Built for back roads
Honda’s VFR1200X Crosstourer is equally at home on Long Tom Pass as it is in the Richtersveld. But does it live up to the legacy of the legendary Africa Twin?
The eyes of grown men moistened when Honda discontinued the legendary Honda XRV750 Africa Twin. “Never again will we see such a capable adventure bike from Honda,†they moaned.
Although the 1000cc Varadero was popular, it never basked in the same glory as the Africa Twin, and when production of the Varadero also ceased, devotees had to search for a new saddle. They began pressing their noses against the windows of KTM and BMW shops…
There was excitement in 2010 when Honda announced that a new tourer was on its way, but enthusiasts had to wait patiently until April 2012 before they could get a taste of the new bike.
How does it handle?
It’s a “dualsport†bike, which means you can use it on tar and dirt. With it’s 1237 cc V4 engine (95 kW; 126 Nm) you can dice the superbikes on a Sunday breakfast run to Harties and back, and with a tweak of the suspension you can tackle the back roads of the Free State on a long road trip.
The handling is sharp and accurate and, although you can’t deactivate the ABS system, the brakes are effective on gravel. On a wet tar road the ABS works like a dream.
The traction control system can be toggled on or off at any speed at the press of a button. Steep gravel inclines with washboard surfaces are smoothed over by this magical technology, and even annoying sand patches are tamed to some degree.
Off-road purists pooh-p ooh high-tech safety features like these, but there’s no question that they benefit the beginner rider.
Build quality?
Impressive. All the panels align perfectly and the metal castings and welds are of high standard. The fuel tank is tapered towards the rider, which means you can stand up on the foot pegs with ease if the trail becomes technical.
The seating position is upright and comfortable, and there is enough space should you need to tuck in behind the screen.
Tall guys might complain about the distance between the seat and the pegs. My knees had to bend a bit too much, giving the impression that I was squatting rather than sitting on the bike. That said, short guys and women will relish the ability to put both feet on the ground at a traffic light.
What’s also neat is that there are rubber pads on parts of the tank and frame that usually get scratched by zi ppers, buckles and boots. Thanks, Honda.
Load it for the long road.
Panniers and a top box come standard if you buy the adventure model. The plastic cases have an aluminium look and the locks work with the ignition key. All in all, you have 113 litres of packing space â€" enough to keep you on the road for at least a week. There are also several slots to attach straps and cords for soft luggage.
Tell me more about this “adventure†model.
The base model with the bare essentials costs R150 000. For an extra R22 000 you can order a fully kitted-out bike, with panniers and a top box, a centre stand, cowl protectors, 12 V socket, heated hand grips and a taller wind deflector.
You can continue your modifications by adding fog lights, inner bags for the luggage, an alarm system and a bash plate to protect the low-slung exhaust headers from being damaged by rocks.
Flex those muscles.
It isn’t the most powerful bike in its class â€" that honour is shared by the Triumph Explorer and the Ducati Multistrada â€" but the Crosstourer is no carthorse. It cruises at well above the national speed limit and accelerates to 120 km/h in a matter of seconds.
The V4 engine works a bit like two twins mounted side-by-side â€" the cylinders fire two at a time to produce more torque at low and medium revolutions.
How thirsty is it?
Honda claims a range of about 350 km from the 21, 5-litre tank (6,1 â„"/100 km). I think they’re being conservative â€" on my test run I got about 5,7 â„"/100 km.
What’s the ride like?
The V4 engine rumbles quietly, cradled snugly in its frame, as you roll down your driveway. The silencer reveals little of the beast that is barely restrained below you, until you flick your wrist and watch your house disappear behind you.
Two gearboxes are on offer: a manual and a dual-clutch automatic. At the time of the launch we could only test the manual, but the automatic is similar to the gearbox in the VFR1200F road bike.
The auto box can be switched to Drive or Sport mode if you prefer the computer to manage the gears on your behalf, or you can switch gears by thumbing buttons on the left-hand grip.
Make no mistake, the Crosstourer is happier on the tar than it is in the desert, but it won’t shy away from gravel highways or re asonable farm roads.
I like… The smooth engine operation and tasteful styling. Despite its hefty weight (about 280 kg), the bike is well balanced and easy to manoeuvre.
We don’t like… The throttle system is a little too sensitive. As good as it is on tarred roads, it’s tricky to manage on potholed gravel roads. The last thing you want on a dodgy road is a triggerhappy throttle.
