From VFR800Fi to Crossrunner - a real paradigm shift

Hi.
This is my first post on the site, so please go easy :tongue:
I have recently traded my 2009 VFR800Fi for a 2011 VFR800x CrossRunner.
I have to say that at first I was somewhat mystified at how Honda could have produced a bike that was neither fish nor fowl with the legendary VFR800 engine "under the hood"(if I'm permitted to use such a phrase on this forum?), but my misgivings were soon put to rest.
Let me start by saying that if you want the thrill of riding a sports bike, for short periods and on racetrack-like conditions, then the CrossRunner is not the bike for you.
It wallows somewhat in the corners, as would be expected from the new wheel travel that it offers, but is still remarkably well behaved and the difference in horsepower is definitely noticible, although the low end torque makes up for it in other ways.
The reasons for the transition are even more valid now than when I bit the bullet back in December.
I/we want to travel for a number of weeks around the Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island (I say "we" because my wife also has one, but a 2012 ex-demo model)
I loved my red VFR Fi, but could not bear the thought of the pain I would have to endure during and after a trip in excess of 2 hours and the thougt of any gravel stretches made me start having sleepless nights.
Happily, the Crossrunner takes care of that with a much more upright seating position. An addition of the extended screen and you have a tourer with, what is still a very sporty engine, and the ability to handle itself off the black stuff.
Since starting to ride it I have missed the sporty red bike less and less, as the CrossRunner has stepped up in areas where the red bike never really felt comfortable. On the open road the x is throaty and almost as responsive as the Fi, but also handles the lumps and bumps of bad tar seal and gravel with an ease of purpose that would have left me in a cold sweat on the sportier Fi. It's easier to ride, with the balance and steering both being better and the lower torque band gives it the ability to manouvre at slow speeds during commuting and also off the black stuff.
I doubt it will ever stand up against the true on-offroaders like the Triumph Tiger or the BMW F in any serious off-road shootout, but it would certainly hold its own on the tar. For all-round experience and adaptability in just about any non-extreme confitions, I doubt any confirmed VFR owner would find solace on any other motorcycle.
Now Ijust need to get a Pipe that will stop it sounding like a Nancy!
Leo Vince? Any suggestions?

 

Welcome aboard, some interesting comments. Ride safe

 

Another small update on the status of my new Crossrunner.
I mounted some second hand after market pipes (IXRace)...not too sure if I am happy with them yet, but time will tell.
I also refused to pay for a main stand (shudder at the Honda costs) and picked up some crash knobs with this company that will allow the use of a normal dual axle lifter to get that rear wheel up in the air.
Take a look
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...564.1073741826.151173808238167&type=1&theater