It might be winter, but I’ve been fortunate enough to be trying out that Halvarssons fleece, above, and the Honda VFR800X — otherwise known as the Crossrunner — has been putting in excellent service.
Using the well-proven engine from the acclaimed VFR800, but slung in an imposing, comfortable, sporty, adventure-style frame, the Crossrunner has proved highly impressive in many ways. One of its best attributes is the super-supple suspension that also holds the bike beautifully on-line in a fast bend. As it’s easily adjustable, it is the work of minutes to compensate for a pillion or panniers, top box and tote bags.
Power — 105bhp — is never in doubt from the superbly engineered smooth engine, especially when the revs hit 6,000 and the VTEC system goes to work. Other “likes” include the spacious, commanding seating position, plus the quickshifter that lets you change seamlessly up through the gears without the clutch. Take off the hard panniers and it’s slim enough for city parking bays, although if the handlebars were slightly shorter, it would slip through London traffic more readily. Except, of course, where the capital’s road designers have recently ironed-out any possibility of filtering. Do they not want bikes in London?
Honda VFR800X Crossrunner
Fuel capacity: 20.8 litres
Weight: 242kgs
Price: £10,299
