Trail – 2015 Crossrunner test: the VFR800X has found its way! – The head of the job

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2015 Crossrunner test: the VFR800X found its way !

Trail - 2015 Crossrunner test: the VFR800X has found its way! - The head of the job

Since its launch in 2011, the Honda VFR800X Crossrunner has sought the path to success … The fault of its offbeat positioning and look, its mediocre comfort and its practical shortcomings. Honda fixed everything for 2015… And that changes everything ! Test.

The head of the job

In order to underline the aesthetic progress of the 2015 Crossrunner, the Honda team slips at the end of its presentation the visual below, on which it poses in front of the old model. The approving murmur escaping from the assembly composed of about fifteen journalists confirms the stylistic relevance of the choices made: between the two generations of VFRX800, frankly, there is no photo (reread our and our) !

The slightly tart front face, reminiscent of a chubby dolphin, gives way to a fork head with much more dynamic lines. Now composed of a double LED optic, the headlight takes the "X" design common to the VFR800 and VFR1200 as well as to the Crosstourer. A visual signature that fits like a lambskin glove to this bike so far difficult to pin down (read our).

Its sharp fairing sides complete this necessary change. On the other hand, their less enveloping format exposes to the glance the "runny" welds on the side members of the aluminum frame. Too bad because in good VFR, the Crossrunner displays a general build quality and impeccable surface treatments.

The redesigned rear part, for its part, accommodates the grab handles raised and separated for the benefit of the grip, easier even with thick gloves. Only aesthetic downside concerning this stern: the silencer and the LED headlight very similar to those of the NC750 do nothing on a motorcycle of this standing…

Other regrets in the chapter of the presentation: the prominent control of the integrated anti-skid series in 2015 seems to be added to the "va-comme-je-te-push" on the attachment of the hydraulic jar of the clutch lever. Astonishing on the part of Honda, which should have adopted the perfect integration on the left stalk of the switch used to adjust the power of the heated grips on five levels, equipment also joining the standard equipment of the new 2015 model.

Aware of the ambiguous positioning of this bike designed on the basis of the VFR800 V-Tec, Honda has decided to assert its identity by widening its handlebars by 88 mm and increasing its suspension travel by almost 30 mm (see our detailed Technical Report on page 3). Despite its 17-inch stick rims, the Crossrunner is now officially in the trail-GT category, its elongated and hollowed out "beak" confirming this. !

A whole bunch of beautiful parts sublimate its harmonious silhouette, like its metal bar ends, its long and thin LED indicators, its 4-piston radial brake calipers and its splendid single-swinging arm taken – like almost all of its peripherals – on the .

Finally, an aluminum engine guard gives it a "Premium" touch. On the other hand, it turns out to be more elegant than protective, since it is made in two parts linked together under the 782 cc V4 by a short cover attached to the radiator. In other words, in the event of an impact on the edge of a sidewalk (or, more hypothetically, with a stone in a path), the low engine is quite exposed….

Fortunately, the higher travel of the suspensions also serves the cause of the ground clearance, passed from 140 mm to 165 mm. Amply sufficient value to thwart "urban traps", as MNC was able to verify by descending a steep step during this first contact organized under the sun of Marbella (southern Spain).

A powerful ally

In the city center of this province of Malaga, the excellent turning radius of the 2015 Crossrunner and its well-calibrated injection immediately put you at ease. Each control is perfectly placed and virtually all offer that delicate compromise between smoothness and precision characteristic of most Honda motorcycles..

Only the hydraulic clutch and the selection are a little firmer, but this detail is quickly dismissed as the whole works wonderfully, without brutality or "failure". Raised by 4 mm and brought closer to the bust by 28 mm by means of qualitative saddles, the 683 mm handlebar grips effortlessly and offers a welcome lever arm to counteract the weight in running order (242 kg announced).

Up almost 2 kg compared to the previous model, this generous mass for a motorcycle of this displacement appears to be the main handicap of the 2015 Crossrunner, especially as part of it is quite high up because of its engine architecture ( 4-cylinder V open 90 °).

With the engine off or at very low speed, some effort is therefore required to move or turn the motorcycle. Under these circumstances, MNC remained perplexed: the combined C-ABS was however replaced by a simple ABS, the starter, the rims and the frame would be appreciably lightened, the tank is reduced from 21.5 to 20.8 liters. . and despite everything the bike is heavier (all the details in our Technical point on page 3) !

"This is because of the additional equipment now integrated as standard, such as the heated grips or the adjustable saddle.", answer the managers of the Crossrunner 2015 project interviewed by MNC … Too bad this overweight is not justified by the addition of a central stand, storage compartments and a 12V socket, accessories whose presence at the spoke "options" continues to annoy on this motorcycle with final transmission by chain…

Fortunately, the height saddle contained (actually adjustable from 815 to 835 mm), refined on its front part, makes it possible to easily enclose the machine between your thighs, for the benefit of good ergonomics synonymous with confidence. In addition, a 1.75 m pilot puts his feet on the ground without difficulty, the soles remaining almost entirely in contact with the asphalt even with the seat in the high position..

As often with Honda, the feeling of heaviness diminishes very quickly thanks to a general balance worthy of a tightrope walker … After 20 km / h, the Crossrunner seems to weigh 40 kg less and is handled with the tip of the gloves, well aided by a front end as tolerant and neutral as a Swiss banker !

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