Honda Crosstourer

Kevin, Apart from the usual questions I think there are a few key issues given the VFR 1200 surprises and other tallrounder rider experiences.

1. what is the real world tank range? it's a modest tank size for a large engine:-

a. when the engine performance is enjoyed or the tyres tested to the limit over distance.( this can occur in a mountain pass when using, maybe, two gears between bends.)

b. mixed riding when typically touring

2. What happens to the weight on the move? An obvious question but it is possibly the heaviest bike in the class. Does the weight intimidate on low speed uphill 'T' junctions or in 'U' turns when fully loaded?

When in switchback bends do you have to 'haul' the weight up and down?

Can it be manoeuvred confidently when manhandled?

3. That seat looks like it has a small surface area, is there a consequence

4. The top box looks like it has an outer zip, is it waterproof.

5. A big issue for me, does the screen put you in clean air, or ensures the buffeting is OK?

6. Do Honda anticipate a cast wheel version?

7. How does the on road engine respond compared to the MTS? Maybe apples to oranges but informative for V engine addicts!

8. Is the ABS the sophisticated F/blade type sports bike version?

I know you will cover the key issues and we are all looking forwards to your views on this bike, the eXplorer and the comparisons with the MTS AND GS.

Another tough assignment.........

I suspect that the XT will give a real-world range easily better than 200 miles. My VFR1200F will do 200 miles if I'm cautious and does 170-180 miles when I'm caning it with full luggage and 55L top case. The extra couple of litres plus a milder cam on the XT should easily stretch it past 2 tons.

VFR1200F fuel cutoff is 10500RPM, the XT is probably more like 9500. My VFR does about 5800RPM @ 100MPH (indicated) in top which is my typical cruising speed.

I'm not sure if they've carried over the gearing on the XT. It would make more sense to use a longer top gear.

Went to Excell MCN Show today and NO XTOURER.....pathetic. The press launch is over the next 3 weeks in Barcelona so news should start filtering out soon.

RiC: "( Dunlop non-squaring off tech is brilliant)"

Hi RiC. Which dunlops do you mean? I've been a Bridgestone man but struggling to get on with them on my R1200R, so might try Dunlops next time around.

The BT021's which came fitted on the new bike and felt good but only did 3k miles. So I went for BT023's, which I'm sure will go further but I'm struggling to really get into the feel of them on this machine. I had them on my Z1000 and found them good, with precise front end feel but not getting that with this bike. Not had any major issues with grip or anything, just the feel doesn't suit.

Cheers.

Thanks RiC. I feel a change of tyres coming on. Once I've worn this set out!

a) The VFR1200 is very snatchy at very low speeds (e.g. 180 degree turns around a mini-roundabout), causing much clutch-fetling around town. I don't know if the problem is EFI, play in the shaft or some other intangible, but I found it very noticeable. So are tight figure of eights (useful u-turn test, I guess) child's-play or kanga-dangerous?

b) The S10 has incredible balance, making it feel far more nimble and lighter than the GS, for instance; is the XTourer fairly agile?

c) The GS and S10 are every stable at motorway speeds in heavy crosswinds; does the Honda exude the same quality?

d) Ride quality and comfort are exceptionally good on all the shaft-drive 1200's, is the Honda the same and does it need any tweaking in this respect; indeed, is the suspension fully-adjustable like the Yam for instance?

e) Being a Honda and also utilizing a fairly proven engine and gearbox, albeit returned, I would expect it to be up there with the Yamaha for reliability. On face value the Honda looks to have the best build/finish quality in the entire group. Having seen and ridden it, do you think it sets a new class standard for fit and finish?

f) The biggy: Post launch, if you were buying an Adventure bike, primarily based on the following criteria 'only', would you be going for the Honda, Yamaha, BMW or wait for the Triumph or water-boxer? Criteria: Ride quality, comfort, practicality, build quality, reliability, long distance rides, long-term ownership.

It's interesting how easy it is to forget the fundamentals . I've just reread Kevin's VFR1200 report and engine vibration is a significant issue so is it present on the Xtourer.........a real bummer if it is . Also the bikes weight blunts engine performance but as the Xtourer developers more torque lower down the rev range how does this impact on performance?

Hello chaps

My good mate has a VFR1200. Have ridden it a few times, and vibration wasn't a problem...at least from memory...

I took a close look at the Tenere at Excell and it oozes class. The price has reduced to the class average and Yamaha have introduced the innovation of test rides! I might take them up on that but I'm not sure if they have dealers in the UK. Can't say I remember passing one.

Silvercub. Welcome back.

Now you have done a few miles on the Viffer what would say is miles to fuel needed light?

What do you like about the engine performance apart from tingling your thingies?

silvercub. Thank's for the response. Now was tight corners about weight with drop in or lack of vibration to the testes?

Good point.
Hazy vision, probably. And black underwear......

So we can expect a snatchy Xtourer?

Interestingly BMW remapped the K1600 to eliminate driveline lash which amazed me that a software fix eliminated a mechanical tolerance. Perhaps Honda efi is cruder than BMW.

Another issue for Kevin on the Xtourer ride.

The laugh for me is BMW know what their shaft drive failure rate is as they sell the replacement seals, drives etc but do not seem to take action.

Now Triumph have come out with a 'Fourth Bridge' solution that looks over engineered to an extreme.....no problem it it gets you home on every trip which is something BMW fail to achieve in too many cases.

The Honda and Yamaha shaft assemblies 'seem' about right but the test is reliability.