Long term update: Time for tinkering

The bikes I own are all at least 18 years old (I still view my GSX-R600 SRAD as modern) so there is always something to do on them. For me, that’s motorcycling. With the Honda VFR800X Crossrunner on the other hand, there is not a lot of maintenance to perform, bar filling it up with fuel, checking fluid levels, tyre pressures and maintaining the chain.

So to keep myself busy I have been making a few adjustments, starting with the rear shock. It felt a little soft as standard, and when accelerating to pass cars at night I’d noticed how high the headlamp beam appeared on the reflective road signs. I have gone up by three increments so far on the rear preload adjuster and that has firmed the ride up nicely.

Both clutch and brake levers are also adjustable, so I have set them not only to suit my grip, but also with a big enough gap for my forefinger because when filtering and riding in traffic, I tend to keep my first finger wrapped around the grip for better control (it’s a personal preference thing).

In preparation for a few upcoming road trips I have had a pair of Honda 29-litre panniers fitted (£701.40). I would usually fit them myself but Honda offered to match the locks to the rest of the bike, so I only need one key for the whole bike. The panniers are a great addition and including the topbox I now have a capacity of 89 litres, so it’s just a rear hugger and a taller screen to fit to make things more travel-ready. Then I’m ready to rock!