Interested in the new Honda VFR800X Crossrunner?
What’s It All About?
With its sleek lines and style, superlative finish, impressive V4 engine and excellent handling under almost all road conditions, Honda has seen the Crossrunner’s sales grow steadily since its introduction. Honda is known throughout the world for producing utterly dependable machines.
What Does It Cost?
Honda’s new VFR800X Crossrunner isn’t cheap however as it is priced at £10,299. It comes comprehensively equipped with traction control, an exceptionally easy-to-read new dashboard layout, ABS, heated grips, 31-litre topbox, centre stand, Akrapovic pipe and a Tom Tom sat nav. As is usual with Honda there is a long list of optional extras that can also be added to the bike.
How Does It Handle?
Featuring an aluminium beam frame borrowed from the VR800F, the Crossrunner weighs in at just 242kg so it’s relatively light for this type of bike. It handles beautifully on all road surfaces utilising its softer suspension to the full. It actually feels lighter than most of its contemporaries while out on the road, with very agile handling.
Yes, there may be quicker bikes in its sports adventurer class but try riding these machines for more than two or three hours without a break. With the Crossrunner you can ride practically all day and still feel fresh but exhilarated at the end of a long journey.
With average fuel consumption (combined) of 44mpg, the latest Crossrunner’s smooth 782cc V4 powerplant produces prodigious amounts of torque (55lb/ft at 8,500rpm). A bike like this is not all about top speed rather its performance from 0-100mph and in this respect Honda has got it spot on. As a consequence, the Crossrunner’s top speed is limited to 130mph. As for the machine’s overall quality of build, the Honda’s paint finish is exemplary and wherever you look the build quality cannot be faulted.
Using many of the components found on the VFR800X, the
new Crossrunner has a proven pedigree. It features the engine and chassis upgrades of the VFR800X yet has longer travel suspension and a higher riding position which is adjustable. Pleasing cast wheels complete the pleasing aesthetic look.
Verdict
Honda’s VFR800X Crossrunner is a fine sports adventurer. Unlike most of its rivals you can ride this bike quickly for quite some distance without tiring.
There’s a beautiful exhaust note which turns into a rasping snarl the higher up the rev range you go. OK, this Honda is not cheap but then, on balance, this is an excellent machine that’s probably worth paying a premium for, particularly when you take into consideration Honda’s reputation for
reliability. It shouldn’t be ignored.
Facts & figures
Model: Honda VFR800X Crossrunner
Price: £10,299 otr
Engine: 782cc 16v DOHC 90 degree V4
Wet Weight: 242kg
Seat Height: 815 -835mm
Power: 105bhp @10,250rpm
Torque: 55lb/ft @8,500rpm
Tank Size: 21 litres