Intro

The Crossrunner represents the best 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 Crossrunner mix is more than that, though. This machine has an 800cc V4 motor that provides a thrilling riding experience, be it for short urban trips or for covering vast distances.

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, taller seat heights and dual purpose tyres was a concern. The research further 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 each of these issues and in doing so delivers a uniquely adaptable riding experience. The best of both worlds.

Concept

Stability and rider-flattering ease of use were two core design motivations for the Crossrunner project. It was always at the forefront of the design team's minds that this motorcycle should be performance-focused, yet supremely manageable to cater for a wide range of riding capabilities. Beyond the practicalities, the Crossrunner's wide-barred, upright riding position offers a unique riding experience that magnifies the impressions of performance and versatility.

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 panels lends the Crossrunner a distinctive and trend-setting appearance.

The rider's level of machine control is enhanced by the wider than normal handlebar configuration which serves to maximise the leverage effect. This means that the Crossrunner responds accurately yet quickly to small steering inputs.

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 and also to maximise the wind protection afforded by the rider. This also creates a feeling of unison between rider and pillion, adding an extra dimension of harmony to the overall riding experience.

This new model also addresses another aspect that focus groups identified as a key area ripe for consideration: the engine. Most sport tourers use an in-line four cylinder engine and most adventure bikes use a twin cylinder powerplant. This created an obvious opportunity for the Crossrunner design team.

The Crossrunner's smooth, flexible and soulful 782cc V4 engine is specifically tuned for the kind of riding suited to this cross-purpose machine. An elastic, turbine-like delivery and smooth, readily accessible power make it very easy for the rider to find an effortless, flowing rhythm - an attribute always appreciated by the pillion.

Features

Styling

The European design team behind the Crossrunner's unique proposition was given the opportunity to design a motorcycle that reflected the riding conditions of this new decade. The Crossrunner had to be exciting to ride but at the same time easy to master, and the styling of the machine needed to reflect these cross discipline attributes.

The Crossrunner had to be comfortable for both rider and passenger. It was also essential that the end product reflected the ultra-high quality finish that Honda has become renowned for.

The bike's sophisticated styling is accentuated by the high and wide handlebars. Positioning the rider this way with an almost straight back and comfortably outstretched arms increases levels of comfort and improves visibility - both ahead and behind.

To place the pillion on a low, flat seat base, the Crossrunner exhaust system is a low-slung 4-2-1 system, rather than the widely adopted under-seat design. This solution also offers a neat, aesthetically pleasing exhaust routing, excellent cornering clearance and a pleasingly muted yet distinctive V4 exhaust note.

Crucial machine data is provided by a ‘floating' instrument binnacle, placed high for optimum visibility at all times. This design technique also creates a feeling of room and airiness to visually create a sense of space.

Colouring Concept

The Crossrunner will make its European debut in three striking colour versions. In two-tone combinations, they emphasise the unique shapes and layers of the bodywork.

• Graphite Black / Matt Moonstone Silver Metallic
  
• Pearl Fadeless White / Matt Bullet Silver Metallic
  
• Candy Blazing Red / Matt Moonstone Silver Metallic

Engine

The traits of the well-proven Honda V4 engine configuration are legendary. Along with the appealing engine note, this distinctive engine architecture provides a smooth curve of power with excellent torque figures from idle to the rev limit.

To provide both optimum low speed torque and peak power, a highly developed version of Honda's revolutionary VTEC system has been specially adjusted. This technology offers variable valve timing to optimise the degrees of valve opening - a unique proposition in the motorcycle market.

Crossrunner engineers have laboured to refine these characteristics. Throttle control linearity - the feeling of heightened rider control - was an early design goal and formed an importantly large part of the Crossrunner's development time.

The net result is a smooth rush of progressive, linear power with abundant torque throughout the rev range and precise control at every parameter of revs, throttle position, gear position and load.

In pursuit of this goal, engineers experimented with several different inlet trumpet shapes and lengths before the optimum settings were achieved.

The 782cc, quad cam, 90 degree V4 runs an over-square bore and stroke of 72.0 x 48.0mm for efficient cylinder filling via the four-valve, down-draught cylinder heads. The liquid-cooled unit feeds its power to the rear wheel via a six speed gearbox, wet clutch and chain final drive.

An added benefit of maximising the progressive nature of the torque and power curves is efficient fuelling, resulting in a 348km range from the 21.5-litre fuel tank.

Chassis

An adaptable engine needs an equally capable chassis, and the Crossrunner delivers this with a proven aluminium alloy, twin-spar frame that provides excellent rigidity for when the rider demands more.

This sportsbike-derived chassis technology is part of the Crossrunner's unique cross-over proposition. The design allows a much lower headstock height than traditional adventure bikes, resulting in much improved levels of rigidity. The twin aluminium alloy chassis spars that closely hug the contours of the compact engine also offer much better levels of lateral rigidity than the tubular steel frames of most Naked machines.

In harmony with this concept of a wide-ranging level of performance parameters, the Crossrunner's suspension is equally adaptable and perfectly suited to a far-reaching range of riding styles.

Up front, 43mm cartridge forks provide supreme front wheel control and excellent rider feedback. The rear wheel is precisely governed by Honda's race-proven Pro-link rising-rate linkage system and a gas charged HMAS damper with coil-over adjustable spring. Both front and rear suspensions provide a uniquely versatile range of damping control to suit the multi-faceted nature of the Crossrunner.

Options

Honda Access Europe will be providing a range of tailored optional accessories for the Crossrunner. These have been created alongside the bike and are designed to complement its styling, comfort and versatility. The accessories include: