Milan: 2012 Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer

1237cc V4, with traction control?

THIS is Honda's new Crosstourer, powered by the same 1200cc V4 as the VFR1200.

According to Honda it's 'an adventure sports tourer which takes Honda's unique V4 heritage in a new direction'.

First unveiled as a concept model in 2010, the Crosstourer features a 1200cc engine, adventure styling, long-travel suspension and an upright riding position. It has a die-cast aluminium beam frame, tubeless spoked wheels at 110/80 and 150/70. The front forks are 43mm upside-down and the rear suspension is the familiar Pro-Link. Like the VFR, it's shaft-drive, for low maintenance too.

The Crosstourer boasts a whopping 21.5 litre tank, with a claimed 45mpg capability. It has a wheelbase of 1595mm with a 28-degree rake, a 107mm trail and 40-degrees of steering lock. The seat height is 850mm, so that'll count shorties out. Honda claim it'll weigh 275kg wet with the DCT version weighing an additional 10kg.

Strangely, it's also got traction control, combined ABS and an optional Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

The 2012 VFR1200X Crosstourer will be available in four colours: Digital Silver Metallic, Pearl Sunbeam White, Pearl Cosmic Black, Candy Prominence Red.

You will be able to see this bike at the NEC Motorcycle Live