My new bike - a Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer

[MrKiwi]

I've been thinking of splashing out and buying a new motorbike. I've looked at several big adventuring touring bikes and some cruisers. I borrowed a cruiser a little while ago to take on a long ride, as I suspected that due to a back injury in 1984, I might not be able to ride a cruiser for more than a few hours without the back complaining. Sadly after a couple of hours riding the back complained. My plan to buy a Moto Guzzi California Touring bike was dealt a fatal reality check:angry:

Last year I rode over a weekend a Honda VFR1200X, the Crosstourer, and was impressed with it. Even when riding other big adventure bikes I still liked the Honda. i've no idea why, but it makes me smile and I enjoy its performance handling and ride. What more could I ask for.

So I've gone and done it. I've bought a 2013 Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer. A perfect two up road touring machine that is also capable of doing some light gravel work. No more chains to maintain.

I travel to Auckland in a couple of weeks to pick up the bike and ride it back to Wellington. I'm a happy chap :woohoo:

[Gremlin]

Congrats and enjoy.

Riding your new bike is always neat :niceone:

[Grashopper]

That's awesome. Congrats!

I'm looking forward to photos :)

[HenryDorsetCase]

interested to see how you get on with it. new bike is always good.

[Maha]

Nice, pity the panniers resemble a human organ transport box though. If the finances would allow I would have Multistrada without question.

[MrKiwi]

Nice, pity the panniers resemble a human organ transport box though. If the finances would allow I would have Multistrada without question.

The Multistrada is a nice bike, very nice. Last September I rode one in Australia over 3 days, but for me (and this reflects the individuality of personal preferences) I found I liked the Crosstourer more. I can't explain why, I just do, and that surprised me. However, even if I wanted the Multistrada I couldn't afford one, just a bit out of my price range.

While the Crosstourer comes with panniers, I have a set of metal mule side panniers which I may yet decide to use.

[Gremlin]

Nice, pity the panniers resemble a human organ transport box though. If the finances would allow I would have Multistrada without question.
I would have said they're pretty different bikes. The Multistrada is the Italian idea of a tourer (bearing in mind their idea of sportsbikes).

The Crosstourer isn't nearly that sport touring type, more of an all roads tourer, not as quick, it's heavier, but probably more comfortable for distance, more protection etc.

[Maha]

The Multistrada is a nice bike, very nice. Last September I rode one in Australia over 3 days, but for me (and this reflects the individuality of personal preferences) I found I liked the Crosstourer more. I can't explain why, I just do, and that surprised me. However, even if I wanted the Multistrada I couldn't afford one, just a bit out of my price range.

While the Crosstourer comes with panniers, I have a set of metal mule side panniers which I may yet decide to use.

Way out of the question of what I would ever spend on a bike also (the Multistrada) that's a lot of cash to give away at once.


I would have said they're pretty different bikes. The Multistrada is the Italian idea of a tourer (bearing in mind their idea of sportsbikes).

The Crosstourer isn't nearly that sport touring type, more of an all roads tourer, not as quick, it's heavier, but probably more comfortable for distance, more protection etc.

Obviously I as not comparing apples with apples.

[Mo NZ]

Sounds like you , like myself are happier with the feet under yr arse and upright position.:yes:.
Pleased you found a ride that doesn't give you a dose of the "good news" after a few k's in the seat.
Onwards, illigitimi carborundum.

[MrKiwi]

Sounds like you , like myself are happier with the feet under yr arse and upright position.:yes:.
Pleased you found a ride that doesn't give you a dose of the "good news" after a few k's in the seat.
Onwards, illigitimi carborundum.

yes indeed...

[MrKiwi]

Counting down, not long now til I head to that strange land just north of those hills, to pick up the new ride. Starting to get anticipation jitters... I want it now ... :crybaby:

[BlackSheepLogic]

Enjoy it, really nice choice of a bike.


Counting down, not long now til I head to that strange land just north of those hills, to pick up the new ride. Starting to get anticipation jitters... I want it now ... :crybaby:

[Stylo]

Enjoy your new ride Mr K, can't say I've seen one in the metal so it's got that 'rarity' factor as well. :blink:

Maybe a nice set of cans ( or can ) to lose some weight and bring out the nice V4 sound for the neighbours ?

Any pics ?

[Scouse]

I've been thinking of splashing out and buying a new motorbike. I've looked at several big adventuring touring bikes and some cruisers. I borrowed a cruiser a little while ago to take on a long ride, as I suspected that due to a back injury in 1984, I might not be able to ride a cruiser for more than a few hours without the back complaining. Sadly after a couple of hours riding the back complained. My plan to buy a Moto Guzzi California Touring bike was dealt a fatal reality check:angry:

Last year I rode over a weekend a Honda VFR1200X, the Crosstourer, and was impressed with it. Even when riding other big adventure bikes I still liked the Honda. i've no idea why, but it makes me smile and I enjoy its performance handling and ride. What more could I ask for.

So I've gone and done it. I've bought a 2013 Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer. A perfect two up road touring machine that is also capable of doing some light gravel work. No more chains to maintain.

I travel to Auckland in a couple of weeks to pick up the bike and ride it back to Wellington. I'm a happy chap :woohoo:Why is it so Cross?

[Mo NZ]

Counting down, not long now til I head to that strange land just north of those hills, to pick up the new ride. Starting to get anticipation jitters... I want it now ... :crybaby:

:corn::corn::corn::corn:

[MrKiwi]

It's ready... :2thumbsup

[Mo NZ]

So when do you lift off?

300710

[Hitcher]

There's something a bit X-Factor-ish about a V4.

[Mo NZ]

Yeah. A bit like this.

300714

[AllanB]

I was googling to inspect the spoke set up and found this WTF picture. :wacko:

[Mo NZ]

This help?
300717300718

[MrKiwi]

There's something a bit X-Factor-ish about a V4.

mmmmm :wings:

[MrKiwi]

The spoke set up is similar to that found on the KTM and BMW adventure bikes, the spokes go to the outside of the rim, thereby avoiding any issues with tyre seal.

[AllanB]

Cool set up. Allows tubeless tyres.

[MrKiwi]

Cool set up. Allows tubeless tyres.

Yes, it's ideal.

[Mo NZ]

Ah. ahem. At the risk of repeating myself, have you picked it up yet?

[MrKiwi]

Ah. ahem. At the risk of repeating myself, have you picked it up yet?

No. Best laid plans gone out the window. Now having it shipped down next week.

[MrKiwi]

Alrighty - the Tiger has sold, the Crosstourer is about to be delivered... :whistle:

[MrKiwi]

Yes :scooter::banana::banana:

[pjpnz]

It's ready... :2thumbsup

I just bought a FJR1200x. Where did you source the panniers from? Thank you.