Intro and straight into the deep end

[wolfx]

Hi All, I've been riding a VFR800x since April 2021. Owned Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki GSX1250FA, Harley Sportster 880 and Rotal Enfield 500. before i bought the crossie. My total time on two wheels with a motor has been close to 200k kms over last 25 years.

Am mighty impressed with the crossie, lovely machine intended. But am planning a ride to Mongolia in 2022 (approx 15k kms, 3-4 weeks) and then from UK to India via Central Asia in 2023 (approx 23k kms, 7-9 weeks).

Was keen to know all your collective experience on the V4 reliability for such rides that can put the machine to test. Will decide on future course based on what advice i get here.

Thanks and regards

[Corringdon]

  Welcome to the forum, Wolfx. You've certainly ridden a variety of machines. If any engine was capable of those sort of miles it would be the Honda V4.

[Skids]

Originally Posted by wolfx

Hi All, I've been riding a VFR800x since April 2021. Owned Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki GSX1250FA, Harley Sportster 880 and Rotal Enfield 500. before i bought the crossie. My total time on two wheels with a motor has been close to 200k kms over last 25 years.

Am mighty impressed with the crossie, lovely machine intended. But am planning a ride to Mongolia in 2022 (approx 15k kms, 3-4 weeks) and then from UK to India via Central Asia in 2023 (approx 23k kms, 7-9 weeks).

Was keen to know all your collective experience on the V4 reliability for such rides that can put the machine to test. Will decide on future course based on what advice i get here.

Thanks and regards

Hi wolfx, and welcome to the forum. 

The VFR is a very well built bike and last for many, many kms. My first did over 130,000 miles so I don't think you should have any major issues as long as you keep the bike well maintained. Be aware that the major, valve shim service is conducted every 16,000 miles on your bike.

Cheers. 

[wolfx]

Originally Posted by Corringdon

Welcome to the forum, Wolfx. You've certainly ridden a variety of machines. If any engine was capable of those sort of miles it would be the Honda V4.

Thanks Corrington 

[voodoo]

Hello and  from the Netherlands, mr. Wolf.

Valve service can easily be stretched to 24.000 miles, so no worries on your future trios. 

[wolfx]

Originally Posted by Skids

Hi wolfx, and welcome to the forum. 

The VFR is a very well built bike and last for many, many kms. My first did over 130,000 miles so I don't think you should have any major issues as long as you keep the bike well maintained. Be aware that the major, valve shim service is conducted every 16,000 miles on your bike.

Cheers. 

Thanks Skids.
I have many more questions and thoughts, will collate all and post here for advice. Versys, Vstrom, GS800 GS1200, Triumph tiger, Yamaha Tenere, Africa twin ....these are the usual suspects when talking adventure touring. Not a single webpage or experience of anyone taking crossie on difficult terrains.

Hence my apprehensions and intro post questioning V4, maybe its weight and why I can't find anyone talking about crossie and her exploits 

[Skids]

Originally Posted by wolfx

Thanks Skids.
I have many more questions and thoughts, will collate all and post here for advice. Versys, Vstrom, GS800 GS1200, Triumph tiger, Yamaha Tenere, Africa twin ....these are the usual suspects when talking adventure touring. Not a single webpage or experience of anyone taking crossie on difficult terrains.

Hence my apprehensions and intro post questioning V4, maybe its weight and why I can't find anyone talking about crossie and her exploits 

Off road? 

No, I've never really heard of anyone taking the Crossrunner off road much. Yes, it is a little heavy and tbh I don't think it was designed as an off-roader, rather it was given a taller seating position to keep us older folk faithful to the marque.

It's brilliant at what it does but I'm not sure I would include proper off road as one of those things.

But the VFR never fails to perform so maybe it will be ok....

Best of luck and please let us know what you think and how you get on. 

[Corringdon]

The CR is an extremely capable mile muncher on tarmac roads. Its wheel sizes alone would eliminate it from serious off road work of the type you would probably come across in some of the countries you intend to visit.

[wolfx]

Originally Posted by Skids

Off road? 

No, I've never really heard of anyone taking the Crossrunner off road much. Yes, it is a little heavy and tbh I don't think it was designed as an off-roader, rather it was given a taller seating position to keep us older folk faithful to the marque.

It's brilliant at what it does but I'm not sure I would include proper off road as one of those things.

But the VFR never fails to perform so maybe it will be ok....

Best of luck and please let us know what you think and how you get on. 

Thanks Skids...I don't intend to do any serious offroading, was only concerned about the roads along the way in an overland expedition. I have known friends who have taken a Versys 650, BMW 1200RT on tarmacless roads. There are enough stories about Versys 650's doing around the world rides, but can't find anything on Crossie.  I need to start prepping her with all necessary accessories. Just wanted to make sure from all you veterans about the electrics, engine, suspension and related issues when she's ridden for 500-800kms, day after day for 50-60 days. Just need to find that one person who's been there and done it on a CR. I am in love with the CR, done 5000miles in 3 months,  beautiful ride it is indeed, don't want to dump her for a gs or Tiger. If not CR, then Africa twin or a cheap and cheerful Transalp. If CR's Engine, electronics, suspension  withstand the beating, then a good set of dual sport tires should do the job maybe.V4 is torquey enough for such long rides. Does around 70-75mph at 5k revs... Just a wee bit more than the 1200gs... Weighs the same as a gs, but with so much lesser electronics to worry about.

[wolfx]

Originally Posted by Corringdon

The CR is an extremely capable mile muncher on tarmac roads. Its wheel sizes alone would eliminate it from serious off road work of the type you would probably come across in some of the countries you intend to visit.

I understand your point