How times have changed. Not so long ago the Japanese would
design a new engine as readily as changing a colour scheme, but in this harsh
new world that’s a luxury they can no longer afford.
A new era of economic pragmatism has dawned, spawning a raft
of low-development-cost bitza bikes like the Kawasaki Z1000SX, Yamaha FZ8,
Honda’s CBR600F, and now the Crossrunner. Using bitza this, bitza that to
create new models is not necessarily a bad thing as it should mean lower new
prices and better spares availability, but it can also mean compromise and
carrying over dated technology.
All of which is evident to varying degrees in the VFR800-derived
Crossrunner. Considering how different the new bike looks, the number of
components carried over from the 2002 sports-tourer is quite remarkable. The
engine is identical for example, the only changes being to the intake and
exhaust systems along with improvements to the VTEC system, although these have
had a significant effect, filling out the mid-range torque and smoothing the
VFR’s power step between 6,000-7,000rpm. Top end horsepower is reduced, but
Honda believes this is a sacrifice worth making.
This is achieved by using 20mm longer and 6mm narrower
intake funnels, and linking the exhausts of different cylinders to the VFR’s in
the Honda Crossrunner’s system, as well as using different pipe lengths. The
VTEC electronics now take into account the throttle position and gear being
used to help smooth the sudden power kick that can be irritating on the VFR800,
especially early models. The engine mapping is altered of course to make best
use of the other modifications.
Changes to the chassis meanwhile amount to no more than
minor tweaks. The frame, which dates back several years before even the 2002 VFR800
VTEC, is the same, so is the suspension and the wheels. The additional half
inch (12mm) ground clearance and 1/3in (8mm) longer wheelbase are achieved
simply by adjusting the shock to move the swingarm down at a steeper angle and
by sliding the forks down through the yokes by 1.6in (40mm). The components
themselves and even the stock settings are the same as the VFR’s, as are the
brakes, although the Combined-CBS system only has the rear operating when the
front is applied, and not the other way around too as on the VFR itself.
Engine
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
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.
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.
Model History
2011: Model introduced
Specifications
Top speed
|
145 mph
|
1/4-mile acceleration
|
12 secs
|
Max power
|
101 bhp
|
Max torque
|
53.6 ft-lb
|
Weight
|
240 kg
|
Seat height
|
816 mm
|
Fuel capacity
|
21.5 litres
|
Average fuel consumption
|
mpg
|
Tank range
|
miles
|
Annual road tax
|
|
Insurance group
|
14 of 17
|
Engine size
|
782 cc
|
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
|
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