Honda Crossrunner for adventurous

Over the past few years, BMW has increased their presence with new models in this lucrative category they have dominated for decades. Newcomers include the Triumph Tiger XC800, Ducati 1200 Mutistrada and Yamaha 1200 and 660 XTs.

Honda has had a range of models in this sector over the years such as the Varadero and long-running Transalp.

The Crossrunner makes use of the willing quadcam V4 VTEC engine out of the now-deleted VFR800 road bike.

Honda calls it a "rugged adventure bike", but don't mistake this for an off-road adventurer. With its shorter travel suspension and road tyres Honda is targeting all-road riders, not off-road riders. It features wide handlebars, aluminium alloy twin-spar frame, 43mm cartridge forks and a rear cast aluminium pro-arm swingarm with a gas damper adjustable for rebound.

The low exhaust system allows plenty of pillion legroom for comfortable touring.

Available options also point to long-distance touring such as a 12V DC socket, panniers, grip heater, top box, centre stand and higher windscreen should make it a suitable long-distance tourer.

On the safety side, it comes standard with combined brakes and ABS. The instrument binnacle includes a digital LCD speedometer, tachometer, twin trip meters, coolant and ambient temperature gauges and a clock. It comes in Graphite Black/Matt Moonstone, Silver Metallic and Candy Blazing Red/Matt Moonstone Silver Metallic colour options.