The Honda Crossrunner, also called the VFR800X, is a touring motorcycle launched at the 2010 EICMA show in Milan. It went on sale in 2011, with first deliveries later that summer, and its 782 cc V4 engine was derived from the VFR800.
Honda Crossrunner at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Also called | VFR800X |
| Launched | EICMA Milan, 2010 |
| On sale | 2011 |
| Engine | 782 cc V4, derived from the VFR800 |
| Character | touring with light off-road ability |
| Saddle | low |
| Handlebars | wide |
| Suspension | long travel |
| Tyres | Pirelli Scorpion |
| 2015 model | revised engine and bodywork as the VFR800X |
| Kerb weight, 2015 test | 242 kg |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Crossrunner.
History of the Honda Crossrunner
From the VFR800
The Crossrunner took its 782 cc V4 from the successful VFR800. While the VFR800 was a sport tourer, the Crossrunner had a low saddle, wide handlebars, long-travel suspension and special Pirelli Scorpion tyres better suited to soft roads.
Development
Honda commissioned a European design team to help develop the bike. Preliminary testing included more than 120 wind tunnel sessions with various prototypes to find the best shape for aerodynamic stability.
The 2015 update
In September 2014 Honda Motor Europe announced that the 2015 Crossrunner, to be called the VFR800X, would have a revised 800 cc V4 engine, new bodywork, and changes to the suspension, brakes and wheels.
Reception
Motor Cycle News said the Crossrunner stood out from the crowd and performed impressively as a real-world, day-in, day-out bike. Journalist Kevin Ash praised its looks and chassis but criticised its fuel consumption. In a 2015 MCN five-bike test the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer was judged better and better value than the Crossrunner; at 242 kg kerb weight the Honda was significantly the heaviest of the group.
Design and features
- VFR800 V4: 782 cc of proven Honda engine.
- Upright riding position: low saddle and wide handlebars.
- Long-travel suspension: more comfort on poor surfaces.
- Scorpion tyres: chosen for soft-road use.
Honda Crossrunner versions
- Crossrunner (2011): the original VFR800X.
- Crossrunner VFR800X (2015): revised engine, bodywork, suspension and brakes.
The Crossrunner is the adventure-styled relative of the Honda VFR800, and shares the V4 theme with the Crosstourer. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda Crossrunner, English Wikipedia: launch, engine, development, reception
