HONDA CROSSRUNNER 800 (2011 - 2014) Review
![Honda VFR800X Crossrunner](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/4050/600x400/crossrunner-1.jpg)
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £340 |
Power: | 101 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (32.1 in / 816 mm) |
Weight: | High (529 lbs / 240 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Crossrunner has already proved controversial for being passed off as a new bike when, effectively, it’s little more than a re-worked, re-styled nine-year-old VFR800 with some ‘parts bin’ equipment. But there’s no denying that, as a concept, as a two-wheeled ‘cross-over’ machine, the Crossrunner simply works. It’s one of the best, friendliest and truly versatile bikes around – anywhere. Riding it is the proof. I was certainly sceptical before I climbed on board. Within a mile it was among my best bikes of recent years.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe 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 manoeuvre. The brakes are sharp and crisp; the suspension compliant and overall the Crossrunner remains stable and calm yet flickable enough to have fun with.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe 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.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueDespite its mixed parentage, the Crossrunner does give the impression of a truly new, attractive and well-built machine. Its styling is far more integrated and seductive than photos suggest and, due the VFR’s longevity and durability there should be no reliability issues, either…
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentYes, you can argue that we’ve the right to expect something more than a ‘rehashed old bike’ for over £9000 but there’s also no getting away from the fact that the Crossrunner does stand out from the crowd and does perform as a real world, day-in-day out bike impressively well and that, for the price, suddenly doesn’t sound as bad…
Equipment
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.
Specs |
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Engine size | 782cc |
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Engine type | 16v liquid-cooled 90º V4, 6 gears |
Frame type | Aluminium twin spar |
Fuel capacity | 21.5 litres |
Seat height | 816mm |
Bike weight | 240kg |
Front suspension | 43mm telecopic forks, preload adjust |
Rear suspension | Monoshock, preload and rebound adjust |
Front brake | 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 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 39 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | £340 |
New price | - |
Used price | £3,500 - £5,400 |
Insurance group |
14 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 101 bhp |
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Max torque | 53.6 ft-lb |
Top speed | 145 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 12 secs |
Tank range | 186 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2011: Model introduced
Other versions
None
MCN Long term test reports
![MCN Fleet: Winter treats for my CFR800X Crossrunner](/wp-images/48418/600x400/crossrunner.jpg)
MCN Fleet: Winter treats for my CFR800X Crossrunner
Where the bloody hell did summer go? The clocks have gone back and I feel somewhat cheated – all those things I was going to do in the lighter evenings, and blow me, I’ve missed it! Ah well, no point in worrying about it, there is still plenty to do on the Crossrunner, caring for the drive chain bei…
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CROSSRUNNER 800 (2011 - 2014)
18 owners have reviewed their HONDA CROSSRUNNER 800 (2011 - 2014) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA CROSSRUNNER 800 (2011 - 2014)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £340 |
Year: 2011
Annual servicing cost: £300
A superb all rounder, the low speed handling/maneuverability at walking pace is especially good, ideal for slowly working your way to the front of a queue.
The front brake felt a little too sharp (the initial bite) at first but now I just find it reassuring and the combined ABS works fine on this model, much batter than the last iteration of this I had on a previous bike.
What an absolute peach of an engine! With a slip-on fitted it sounds amazing and the VTEC transition is pretty smooth, noticeable but not in a bad way. The induction roar when the flapper valve opens is addictive
It's early days for me having not had the bike very long, but despite some small signs of neglect by the previous owner the bike starts first time every time, settles to a steady idle quickly and even in 30C ambient heat, stuck in traffic it just shrugs its shoulders and carries on
Setting aside the VTEC valve check the rest of it is simply oil, filters and coolant (and an annual plug change as a precaution). I buy a service kit from Wemoto and DIY it.
Combined braking with ABS is nice I don't care about any rider aids and the dashboard is perfectly adequate. I have full Hepco & Becker luggage fitted, it was NOT cheap but works well for touring duties.
Buying experience: From a dealer, but the bike had literally just arrived as a PX so it was in the dealer's showroom for a matter of minutes before I bought it
Version: X
Year: 2012
Annual servicing cost: £100
After 6 months of ownership I can say personally, it's a lump of a thing. Well balanced and very capable of going any distance, anywhere, on the road. It's fairly rapid but not quick. It's thirsty, but you'll forgive it. I can't say I love it, but it's growing on me and it's getting harder to think of part exchanging it.
Now, after 35 years of riding experience, I'm a firm believer that brakes should be for emergencies only. But these linked 60/30 or whatever they are work exceptionally well. No front end diving in poor conditions is bloody marvelous. Suspension is on the firm side at the front and stiff but softly sprung when cresting dips and rises. A bit horrible really. It's never happy unless it's virtually smooth.
Full of fun. No doubt about that. The V4 is a peach. 800 feels like a 1000 in the torque department. The last honda I had that had a charming engine was a CX500.
It's never failed to not start or go anywhere. I usually end up with a broken up wheel bearing or something, but nope. Nothing.
Just oil and filter so far. Plugs are £30 each and you'll need 4.....
I didn't get panniers with mine. Luggage is a challenge without it But ROK straps and an Oxford 30T dry stash does the job for euro touring. Fuel gauge is tiny and goes down on you quicker that a lady of the night....
Buying experience: Bought from a back street trader at £3995, got it for £3625 15k 62 plate. Had been dropped on its side stand but hardly noticeable. I was happy to do a deal.
Year: 2012
Annual servicing cost: £1,100
Best features....I've owned 50 bikes over the past 32 years of riding. I'd say torque and comfort. Usability in any situation. Worst features... Handling badly effected by worn tyres. Gets blown about by mild side winds. Needs another 25bhp really. But yes. I'd happily recommend it to a biker who's had loads of bikes, but needs something else to calm him, and take him touring in comfort.
Very comfortable. Bars are high and wide. Pegs are slightly back and high. Seat is a work of art as it's so comfortable I didn't even think about it till I back home after a 3 hour ride.
Smooth, but with a hint there's something different going on between the knees. Good grunt off the line with a decent shove in 2nd gear. It'll go quickly but you never feel out of control, unlike on my ZX9R! You tend to ride quite slow on it for some reason. I feel myself glaze over in traffic. Slow tight bends are good fun as you can use the torque. To me the gear changes give a similar feeling to shaft drive for some reason. V4 would sound better with a different silencer.
Feels solid. Most get used day in day out.
Needs a valve clearance check and service every 8000 miles at £1100. 7 hours. Takes two days. 16, 24,32k. If it hasn't been done, haggle or walk away.
Nothing fancy, ABS and center stand. But it's all you need. Brakes are great. You can use any old rubber on the wheels as it's not a sports bike, or much of tourer either, but it will do a good job if you push it. So buy cheap.
Buying experience: Bought a from a trader on Facebook locally as I'm not one for travelling miles to look at tatt. I've done all that in the past. It has FSH and I had a mechanic give it looking over. Warranty isn't worth the money. Dealers will fleece you in my experience of 33 years of riding and 60 bikes.
Version: Australia
Year: 2011
Annual servicing cost: £200
Comparison with ‘09 gsxr so maybe biased to that bike (which was amazing!) Forks are not awesome, they are OK. Engine is mint. Torque is spot on. Have a GR Moto tail pipe which came with the bike. Sounds great (bit loud for my missus and neighbors at 4am, don’t care that much). Maybe worth remap to bike, it’s a commuter. All in all, very happy with the bike.
Again, comparison with stock gsxr 750, so probably unfair. Brakes are adequate. Awesome bit was ABS, really helps in wet in Perth (AU). Greasy roads after rain = get your brown pants back out. It took me a couple of rides to adapt but I’m generally happy with stopping power.
Mint. Mint. Mint.
Bought the bike second hand so maybe this problem was due to a modification from previous owner. Looked pretty stock wiring.… Riding home from city, (5 mins on equivalent of motorway). Person tries to pull over into me at last minute (Perth AU, happens a lot). I beep horn - bike dies! Browned me pants!! Horn blew the main fuse. Had a spare under seat (wish I’d known at the time) so not really a new problem. Probably not Honda’s doing, unfortunately the stock look of wiring led me to curse them (and the bike) a lot. Since fixed with new earth.
$200 oil and filters per year. The bike does around 100klm/week. I should probably change oil in shorter intervals given the short commutes. Bike had 30k klms and top end service (expensive) had been done. So… v happy
Not good, not bad
Buying experience: Irrelevant
Version: 2017 VFR800X
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £150
I would recommend people to try this bike before you commit to a Tracer, Versys or baby Multistrada because it is much more than the sum of its parts suggests. Looks are a personal thing and the only thing I can fault is the exhaust clamps rust. You get great value purchasing one of these.
Best ride quality and adjustability for a bargain price out of the box unlike a Tracer900. It stays composed even when pushed two up and with luggage .
It's a V4 VFR and it does the lot.
Great so far.
Easy home interim servicing.
The bike has everything you need that matters, you don't need rider modes with such a flexible motor. Mine came with luggage, sat nav, Honda heated grips, Akraprovic exhaust etc.
Buying experience: I tried many bikes at many dealers and eventually got the service I required from Thunder Road. The buying experience and after sales has been great.
Version: 2015 VFR800X updated version
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £500
The newly updated version, looks more pleasing to the eye and is now accepted as a proper contender in an ever growing field of adventure/touring bikes. The newer version is much better looking and more acceptable to the previous doubters, this bike does it all and more; tour, scratch, ride to work. The VTEC gives it that extra punch. Don't tell your friends though as they will want one!
Its has a higher suspension than normal bikes so once you adapt they are fine. The brakes are great on the front and the back are ok. The linked brakes are good and it has ABS as standard. The ride is good and comfy, the seat is better than your Nan's chesterfield. You can play with any bike on twisties but watch for the footpegs grounding as they have lowered them on the newer version.
The VTEC will make you smile and it sounds great. The bike gets flighty when pushed, what more do you want?
The 2014 bike was bullet proof, it's the same for the 2015 and onwards version. The new features of traction control, power sockets and Akrapovic exhaust bring the bike into a higher class. The engine can run up to 60,000 miles and more, trouble-free. The typical Honda gearbox is smooth and does what is should without any false neutrals. Finish on the bikes is great although the exhausts are prone to wear, 2015 protects front downpipes much more though so should be in much better condition compared to older model. Easy to maintain if you have basic mechanical knowledge.
The cost of parts isn't too bad as old VFR parts (pads etc) are easily available. There are no manuals currently for this bike though, come on Haynes.
It hasn't got cruise control compared to others, but who needs it? This bike is made to be ridden, it does exactly that and at the end of each ride trust me you will smile. The horn and indicators take a bit of getting used to, you may bip the horn a few times when turning but you adapt.
Buying experience: It's a Honda, most owners keep these a long time as they are a very underrated bike. Not may people regret buying these and there a keeper.
Year: 2011
Annual servicing cost: £250
The Honda Crossrunner vfr800x.. A very underrated bike, may look quirky but once ridden you will change your mind.
brakes are awesome, linked brakes give you peace of mind and work really well. suspension A bit soft as you would expect but once you adapt you will love it, even fully loaded with all luggage it just does the job..awesome piece of kit and it all works.
v4 rc90 sounds lovely and smooth. took bike to isle of man and it was great 700 miles back and forth over the mountain and the Crossrunner coped very very well.
Great reliability, low costs servicing although I do most things my self.
Get luggage, heated grips and lever guards and its perfect...touring screen also
Buying experience: private - belle isle motors ..top team
Version: Camo
Year: 2012
Annual servicing cost: £150
I usually swap my bike every 2 years because I like the dealer backup when touring but just cant bring myself to part with this one its great at everything.
Easy to ride always seem to find the rhythm of the traffic.
The Engine is by far the best bit
No parts have shown any lack in quality
I get 40-50MPG which for the type of bike is ok by me
No tech gadgets ABS as standard just how I like a bike
Buying experience: Bought from a Honda dealer who couldn't have been more helpful. (Twowheels) Edinburgh. Actually made me feel like there most important customer.
Year: 2012
Ok it's a little quirky looking and certainly draws option. But it's a great bike does everything I want, marvelous engine, well balanced, great for commuting, touring and for zipping around A roads. I Changed from a CB1300, also great bike, but a bit of an old lump compared to the Crossrunner.
Well balanced throttle and brakes nothing to fault. Very nibble compared to my previous CB1300. Very stable at Slow speed perfect for commenting in London.
Flipping marvellous, good balance of power and refinement. makes all the right sounds and that V4 noise and vibration certainly touches my biker soul.
It's 3 years old and still spotless even after being used all year round for touring all over Europe by the previous owner.
Love the rear swing arm. Although shame Honda fitted such a big lump of an exhaust..who designs them! Anyway fitting an Arrow exhaust has cleaned up the lines.
Buying experience: Bought from Tippets Honda, all round good service. Bought for 5k.
Got my Crossrunner 2 weeks ago and already it's my favourite bike (and I've had a lot of bikes!) I'm glad so many people are negative about it. It will put off the droves from buying one thus keeping it exclusive for the few of us who know better. This is such a capable bike for all purposes, a mixed blessing badge often associated with hum drum bikes with no soul. Not so in this case as the Crossrunner has real presence on the road and has that special something that gives pride of ownership and an overall satisfaction I have found to be lacking in almost everything else I have owned. If you're reading this you must be interested in buying one having decided you like the styling. I can think of absolutely nothing that should stop you. Get one and enjoy it's many attributes, exclusivity and that elusive completeness that I've found to be lacking until now. Don't tell too many people though.
The knocker comments have helped keep the 2nd hand prices down and I reckon this brilliant bike could be a sleeper
It's a brilliant bike in my opinion. I'm a big bike newbie but tried a lot of bikes for size and this fits me to a t. I bought mine second hand with 13000 km and I think it's very good value. It came with an Akrapovic slip on, a Ventura rack and bag and has now got a K&N filter installed, with a Powercommander soon to be fitted. There seem to be a lot of negative tire-kicking comments on forums about this bike by people who've not tried the bike, which reminds me that 'there's nothing as queer as folk'. Countering all that hate are the many positive, well-informed views that I mostly agree with - I reckon it's a proper wolf in sheep's clothing - it's goes like stink, handles and brakes with brilliant stability, is ultra-reliable, finished beautifully and built like a tank. I've a riding buddy with an 04 R1 and I'm pretty close behind him in the twisties. So my opinion is to try it first, knockers and for those who consider the Crossrunner unfashionable, get over yourselves.
I bought mine nearly a year ago and wanted a bike i could ride comfortably into London and take on longer rides. Did a ride from Hertfordshire to Portsmouth and back of nearly 200 miles on one tank a few days ago. It never excites me, but never lets me down and i havent found anything better for a long time. All in all, a great reliable bike
There's no denying there's a lot of hate for the Crossrunner - too ugly, heavy, expensive, cramped etc. Well, I like the 'jetski' styling, but the covered bars and gaping dash chasm were a lost design opportunity. It hides its weight well on the road, and is very stable at all speeds. The RRP is pricey and certain essential extras are stupidly expensive, but just drive a good deal, or buy used with the bits already included. The official luggage system is fantastic, it's great for touring, but the Crossrunner can give you a big smile even on just short runs and the twisty stuff. I find it economical, averaging 50+mpg, and the engine is one of the all-time greats, despite being pricey to maintain. As always, Honda got the spec and pricing wrong, but at the right price and with the right kit added this is an absolutely superb choice for real-world bikers.
Honda have apprantly confirmed Crossrunner top speed is 123mph - get your act together MCN and change the data (in heading) above so nobody gets misled.
MMMM - Just read in Bike mag that Crossrunner has Electronic Restriction to 123 mph.Wos news to me. A bit less happy with every step. £10k bike limited to 123 mph - weighs 240 kilos plus 16.5 litres weight of fuel - mmmm! But I still love riding it and there isn't anything else out there better.Just galling that the 100bhp lump does not do what you expect it to do at top end.
Traded in 10plate Suzy GSX1250FA for a new Crossrunner today.Wos looking for a more upright but not topheavy ride and found the Crossunner perfect.Suz has done me proud over £16k miles including Alps tour but I want something a bit more wacky/fun and the Honda is just that - would have been great to swop over to it when riding the mountain passes in Austria. Looking forward to more enjoyable riding round countryside - took me a bout 100 yards on test ride to realise that I really had found what I was looking for - and it goes pretty well when you want to get a rush on!!
Great all rounder master of none but very good bike at every thing.