Beautiful bike...highly underrated in my opinion. The shaft drive and 1200cc engine is brilliant. We can get these pre-owned with low miles under 10k miles for around 9k here in Texas
Thanks for the great video and Insights. I've just bought a 2012 here in Australia and love this bike. Do you know what brand of round foglights/drl they are? They look good.
Bought a split new BMW r1200gs executive in 2018 and had nothing but bother with it and BMW bought it back of me because it had so many things wrong with it!! I have been a Honda guy for nearly 25 years so bought a 2016 highlander with 800 mile for £8k and astonished at how capable it is.👍
Great videos, some honest real life logic applied -finally :) q: who makes the rear wheel huger that you have added it remindes me Aprilia Caponord rally raid rear end?
Love the review, very detailed and thanks for taking the time and effort. I’ve got a GSA currently and like you I’m thinking of changing to the Crosstourer, have you ridden the bike two up at all? My wife who’s only just decided to come biking with me likes the GSA pillion position and I don’t want to change it for something that’s a backward step in this department for her. I like the BMW but think the refinement of the Honda will be lovely on tour. Out of interest what can you get out of a tank at average speeds? Liked and subscribed👍
Hi Paul and many thanks for your kind words. I have both bikes of course though my CT is less than a year old with just 2000 miles on the clock whereas my GS Adv is 11 years old with 29000 on the clock. That said I would say that the overall pillion experience for both bikes shouldn't be radically different. The electronic suspension on the GS is more refined but prone to failure on older bikes and this can be very expensive (as I know!). Also pillion wise the BMW seat is softer than the Honda but so many after market solutions are available that the Honda could easily be made as comfortable. The crux of the matter for me is build quality and reliability, here the Honda is streets ahead in my view...everything has a beautifully over-engineered finish and it oozes constructional resilience. By comparison the BMW has an air of fragility about its feel though still a competent bike in every way. It comes down to price and priorities....Honda is cheaper, better built, more reliable...BMW....twice the price, less well built, lots of electronics (which if they go wrong outside of warranty can bankrupt you) Hope this helps 👍
The Bingley Wheeler You’re very welcome and please keep up the good work:) Thanks for your detailed reply, I’m looking at this as my next bike as it sounds like the boss will be just as happy on a CT as the BMW and build quality is definitely what I’m after, my GS is high mileage and to be fair has given me very few problems but there’s always that thought in the back of your mind, longevity and reliability is so important especially if you’re heading into Europe and beyond. The engine sounds a peach and vibration free smoothness will be a welcome addition to every ride out if all goes to plan. 👍
Great review, info! I bought a 2017 brand new two years ago and am very pleased with it. There is one thing however that could be done a little nicer, and that is the opening on the right side above the footrest. I'm in search of a plate that covers these wires and saw that you've got it on your VFR. If you don't mind telling me where I can find this plate, it would be highly appreciated. Thanks
Took a test ride on a2012 model and it’s fantastic. Collection of it soon and will be selling my other two bikes as this does it all . Great reviews mate and all the best.
Hi. Love tue vids. I sold my crosstourer 2 years ago and regretted it ever since. Having owned a yamaha thundercat, vfr 800, triumph tiger 955i. 2 triumph tiger 1050s and currently own a honda blackbird. Nothing compares to the vfr 1200x crosstourer as a complete package. I will be buying another soon. Keep up the great vids.
Thank you for those kind words Nathan it's much appreciated.... I'll soon be uploading a couple of vids on how the CT can be made more "adventure worthy" on a budget.... Watch this space! 😊
@Kurt Tallon hi mate. Both great bikes. The crosstourer is heavy but the weight dissappear once riding. The quality can't be compared. The honda is far superior and the v4 engine is world's apart. Totally effortless. I felt like I could cross continents on the honda without a thought. The 1050 tiger was still a fantastic bike but I needed to remap it to make it what I should have been. I'd have both again bit budget no option. Honda all the way
Nice review and I agree, it is a very under appreciated bike. I bought 15 plate which I have had just over a year and covered around 7500 miles, not fitted with too much Tec like a Star ship. But she was built to travel and travel she does.
I am thinking about purchasing one of these my local Honda dealer still has in the show room at an excellent discount. I am also looking at the Triumph Tiger 1200. The Tiger throws off a lot of heat. Have you noticed excessive heat from the Honda Crosstourer? Thanks, Adam
I have 2017, red, black manual! I love the bike, i did suspension upgrade with hyperpro springs! Great bike and only problem is it is so easy to chase the corners with it, and it hides a speed, so it is not good for driving licence👍😃!
I really like what you’re saying about this Honda. I’m considering the vfr1200x and versys 1000 (used). I appreciate you getting deep into the details as it definitely helps me make a decision.
Just bought my 2013 crosstourer after riding transalp for few years. Now just waiting 2 months to get rid of snow :D thanks for the video :) greetings from snowy Finland
Hi there,i really like this bike but i think for touring 2 up the passenger seat is one of the worst in its class which is pushing me more towards a tenere 1200 or triumph explorer 1200 which have a far more comfortable looking seat for the mrs on back.i do share your love for this engine though.
Hi Simon....a seat change is a simple fix and relatively inexpensive. You'll pay a lot more money for the Triumph which will probably prove much less robust, reliable and rewarding due to its inferior engine (imo). Super Tenere cheaper but a boring, characterless engine too 👍😊
Weight is only a problem if you have trouble maneuvering at slow speeds or if you have to pick her up. If you are a new biker, I would recommend getting a nice secondhand bike that you can afford to drop to learn the ropes. It's often a mistake to get the license and jump on bigger more expensive bikes.
loved this video. . as someone who's always been interested in these bikes ..its nice to finally get a good review and little tour of it... I have found very few here on RUclips. Currently on an Africa twin which I love... but want something more road focused. Yeah the dash is a bit boring looking but who cares? The only worry for me is the weight/ height.. but ill test one out for sure now 🏍🏍.
Thank you Allan...... Yes it is a heavy bike but far more planted and capable on the road than an AT.... AT is off road focused with road capability... CT is road focused with off road capability... IMHO 😊
my only concern is, how can I shave 30 kgs from the bike? and make it the best all around ADV of the XXI Century... with some up grades, Radial calipers, more suspension travel, TFT Dash, lower the high, foot pegs a little back, ....
Hi... Personally I don't mind the weight.... I'm 6'1" tall and it's not a problem for me though I know it is for some. It would be great if Honda would upgrade the CT in the way you desribe, sadly they seem to be throwing all their effort into the 1100 Africa Twin and seem to have no interest in a new CT or new Pan European
@@thebingleywheeler I always make fun of the GS as an Enduro bike because of its weight, but the VFR over takes it by a large 30 kgs (+ /-) .. its a shame. I'm 5'7" (1.76mts) and 75 Kg. To much for me . I ride a 2015 VStrom 1000 and its heavy, and coming from a 2015 MultiStrada even worst. cheers
I owned the vfr1200f from 2016-2020, fast bike, great cornering. Not great at low speed. Rubbish ground clearance. Heavy to move around. Why I sold it? Uncomfortable, strain on the shoulders, wrists, knees, neck. Always ride with a pillion on long trips, kinda cramped on the vfr1200f.
@@JIMWSMITH no I actually went with the Africa twin. Really great bike and pack alot of punch in the low down torque. Would recommend it for anyone who likes the looks. 😁
Had a 17 found it pretty top heavy compared to my 20 gsa,bmw more wind stable,love cruise control on bmw.for the money ct is a bargain,didnt like the seat,more comfortable on bmw.gs are so common ct a rare bird thats cool! V4 lovely but thirsty.the boxer is sweet !
Great video as usual I watched folks at bike unveiling in some far off corner of Europe possibly Asia, displaying a 2020 Honda cross tour, smaller than the bike you show very neat fiberglass bags and drives haft good looking machine Problem this unavailable in many countries i took the cheque book to the dealer, Nope!I want that bike I smashed my foot need auto Africa is to heavy and tall I am 78. Regards, Canada.
Hi and thank you.... Are you sure the bike you saw at the unveiling was a Crosstourer and not a Crossrunner.... the Crossrunner is the smaller sister bike (800cc) but still great as it has the Vtec engine 😊👍
@@thebingleywheeler I thought it had driveshaft the bike you reviewed had a chain however you are right the bike had some smaller panniers and is the same machine you guys had there. I guess it is only available in Europe Honda suspects we will destroy them in the ice and snow in Canada, nice bike my CVO Street Glide weighs 900 lbs. I am 79 and crippled so that little big would work Thanks.. James
Beautiful bike...highly underrated in my opinion. The shaft drive and 1200cc engine is brilliant. We can get these pre-owned with low miles under 10k miles for around 9k here in Texas
Thanks for the great video and Insights. I've just bought a 2012 here in Australia and love this bike. Do you know what brand of round foglights/drl they are? They look good.
Hi thank you they were cheap (£50) Cree Spotlights from EBay👍🏻
Bought a split new BMW r1200gs executive in 2018 and had nothing but bother with it and BMW bought it back of me because it had so many things wrong with it!! I have been a Honda guy for nearly 25 years so bought a 2016 highlander with 800 mile for £8k and astonished at how capable it is.👍
Same experience Kevin....bought brand new K1600 GTL in 2013....couldn't get on with it
Whats servicing like on this (self)? Accessibility etc? Great review, thanks.
Thank you pretty straight forward once you’ve removed the plastics
Great videos, some honest real life logic applied -finally :) q: who makes the rear wheel huger that you have added it remindes me Aprilia Caponord rally raid rear end?
Hi it's by a company called GP bought from eBay but it doesn't seem to be listed now
我目前也是騎這台(DCT)，騎過十幾部重機，這車實在是好騎，唯一缺點就是太重，重量如果可再減個60公斤會更棒
I usually avoid the ‘vlogger’-style bike reviews but this is really very good. Thoughtful, considered and coherent. Thank you
Thank you for those kind comments....much appreciated 👍
You've answered every question I had on this bike. I know it's the next bike for me now for sure. Thanks!
Thinking of tading my triumph speed triple R in for one of these will i regret it if i do???
Love the review, very detailed and thanks for taking the time and effort.
I’ve got a GSA currently and like you I’m thinking of changing to the Crosstourer, have you ridden the bike two up at all?
My wife who’s only just decided to come biking with me likes the GSA pillion position and I don’t want to change it for something that’s a backward step in this department for her. I like the BMW but think the refinement of the Honda will be lovely on tour. Out of interest what can you get out of a tank at average speeds?
Liked and subscribed👍
Hi Paul and many thanks for your kind words. I have both bikes of course though my CT is less than a year old with just 2000 miles on the clock whereas my GS Adv is 11 years old with 29000 on the clock. That said I would say that the overall pillion experience for both bikes shouldn't be radically different. The electronic suspension on the GS is more refined but prone to failure on older bikes and this can be very expensive (as I know!). Also pillion wise the BMW seat is softer than the Honda but so many after market solutions are available that the Honda could easily be made as comfortable. The crux of the matter for me is build quality and reliability, here the Honda is streets ahead in my view...everything has a beautifully over-engineered finish and it oozes constructional resilience. By comparison the BMW has an air of fragility about its feel though still a competent bike in every way. It comes down to price and priorities....Honda is cheaper, better built, more reliable...BMW....twice the price, less well built, lots of electronics (which if they go wrong outside of warranty can bankrupt you) Hope this helps 👍
The Bingley Wheeler
You’re very welcome and please keep up the good work:)
Thanks for your detailed reply, I’m looking at this as my next bike as it sounds like the boss will be just as happy on a CT as the BMW and build quality is definitely what I’m after, my GS is high mileage and to be fair has given me very few problems but there’s always that thought in the back of your mind, longevity and reliability is so important especially if you’re heading into Europe and beyond.
The engine sounds a peach and vibration free smoothness will be a welcome addition to every ride out if all goes to plan. 👍
Great review, info! I bought a 2017 brand new two years ago and am very pleased with it. There is one thing however that could be done a little nicer, and that is the opening on the right side above the footrest. I'm in search of a plate that covers these wires and saw that you've got it on your VFR. If you don't mind telling me where I can find this plate, it would be highly appreciated. Thanks
Here you go www.hepco-becker.de/en/cover-lid-right-side-for-honda-crosstourer.html
2017 DCT Right proper Flying Buzz saw!! You do not see many in the USA, I love it. I am 6'8" 300lbs, and this bike fits like a dream.
It's a vastly underestimated bike here too.... Far better than is widely appreciated
Took a test ride on a2012 model and it’s fantastic.
Collection of it soon and will be selling my other two bikes as this does it all .
Great reviews mate and all the best.
Thank you for those kind words you'll love the bike 👍
Thanks. So Honda have stopped doing the vfr1200x?
Yes sadly no longer made
Hi. Love tue vids. I sold my crosstourer 2 years ago and regretted it ever since. Having owned a yamaha thundercat, vfr 800, triumph tiger 955i. 2 triumph tiger 1050s and currently own a honda blackbird. Nothing compares to the vfr 1200x crosstourer as a complete package. I will be buying another soon. Keep up the great vids.
Thank you for those kind words Nathan it's much appreciated.... I'll soon be uploading a couple of vids on how the CT can be made more "adventure worthy" on a budget.... Watch this space! 😊
Seeing how you've owned both, how would you compare the triumph 1050 to the Honda crosstourer?
@Kurt Tallon hi mate. Both great bikes. The crosstourer is heavy but the weight dissappear once riding. The quality can't be compared. The honda is far superior and the v4 engine is world's apart. Totally effortless. I felt like I could cross continents on the honda without a thought. The 1050 tiger was still a fantastic bike but I needed to remap it to make it what I should have been. I'd have both again bit budget no option. Honda all the way
@nathan knowles thank you for your feedback - I really appreciate it.
Nice review and I agree, it is a very under appreciated bike. I bought 15 plate which I have had just over a year and covered around 7500 miles, not fitted with too much Tec like a Star ship. But she was built to travel and travel she does.
Absolutely..... No fancy tech to go wrong just years of faithful service... 👍
I am thinking about purchasing one of these my local Honda dealer still has in the show room at an excellent discount. I am also looking at the Triumph Tiger 1200. The Tiger throws off a lot of heat. Have you noticed excessive heat from the Honda Crosstourer? Thanks, Adam
No heat at all that I can detect.....CT at current prices is a bargain.....grab it while you can.....much more reliable than Triumph 👍
The Bingley Wheeler Thanks. The only drawback is the Honda has only a one year warranty in the US. Anything longer has to be purchased.
@@Blakefan2520 wow I didn't know that it's 3 years here in the UK
These are some of the neatest panniers ever used on a bike. Bike looks great without them which often isn't the case. No scaffolding!
I have 2017, red, black manual! I love the bike, i did suspension upgrade with hyperpro springs! Great bike and only problem is it is so easy to chase the corners with it, and it hides a speed, so it is not good for driving licence👍😃!
Yes for sure it cloaks speed very effectively.... You think you're doing 60mph then you look down and......... 😲
I really like what you’re saying about this Honda. I’m considering the vfr1200x and versys 1000 (used). I appreciate you getting deep into the details as it definitely helps me make a decision.
Just bought my 2013 crosstourer after riding transalp for few years. Now just waiting 2 months to get rid of snow :D thanks for the video :) greetings from snowy Finland
Hi snow here too..... You've got a much better bike and I know you'll love it when you get going.... So much power 😊👍
Simon! If it is only seat It is easy chanage. This V4, 1200 you do not find in Tenere, Bmw, or Triumph,
Hi there,i really like this bike but i think for touring 2 up the passenger seat is one of the worst in its class which is pushing me more towards a tenere 1200 or triumph explorer 1200 which have a far more comfortable looking seat for the mrs on back.i do share your love for this engine though.
Aftermarket seat?
Hi Simon....a seat change is a simple fix and relatively inexpensive. You'll pay a lot more money for the Triumph which will probably prove much less robust, reliable and rewarding due to its inferior engine (imo). Super Tenere cheaper but a boring, characterless engine too 👍😊
Thanks for doing this. In the market currently for one. Great info.
Cheers buddy.... You'll love the bike... Total quality
Lovely review . The only thing that worries me is the weight as a new rider , but i suppose i would just have to be extra careful...
Thank you sir! Yes the weight and the CoG are an issue....care needed at low speed 👍
Weight is only a problem if you have trouble maneuvering at slow speeds or if you have to pick her up. If you are a new biker, I would recommend getting a nice secondhand bike that you can afford to drop to learn the ropes. It's often a mistake to get the license and jump on bigger more expensive bikes.
Great review and content very good journalism
Thank you Michael much appreciated
loved this video. . as someone who's always been interested in these bikes ..its nice to finally get a good review and little tour of it... I have found very few here on RUclips.
Currently on an Africa twin which I love... but want something more road focused. Yeah the dash is a bit boring looking but who cares?
The only worry for me is the weight/ height.. but ill test one out for sure now 🏍🏍.
Thank you Allan...... Yes it is a heavy bike but far more planted and capable on the road than an AT.... AT is off road focused with road capability... CT is road focused with off road capability... IMHO 😊
@@thebingleywheeler cannot wait to test one. Will book a test ride when my bikes in for a service
my only concern is, how can I shave 30 kgs from the bike? and make it the best all around ADV of the XXI Century... with some up grades, Radial calipers, more suspension travel, TFT Dash, lower the high, foot pegs a little back, ....
Hi... Personally I don't mind the weight.... I'm 6'1" tall and it's not a problem for me though I know it is for some. It would be great if Honda would upgrade the CT in the way you desribe, sadly they seem to be throwing all their effort into the 1100 Africa Twin and seem to have no interest in a new CT or new Pan European
@@thebingleywheeler I always make fun of the GS as an Enduro bike because of its weight, but the VFR over takes it by a large 30 kgs (+ /-) .. its a shame. I'm 5'7" (1.76mts) and 75 Kg. To much for me . I ride a 2015 VStrom 1000 and its heavy, and coming from a 2015 MultiStrada even worst. cheers
thxs for the vid m8 still not sure what to get the crosstourer or the vfr 1200 f
I owned the vfr1200f from 2016-2020, fast bike, great cornering. Not great at low speed. Rubbish ground clearance. Heavy to move around. Why I sold it? Uncomfortable, strain on the shoulders, wrists, knees, neck. Always ride with a pillion on long trips, kinda cramped on the vfr1200f.
@@TheFlemmo123 so do you have a crosstouer now?
@@JIMWSMITH no I actually went with the Africa twin. Really great bike and pack alot of punch in the low down torque. Would recommend it for anyone who likes the looks. 😁
Thank you. Great review ! I will have a look at my dealers soon. Cheers !
..make sure you're ok with the weight 👍
@@thebingleywheeler good call. checked weight says 268kg,. for DCT. 20kg lighter than my old pan euro, should be ok.
thanks again.
@@bikerdash27 yes lighter than a Pan (I had one) but DCT wet weight is 287 kilos.... CoG is high too..... should be OK if you've had a Pan
Hello I am 5.8 woudl I fit on her? What a seat hight? Thanks
Hi it's a fairly tall bike....if you have an inside leg of 32 inches plus you'll be okay...the seat height is 850mm
@@thebingleywheeler. Many thanks. keep up great work!
Great review, need to find one under 11 grand now !!
Had a 17 found it pretty top heavy compared to my 20 gsa,bmw more wind stable,love cruise control on bmw.for the money ct is a bargain,didnt like the seat,more comfortable on bmw.gs are so common ct a rare bird thats cool! V4 lovely but thirsty.the boxer is sweet !
Great video as usual I watched folks at bike unveiling in some far off corner of Europe possibly Asia, displaying a 2020 Honda cross tour, smaller than the bike you show very neat fiberglass bags and drives haft good looking machine Problem this unavailable in many countries i took the cheque book to the dealer, Nope!I want that bike I smashed my foot need auto Africa is to heavy and tall I am 78. Regards, Canada.
Hi and thank you.... Are you sure the bike you saw at the unveiling was a Crosstourer and not a Crossrunner.... the Crossrunner is the smaller sister bike (800cc) but still great as it has the Vtec engine 😊👍
@@thebingleywheeler I thought it had driveshaft the bike you reviewed had a chain however you are right the bike had some smaller panniers and is the same machine you guys had there. I guess it is only available in Europe Honda suspects we will destroy them in the ice and snow in Canada, nice bike my CVO Street Glide weighs 900 lbs. I am 79 and crippled so that little big would work
Thanks.. James
@@daymaker5460 hi no the bike I reviewed is shaft drive... Crosstourers are all shaft drive..... Crossrunner is chain
@@thebingleywheeler I got it backwards, thanks again. James
Excellent review 👍
Thank you much appreciated 👍