Honda VFR800X Crossrunner 2011

It's hard to believe that my first encounter with the Honda Crossrunner was already 14 years ago. In April 2011, I landed in Mallorca with mixed expectations in tow. The initial press photos had left me skeptical—on paper, the new Honda concept seemed a bit bulky and cumbersome. But as is often the case, first impressions can be deceiving. When I saw the bike in the Mediterranean morning sun on the parking lot of our base camp, it was a different story. Sleeker, more graceful, more harmonious. Only from a front angle did the aesthetics remain peculiar—the price for fitting a true V4 engine into this innovative crossover concept.

Honda took a pragmatic approach back then. No marketing fluff, no legendary model history to lean on—just the result of plain market research. It was meant to be a bike that could handle many purposes at once. A jack-of-all-trades for those who don't have the luxury of pulling out a different motorcycle for every occasion. This honesty impressed me even back then.

What not only impressed but absolutely surprised me was the engine. On paper, the 102-horsepower V4 seemed unremarkable, yet on Mallorca's winding roads, it became an emotional highlight. The engine roared heart-rendingly through the mountain landscapes, with a rev range stretching from way down low up to a dizzying 12,000 rpm. In a class where single-cylinder or twin-cylinder engines were the norm, this refined four-cylinder was completely out of the ordinary—in the best possible way.

What has stayed with me from that test to this day is the remarkable balance of the motorcycle. The Honda engineers conducted 120 wind tunnel runs and invested countless development hours into perfecting the chassis and ergonomics. The result was convincing: the Crossrunner was neither twitchy nor sluggish, but hit that golden middle ground that instills confidence and quickens even experienced riders.

We spent hours riding across Mallorca's diverse roads—through narrow villages, over winding mountain passes, along the coast. Everywhere, the Crossrunner left a commanding impression. The combined braking system with ABS, the suspension well-tuned for European conditions, the manageable seating position—all contributed to the feeling of riding a well-thought-out, balanced motorcycle. Not spectacular, but solid and reliable in all situations.

Of course, there were some criticisms: the tachometer was hard to read in bright sunlight, the rear preload could only be adjusted with a cumbersome spanner, and the somewhat tight knee angle became noticeable on longer rides. Yet, none of these minor issues could detract from the overall positive impression: Honda had created a versatile all-rounder that skillfully bridged the gap between sport, touring, and everyday use.

Recently, I stumbled across photos from my original Mallorca test and wondered: What has become of the Crossrunner? How has it fared over the years? To find answers, I dove deep into our online community—and was surprised by how many loyal fans this underrated bike still has today.

A recurring theme in the comments is the durability of the first generation (2011-2014). "My Crossrunner has now clocked 120,000 km and still runs like the first day," writes one owner in the 1000PS forum. The V4 engine seems almost indestructible, which isn't surprising given its lineage from the proven VFR800. Engine failures are practically unheard of, provided the recommended maintenance intervals are followed.

Interestingly, many owners have kept their Crossrunners for many years—a sign that the concept truly worked. This versatility, paired with the proverbial Honda reliability, has garnered the model a devoted fan base.

The facelift introduced in 2015 (often referred to as the second generation) brought significant improvements: more power, a refined chassis, better ergonomics, and a more modern look. Many community members view this update as a successful evolution that preserved the original strengths while addressing the weaknesses.

Speaking of weaknesses, what issues have surfaced over 14 years of practical use? The consensus from various forums and expert reports paints a largely positive picture but also reveals some common weaknesses potential used buyers should be aware of.

For the first generation (2011-2014), owners occasionally report issues with the stator, the part of the alternator responsible for power supply. An early sign of this is a gradually weakening battery. The repair isn't overly complex but involves a few hours of labor—it's recommended to address it at the first signs.

Another feature, unnoticed by me at the time but frequently mentioned by long-term owners, is the VTEC system of the engine. This system switches from two to four valves per cylinder at around 7,000 rpm, resulting in a noticeable power boost. Some riders find this transition abrupt in everyday riding. The community has developed various "smoother" solutions, ranging from simple injection adjustments to specialized mapping solutions.

The brakes were frequently criticized in the early years—not for lack of stopping power, but due to the CBS (Combined Braking System), which some riders found too dominant. Honda took this feedback into account in later model updates, making the tuning more sensitive.

As for maintenance, the Crossrunner is a typical Honda product: reliable but with some design-related quirks. The valve clearance check every 24,000 km is time-consuming and thus relatively expensive—but some owners skip it or extend the intervals due to the extremely long lifespan of the valves and valve seats.

Anyone looking to purchase a used Crossrunner today will find an intriguing market. The first generation (2011-2014) has reached the status of an affordable insider's tip. Well-maintained examples with 50,000-80,000 km can be found starting at around 5,000 Euros—a tempting price for such a versatile and reliable motorcycle. The second generation (from 2015) holds its value significantly better, with prices starting at around 7,500 Euros and reaching up to 10,000 Euros for newer models with low mileage.

Availability is generally good. A glance at the classifieds reveals that particularly well-kept examples with a complete service history and few previous owners often sell quickly.

What should you look for when buying? Besides the usual suspects (service history, wear condition of chain, tires, and brakes), there are some model-specific checkpoints. For the first generation, you should check the condition of the stator—preferably with a battery test while the engine is running. With the VTEC system, ensure a smooth transition at around 7,000 rpm.

Another crucial aspect is checking the rear shock absorber. At higher mileages, there can be oil leakage. Also, the tight knee angle, which I already criticized in the original test, is something potential buyers should definitely assess on a longer test ride—especially taller riders might face issues here.

Looking back today, 14 years after my first encounter with the Honda Crossrunner, I am impressed by the foresight of Honda's developers. What seemed back then like an odd hybrid between established categories has proven to be forward-thinking. Nowadays, "crossover" motorcycles are found across all engine sizes—the Kawasaki Versys, Yamaha's Tracer series, and even BMW's F 900 XR all fundamentally follow the concept that Honda established with the Crossrunner.

What still makes the Honda stand out today is its characterful V4 engine in a class otherwise dominated by inline and V-twin engines. This engine offers a riding experience that many modern models, optimized for efficiency and emissions, can no longer deliver.

From today's perspective, I would recommend the Crossrunner to those seeking a versatile, reliable motorcycle for daily use without sacrificing character and an emotional riding experience. Especially the second generation offers improved performance and a refined chassis, a package that holds its own even when compared with current models.

Community experiences largely confirm my initial assessment: the Crossrunner is not a bike for extremists—neither for racetrack enthusiasts nor off-road adventurers. It is a bike for everyday use, for weekend tours, for vacations with luggage. And it is precisely in this versatile usage spectrum that it continues to play to its strengths.

Reflecting on my test in Mallorca, I particularly remember the moment when I first revved the V4 to high RPMs while simultaneously experiencing the chassis's agility in the tight hairpins—this contrast between sporty power and comfortable, manageable seating position was what made the Crossrunner so special. And this appeal seems unbroken to this day, as evidenced by the many enthusiastic owner reports.

The Crossrunner may never have achieved the cult status of an Africa Twin or a Fireblade. Yet, it has proven to be what Honda promised back then: a reliable, versatile companion for everyday life—with that extra bit of character that makes the difference between a mere means of transport and a motorcycle that you still enjoy riding years later.