Honda VFR800X Crossrunner 2011 - Naked Bike Legend

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

Back then, Honda opted for a pragmatic approach. No marketing fluff, no legendary model history to lean on—just the result of straightforward market research. It was intended to be a motorcycle that could cater to multiple purposes at once. A jack-of-all-trades for those who don't have the luxury of choosing a different bike for every occasion. This honesty impressed me even then.

What not only impressed but downright surprised me was the engine. On paper, this 102-horsepower V4 seemed unremarkable, but on Mallorca's winding roads, it became an emotional highlight. The engine roared heart-stirringly through the mountain landscapes, with a rev range that stretched from the bottom all the way to a dizzying 12,000 rpm. In a class dominated by single or twin cylinders, this refined four-cylinder stood out—in the best possible way.

What has stayed with me from that test to this day is the remarkable balance of the bike. The Honda engineers had conducted 120 wind tunnel tests and spent countless development hours fine-tuning the chassis and ergonomics. The result was convincing: the Crossrunner was neither twitchy nor sluggish; it hit that golden middle ground that instills confidence and makes even experienced riders quick.

We spent hours riding across Mallorca's diverse roads—through tight villages, along winding mountain passes, and by the coast. Everywhere, the Crossrunner left a commanding impression. The combined braking system with ABS, the suspension tuned well for European conditions, and 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 sunlight, the rear suspension preload was cumbersome to adjust with a spanner, and after long distances, the somewhat cramped knee angle became noticeable. Yet, these minor issues couldn't overshadow the positive overall impression: Honda had created a versatile all-rounder that skillfully occupied its niche between sport, touring, and everyday use.

Recently stumbling across photos from my Mallorca test got me wondering: What ever happened to the Crossrunner? How has it held up over the years? To find answers, I delved deep into our online community—and was surprised by how many loyal fans this underrated bike still has.

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

It's interesting that many owners have kept their Crossrunners for years—a sign that the concept truly worked. This versatility, coupled with the proverbial Honda reliability, has garnered the model a loyal following.

The facelift introduced in 2015 (often referred to as the second generation) brought significant improvements: more power (129 instead of 102 hp), 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 and addressed the weaknesses.

Speaking of weaknesses: What issues have arisen over 14 years of practical use? The consensus from various forums and expert reports paints a predominantly positive picture but also reveals some typical weaknesses that potential used buyers should be aware of.

For the first generation (2011-2014), owners occasionally report issues with the stator, part of the alternator responsible for electrical supply. An early sign is a gradually weakening battery. While the repair isn't overly complex, it does require some labor hours—and should be performed at the first signs.

Another feature, which I didn't notice at the time but is frequently mentioned by long-term owners, concerns the engine's VTEC system. It 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 "softening" solutions, from simple injection adjustments to specialized mapping solutions.

The brakes were often criticized in the early years—not for lacking 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 refined.

Regarding maintenance, the Crossrunner is a typical Honda product: reliable but with some design-specific quirks. The valve clearance check every 24,000 km is time-consuming and thus relatively expensive—although 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 selection. The first generation (2011-2014) has now achieved the status of an affordable insider tip. Well-maintained examples with 50,000-80,000 km are available 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; prices start at around 7,500 euros and can reach up to 10,000 euros for newer models with low mileage.

Overall, availability is good. A glance at the classifieds shows that particularly well-maintained units with a full service history and few previous owners often sell quickly.

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

Another crucial aspect is checking the rear shock absorber. With higher mileage, there can be oil leaks. The tight knee angle, which I criticized in the original test, is also something potential buyers should definitely assess on a longer test ride—especially taller riders might encounter issues here.

Looking back today, 14 years after my first encounter with the Honda Crossrunner, I'm impressed by the foresight of Honda's developers. What once seemed like a peculiar hybrid between established categories has proven to be groundbreaking. Today, "crossover" motorcycles can be found in all displacement classes—the Kawasaki Versys, the Yamaha Tracer series, and BMW's F 900 XR all fundamentally follow the concept that Honda established with the Crossrunner.

What still makes the Honda special 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 current models, optimized for efficiency and emissions, can no longer provide.

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. Particularly the second generation, with its enhanced performance and refined chassis, offers a package that doesn't shy away from comparison with current models.

Community experiences largely confirm my initial impressions: The Crossrunner isn't a bike for extremists—neither for racetrack enthusiasts nor off-road adventurers. It's a bike for everyday use, for weekend tours, for vacations with luggage. And it's in this versatile range of use that it continues to excel today.

When I think back to my test in Mallorca, I particularly remember the moment I first revved the V4 to high RPMs while experiencing the agility of the chassis in the tight switchbacks—this contrast between sporty drive and comfortable, manageable seating position created the unique charm of the Crossrunner. And that charm seems unbroken to this day, as evidenced by the many enthusiastic owner reports.

The Crossrunner may never have reached the cult status of an Africa Twin or a Fireblade. But 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.