16YM HONDA VFR1200X CROSSTOURER

Model updates: The pinnacle of Honda’s “X” family, the VFR1200X Crosstourer gets enhanced practicality with an easily-adjustable windscreen, 12V socket and three levels of S Mode in its DCT version. A new Special Edition colour and EURO 4 compatibility round out the updates. 

Contents:

1 Introduction

2 Model overview

3 Key features

4 Accessories

5 Technical specifications

1. Introduction

The VFR1200X Crosstourer, launched in 2012, is Honda’s range-topping adventure sports touring motorcycle. The original design team, led by Large Project Leader Yosuke Hasegawa, set out to create a machine that gave the rider a sense of challenge and the facility to explore.

Equipped with a 1,237cc V4 engine, advanced chassis and electronic package – Combined ABS, Traction Control System (TCS) and the option of Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) gearbox – the Crosstourer firmly planted a flag at the high-performance end of the adventure segment.

As a go-anywhere, do-anything tool it has few peers – but its real difference lies in the addictive power and soundtrack produced by its soulful V4 engine, something unique in this class.

2. Model Overview

In 2014 the VFR1200X Crosstourer received improved comfort, evolved its existing technology and applied new touches. With Honda’s Selectable Torque Control, the system allows the rider to select three different levels to control engine torque and resultant drive to the rear wheel; the system can also be switched off. Honda’s six-speed DCT gearbox received software refinements to deliver an even more intuitive and natural performance, whether on highway or back road.

Honda’s unique new self-cancelling indicators were also fitted.

The seat was modified to improve rider comfort and facilitate easier ground reach and a ‘wave’ design ignition key was set as standard.

For 2016, the VFR1200X Crosstourer is now EURO4 compliant, and gets enhanced practicality with an easily-adjustable windscreen, 12V socket and three levels of S Mode in its DCT version.

3. Key Features

3.1 Engine

Now compliant with the forthcoming EURO4 emissions regulations, the Crosstourer’s engine continues Honda’s proud heritage with V4 technology, with its uniquely smooth, flexible delivery of impressive power and torque. Offering precise control of this power thanks to its throttle-by-wire system, and an engaging, characterful sound - due partly to carefully-sized chambers in the exhaust - the Crosstourer’s engine is integral to its appeal.

The V4 configuration is slim and compact, reducing frontal area and aiding mass centralisation. It also features a very closely set pair of rear cylinders, making the engine narrower at the back. Further contributing to the 1,237cc, 16-valve engine’s compact dimensions is Honda’s Unicam technology, also used on the CRF range of motocross machines. This SOHC configuration helps reduce the size and weight of the cylinder heads, and optimise combustion chamber shape.

PGM-FI fuel injection employs 44mm throttle bores and fly-by-wire technology for precise throttle control. Peak power of 95kW arrives at 7,750rpm, with peak torque of 126Nm at 6,500rpm.

A combination of a 76° angle between the two banks of cylinders and a crankshaft with 28° phasing between the crankpins virtually eliminates vibration. Since there’s no need for a power-sapping balancer shaft the result is higher output, and uneven firing intervals give an intimate connection to the engine.

The Honda Selectable Torque Control constantly monitors front and rear wheel speed; when it senses a certain difference in speed between front and rear wheels, engine torque is momentarily reduced by a combination of ignition cut and modulation of the throttle butterflies through the throttle-by-wire system. As the difference in speed between front and rear wheels reduces, the system transitions into modulating only the throttle butterflies. This ensures a seamless, unobtrusive control. The system features 3 modes of operation for the rider to choose depending on road conditions. It can also be switched off.

3.2 Dual Clutch Transmission

Available as an option on the Crosstourer, Honda’s DCT gearbox offers a unique combination of direct riding feel and ease of use. A world first for motorcycles when launched on the VFR1200F in 2010, it delivers consistent, seamless gear changes, and very quickly becomes second nature in use.

The system uses two clutches: one for start-up and 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th gears: the other for 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th, with the mainshaft for each clutch located inside the other for compact packaging. Each clutch is independently controlled by its own electro-hydraulic circuit. When a gear change occurs, the system pre-selects the target gear using the clutch not currently in use. The first clutch is then electronically disengaged as, simultaneously, the second clutch engages.

The result is a consistent, fast and seamless gear change. Furthermore, as the twin clutches transfer drive from one gear to the next with minimal interruption of the drive to the rear wheel, any gear change shock or pitching of the machine is minimised, making the change feel direct as well as smooth. The Crosstourer’s ride-by-wire technology allows the system to electronically “blip” the throttle on downshift for even smoother, faster gear changes.

With extra benefits such as durability (as the gears cannot be damaged by missing a gear), impossibility of stalling, low stress urban riding, and reduced rider fatigue, over half of VFR1200X Crosstourer customers now choose the DCT version.

Three basic modes of operation are available. MT mode gives full manual control, allowing the rider to shift with the handlebar trigger control buttons. Automatic D mode is ideal for city and highway riding, and achieves optimum fuel efficiency. Automatic S mode is sportier and the ECU lets the engine rev a little higher before shifting up, giving greater performance. It also shifts down sooner when decelerating for extra engine braking. For 2016, within S Mode, there are now three different engine maps to cover a wider range of sporty riding scenarios and preferences.

In either D or S mode DCT offers immediate manual intervention if required – the rider simply selects the required gear using the up and down shift triggers. At an appropriate time DCT seamlessly reverts back to automatic mode, depending on throttle angle, vehicle speed and gear position.

Further new functionality for 2016 means that the system is able to detect uphill and downhill slopes and adapt its shift pattern schedule accordingly.

3.3 Chassis

The VFR1200X Crosstourer has relaxed riding ergonomics. Seat height is 850mm but thanks to the narrow profile it’s an easy motorcycle to straddle, with good ground reach.

The diamond aluminium twin-spar frame is a hollow unit that employs quartered construction – this enables very precise control over the all-important weight/rigidity balance of each part of the frame. Rake is set at 28° with trail of 107mm and 1,595mm wheelbase. Kerb weight is 277kg, 287kg for DCT version.

Designed to excel on hugely varied road surfaces the front and rear suspension offer generous amounts of controlled, bump-absorbing travel. The 43mm inverted fork offers reassuring control with precise steering and stability, even during hard cornering and heavy braking.

And Pro-Link rear suspension combines excellent traction with refined ride quality. Both the fork and gas-charged shock are adjustable for rebound damping and spring preload, allowing riders to alter characteristics to suit their riding style and intended usage. 

For 2016 practicality has been further enhanced, with an adjustable screen. The mechanism is simple and user-friendly, allowing the rider to adjust the screen height to any desired level with a single gloved hand. 

Spoked wheels are designed to absorb the shocks generated by rough road surfaces and work with the suspension to deliver a comfortable ride quality. Tubeless tyres – 110/80-R19 front and 150/70-R17 rear – balance keen, agile handling with traction.

Combined ABS works between the dual front 310mm discs/three-piston calipers and rear 276mm disc/twin-piston caliper. It delivers balanced braking for more stable deceleration and the extra reassurance of an Antilock Brake System. If either wheel is about to lock up and slide, C-ABS momentarily reduces the hydraulic pressure being applied to the relevant brake and distributes the force optimally between both wheels, ensuring powerful and secure braking in all conditions.

The 2016 VFR1200X Crosstourer will be available in three colours:

Digital Silver Metallic

Pearl Cosmic Black

Two-tone red (Special Edition colour)

4. Accessories

5-stage heated grips with indicator, replacing the previous 3-stage design, are now available from Honda Genuine Accessories. A new waterproof rear top box does away with the zip expander and, 60mm deeper, can take a full-face helmet. And an accessory low seat reduces the seat height by 20mm to 830mm.

Other Honda Genuine Accessories for the Crosstourer include:

Pannier set. Specially designed and fully integrated 35L (RH) and 39L (LH) square panniers. The left pannier can contain most helmets; the set fits directly to the motorcycle and matches the top box.

Main stand. Allows more secure parking and also facilitates cleaning and rear wheel maintenance.

Cowl ornament kit. Tubular anodised aluminium kit developed to emphasise the bike’s rugged appearance. Also serves as a front LED fog lamp stay.

Front LED fog lamp kit. Pair of LED fog lights which mount on the cowl ornament kit. Combines a very bright beam with minimal power consumption and a long lifetime. Control button integrates nicely in the motorcycle’s fairing.

Side deflector kit. Set of left and right deflectors that protect the rider and pillion from the elements and reduce turbulence. Made from black polyurethane.

12V DC socket kit, positioned under the seat.

Outdoor cycle cover – protects the bike from the elements.

Averto Alarm Kit. A compact alarm unit with 118dB siren and back-up battery. Low consumption sleep mode to protect the battery from draining. Features a movement and shock detector with 8 sensitivity modes.

Tank pad.

5. Technical Specifications

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.