Hi all, first of a few episodes about the X-Tourer… initially a walk around and description with rides and a summary to follow. Please add any questions below and I’ll answer. Cheers all. 👍
Thanx for a great & informative insights to this wonderful machine. Am the proud owner of the Highlander edition DCT version 2017 in same colours. To make a long story short ive really come to love this monster Honda. It took a while for Us to gel but now We’re one. Have put all mods you can possible throw at this Honda. As a touring machine awesome comfort & power. Like taking her offroad into the Norwegian mountains & as you learn this beast & tame her shes a lamb & a very capeable one . Take Good care of her & she will take care of You. Shes not an Africa Twin but more stable. Weight: Allways an issue howewer learn to use it to Your advantage. Shes planted & stable. Use decent tires for the task at hand. Anakee Adventure or TKC 70 works great in most conditions. Then she floats but be switched on & you can go very fast if needed . Throttle: can feel a bit snatchy at first but you will get used it…It is what it is so deal with it. Buffeting: No major issues for Me At 180cm & 100kg. Everything becomes an issue if you let it. There are ways to work around it instead of compering to other machines. The greats: Egine, Shaft, Dct, Tubeless, Looks (paintjob & finish), Adjustable 1hand windscreen on the fly, Loading capacity, Click on panniersystem & Comfort.. Yes is a very well built quality machine & with Hondas legendary reliability its a winner. Why Honda has decided to overlook this peach since the reintroduction of The Africa Twin is beyond sad. With a few mods & upraded to Euro5 this Honda could have really have taken it to BMW. To mention a few minor upgrades Honda can do easily: LED headlight, take the new screen & Cruisecontrol from the new Africa Twin. The Norway Police has choosen this Honda model over the BMW GS. They know their stuff believe Me…The Power Of Dreams…
Hi Alex, very many thanks for your kind comments, and supplying all that fantastic information. There’s some really good guidance in there for the owners of this generally excellent machine. Again, much appreciated and keep watching. Lots more videos on this one upcoming 👍👍👍
Good vid. I’ve had mine for 4 years now and love it. I have no mods at all on mine, I’m 6ft 2 and 16 stone and the only time I really notice the weight is when I’m pushing it into my garage on a slightly uphill drive. Jesus it’s heavy doing that! I did a 500 mile day trip from Cornwall up to Wilts, Hants, Dorset etc and gent fine when I got home; the only thing that I feel this bike was crying out for when Honda developed it was cruise control for such journeys. Anyway, I’ll look out for your next vid on it. Cheers
Many thanks for your kind comments. 100% agree, needs cruise control. I’ve done long days a few times and the only thing that really would’ve been a valued improvement is cruise… yep, I’ll keep the vids coming on this one as it’s got quite a bit of interest. Not too much about the big x on the ‘tube is there. Thanks again. 👍
Many thanks for your comment. Agreed… I did 170 miles on it yesterday, and by the time I got back I was thinking the same, such a pity the engine can’t meet euro 5/6. Honda put a lot of money into the design of it. No vfr at all in the range now, so this was the last official vfr model. 😢
Good to see a recent and comprehensive review of this bike. I've had a (v low mileage ) 2015 DCT bike for the last year and put 7k miles on it. I think the throttle snatch must have only been a problem on the later bikes and I have a Givi screen which works really well for me. I agree about the weight and have dropped mine once (without damaging anything other than my pride and my back picking it up). Suspension is just about ok after extensive research on CT forum. Fabulous engine and I love DCT. (Would like cruise control though). Interesting that Ducati have now gone for a V4 for their Multi Strada and the bike testers are in awe....
Great to see a new review. Sadly the newer versions have more emission fueling than the earlier versions. I’m in New Zealand and my 2012 is perfectly smooth with me being able to lug the engine down in mountain hairpins and pull smoothly out. The good new is your only a reflash away from a perfectly smooth bike. Good suspension upgrades which I’ve done is Nitron NTR-ADV R3 rear shock with the hydraulic preload adjuster and Nitron TVT cartridge kit for the front, transforms the bike. Also have a Top Sellerie seat, very plush. Givi trekker fender to protect underneath Givi Airflow screen, Honda crash bars with lights, heated grips, centre stand and full Honda luggage. Glad your enjoying the bike, I can’t see me ever selling mine.
Hi Paul, many thanks for your comprehensive comment with some excellent information. Yes, I noted the nitron kit was an option. I’ve used their products on some of my track bikes over the years and it’s certainly excellent equipment. I’m sure there’s some stunning areas to enjoy around NZ, thinking about it, what a ‘natural habitat’ for the ‘bike. Thanks again and kind regards
great video !!! i ve been on a VFR 12X since 2017 (considering the last 25yrs on GS), i truly fell in love with the CT, shame on Honda to kill such an engine both on 800 and 1200, will be expecting a new one besides the AT and whatever the new NT...may be a couple of things to add, on 2014 model manual no handbar heaters, no center stand, replaced the front screen with a bigger givi, installed radiator protector, beam light protector, a big givi engine cover under the hood, a side stand extender, i ve replaced the whole seat with Touratech, installed mud cover on the back wheel, and some upgrades, ... cheers !
Many thanks for your kind comments. Yes, no standard hot-grips or centre stand although they’re options (at a cost…) the touratech seat is supposed to be real improvement, as you say. For some reason I’ve had no issues with comfort of the factory seat. The emissions regulations are apparently the reason why VFR’s have been been withdrawn from the range a year or so ago. 👍
Nice review, that was helpful. Just purchased a 2016 and I agree with the comments although the wind protection has been quite good for me. The weight is there but doesn't feel much more top heavy than the Versys I had previously. The clutch pull is a slight challenge with a wrist/thumb issue I have going on. I quickly missed the heated grips that I had before and a Keiko throttle attachment is in order at a minimum.
Thanks for your comments. The Honda heated grips by all accounts aren’t so great, hence I didn’t ‘spec’ them when I ordered the bike. I use heated gloves, which seem fairly effective. I might invest in the Keiko throttle at some point. Thanks again.
Brilliant review and just what I was looking for as I'm seriously thinking of getting one of these to replace my vfr1200f. I want an adventure bike but I'm put off bmw because of the build quality, reliability and price. As you say the build quality of the crosstourer is second to none. The weight which you touched on is the only thing putting me off. My vfr1200f at 270 kgs is a struggle and yes I have dropped it so I will need a test ride on one.
Hi Freddie. Many thanks for your kind comments. The X rides surprisingly different to the F, which surprised me as well. I had an F on release for a demo some years ago. Highly recommend a test ride, as you say. 👍
Great review, for the throttle, I believe a decent ECU re-flash seems to greatly improve it. Talked about on the different forums and facebook groups. I'm really curious, mine will be delivered next week 🤩
The politest comment I can make is that I don't recognise the machine you're riding. It's certainly not the Crosstourer I've owned and ridden for the last five years.
Hi Martin, thanks for your comment. I’ve had a few people say they don’t recognise the issues many of us do with this machine, which in all honesty is fantastic news, as you’d get all the positives with none of the negatives. I’d be interested to know your experiences and +/- points from your ownership? Many thanks.
We’ll said Marin, the man’s talking a lot of utter tosh. This machine by the Big H is spot on in terms of build, talk about nit picking 🙄, some people 😡. They wouldn’t know a great motorcycle if it kicked em up the arse like a disgruntled mule
Good review. How tall are you?! On the subject of wind noise, I’m 191 cm tall, have the 2017 VFR with the exact same windshield and that’s one of my favorite things about this motorcycle. I can ride 130 km/h on the highway with my helmet visor flipped up and I usually do it when I want to enjoy the sound of the engine beneath me. It is that good. Speaking of wind noise, could watch through the whole video, the wind noise was unbearable.
Many thanks. Yep, I’ve had a significant upgrade of camera/mic equipment since this was shot about 3 years ago. I’m 6’1”… I’ve recently moved on to an ATAS-DCT ES, and it’s a touch better but still a factor the wind-noise. Thanks for watching. 👍
@@headrace4863 okay then, so basically we’re of the same height, been riding exactly the same machine but have different experiences with the wind flow or, at least, a perception of it. Interesting
Nice review, I have a 2017 bought new old stock in 2020 in the USA. FLORIDA. I agree the worst attribute of the bike is the throttle. I installed a G2 Throttle tamer assembly. It made a considerable difference and would highly recommend it to anyone with this bike. The throttle is still sensitive but tremendously better. The best $80.00 I've spent on the bike. You are spot on, quality build, fit and finish amazing. The engine makes the bike. The smooth power is endless. This is an amazing piece of machinery. Very under rated and sadly unknown. Ride safe and enjoy your beautiful bike.
I have a 2017 as well and my favourite part is the throttle response, it’s hard to find a direct feeling throttle on newer bikes. If a throttle feels too jerky shouldn’t you ride a lower performance bike? Ridden lots a bmw and my biggest turn off is the disconnected throttle feel. It has power but you really have to ask for it and wait until you get a slingshot like response. I really dislike the trend of selling bikes with impressive peak hp numbers and the neutering them to make them easier to ride for novice riders. Often times a bike won’t even give you full power until 4th gear!
@@harrisonduxbury671 fair comment, many thanks. Once you get used to the throttle being as reactive as it is it’s less of an issue, but even taking that into account compared to the many many other bikes I’ve owned, (100+) and ridden (most things) it’s one of if not the the most reactive. Might get one of these throttle damper things at some point… thanks again
I had the same issue with the throttle. There is a myth out there to fix this issue. With the bike cold, start it up and let it warm up until the fan kicks in. Then turn it off as soon as your here it and let the bike cool down before starting it again. I did this a few times but I swear it improved the throttle response from snatching. I think on my VFR1200x facebook group they called it a soft reset. Not to be confused with a DCT reset. Good video though.
Hi Richard, thanks for your kind comments. Yeah I’ve tried the “soft reset”. If there’s a difference it’s marginal. I asked Honda about it at both services I’ve had done in the year I’ve had it, as well. What did for some reason make a difference was when I had a more enthusiastic ride, shall we say. Using all the revs and all the throttle for some reason really calmed it down. As a test I did the re-set after that, and it actually got worse. Whether it “learned” over a few thousand miles I’m not sure, is the ECU that advanced? I’ve not done one for about 3k miles and it’s actually improving again. Or I’m adapting to it again.
Thanks for the detailed review. I have to say that the wind noise was quite distracting. Have a few questions. What kind of MPG are you getting so far now that the new engine has settled in after the first 2 thousand miles? Why is the shaft not comparable to BMW GS ? Would a person at 5'8" (172.72cm) be suitable to ride this bike safely? Was it alright picking up this bike when it is dropped?
Hi Arthur, sure glad to help if I can. I manage around 30-35mpg, which isn’t great. On a really long motorway run I get 45ish. Riding hard it’ll go down into high 20’s quite easily. So, around 160-170 miles to the fuel light. The shaft has a fair amount of ‘lash’ so when going from a negative to positive, there’s a definite knock, when off road it’s easy to compensate by using a touch of rear brake. The shaft on the gs is a touch noisier however, but definitely ‘tighter’. Like any ‘bike there’s a technique to picking it up, and the tallness actually made it fairly simple to pick up. Still needs correct technique and reasonable strength. Only damage was a slightly bent brake lever and a scuff on the engine bars, plus a tiny dent in the exhaust heat shield. Hope this helps.
I have owned 2 vfr1200x auto and manual and a screen change sorts all the wind issues out and I have to say that many bikes I have owned I have had to fit a screen to them to cure the wind/buffeting it's all most as though the manufacturer wants you to buy another screen
Hi Denis. Yes, it does seem a few people have changed the screen on these with good results. Honda don’t seem to offer alternatives so it’s aftermarket options to consider, it seems. Givi airflow gets good feedback by all accounts. Thanks for your comment. 👍
Hi Jim, thanks for your question. No denying it’s a very heavy bike, over 300kg with a full fuel tank and a top box on. Like any bike as long as your technique is good and you apply the basic rules of moving a heavy bike around its manageable, however because the weight is so high up, once it’s starts to go there’s little chance of saving it. I’d strongly recommend a thorough test ride of a few machines and see if it’s going to be an issue for you. Certainly moving it around in the garage or on the drive, or even when parked up for example is hard work, yes. Hope this helps and many thanks.
Hi I've had one of these for three months have you had any problems with the fuel gauge one minute it reads half a tank and then it will flash up 22 miles left thought it may be stick but does it every time cheers Frank
Hi Frank, thanks for your message. In 10 thousand miles, I’ve not had any issues with the fuel gauge, no. Sounds like you’re may have a loose connection, this is usually caused by the fuel tank being lifted and the fuel level sender connections being stressed by pulling too tight at some point. Usually just separating the block connector and clicking back together works. Maybe a little squirt with contact cleaner whilst your in there won’t do any harm either. Hope this helps and many thanks.
Thanks for your help any idea what the second sensor in the tank is for as I love the bike but may need to carry and emergency fuel cell for long trips is it for the low level warning cheers Frank ps you're bike looks great in those colours mine is white.
Very many thanks. Such a shame that Honda came so close to a real winner with the Crosstourer but a few simple to resolve issue had such a negative impact. If the engine could meet euro 5, I wonder if these changes would have been made by the factory? Guess we’ll never know.. much appreciate your comment. 👍👍
Nice clip, pro and cons mostly agree with. I've got a 2019 DCT and take it on long trips. Had to modify a few things for that, and now I really enjoy long distance travel. I have not experienced issues with throttle and shaft, however the bike is too top-heavy for fast cornering. So my driving habbits have slowed with age and were I live, speed is limited (USA). It makes a great travel bike and I can keep up easily with the 1200 GS's on the road, but trailing slightly the 1250. However, going off-road is another challenge. Overall the VFR is too heavy for that. Last year I installed an electronic cruise control, which made a huge difference. Now I can easily travel more than 500 miles a day (if I have to) without my right hand is getting tired and/or hurting. The only thing that sucks on this bike is the armature display. Generally it is a good quality build machine. Enjoyed the review! Thanks
Hi dude, an electronic cruise control ? Honda part ? I’m curious cause I’m about to buy a 2018 crosstourer and for me it’s a down not to have a cruise control, tell me more !!
@@line_prod_ Got it from Australia. The company is "MC Cruise". I did a thorough research before I ordered it and it is worth the money spent. If you have some mechanical skills, you should be able to install it yourself. The instructions are straight forward and step-by-step. Definitely a good investment if you travel a lot. What's your location.
@@claws58 thanks, going to check that ! I’ll see if it’s compatible with the DCT Version. I’m french living near by Switzerland, doing lot of 4/5 days roadtrip around but I’m planning more stuff in Europe
2018 models sold up until ‘20… quite correct, from ‘18 until the end of stock. The last models being ltd edition colours as per this one and the highlander models. 👍
I have a same model as you! It has also sensitiv throttle! I did kaoko throttle control, so i can stiffen a throttle bit and it is much better! I have also a hyperpro springs with 15w oil wich makes a forks more controled and transfers les stress on the throttle on bad road! Maybe it is not magic carpet feeling but is much better than OM set up! 😃👍
Yes, the throttle mod you detail has some good reports. Might try that one in the future. Again, the hyperpro kit is another well known improvement. Good tips those and many thanks for your comment. 👍👍👍
Very good machine,had a 17 ,now a Gsa 2020 , bmw better suspension,seat,not as topheavy as the honda ,better balanced,not as thirsty,i would say my gs has high build quality so has the CT,better wind protection on gs.For me Gs is all in all a better machine but way more expensive! There is a reason gs are so popular,sooo many more on the road will make them look more unreliable ofcause
Many thanks for your comments, all very valid and well justified. Interested on your thoughts on the 2020 GSA… I’ve had 1150’s and 1200 GS/A’s and I’d say the 1150 was slightly higher quality than the 1200, but the 1200 rode a fair bit better all round. Agreed, the weight distribution on the GS/A is exemplary. Thanks again.
I bought a pristine 2017 DCT Highlander model earlier this year that only had 1900 miles on it and have got to say I am delighted with it, absolutely stonking value. My screen (which I think may be the OEM touring screen) does not cause me the issues you have experienced and the throttle is buttery smooth. It is a very heavy bike and you have to show that weight a lot of respect and manage closely when approaching junctions and man handling around etc but nothing that in my experience, cannot be handled with ease (and I am an old git in my sixties :) ). Totally agree with your assessment regards the quality of the bike and the engine is nothing short of magnificent. Looking forward to your ride experience video.
As an old git in my sixties I agree with you. Just got mine and respecting the weight came pretty quickly and is manageable. I too think the wind protection is quite good but would be happy to try the "wind wings" if I can find them.
Ah yeah, I think it’s called a throttle spacer. They’re really effective on bikes with a lot of play in the set-up, which isn’t such an issue with these. In fact, there’s no slack at all. The issue seems to lay in the actual programming of the fuel maps. Booster plugs can help by all accounts as well. Thanks for you comment and keep watching for updates. 👍👍
I've heard it has very bad traction control cut in when you're accelerating hard anyone have this issue? You also mention is very bad wind buffeting is that wind coming from around the windshield or from inside where the forks are on top? What's your height?
Hi there. Thanks for your question. Well, I’ve played around with the traction a fair bit recently. Level 3 it hardly allows any slip of the rear before it starts cutting power, level 2 it allows more slip then the power cut is more noticeable, level 1 it won’t cut in until things are getting wayyyy out of shape. When it’s off it’s actually proper off (unlike some bikes) that I can tell. The power cut is progressive and feels more like a soft limiter rather than a hard fuel cut. I’m 6’1” tall and about 88kg, so fairly tall.
@@gavriel4137 sure thing. The turbulence seems to be around the top of my helmet at around 80mph, but yes there’s definately some wind coming in between the fuel tank and handlebars area, this apparently can be the cause. There’s a little wind-break thing that can be bolted to the top yoke, which significantly improves things by all accounts. There’s somewhere a real flaw with the aerodynamics at the front of the ‘bike. The strange thing is sometimes it’s hardly noticeable but at the wrong speed it can be a real issue. Adjusting your speed makes a difference, of course, either higher or lower. Equally the screen position can change it. So, it’s a balance between the speed you want and the screen position you need to minimise the problem.
In terms of smoothness and driveline-shunt, the bmw shaft has felt smoother to me. Early Crosstourer were recalled due to failing at the engine end of the shaft Union.
@@headrace4863 well i have fitted one on our r1200gs and one on our Vstrom 650. It looks better in real life but more important to u can adjust it and the turbulence will is gone.
I fitted a givi airflow too, and think it's an improvement on stock. Turbulence still an issue though. Part of the problem is that it's a deceptively quick road bike. Agree with pretty much everything in the review, after 25k miles. PR5's work well on road...
It would really benefit from having cruise control, Terry. Quite an omission on Honda’s part that one. There’s an aftermarket option (non-Honda) which by all accounts is really rather good, but it’s quite an investment.
Thanks Jo, yeah following this video I got some new bits & bobs to help with that. Annoying isn’t it. Very wind sensitive that camera & mic. Still trying to get a decent set up for the helmet cam, so I can do some on-bike stuff. 👍
Already had a couple, Steve. Great machine but it has its negatives as well as any other ‘bike. Interested in the 1300 when that comes out. Thanks for your comment, much appreciated. 👍
