This Week I Have Been Mostly Riding.....

Honda VFR 800 Crossrunner

Hmmm.Nice exhaust!

We have entered an age in motorcycle styling where the set-square is the stylist’s favourite tool; you can see them looking at the wheels in a disapproving sort of way. All this styling is very cutting edge and ‘modern’ I suppose, but it wasn’t all that long ago that wind-cheating shapes were rounded and swoopy. And, frankly I preferred them that way.

But I am not going to change anything with my carping so on to this week’s test. Honda is no stranger to the multi-purpose market – the Varadero is still current as is, incredibly, the Transalp - after a thousand-year production run - but, true to Honda’s motto of ‘the more the better’ they have introduced the VFR800 Crossrunner.

Quite why every manufacturer, apart from BMW maybe, needs a snappy name that implies exactly the sort of riding you wouldn’t want to do on these bikes (and that in all likelihood won’t be done on them) is something that I have not quite worked out yet. But the Crossrunner it is.

So, is it any good? Let’s face it, no new bike is ever going to be diabolically bad so it really all comes down to whether you are a Honda fan or you simply appreciate the aesthetics.

Generally, this type of bike is very pleasing to the eye in a macho sort of way and the Honda is no exception, despite the angularity. What does worry me is the move to stupendously hideous and gargantuan silencers that are making their way onto factory-fresh bikes. Have the after-market suppliers made a pact with the factories to boost sales of slinky slip-on canisters?

Good and chunky....shame about the wheels!

Where the Crossrunner scores is in its touring ability. A large (21.5 litre) tank gives a range of over 420kms and, whilst this sort of distance-capability usually causes one to reach for the arse-soothing pillow, Honda have got the riding position just right and it remains comfortable. The V4 engine is sweet and Honda has smoothed out the power delivery without losing any of the performance and the chassis and suspension throw up no nasty surprises.

It is a bit of a porker, at nearly 240kgs and this weight, coupled with the 17-inch front wheel means that it is pointless trying to take it off-road any further than up the pavement in Sandton. But for general road work it is a useful tool, the tall stance and upright riding position making for good visibility in city riding. The exhaust, for all its ugliness, gives a lovely sound to the V4 unit that encourages right wrist movement!

Prices are R109,999 for the ‘Sports’ model (?) and R114,999 for the Touring. A two year warranty is included in the price.