The Crossrunner has already proved controversial for being passed off as a new bike when, effectively, it’s little more than a re-worked, re-styled nine-year-old VFR800 with some ‘parts bin’ equipment. But there’s no denying that, as a concept, as a two-wheeled ‘cross-over’ machine, the Crossrunner simply works. It’s one of the best, friendliest and truly versatile bikes around – anywhere. Riding it is the proof. I was certainly sceptical before I climbed on board. Within a mile it was among my best bikes of recent years.
Engine
| rating |  |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating |  |
The re-worked V4 unit is dazzlingly impressive for the off – fueling crisply, pulling usefully from 3-4000rpm with none of the VFR’s accursed VTEC lurch around 7000rpm – instead building up and taking off with a zest and accompanying, evocative, wooden V4 bark that truly reminds of RC30s. Yes, the Crossrunner’s powerplant is that wunderbar – hugely slick and flexible and yet still with enough at the top end to entertain.
Ride and Handling
| rating |  |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating |  |
The riding position may essentially be ‘upright VFR’ – but works and feels natural. With the bulk of its weight carried low and an equally low seat, it is well balanced and a doddle to manouvere. The brakes are sharp and crisp; the suspension compliant and overall the Crossrunner remains stable and calm yet flickable enough to have fun with.
Equipment
| rating | |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating | |
Not all singing and dancing and most of it you’ll have seen elsewhere but not bad: so there’s the latest VFR1200 switchgear, span-adjustable levers and LCD console from the CBR600F and all with the fit and finish typical of upper-range Hondas.
Quality and Reliability
| rating | |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating | |
Despite its mixed parentage, the Crossrunner does give the impression of a truly new, attractive and well-built machine. Its styling is far more integrated and seductive than photos suggest and, due the VFR’s longevity and durability there should be no reliability issues, either…
Value
| rating | |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating |  |
Yes, you can argue that we’ve the right to expect something more than a ‘rehashed old bike’ for over £9000 but there’s also no getting away from the fact that the Crossrunner does stand out from the crowd and does perform as a real world, day-in-day out bike impressively well and that, for the price, suddenly doesn’t sound as bad…
Insurance
Insurance group: 14
Model History
2011: Model introduced
Other Versions
None
Specifications
| Top speed | 145mph |
|---|---|
| 1/4-mile acceleration | 12 secs |
| Power | 101bhp |
| Torque | 53.6ftlb |
| Weight | 240kg |
| Seat height | 816mm |
| Fuel capacity | 21.5 litres |
| Average fuel consumption | mpg |
| Tank range | miles |
| Insurance group | 14 |
| Engine size | 782cc |
|---|---|
| Engine specification | 16v liquid-cooled 90º V4, 6 gears |
| Frame | Aluminium twin spar |
| Front suspension adjustment | 43mm telecopic forks, preload adjust |
| Rear suspension adjustment | Monoshock, preload and rebound adjust |
| Front brakes | 2 x 296mm discs, 3-piston calipers with C-ABS |
| Rear brake | 256mm disc, 2-piston caliper with C-ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 R17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55 R17 |
No comments:
Post a Comment