Hello from very old but new member!

[Oldbikinggeezer]

Hello all you Crossrunners,

Just waiting to take delivery of 2015 VFR800X on 2 March. Have a couple of classic Honda models (CBX1000Z and GB500TT) as well but just giving up Triumph Sprint ST. Had 3 Sprints over last few years after last VFR800 VTEC in 2007 but old enough to now need more upright riding position and new Crossrunner seems to fit the bill very well.  Ordered panniers, alarm, quickshifter, tank protector pad and hugger to come fitted.  Any suggestions for anything else I might need very welcome.  Anyone any comments yet on standard fit tyres?

[Tanarthur]

Welcome to the club... A skid plate will be nice. They have it for the 2015 model but not those earlier. Fog lights and touring windshield. Windshield adjuster from Palmer. Main stand?

[Gain]

Welcome aboard, regarding tyres see how you get on with 'em,
we will be changing them when they are done for some road orientated sport touring tyres
probably BT 023's or possibly Angel Gt's.
Enjoy the bike when it arrives. 

[Oldbikinggeezer]

Thanks Tanarthur and Gain,
I can't find any reference to a skid plate and neither can my dealer. The main stand is now a standard fitting for 2015.  One disappointment is that the screen is not adjustable so I may need a taller version- I'll see how I get on.
The standard tyres are Pirelli Scorpion Trail which I have no experience of.  In the original spec from Honda they describe the tyres as 'sporty street-size 120 front and 180 rear for optimal on-road performance' which doesn't sound consistent with Pirelli's description.  I'm familiar with the BT023 but what is an Angel GT?  Are you still running on standard OE tyres Gain?
Has anyone run with these Pirellis?
Cheers!

[derekwadd]

I'll be getting the scorpions worn down as quick as poss, they don't feel great in the wet I must say, had them on my Tiger and after 5,000 miles they were really bad, changed to Annakee 3's and was totally transformed.  As for the Crossrunner I'll be putting on PR4's, have them on my ZRX, every one's raving about them.  It's all personal choice in the end though.

[Gain]

The bike came with a new set of OE tyres on it when we bought it second hand, I don't particularly like them so I will be swapping them before we go to Europe in June, The Angel GT's are Pirelli's and are a sport /tourer tyre, however this is the wife's bike, so I'm maybe a bit swayed by her feedback, I have a Kwak SX and that runs Pilot sport tyres which will be swapped for a sport tourer / tyre when we go away. I like Bridgestone BT 023's but I shall see what's available nearer the time.

  

[Oldbikinggeezer]

Thanks for all the advice on tyres chaps - I'll try to get shod (sorry!) of the Scorpions as quickly as possible.  I'll let you know how I get on with the VFR which I will pick up on 2 March.  Had a wonderful day out on Tuesday riding my Sprint 1050 ST for the last time eventually leaving it where it is being sold.  Still a great bike but I can't wait to sit a bit more upright and very curious about using a quick-shifter for the first time.

For anyone interested I'm just coming up to my 72nd birthday and started riding on British metal in 1959 so about 55 years now!

[kiko]

Originally Posted by Oldbikinggeezer

. . . For anyone interested I'm just coming up to my 72nd birthday and started riding on British metal in 1959 so about 55 years now!

My god, you are my hero.
Kiko.

[Oldbikinggeezer]

That's a kind thought Kiko.  I guess looking back my life has been defined by my love of motorcycling and as I've got older its still the one thing that I can do where I'm not yet aware of my age.  In fact when I'm riding, my mental age is still about 18!

I ride with lots of younger friends and get involved with a number of bike clubs.  I do think that many people just give up doing things as they get older because they think they should, although I must admit that with my wife as pillion and full luggage I'm just beginning to find cobbles and tram lines on the European mainland a bit hard going...

I've been very lucky and have now lost count of the many 100's of different bikes I have owned, ridden or tested. The Crossrunner will be a new chapter.

Cheers!

[Tanarthur]

Tires wise currently I am using the Metzler Tourance Next. Good for corners.

Yeap, there are no skid plates for the older models but they have readily available for the 2015 model. My mechanic offered to custom 1 for me. So I took up the offer. I really need it after my recent trip to Cambodia.. The belly pan from Puig cracked and I don't want to spend the same amount of $$$ for that pcs of plastic again. Bike currently now with my mechanic...

Palmer made windshield adjuster for the Crossrunner. Mine was the first one he made. Using mine as a prototype. Recently there was a Mass order for Palmer products in my country and I saw a few Crossrunner owner bought them. So I guess I help them open the market. You will still need a touring windshield with the bracket. Stock shield are really too short.. The largest shield now I believe is the Puig touring shield.