theres a difference but is there one youd have over the other ?
I'd take the cross runner on weight grounds - the cross tourer was nice, but big and very heavy.....
@@TheMissendenFlyer ok great! Thank you
Are you getting excessive heat from that big engine?
Not that I noticed....
The only thing worrying me is the fuel consumption.
Yes it did seem a thirsty beast!
I've got a 2021 DCT and I get between 170-180miles from a full tank on my daily commute into London (driving sensibly of course). It's a better tank range than my old Deauville 700nt.
Sorry, meant to type 2012!
Did you test the top end of that V4?
Not excessively no...
Must be said, beautiful roads and scenery. Enjoyed it? Will you do a separate video on the trip? God bless you sir, good to see you're doing well
Yes a whole series on my Slovenia tour coming early next year....
Why get this when you could get a Africa twin?
Why buy an Africa twin when you could have a Goldwing? People's preferences differ.
J Coats - meaningless comment
An Eco (cost) GSA then? Seemed fine for cruising the Slovinian greenery. But somehow the brief ride with you left me just a tad underwhelmed and disappointed with the bike and the scenery. Goes to show how spoiled we are, armchair riding the great bikes you get to ride. Methinks that had that ride been on a 1250GSA we would have heard a good few yeeeeehaaaaas!
You wait until my Slovenian tour series - plenty of “ye hars!” in that....
No longer available over here in Aus.
Do you know I never twigged your are in Aus Scott....
@@TheMissendenFlyer Tasmania Australia, best roads in the world according to MCN. Shame the drivers aren't the best, but there are only 500k people in a place the size of Scotland so all good. 😁
Why can’t we have this in USA in 2022?
Good question!
Nice engine and good value but not for me. Love those traffic free roads.
So do I!
I test drove this and found the steering poor!
👍
I stopped watching the vid when you gave out the weight, shame, nice looking bike.
Fair enough....
Do all shaft drive bikes have poor fuel economy ?
no the gs can return over 50 this will av 42 at best
I've had over 250 to a tank on mine. Thats about 52MPG. It's better for MPG on motorways than around town and on the twisties.
@@johnchambers4284 nice to know
What a hefty old girl. Honda scratching head, around then, for what can we call a new model? lets just rehash the VFR 1200 hence later as it was not succesful, the Africa Twin
mmmmmmmmmmmmm
..... These spoked tubeless wheels are Fugly !!! :-)
go back to bed :-)
It’s early afternoon where I am!
First
Well done....
Had a 2018 BMW r1200gs and had nothing but faults and problems with it...got rid of it and bought a vfr just like this and love it 👍🏴
Nice one Kevin!
Kevin Mcdonald , are you getting any excessive heat from that huge engine?
@@jblue1299 Not really noticed any heat from engine but as with all bikes in heavy traffic get a bit of heat but diasapeares when you get moving👍
Kevin - surprised that the last year of the R1200GS had so much trouble, it should’ve been the most reliable year in the series before the R1250GS. Sadly it is what it is though.
Had a 2012 model for 6years. Great bike. I did over 40,000 miles on it all over Europe. It never missed a beat. It got too heavy for me in the end. My mates went onto lighter bikes and I found it a bit difficult to get stopped quickly.
I went for a BMW XR 1000 - another great all rounder . Not the build quality of a Honda though.
Since I bought a CrossTourer with DCT, my 2016 BMW GS is gathering dust in the garage. I hate the engine sound of these LC BMW's even with an Akrapovic on it (my old 1150GSA sounded so much better). The DCT is brilliant and I love the sound of that V4 and that with the stock exhaust.
Great bike.....just bought a 2019 in top Highlander spec.....this bike has the holy trinity of Touring attributes....reliability, comfort and carrying capacity....combined with legendary Honda build quality...who needs bells and whistles to go wrong! On which point....my older GSA has just cost me the thick end of a grand because a sensor linked to the esa packed in....and that cost was for a recon part! Enough said 😉
Yes it is a heavy bike but I find it very well balanced. Once the bike is moving I don't notice the weight slower corners are fine once you deal with the front end. I've had one for 5 years now and it's been brilliant. Standard screen is pretty poor by the way. Most owners change it.
What!!! No white van? How disappointing 😒 well I guess, they are all lurkin' around Great Missenden just waiting for you Andy, to come back and "play" 😂😂😂 Cheers
The Crosstourer was one of a few ADV bikes I test rode before I got the GS. I really wanted to like it because I had a VFR800. But not for me. The people that do have them absolutely love them so I wonder if I've missed a trick! Pretty good value and a peach of an engine.
At 6'4" tall, and 17 stone, i love my crosstourer, comfortable, powerful and rare.
It's a pity Honda haven't made the best of a genuinely great engine, you only have to watch any test of the Ariel Ace which is built around a tuned version of the VFR1200 engine, it goes like stink!
I’m a Big Fan of the Honda V 4 engine love the growl. I don’t know why Honda isn’t making these Bikes VFR 800 and 1200 Crosstourer available in North America. V 4 engine is just so bullet proof with years of reliability history and just works in so well with this Sport Tour ADV Hybrid styling. Slap a set of Mitas Dakars on this Puppy and there should be no problem on Gravel Dirt Roads and Highway. Allot of Bike for the Price point 127 hp 93 lbf⋅ft Torque.
I have seen it for sale here inArizona.....
@@DJPTEXAS Interesting thank you for your reply.
2016 & 2017 year models only model years sold in the US. Mother Honda put all their efforts in the US in the Africa Twin, which is about 100 lbs lighter. I bought my 2016 model in August. Great deal to be had on new old stock right now. I Plan on riding to Alaska & Tuktoyaktuk, NWT ,CA in the next 10-12 years. It will be done riding my VFRX.
@@ladyhawke515 I’ve been watching TMF Tour Slovenia riding Honda Crosstourer.
Great Bike I haven’t seen them in Canada.
I can’t say about Canada. I bought mine in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the USA along the northern Gulf of Mexico Coast. There aren’t many seen in North America compared to other models. I also ride a 30th Anniversary Goldwing.
Excellent review, thanks! Sounds like a motorcycle Honda should update in the near future.
Tell me if I am wrong,Honda is always ahead of it's time and Ducati just proves it by making the new Multistrada v4 looking exactly like the Cross tourer!Cheers!!!!
I've had a 2016 DCT model here in the States since they arrived here in North America that same year. Europe had them since 2012 but they did some nice upgrades to the DCT transmission, adding additional modes, in '16 when introduced to NA. Glad to see a good review coming out (albeit very late in the model run) and by such a respected online voice as TMF. Honda deemed eventually that this model competed too closely with the Africa Twin in the States so the VFRX has been discontinued over here. The good news for anyone still interested though is that the bike can still be found on dealer showrooms and tucked away in warehouses and can be purchased at a supremely discounted price. Some have been found for as low as $7999 USD!! A wonderful bike in general and if you can find one at that price BUY IT!
Wow great price, here they are £5000 $ 9000 for a second hand one and that the older models
You borrowed that Crosstourer but what bikes do CMT usually have in Slovenia? Same NC750 etc as on Gran Canaria? VFR1200 is a great engine, pity in UK Honda dropped the ‘F’ sports tourer version in preference to the Crosstourer adventure version. Shame they never used 1200 V4 in any other bikes.
Hi there. In Slovenia we have BMW F800s and Triumph Tiger 800s, plus for summer 2020 will be purchasing a couple of small bikes for the vertically challenged too.
Great value for money bike and a fantastic used buy especially for touring. We were in Slovenia 3 weeks ago and had a great time. Beautiful country and local food was simply mouth watering. We did a day trip from our rented vineyard cottage to the Island of Rab in Croatia, only a 3 hour ride. Also rode into Trieste in Italy after visiting The Postojna Caves. There are some great roads and some poor ones but such an enjoyable experience. Everything is within a few hours ride including an excursion to Austria. We stayed near Novo Mesto...
You have to try a home made "Gibanica" if you haven't already...
Had a go on a friend's Ktm 790 Enduro R there which was a hoot....hope you enjoyed your ride and visit
Yes amazing place to ride...
If they would update it with cruise control, new dash etc like the Africa Twin 1100 it would be a real winner as a touring bike. great review as always,
a new Missendenflyer review is a highlight always on youtube.
You’re too kind sir!
Wow! That's a Big and heavy machine! amazing motorbike