All Tests – 2012 Honda Crosstourer Test: V4 and DCT as master assets – Crosstourer: code name VFR1200X

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2012 Honda Crosstourer test: V4 and DCT as key assets

All Tests - 2012 Honda Crosstourer Test: V4 and DCT as master assets - Crosstourer: code name VFR1200X

The maxi trail motorcycle segment is doing well in France but it is monopolized by one and the same machine: a certain Geesse … To compete with it, Honda is launching the Crosstourer and relying, among other things, on its V4 and its DCT transmission. Test…

Crosstourer: code name VFR1200X

Two years after its presentation as a well-advanced concept at the 2010 Milan Motor Show (read), the Crosstourer is standing there, in front of us, in the courtyard of the hotel where Honda gathered all the European motorcycle press to launch officially its new model.

Availability, colors and prices

  • Availability: immediate

  • Colors: white, gray, black or red

  • Price: € 13,990 (DCT + € 1,000)

High and thin, the Honda maxi trail inherits the elegance of the VFR1200F, in particular thanks to its fairing sides. There is even the pretty round winged crest that adorns the high-end Honda models. In addition to its good looks, the Crosstourer stings from the sporty GT its V4 engine, its double beam frame and its aluminum single-sided swingarm..

The engine, rather unexpected on a trail, was not however grafted without undergoing a small intervention on the part of the Japanese engine experts: "the V4 "Unicam" open at 76 ° of 1237 cc receives in this version new camshafts (reduced valve lift), new intake horns (40 mm longer and 4 mm wider) as well as ‘exhaust with a diameter of 28 mm (10 mm less than the VFR)", says Sebastien Pernel, press manager of Honda France.

In order to inflate its low and medium revs, the Crosstourer also benefits from a specific three-chamber pot. "The sound also wins, it is even deeper", continues our French host. And we have to admit that even when slowed down, the Crosstourer pulses" seriously " !

The maximum power of the 1200 drops from 173 horses (at 10,000 rpm) to 129 hp (at 7,750 rpm) in its trail version, but the maximum torque remains impressive: 126 Nm from 6,500 rpm on the Crosstourer, against 129 Nm at 8750 rpm on the VFR.

Likewise, if the frame and the swingarm are renewed in their functions, the suspensions naturally gain height (50 mm of additional ground clearance, or 180 mm in all), just like the handlebars. Placed much higher than the half-handlebars of the VFR, the wide handlebars of the Crosstourer induce a straight pilot posture, therefore less tiring.

Look Off road, On road program

Like its little sister Transalp 700 this time, the Crosstourer 1200 adopts radiated rims which accentuate the "Off Road" aspect of the bike, although it is exclusively intended for the road, assure the Reds..

The spokes – which better absorb any shocks against sidewalk stumps than alloy poles – are fixed to the outer edges and allow the fitting of tubeless tires with a very road profile: Bridgestone Battle Wing in this case, BW-501 at the front and BW-52 at the rear.

The flagship of Honda trails also incorporates standard C-ABS combination braking dear to the world number one, as well as the all new TCS traction control system. "This is not a first, since the first production Honda to be equipped with a TCS was the 1992 Pan European.", recall the Reds.

"Of course, the operating mode has changed since: 20 years ago, we intervened on the delay or the absence of ignition to eliminate the slip of the rear wheel, today we play on the injection and on the wireless throttle control", specifies to Site Takashi Tetsuya, responsible for electronics on this maxi trail project.

Another technological advantage in the game of this "anti-Geesse made in Japan": the DCT transmission inaugurated in 2010 on the first VFR1200.

V4 and DCT retouched

"This is the second generation of the DCT", warns us moreover the French press manager."There have been some mechanical changes, but it is above all the software that has been revised, the gear changes are even faster and smoother, while the steering analysis becomes more refined.".

More "intelligent", the Drive mode allows for example to take advantage of more muscular times if we really insist on the right grip, the performance of the bike then approaching those of the Sport mode. Another novelty: the possibility for the pilot to temporarily take control of the automatic mode.

When the need – or the desire – arises, the driver – who must remain in control, after all! – can shift up or down a gear before letting the motorcycle take over. Finally, Honda has included in the accessories of the Crosstourer "DCT" a selector offering the same sensations as a "normal" selector..

"This was a request from the European Honda subsidiaries, because we believe that the presence of the foot control will facilitate the transition of some riders to the automatic gearbox.", underlines the press manager.

In Honda’s "Crossover" family, Site would therefore like to test the father: good pick! Honda invited Le Journal moto du Net to try out its big novelty 2012 in the region of Tarragona, south of Barcelona (Spain), in ideal conditions … !

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