Honda Crossrunner: Towards street category...
Extensive customer research indicated that whilst buyers liked the appearance and the image of adventure bikes, for some the compromised stability caused by long travel suspension, tall seat heights and dual purpose tyres was a serious deterrent.
The research revealed that customers wanted a machine that had a unique stylish image and was also great fun to ride in all conditions throughout the year – whether that be on short trips around town or on long rides out across country. The Crossrunner addresses all these issues.
The liquid-cooled 782cc 4 cam 90° V4 VTEC engine delivers a smooth curve of power with large amounts of torque throughout the rev range.
The engine performance provides a unique riding experience, be it for short urban trips or for covering vast distances. A low-slung 4-2-1 exhaust system is used. Fuelling is efficient, resulting in a claimed 348km range from the 21.5-litre fuel tank.
The CrossrunnerĒs riding position is something between the wide-barred, upright riding position of a naked machine with the roomy and comfortable one of an adventure bike. As a result the Crossrunner offers a unique riding experience that magnifies the impressions of speed, acceleration and lean angle.
The riderĒs level of machine control is enhanced by the wider than normal handlebar . The Crossrunner has also been designed to maximise pillion comfort. The passenger is seated on a level, low platform to make mounting and dismounting easier.
An aluminium alloy twin-spar frame is used, which is a sportsbike-derived chassis. At the front a 43mm cartridge-type is used, while at the rear a cast aluminium Pro-Arm swingarm, an adjustable shock and a Pro-Link linkage system.
Crossrunner prototypes have endured over 120 sessions in the wind tunnel to maximise stability-enhancing airflow. The net result of this extensive wind-flow research is unwavering stability at all speeds. This airflow technology that helped shape and form the multi-layered fairing
ABS is standard-fitted. Twin 296mm floating discs are arrested by three-piston calipers at the front, whilst the rear 256mm disc brake adopts a twin-piston caliper.
Colours available are Graphite Black / Matt Moonstone Silver Metallic, Pearl Fadeless White / Matt Bullet Silver Metallic, Candy Blazing Red / Matt Moonstone Silver Metallic.
Optional equipment list includes:
- A 29-litre pannier kit.
- A sleek 31-litre top box featuring
- A U-lock and an Averto alarm kit.
- A higher windscreen that offers extended wind protection for taller riders. - A set of two fairing deflectors, offering increased wind protection.
- A pair of slim heated grips with an integrated controller for maximum comfort and compact design integration.
- A mainstand that makes rear wheel maintenance easier and provides more secure parking on uneven surfaces.
- A 12V DC socket for powering additional electrical equipment.
- An outdoor motorcycle cover that protects the paintwork from UV rays.
Comment: In theory the Crossrunner represents a mixture of aspects of two separate biking genres: the flexibility and exciting attitude of a naked performance machine with the upright riding position and rugged appearance of an adventure bike.
The engine is derived from the VFR800F, producing nominal power of 101 bhp/1000 rpm and 72.8Nm/9500rpm torque. Á chain final drive is used.
Steering geometry looks sporty for the category standards, practically the same with that of a street bike, as well as suspension travel, according to a Honda press release at 12/16/2010. As an impression the same applies to the character of the bike and the kerb weight.
It could be the alter ego of the Transalp, derived from the VFR...
Specifications
Engine Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC 90° V-4
Displacement 782cm3
Bore x Stroke 72 x 48mm
Compression Ratio 11.6: 1
Max. Power Output 74.9kW/10,000min-1 (95/1/EC)
Max. Torque 72.8Nm/9,500min-1 (95/1/EC)
Idling Speed 1,200min-1
Oil Capacity 3.8litres
Fuel System Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Throttle Bore 36mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 21.5litres
Final Drive O-ring sealed chain
Frame Type Diamond; aluminium twin-spar; pivotless Chassis
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2,130 x 799 x 1,243mm
Wheelbase 1,464mm
Caster Angle 25° 45'
Trail 96mm
Turning Radius 2.8m
Seat Height 816mm
Ground Clearance 140mm
Kerb Weight 240.4kg (F: 115.2kg; R: 125.2kg)
Suspension Type Front 43mm cartridge-type telescopic fork with stepless preload adjustment, 108mm axle travel
Rear Pro-Link with gas-charged HMAS Rear Pro-Link with gas-charged HMAS damper, 7-step preload and stepless rebound damping adjustment, 119mm axle travel
Wheels Type Front 6-spoke cast aluminium Rear 5-spoke cast aluminium Rim Size Front 17M/C x MT3.5 Rear 17M/C x MT5.5 Tyre Size Front 120/70-R17M/C
Rear 180/55-R17M/C () Tyre Pressure Front 225kPa Rear 250kPa
Brakes Type Front 296mm dual floating hydraulic disc with 3-piston calipers, C-ABS and sintered metal pads
Rear 256mm hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper, C-ABS and sintered metal pads