Researching adv bikes some years ago when you had the red one, was the reason I bought my VFR1200X, 8 years later I'm still loving the big girl, enjoy your new purchase.
Thanks mate. They are a great bike. Id still have the big red one if not for the accident. We had some adventures together. Looking forward to getting to know the new one.
Sorry to hear about your loss of loved one keep praying and give charity to orphan and poor people she will be in Heaven and you will have comfortable life Good explanation excellent service to Humanity and Riders Thanks why you are not showing your bike
Glad things are starting to get better for you. Your videos are the reason I started to get into adventure riding over the past few years. Everyone has their own issues to deal with but watching your videos help me get through the daily life and the obstacles that pop up. Always looking forward to your context.
Click bite there Steve, lemon? Not! I bought mine because of Mrs Jones. I’ve made some horrendous motorcycle purchase decisions since 1982, however, the Chrossy isn’t one of them.
Aww, come-on - definitely not a lemon. Honda did the right thing shipping the parts (assuming out of warranty). Nice story looking for another bike and ending up with another beautiful Honda. How awesome is it that your partner loves traveling with you.
Sad news about your wife passing…. You have really been through some tough times…. fantastic to see you back doing what you love….. I’ve now moved to QLD Moreton Bay Area and loving the roads and new places to see….
G’day Steve, As others have commented, life has it’s fluctuations of pleasure and pain. Condolences to you and your family for the untimely loss of your former partner. Your actions to change your plans is a true indication of your unconditional love for your family. You have my upmost respect. May she rest in peace. Here’s to many adventurous kilometres on board the Crosstourer now that you’ve sorted out the myriad of issues that you discovered 👍. Charge up those GoPro batteries because I’m positive that all of your loyal followers are looking forward to seeing you back on the big screen 📺. Cheers 😀.
You’re very gracious Steve. You’re also very correct about life. I wish that I was given the wisdom as a young boy not to let worry and hassles distract from the moment and to appreciate each day. Life can be all consuming with responsibilities of work, mortgages, bills…etc and suddenly we think, where have the years gone? It’s wonderful to see that you have a new partner in your life to share the moments. May the future hold an abundance of happiness for you both. Oh…enjoy your trip to Mexico (south of the border 🤣)
Mate, great to see you are back on a CT and looking forward to better times and good company, the Wheel of Life keeps turning... . I love the white CT's, mine's a 2013 model that I bought for $5500 with 118K on it, I think the executive guy who used it for commuting thought it was worn out! (It now has close to 150K and still going strong and I've seen photos of them with 400K). He actually had the shaft bearing fail before the recall, luckily just coming off the lights at low speed - a complete lock up. He had it replaced, and then again when the recall happened later. When I bought it it had a leaking fork seal and when I pulled it apart to replace it found that the oil had never been changed despite the documented full service history, it was basically grinding paste by then. I run the standard suspension on the lowest settings with 10W oil in the forks and find it great for my riding style, a bit more comfortable when loaded up more too in fact. As for vibration I was getting that through the bars at high speed (180+) but this wasn't an issue in Australia because you rarely do that speed, however here in Europe where the bike is now at that speed you've got to be watching your mirrors for faster traffic! I replaced the rear tyre when recently and while the front end was off the ground to rebalance the worn front tyre discovered that the steering head bearings had been notched by the vibration. The problem? The guys on the Sunshine Coast who I bought my tyres from use hand balancing and while that may be okay for trail bikes or 120kmh or less it's no good for thousands of kilometres of high speed autobahn work at 160+. The tyre techs did an electronic balance which fixed it till I could get it to a Honda workshop for bearing replacement. I agree with the DCT comment (I rode one for 7000 km on a trip once), it's the single biggest innovation in my 40+ years of riding that fundamentally changes the experience, and surprisingly for the better, plus it's great for off-road, just stand and on the pegs and go 😃. Good to see you are using the X360 camera, they are brilliant, looking forward to the continuing BBA's! 👍🏻 Apologies for long comment, thought it may be relevant for other CT owners as well...😉
Great comment, thanks mate. I really enjoyed my last one and am looking forward to some big K’s on this one. That V4 is superb, one of the best motorcycle engines ever.
Have a look at the Wilbers website. My suspension guy prefers them to Ohlins because they are more reliable and can be serviced if needed. I’ve been using them on various bike for years without any issues.
I've had 2x vfr800's and a couple of other bikes since then and I recently did buy a k1300r. You were right in being a bit interested in them. They are fabulous. Loving mine so far.
G’day mate from the uk! I own a Pan but due to looking at vids for the X Tourer, found your channel.. nice to hear a straight talking Aussie after not being in Brizzy and Byron for so many years … I’ll have a good watch and am sure I’ll enjoy your adventures! Still not sure on the X vs my beloved ST1300 tho 👍🏻 also sad to hear of your loss but it’s fair that you have found a good new partner… good on you pal 🇦🇺🐨🦘🌏🇬🇧👍🏻⭐️
You've done well by your family, sir. On the topic of bikes, I've had a 2014 Crosstourer for about 18 months now - your videos and replies helped in that decision. She got me all the way from Perth to Brisbane recently (though I shipped her back as I had a bad ear infection). I love the bike in some ways, but the suspension ain't one of them. I've never had a bike with upgraded suspension, but it sounds like Wilbers is worth looking at. It does seem quite pricey, though I am quite frugal. If one has the dosh, do you see it as an essential upgrade?
Hey mate, the Wilbur’s ( same as all the good stuff) is bit pricy but if you intend to keep the bike for a while it a worthwhile investment. The difference it makes is astounding in every way. You will notice the difference as soon as you put your bum on the seat.
Do you still get clunking noises from the shaft? Is she jerky at low speeds or any shaft slap, I've got a 2016 and Honda won't change the shaft as its only the early models had the recall, I'm still saving for suspension upgrade, just did air filter and it looked like the original one, done oil change and rear diff gear oil change, new clutch fluid, new tyres, and fitted a booster plug. Good to see you on a vfr x again. Ride safe mate
Great to see you on screen. Love the vids. Your jacket you have on looks exactly the same as my Maximomoto Bela transformer, wonder if they get produced from the same factory , what brand is yours. Amazing the Crosstourer only had 1 recall.
Thank you. Jacket is a Dri Rider Adventure, comes with winter and rain liners, but has lots of vents for the summer. The next video will show how tough it is as well. 😱
@@BigBikeAdventures can’t wait to see the tour develop, so jealous of your climate. This is video of my jacket that also has the 2 inner layers. Not trying to get extra views but it’s seems uncanny how similar they are, unless Bela a Spanish brand got inspiration from that brand. Look forward to the tour ❤️ ruclips.net/video/ybw7VdCItgA/видео.html
Thanks for the update Steve,sorry to hear your news,hope you and your family are doing OK.Not easy sharing such news on your channel,appreciate that mate.Glad to hear you're coming down my way,hope to be able to bring Dora for a catch up,cheers mate.
Great to see you back on the crosstourer mate. 😊 Beutifule bike that is. Looking forward to follow your trip. Sorry for you and your kids loss. Ride safe 🇳🇴☕
I have a 1200 Crosstourer too. With normal clutch. I’m so happy with it. It’s the best motor I’ve ever had, and I had a few. I hope to join a group of bikers with crosstourers and have a ride-out. That would be fantastic. Maybe we could ride for a good cause, like riding against genocide and warcrimes.
Great to have you “back” Steve, thought real life might have interfered there somewhat. As always, I learn something new on each vid you post, thank you. Came ever so close to buying a Silver one myself recently and may still in the future as the missus not that keen on touring on the AT either. Can’t wait to be back in South Africa soon to fire them all up again. Thanks for sharing! Cheers. Ian
You’re a good man Steve. 👍 Quite the saga with the crossies but it seems to be sorted now and the bike looks great. 🤩 Safe travels to you and Ms Buttons!
Hi Steve, Have a K&N HA-1110 air filter still in the box that I never put into my VFR before I sold it. It’s yours if you want - if you still live in Brisbane. Let me know. I am at Balmoral. Regards. Garry.
WOOHOOO! Your back on the bike that made you famous, or better yet, u made the CT famous! What you were able to do on that bike off road was incredible. I was heartbroken when I found out you had lost the CT, and quite frankly, BBA was never the same! I bought my 2017 CT 1200X DCT because of your reviews of this bike. Unfortunately, I traded it in for my 2018 Goldwing DCT, non tour, but I find myself starting to look for another CT. My deepest condolences to your ex-wife and the mother of your girls. I hope you put that beast through its paces. What will you name this one? Ride safe…🙏🏽🏍🙏🏽
Thanks mate, I would really like a DCT CT but they only brought a few into AUS. This bike is Mr White. Reservoir Dogs, Or Barry White (singer) Still undecided
"Nobody watches this channel" That is hilarious. You have a great channel...everyone else is missing out. What I really wanted to ask is - what's the most aggressive off-road riding you've done on the VFR1200? I'm thinking of getting one but I'm concerned that my logging roads in Arizona might be a bit much for it.
Thanks mate. If you go to my Crosstourer playlist some of the early stuff I did when I first got the Red one was way outside the Honda design specs. It’s a very capable bike but soft sand was its nemesis.
@@BigBikeAdventures Thank you for the reply. Here in the Sonoran desert, the ground feels and looks hard when you're walking on it, but spin your tire a bit and you will dig yourself a hole in no time at all. I ended up going with a 2018 AT DCT.
Good to see you back on the road with the beast. My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your wife.
Researching adv bikes some years ago when you had the red one, was the reason I bought my VFR1200X, 8 years later I'm still loving the big girl, enjoy your new purchase.
Thanks mate. They are a great bike. Id still have the big red one if not for the accident. We had some adventures together.
Looking forward to getting to know the new one.
Sorry to hear about your loss of loved one keep praying and give charity to orphan and poor people she will be in Heaven and you will have comfortable life
Good explanation excellent service to Humanity and Riders Thanks why you are not showing your bike
My condolences dear brother. But it’s good to see you gave her loss a place in your heart and you move on.
Good to see you back ...
Aye... I remember that wee CB300 ...lol ...lol video
Look forward to your travels this year
Thanks 👍
Glad things are starting to get better for you. Your videos are the reason I started to get into adventure riding over the past few years. Everyone has their own issues to deal with but watching your videos help me get through the daily life and the obstacles that pop up. Always looking forward to your context.
Thanks Austin.🙏
Glad to see your back. Sorry about what's happened. I knew you'd get another cross tourer. Looking forward to watching your trip.
Thanks Kay.
Enjoyed your vid Steve. You are one of the best story tellers on youtube...
Hah, Bit of an over statement but thanks Tony. Hope you are well mate.
Click bite there Steve, lemon? Not!
I bought mine because of Mrs Jones. I’ve made some horrendous motorcycle purchase decisions since 1982, however, the Chrossy isn’t one of them.
Made you look though, 😉 I'd still have the big red one if not for the accident, hoping the new has the same pedigree,
Have a great ride mate! Thanks sharing, great info. 👍🇦🇺
Aww, come-on - definitely not a lemon. Honda did the right thing shipping the parts (assuming out of warranty). Nice story looking for another bike and ending up with another beautiful Honda. How awesome is it that your partner loves traveling with you.
Sad news about your wife passing…. You have really been through some tough times…. fantastic to see you back doing what you love….. I’ve now moved to QLD Moreton Bay Area and loving the roads and new places to see….
Thanks mate, I'll plan a BBA meet up at some stage after the big trip. Be good to put faces to names.
Great to see you back
Nice to see you back mate
G’day Steve,
As others have commented, life has it’s fluctuations of pleasure and pain. Condolences to you and your family for the untimely loss of your former partner. Your actions to change your plans is a true indication of your unconditional love for your family. You have my upmost respect.
May she rest in peace.
Here’s to many adventurous kilometres on board the Crosstourer now that you’ve sorted out the myriad of issues that you discovered 👍.
Charge up those GoPro batteries because I’m positive that all of your loyal followers are looking forward to seeing you back on the big screen 📺.
Cheers 😀.
Thanks Peter, good words as usual.
As sad as it was it’s a good reminder that we only get one chance to live our life . No one gets out alive!
You’re very gracious Steve. You’re also very correct about life.
I wish that I was given the wisdom as a young boy not to let worry and hassles distract from the moment and to appreciate each day.
Life can be all consuming with responsibilities of work, mortgages, bills…etc and suddenly we think, where have the years gone?
It’s wonderful to see that you have a new partner in your life to share the moments.
May the future hold an abundance of happiness for you both.
Oh…enjoy your trip to Mexico (south of the border 🤣)
Mate, great to see you are back on a CT and looking forward to better times and good company, the Wheel of Life keeps turning... . I love the white CT's, mine's a 2013 model that I bought for $5500 with 118K on it, I think the executive guy who used it for commuting thought it was worn out! (It now has close to 150K and still going strong and I've seen photos of them with 400K). He actually had the shaft bearing fail before the recall, luckily just coming off the lights at low speed - a complete lock up. He had it replaced, and then again when the recall happened later. When I bought it it had a leaking fork seal and when I pulled it apart to replace it found that the oil had never been changed despite the documented full service history, it was basically grinding paste by then. I run the standard suspension on the lowest settings with 10W oil in the forks and find it great for my riding style, a bit more comfortable when loaded up more too in fact. As for vibration I was getting that through the bars at high speed (180+) but this wasn't an issue in Australia because you rarely do that speed, however here in Europe where the bike is now at that speed you've got to be watching your mirrors for faster traffic! I replaced the rear tyre when recently and while the front end was off the ground to rebalance the worn front tyre discovered that the steering head bearings had been notched by the vibration. The problem? The guys on the Sunshine Coast who I bought my tyres from use hand balancing and while that may be okay for trail bikes or 120kmh or less it's no good for thousands of kilometres of high speed autobahn work at 160+. The tyre techs did an electronic balance which fixed it till I could get it to a Honda workshop for bearing replacement. I agree with the DCT comment (I rode one for 7000 km on a trip once), it's the single biggest innovation in my 40+ years of riding that fundamentally changes the experience, and surprisingly for the better, plus it's great for off-road, just stand and on the pegs and go 😃. Good to see you are using the X360 camera, they are brilliant, looking forward to the continuing BBA's! 👍🏻 Apologies for long comment, thought it may be relevant for other CT owners as well...😉
Great comment, thanks mate. I really enjoyed my last one and am looking forward to some big K’s on this one. That V4 is superb, one of the best motorcycle engines ever.
Wow lots of ups and downs! Great to see you back on the mend :)
Sorry for your loss but good to see you back again
Could you put in links to the suspension upgrades?
Have a look at the Wilbers website. My suspension guy prefers them to Ohlins because they are more reliable and can be serviced if needed. I’ve been using them on various bike for years without any issues.
I've had 2x vfr800's and a couple of other bikes since then and I recently did buy a k1300r. You were right in being a bit interested in them. They are fabulous. Loving mine so far.
K1300 is not off the list of Bikes to own in the future.
G’day mate from the uk! I own a Pan but due to looking at vids for the X Tourer, found your channel.. nice to hear a straight talking Aussie after not being in Brizzy and Byron for so many years … I’ll have a good watch and am sure I’ll enjoy your adventures! Still not sure on the X vs my beloved ST1300 tho 👍🏻 also sad to hear of your loss but it’s fair that you have found a good new partner… good on you pal 🇦🇺🐨🦘🌏🇬🇧👍🏻⭐️
Hey mate, thanks for dropping in. The Big V4 in the 12X is a completely different beast to the ST, both great engines though. Take care.
You've done well by your family, sir.
On the topic of bikes, I've had a 2014 Crosstourer for about 18 months now - your videos and replies helped in that decision. She got me all the way from Perth to Brisbane recently (though I shipped her back as I had a bad ear infection). I love the bike in some ways, but the suspension ain't one of them. I've never had a bike with upgraded suspension, but it sounds like Wilbers is worth looking at. It does seem quite pricey, though I am quite frugal. If one has the dosh, do you see it as an essential upgrade?
Hey mate, the Wilbur’s ( same as all the good stuff) is bit pricy but if you intend to keep the bike for a while it a worthwhile investment. The difference it makes is astounding in every way. You will notice the difference as soon as you put your bum on the seat.
Where did you find the Wilbers shock please? Did you fit it yourself? Cheers Jez.
Suspension Improvements in Slack creek. You order the spring rate to your specs. They did the install, but it didn’t look difficult
Glad to hear things are on the up for atvb...👍
Victorian high country is awesome. Watch out for the Yowie at Freeburgh!
😂😂
Do you still get clunking noises from the shaft? Is she jerky at low speeds or any shaft slap, I've got a 2016 and Honda won't change the shaft as its only the early models had the recall, I'm still saving for suspension upgrade, just did air filter and it looked like the original one, done oil change and rear diff gear oil change, new clutch fluid, new tyres, and fitted a booster plug. Good to see you on a vfr x again. Ride safe mate
Drive is quite and smooth now. No diff lag at all.
Good to see you back on the big Honda. Sounds like you had a crazy year. Looking for to more BBA.
Great to see you on screen. Love the vids. Your jacket you have on looks exactly the same as my Maximomoto Bela transformer, wonder if they get produced from the same factory , what brand is yours. Amazing the Crosstourer only had 1 recall.
Thank you. Jacket is a Dri Rider Adventure, comes with winter and rain liners, but has lots of vents for the summer. The next video will show how tough it is as well. 😱
@@BigBikeAdventures can’t wait to see the tour develop, so jealous of your climate. This is video of my jacket that also has the 2 inner layers. Not trying to get extra views but it’s seems uncanny how similar they are, unless Bela a Spanish brand got inspiration from that brand. Look forward to the tour ❤️
ruclips.net/video/ybw7VdCItgA/видео.html
@@BigBikeAdventures 😮
Many thanks. Best wishes.
Thanks for the update Steve,sorry to hear your news,hope you and your family are doing OK.Not easy sharing such news on your channel,appreciate that mate.Glad to hear you're coming down my way,hope to be able to bring Dora for a catch up,cheers mate.
I'll do a daily post on Insta so you can keep track of where we'll be. Be good to catch up
Great to see you back on the crosstourer mate. 😊 Beutifule bike that is. Looking forward to follow your trip.
Sorry for you and your kids loss.
Ride safe 🇳🇴☕
Thanks mate. 🙏
I have a 1200 Crosstourer too. With normal clutch. I’m so happy with it. It’s the best motor I’ve ever had, and I had a few. I hope to join a group of bikers with crosstourers and have a ride-out. That would be fantastic. Maybe we could ride for a good cause, like riding against genocide and warcrimes.
I sold mine 3 months ago. I was kind a forced to do it. I regret it so much but one day I will buy another one. It's a solid peace of touring beast.
Fortunately they are massively under rated so very good value on the 2nd hand market.
@@BigBikeAdventures your channel has a big impact on my decision to buy it that time so huge thank you
Great to have you “back” Steve, thought real life might have interfered there somewhat. As always, I learn something new on each vid you post, thank you. Came ever so close to buying a Silver one myself recently and may still in the future as the missus not that keen on touring on the AT either. Can’t wait to be back in South Africa soon to fire them all up again. Thanks for sharing! Cheers. Ian
Thanks mate. Compared to real life making content was a low priory. Thanks for hanging around. More videos on the way. 👍
I had a K1300R, good two up definitely
Might be my next bike??
Nice have you named the bike yet 🥂🥂🍻do you still have Mrs Jones ?
Mrs J is not going anywhere, too much history. New bike is Mr White, (Reservoir Dogs) capable of getting the job done
All’s well that ends well!
You’re a good man Steve. 👍
Quite the saga with the crossies but it seems to be sorted now and the bike looks great. 🤩
Safe travels to you and Ms Buttons!
Thanks Pinkie. Appreciate it.
Hi Steve, Have a K&N HA-1110 air filter still in the box that I never put into my VFR before I sold it. It’s yours if you want - if you still live in Brisbane. Let me know. I am at Balmoral. Regards. Garry.
Awesome, I’m in Bris so all good. Send me a message on FB BBA Facebook and we can hook up.
WOOHOOO! Your back on the bike that made you famous, or better yet, u made the CT famous! What you were able to do on that bike off road was incredible. I was heartbroken when I found out you had lost the CT, and quite frankly, BBA was never the same! I bought my 2017 CT 1200X DCT because of your reviews of this bike. Unfortunately, I traded it in for my 2018 Goldwing DCT, non tour, but I find myself starting to look for another CT. My deepest condolences to your ex-wife and the mother of your girls. I hope you put that beast through its paces. What will you name this one? Ride safe…🙏🏽🏍🙏🏽
Thanks mate, I would really like a DCT CT but they only brought a few into AUS. This bike is Mr White. Reservoir Dogs, Or Barry White (singer) Still undecided
"Nobody watches this channel" That is hilarious. You have a great channel...everyone else is missing out.
What I really wanted to ask is - what's the most aggressive off-road riding you've done on the VFR1200? I'm thinking of getting one but I'm concerned that my logging roads in Arizona might be a bit much for it.
Thanks mate.
If you go to my Crosstourer playlist some of the early stuff I did when I first got the Red one was way outside the Honda design specs.
It’s a very capable bike but soft sand was its nemesis.
@@BigBikeAdventures Thank you for the reply. Here in the Sonoran desert, the ground feels and looks hard when you're walking on it, but spin your tire a bit and you will dig yourself a hole in no time at all. I ended up going with a 2018 AT DCT.
Ahhhgg, very heavy bike to get stuck.
Hope you didn’t do that snowy ride over Easter, it never stoped raining, I was fortunate enough to have that trip cancelled, lucky,but you’ll love it👍
I didn't, I am heading down to the high country from Qld next week though, 😉
Yeah bro above yer weight good on ya
She’s a keeper.
Not sure what to make of this.anyway,I’ll move on.
Lost my wife 2018 bought a V Strom never looked back.
Sorry to hear mate. Ride on
Yamaha 1200 tenere is supposed to be some tool. If I didn’t have the crosstourer it would be the tenere.
The T12 is a good option.
My condolences bud.
That an insurance scam?
What?
🍋 🛵
People sticking there face in a camera and blah blah blah
People who make inane comments. Yawn 🥱
Glad that Barry is all fixed now Steve. looking forward to the upcoming adventures with Ms Buttons 👍🍻