HONDA VFR800X CROSSRUNNER (2015-2021)
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £170 |
| Power: | 98 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.1 in / 815 mm) |
| Weight: | High (534 lbs / 242 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesHonda introduced the second-generation VFR800X Crossrunner in 2015. The previous model (on sale from 2011) struggled to make much of an impression – its VFR800F sports-tourer base was too obvious, the duck-billed platypus styling wasn’t very compelling, and it didn’t offer the all-round appeal of rival adventure and adventure-sport machinery.
- Latest news: Honda VFR models dropped from range
The first bike’s so-so reputation tarnished this second Crossrunner variant before anyone had even ridden it, and so it’s never been a big seller. And as it’s been around a while the Honda’s specification now lacks the wow of newer alternatives, further reducing popularity.
- Related: Honda VFR800X Crossrunner long-term test
- Related: Best touring motorcycles
- Related: Best new and used Honda motorcycles
Overlook the Crossrunner at your peril, though. This is a great bike. Every time we test it we’re wooed by light-yet-secure handling, a soulful and engaging V4 engine, fabulous quality and refinement.
The Honda isn’t quite as fast as Yamaha’s Tracer 900, nor does it have the on-trend colour dash and must-have options of BMW’s F900XR. But neither matters. Performance, ride, finish, character, and the just-so balance of involvement and usability mean the Honda holds its own. It’s a true all-rounder, with wide-reaching skills, impressive dynamic, the ability to shrink long trips... plus a unique Honda feel. The 'matt ballistic black' doesn’t do the bike any favours, but it’s classy in glossy 'candy prominence red'.
At £9999 on the road (2020 pricing) it’s well priced too, though the Crossrunner’s extended incisors mean you can actually get one for under £9k. Forget fashion, this is serious value.
Sadly, the VFR800X Crossrunner, VFR1200X Crosstourer and VFR800F were all dropped from Honda's range with the introduction of Euro5 in 2021.
Watch our 2015 Honda VFR800X Crossrunner first ride video below:
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineHonda describe the Crossrunner as having 'taut long-travel suspension' and it’s a bloody good description. The forks and shock might not have the option of high-tech semi-active damping and automatic electric preload, but the VFR800X doesn’t miss such embellishments.
The suspension is firm, composed and lets the bike scurry through corners with impressive pace and composure, yet has deliciously plush damping and generous wheel travel that hide potholes and deliver a sumptuous ride. The riding position is great too, with a wide, deep, soft seat that’s got a pleasing '90s feel to it. You’ll happily perch in it all day.
At 242kg wet the Crossrunner is hefty old thing (it’s 23 kilos heavier than a BMW F900XR), but you can’t tell. Honda have made the 800 feel chunky and reassuring, yet nimble and effortless at the same time; handling is neutral, the chassis flowing wherever you place your gaze, while feeling accurate. Clever.
The four-piston front brake calipers don’t have the initial grab of newer big-brand fitments on some rivals, but in normal riding offer more than you need. And with a big panicky grab the Crossrunner stops as swiftly as the opposition.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThere’s a unique character to Honda’s VTEC-equipped 782cc engine. Though VFRs haven’t used gear-driven cams for a while (boo) there’s still a whirring clock-like sound to the V4, backed up with a glorious exhaust sound.
VTEC isn’t actually variable valve timing. Timing is fixed; what the system does is change from two valves per cylinder at lower revs to four valves per cylinder at higher revs. It gives the V4 a distinct powerband, and with more top-end revs than a rival twin the Honda feels urgent and engaging.
This isn’t to say it’s not tractable lower down. Crack the throttle at 30mph in third gear and the Crossrunner falls behind a Yamaha Tracer or BMW F900XR in side-by-side tests, but in real life riding the Honda has plenty of flexibility, with clean low-rev drive and midrange thrust. There’s a slight off/on fuelling step but it’s no worse than any alternative bikes.
Quick, clean gearshift action too – old fashioned clutchless up-shifts are slicker on the Honda than using the quickshifter on most rival bikes.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueIt’s easy to be distracted by buttons, black boxes and flashing lights these days. The Honda is a brilliant reminder of the appeal of solid engineering, that the core of a machine is more important than its trinkets and baubles.
The Honda is reassuringly Honda; from the extruded aluminium frame spars, machined finish on the fork legs and single-sided swingarm, to the high-quality switchgear, classy hand levers and perfectly fitted bodywork. You sense the bike’s ancestry – models like the CBR900RR, Super Blackbird and, of course, VFR750.
The VFR800X is also a perfect example of why Honda have such a good reputation for quality. The V4 will do massive miles without bother and finishes are superb. VTEC means the 16,000-mile valve check service can be pricey, though.
There may be reg/rec issues when you reach massive mileages, and the chain adjuster on the single-sided hub will seize if it doesn’t get a regular squirt of GT85 where the pinch bolt goes. There’s lots of metal that can fur up in winter too (and exhaust headers tend to corrode with winter abuse), though component quality is high.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe Crossrunner is group 12 insurance. That’s a group lower than a Yamaha Tracer 900 or BMW F900XR, and two groups lower than a Ducati Multistrada 950.
Its V4 engine shows its age a little when it comes to fuel economy – an average of 44mpg is worse than rivals (Tracer does 48mpg, F900XR does 50mpg) although the Honda’s pleasingly generous 20.8-litre fuel tank still means a useful 200-mile range.
Value? On like-for-like spec the Crossrunner is priced nose-to-nose with its opposition, though you don’t get the Honda’s quality feel and sense of engineering elsewhere. Ten grand feels like exceptional value for a bike of this standard.
Equipment
Don’t be put off by the lack of riding modes, semi-active ride or infinitely variable traction control. The Crossrunner may not have the very latest blingy extras but the base specification is loaded with useful standard-fit toys. There’s three-level traction control (easily adjusted on the move), ABS, five-level heated grips, power socket, self-cancelling indicators and LED lights.
There also are plenty of features that boost practicality too. The VFR800X has proper bungee points on solid pillion grab handles, adjustable seat height (815 or 835mm), adjustable (and effective) screen, integral pannier mounts, excellent mirrors – plus the peace of mind that the Crossrunner will feel as slick and together after 100,000 miles.
Indicator and horn switches are the opposite way around to convention. Though it makes sense for the winker control to be closer to your thumb (you use indicators far more than the horn) it needs some acclimatisation. The LCD dash also feels a bit cluttered next to the latest widescreen offerings, the heated grips aren’t as hot as a BMWs, and the headlight throw is a tad curious.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 782cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 16v Vtec, DoHc, liquid-cooled parallel V4 |
| Frame type | Aluminium twin-spar |
| Fuel capacity | 20.8 litres |
| Seat height | 815mm |
| Bike weight | 242kg |
| Front suspension | 43mm forks, preload and rebound adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock, preload and rebound adjustable |
| Front brake | 2 x 310mm discs, four- piston calipers. ABS |
| Rear brake | 256mm disc. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 44 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £101 |
| Annual service cost | £170 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £5,300 - £8,800 |
| Insurance group |
12 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two years |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 98 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 54 ft-lb |
| Top speed | - |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 201 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2015: Honda release the second-generation VFR800X Crossrunner. It’s based on the engine and chassis of the VFR800F sports-tourer, but with bespoke suspension, altered geometry, upright riding position and other significant changes to create an adventure-sports all-rounder. The first UK bikes are offered with Akrapovic exhaust, top-box, sat-nav and centrestand thrown in for £10,299.
2017: Very light update for Euro4 emission regs, including a new exhaust, plus the arrival of an adjustable screen and a 12v power socket. Fork legs are bare aluminium rather than painted black.
Other versions
Erm… there aren’t any, although the VFR800F offers the same performance and quality in a traditional sports-tourer package.
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CROSSRUNNER 800 (2015 - 2021)
12 owners have reviewed their HONDA CROSSRUNNER 800 (2015 - 2021) 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 (2015 - 2021)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £170 |
Version: Vfr800x
Year: 2017
Reliable mile-muncher, and great fuel economy, >53mpg on my journeys to work.
Mine has Sintered pads, and it's stops extremely quickly. Calipers are good. They dont snatch either, nice and smooth. The ride feels plush too, comfy. Though I think there's an issue with the rear shock, no matter where I adjust it to, it remains very soft..
Love it! An aftermarket exhaust fitted to free the V4 sound.. it's a smooth engine too, gutsy. It can easily make progress through traffic without having to rev it's danglies off!
Engine is now losing some of its black paint, though for a 20k mile machine I can't really grumble at that. On the whole it still looks new when I've cleaned it! All switchgear works fine, everything is totally functional.
Cheap for fuel. I regularly service it myself. Costs are minimal. The bike has everything I need for my daily ride, whether it be for enjoyment or the commute.
To be fair, it has all I need for a bike, so it warrants the 5 rating for me. Riding modes are controlled using my own brain! It has the torque settings which are on Full upon start up, I never really adjust it as I forget about it. Heated grips are decent too, and with the handguards I've fitted, work well.
Year: 2015
Comfortable and nippy with plenty of torque in all gears
Small bits of rust starting to appear but the bike is kept outside so is expected
Recommended scorpion trail tyres don't last long. Would recommend michillen piolet Street
Year: 2019
I bought the VFR800X a few weeks ago as my first, ‘go anywhere, anytime’, new (ish) bike, after having spent the last 20 odd years riding an ever expanding collection ‘70’s Japanese classic bikes. I wanted something new ‘ish (it’s a late 2019 bike), that would deliver, instant, ‘go-anywhere in Europe now’, reliability, performance and comfort. I still own an early 1989 VFR750FK that I’ve owned for nearly 30 years so buying a VFR800X Crossrunner with a full luggage set was a comfortable and natural choice for me.My VFR800X was delivered on a Monday (thank you Speed Motorcycles) and my very first ride on it, just a few days later, was to Portsmouth in torrential rain to catch a ferry to Spain for a two week 2,000 mile round trip. Advance preparation? Well, the rear view mirrors were better for a clean! Otherwise, nothing. It performed faultlessly, was a joy to ride and made me smile every time I twisted the right handlebar grip.
The bike’s engine delivers a fabulous touring riding experience. Subtle, grunty at low rpm, a smile enducing experience at higher rpm’s, and always working for you as the rider - no need to endlessly rev the bike to get anywhere. My bike is still on its original OEM tyres - Bridgestone A40’s. They will be replaced with more streeet friendly rubber ASAP (it’s now at 5k miles). Why fits A40’s ‘adventure’ tyres to it? You’d need to be bonkers to take a 240kg touring bike off-road. Brakes are perfectly good enough but maybe lack the ultimate feel and finesse of the latest modern bikes. So, just squeeze hard and it really stops. My touring mate and I would stop every 90 minutes to support local Spanish coffee shops which seemed about right, comfort wise.
It’s a V4 engine with around 34 years of development. It has refined, delicious low down grunt and wonderful low rpm throttle response. Real world quick when needed. Please Mr. Honda - bring back a V4 engine sometime soon!
It’s a Honda! So, excellent quality and reliability were promised, expected, and delivered. Just as you’d expect. Mine is low mileage (3,000 when purchased), so I wouldn’t expect any issues at this early point in its life.
Not had to service it yet, but anticipating similar costs to a late model VFR800. Very happy with what I paid for it (£8,500), for a nearly 2020, 3,000 mile full service history bike, in ‘as new’ condition, with full luggage, heated grips, main stand, etc.
Being more used to ‘70’s bike tech, simply having a reliable fuel gauge and an air temp readout made me smile. I didn’t want an ‘ultimately’ equipped bike (think top spec GS), so the VFR’s mid range level of equipment proved perfectly adequate.
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer, Speed motorcycles, in Exeter. Excellent service, communication and home delivery. I’d be very happy to buy my next bike from them. Recommended. Thank you Shane!
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £180
I can't really fault the bike. For smaller riders it may be a bit too tall and heavy.
The suspension is fully adjustable so a preferred setting should be available. Brakes aren't too bad.
It's a legendary V4 so it is ultra reliable with plenty of grunt in most of the rev range.
It's a Honda so no corrosion and, as yet, no faults.
I get around 55mpg. Servicing costs are average but the 24,000 valve check is very expensive.
Heated grips. I'd recommend a fender extender, rear hugger, and an automatic chain lubricator. Bridgestone A40 tyres are 90/10 but nobody in their right mind would take the CR off road. I will replace them with Dunlop Roadsmart 3's.
Buying experience: I bought from Bridge Motorcycles in Exeter on a PX and got a really good deal. The dealership is first class.
Year: 2018
Very comfortable and plenty of real world power when required from the 800 vetec.
Can ride for long periods of time without a break owing to the seat comfort and adjustable mono shock,brakes have plenty of stopping power.
More than enough real world power having come from a previous ballistic super blackbird.
Top Honda quality build ,no failures to date.Unhappy with the standard tyres replaced by road pilot 5.
Not looking forward to valve clearance service.
OEM heated grips not warm enough.fitted a MRA screen givi engine bars spots and an ibex sump guard hand guards and front and rear spray suppression.OEM end can sounds great no need to change.
Buying experience: From dealer got a great deal.
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £200
Mk1 or Mk2 variations of the Crossrunner are both great bikes, the Mk1 is lowering in price and you can get a lot of bike for little money, if you can put up with the jet ski handlebars you will love it, I had one for two years and was a super all rounder. The mk2 is just as popular and is more std format compared to Mk1, you can stick sat nav on handlebars of the mk2 unlike on the mk1.
its a bit lardy and can ground pegs, but is so comfy i should really give it a five !! mile muncher and a great way to relax and wind down. I easily do 300 plus miles a day trouble free, seats can be not so comfy, get a sheepskin or seat made up.
Bullit proof , no false neutrals, starts on the button and vtec is cool, can play with most bikes, I reg do iom circuit on mine and makes me smile all the time.
Typical Honda, great build quality and straight forward to fix most things, no manual available for this model though so use the std vfr one, or join the vfr800x page on Fb for owners tips. In general easy to fix most things your self, ignore the 16 thou service, most honda mechanics advise to leave it until its nearer 50 thou, at 16 thou no one ever has to make adjustment, unless you bought a thrashed one.
do it your self, vfr engine is an easy pce of kit to service, plastics are fiddly but take your time and no issues.
honda luggage is nice, and practical. most tyres are fine these days. dislike ignition position, its sunk in headstock which is a pain!
Buying experience: Service history, low mileage to be fair most owners cherish these and love them to bits, very rare you get a dud !! I run owners group and have 1600 members all over world now, says a lot how popular they have now become, a very underrated bike originally.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £180
The only downside is the weight and the difficulty for smaller folk to get it on the main stand. I would recommend this bike to anyone.
It's classed as an adventure bike but with 17" wheels it is not suitable for off road use, not that off roading interests me.
It's the legendary Honda V4 so smooth power delivery. no vibrations, and no rattles.
Build quality is excellent, after all it is a Honda. As yet no corrosion and no breakdowns.
On average I would say it is a tad expensive, especially when the VTEC valves need checking. However my dealer does give a lifetime warranty if you have the bike serviced by them
No complicated electronics. Just a motorcycle as a motorcycle should be and not a computer controlled machine that takes over a lot of the joys of motorcycling. Heated grips are fitted as standard which is great. I'm still on OEM tyres, Bridgestone A40's and they're average. A replacement end can (I fitted a Scorpion) would improve the looks and shave off a lot of excess weight.
Buying experience: I bought from a dealer, I got a very good deal with a fender extender, rear hugger, and tank protector pads for free. I won't mention the cost but overall it was less than the recommended retail price.
Year: 2017
As a all rounder find it to be one off the best I have owned just seems to do everything you want it to do Might be to good sometimes some might say bland but would rather have that than a bike that’s always got little problems If you looking for sports tourer it’s one off the best I say
Only let down by engine size wish Honda would give a few more hp It’s a great engine could just do with little more hp
It’s a Honda still better than the rest Had 54 motorcycles and Honda beat them all on build quality
Do my own service easy to work on once you learn how to remove the fairing Top tip if you can remove fairings yourself would save on service cost as can take a while to remove
Buying experience: From dealer Paid £7500 Came with many extras very low mileage
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £179
Excellent all round road motorcycle
Both ride quality and brakes are up to standard
It's a Honda V4. Say no more.
No problems in a year of ownership and being a Honda I don't expect any in the future.
179 ish for normal service. Valve check at 24000 will be expensive because of the VTEC
I love the whole bike. I recommend a fender extender, a rear hugger, and an aftermarket end can to replace the heavy stock job. OE tyres are Bridgestone A40's which are not bad but I will replace them when worn with Continental Conti Roads.
Buying experience: I part exchanged another Honda with a dealer and also got a reasonable discount and a few goodies thrown in.
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £200
This is my 3rd Crossrunner, having owned a mark 1 a Mk2 2016 version and now a 2018 model. I have to say having owned dozens of bikes over the years, the Crossrunner is a seriously underrated bike and really is a jack of all trades. It has the usual Honda high quality, decent looks and that lovely V4 Vtec engine,
Very comfortable, brakes maybe 4 out of 5
Legendary Honda V4 loveliness..vtec transition is smooth and addictive.
Never had an issue.
Honda main dealer servicing is not cheap. Valve service is now 24k miles but many skip this as the accumulated costs of this work exceeds that of a replacement engine easily and the engines rarely fail as a result of the valves not being adjusted. (Unless thrashed).
Not up to more modern rivals but traction control, self cancelling indicators, Led lights and ABS are enough for me.
Buying experience: Bought privately. Good deal on a low mileage bike.
Year: 2020
I would highly recomend this bike, many strong points, very versitle.
Very comfy, stock shocks soak up urban bumps & pot holes, Brackes ar quality too.
Loads of grunt for a 800cc, V tech is ace.
Hondas high quality as always.
Bought this as a second motorbike, excellent value as the model is getting older but still a high spec bike, excellent fuel economy.
As the models getting a bit old newer bikes have more advanced features but this has all you need, excellent clocks, traction control, heated grips ABS, great standard tyres.
Buying experience: Great deal with extras fitted at a bargain price & delivered to my doorstep by Thunder Road Motorcycles.
Version: X-H
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £100
Honda V4’s are sublime Smooth torque a fantastic engine. Riding position very comfortable bags of room, plush suspension the Build quality is excellent. I looked at the tracer GT but it wasn’t a Honda.
Brakes are as good as any however it can get a bit squirrely when pushed but if you want to have your cake and eat it buy a multistrada and suffer all the extra expense that goes with it. You can go all day no problem.
Shame it’s not got gear driven cams otherwise outstanding 100bhp is quite adequate I like my licence intact thanks.
Regulators are not a problem on the cross runner it’s up front behind the fairing. As with anything ABS change your brake fluid every two years. Never missed a beat.
Self serviced Use genuine parts all ways I switched to 10w40 but that’s my preference. Motor seems to run sweetest on that grade. I don’t think a dealer service will be cheap it takes an hour to remove and refit the tank
Basic electronics keeps the bike reliable the more gizmos you have the more there are to go wrong.
Buying experience: One year old from a dealer 300 miles on the clock Honda UK first owner £8300 delivered.
Honda VFR800X Crossrunner badging
Honda VFR800X Crossrunner LCD dash
Cornering on the Honda VFR800X Crossrunner
A side view of the Honda VFR800X Crossrunner
A static view of the Honda VFR800X Crossrunner
Honda VFR800X Crossrunner switchgear
Cornering left on the Honda VFR800X Crossrunner
