By Dave Carr
As my 5th article in The RUMBLE (I enjoy writing and riding) I wanted to do a quick review of a bike described by many as “Honda’s best kept secret”, the VFR1200X. So secret that it only came to the US from across the pond as the “Crosstourer Sport ADV bike”. It only lasted from 2016 to 2017, and then was replaced by the chain driven Africa Twin.
First observation, this is a tall bike but very comfortable except for the front sloping seat which was easily fixed by a gel seat pad to level things off a bit.
Like many ADV bikes, this one is a liquid cooled, 1237cc V4 engine that puts out about 130hp and 93 lbs of torque, with a shaft drive and 5.7 gallon fuel tank. I get about 240-250 miles per tank. On paper, it’s about 610lb wet but a very easy bike to ride, and it holds the road with a nice smooth ride as well.
The VFR1200X is a very user-friendly bike that is great for everyday use, and has more than enough power. It has no ride by wire, no cruise control, no heated grips and actually requires a key and no FOB. The only thing I would like are heated grips; as I ride all year round when above 40° and no salt or sand on the road. As with most Hondas, (I don’t want to jinx myself) the VFR1200X seems pretty bullet proof, gives a very smooth ride, starts up on the 1st push, never stalls, and accelerates like a race horse w/no hiccups for almost a 10 year old bike. It even has a hand crank adjustable fairing which can be adjusted on the go, (I wish a certain Italian brand would incorporate this feature).
Ideally, I use this 99% on road and occasionally take it down a dirt road since it’s over 610lbs. I don’t want to risk going down on it. While some say it’s a heavy bike, and I agree, it is a V4 with a shaft so that extra power and weight comes at a cost but you don’t notice it while riding.
The fit and finish is great, mine is black with some gold flake in the paint and I added some orange pinstripes for some added accents. For a used bike in the $8000 range that probably rides similar to a GS with, I suspect, better reliability you can’t go wrong. I believe the 2017 model added some newer options like ride by wire, perhaps cruise control and a candy apple red color option.
I think this one is a keeper… Famous last words I know, as spoken by every OSBMWR member.
(For reference only: the radiator cover came from ali express, was $25 and fit perfectly and also useful)
Safe riding in 2025!
-Dave
