New Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer test ride.

[Capoandrew]

Well it's been pissing down with rain in Sydney for the last couple of weeks and I really haven't felt like riding much. But when a mate that owns a bike shop calls up and says "You wanna try the new Honda Cross-Tourer mate?" I couldn't refuse.

Late yesterday afternoon I took the new Honda Cross tourer for a quick 90km ride. First up was the normal crappy Sydney traffic, then onto one of the best bikers road in Sydney, the Royal National Park. (A regular testing ground)

First impressions were quite good. The bike feels well weighted and slipping through traffic was effortless. Ergonomics were good, and I felt pretty comfortable. The engine is Honda smooth but almost boring. (I guess I am used to a V-twin now)

On the fast twisty roads it felt good and even on the wet roads the suspension was very confidence inspiring. ABS was really good but you can't switch it off. (Not good if you were to take it off-road). I had to pull up quickly at one stage with a stray deer on the road and the brakes were very very good!

The engine is very quiet until you take it up to around 5500-6000 rpm. Then it sounds pleasant and sporty. Clutch was light and easy to use.
Switching is normal Japanese, easy to find and use. Headlights were average, however not what I expected for a 2012 bike.
The rear rack was designed to take a top box, although the bike I rode didn't have one. It looked solid and well designed.

Overall, I liked it for what it is. It's not a bike I would take into the really wild stuff and to be fair it's not designed for this. The occasional dirt road would be fine if you could fit a switch to the ABS. The power delivery was strong and pleasant, but something was missing which I couldn't put my finger on. (A bit more growl perhaps?) For touring, this bike would shine. It's quite comfortable and easy to ride.

To look at it from some angles, you would think it was a 1200 Multistrada, but dumbed down. But that's Honda isn't it; conservative at times, or a wolf in sheep's clothing. The Cross tourer is more the leaning more towards the conservative side.

[Precis]

So, stick a big touring fairing on it, and large panniers and it becomes a Cross-dresser.
They REALLY don't think these things through, do they?

[Capoandrew]

Yes and no. I can't put my finger on it, but it's sort of half and one thing and nothing much for the rest. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be an adventure bike or a tourer.

For example: It has spoke wheels which you would expect for an off-road bike, yet the exhaust hangs low enough to be an issue on a muddy track.
And it oozes quality everywhere yet misses out on a few little things. (ABS, crap pegs, lack of engine protection)
The shaft drive looks good however I am more a chain person. (So you can change gearing)

I liked it, but it's just not for me.

[Precis]

Here's Mav's impressions of the Triumph Explorer:
http://www.bikesales.com.au/reviews/...rer-1200-30589
Having ridden with this bloke, let me assure you - he can pedal!

[JohnG.]

That Triumph Explorer write up made me nearly want one!...but what about a decent colour range
and peered through the Townsville's Dealers window at a Crossdresser 800 early one morning
I think I could like the riding position but looks tame...any loud can options surely...

[Precis]

That Triumph Explorer write up made me nearly want one!...but what about a decent colour range
and peered through the Townsville's Dealers window at a Crossdresser 800 early one morning
I think I could like the riding position but looks tame...any loud can options surely...

I agree - boring as batsiht, just like Guzzi: you can have a Stelvio NTX any colour you like, so long as it's flat matt black primer!
Loud cans? A sharpened bit of reo-bar and a lump-hammer should do it for you, JG!

[Saffa Gaz]

I took the Explorer out for a couple of test rides, Brilliant bike. It was really stable and with the taller aftermarket screen you don't get any turbulance apart from some windblast on your shoulders. The only down side was that the engine is way to powerful offroad for anything more than a gravel track. Get to the sticky stuff and it spins up too easily and you battle for traction (ABS off). Reckon the tiger 800 would be a better bet if your liable to go bundu bashing. Ultimately the price put me off, so reackon I'll stick with the Capo for a few years till the blokes that took the bikes out on pcp trade them back in.