2015 HONDA VFR800X CROSSRUNNER
FIRST RIDE
P56
A
ny company that manu-
factures things gets it
wrong sometimes. And
the only issue then is if it has
the resources and/or the incli-
nation to do anything about it.
Honda has both—hence the ar-
rival of the second-generation
VFR800X Crossrunner launched
at Intermot, and reaching dealers
around the world in January.
The 2011 VFR800X was the
first model in Honda's Cross-bike
X-series range, combining the
VFR800F sports-touring plat-
form with an upright, adventure-
touring riding stance. But the
new crossover model was, um,
aesthetically challenged. Its dis-
jointed styling had strong hints
of a maxi-scooter, caused mainly
by its large side panels covering
the laterally mounted radiators.
It also had poor weather protec-
tion and a cramped riding posi-
tion that was much criticized by
customers. Furthermore, it was
based on the old VFR800F plat-
form whose handling and per-
formance was substantially im-
proved with the new-generation
model launched a year ago.
Soft sales of around 5,500
bikes over three years for the
first-generation VFR800X (many
of them discounted to shift stock)
reflected this flawed execution of
what was certainly a valid con-
cept—a midsize adventure tourer
with zero off-road pretensions
beyond a packed dirt or gravel
road, but the alluring onroad
performance of the company's
trademark V4 engine package.
BY ALAN CATHCART
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANCESC MONTERO,
FÉLIX ROMERO & ULA SERRA
Honda went back
to the drawing
board to give you
a better second-
generation
VFR800X
Crossrunner.
LESSONS
LEARNED
Second time around is a charm for
the Honda VFR800X Crossrunner
