Sunday, April 17, 2011

Honda V4 Crossrunner

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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 rightly 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.



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

2011 Honda V4 Crossrunner (ED-type) Main features
- Liquid-cooled 782cc, 4 cam, 90° V4 engine delivers a smooth curve of power with excellent torque throughout the rev range.

- Low-slung 4-2-1 exhaust system leaves room for a lower, flatter pillion seat as well as allowing for an attractive exhaust design, excellent cornering clearance and a distinctive V4 engine note.
- Natural, upright riding position of a Naked machine is combined with the roominess, comfort and rugged appearance of an adventure bike.
- Wide handlebar configuration contributes to quick, accurate response to steering input.
- Low passenger seat is designed for easy mounting and positions pillion at similar level to the rider, resulting in better wind protection and an enhanced ride feel.
- ‘Floating’ instrument binnacle is positioned for maximum visibility at all times and includes a digital LCD speedometer, a tachometer, twin trip meters, a coolant temperature gauge, an ambient temperature indicator and a clock.
- Honda VTEC system with refined fuelling and ignition maps combine for a smooth progressive power delivery, abundant torque and precise control.
- Aluminium alloy twin-spar frame provides excellent rigidity.
- 43mm cartridge-type front fork provides supreme front wheel control and excellent rider feedback.
- Cast aluminium Pro-Arm swingarm, Pro-Link rising-rate linkage system and gas-charged HMAS damper with adjustable rebound damping combine for comfort and precise control.
- High-performing Combined brakes with standard-fit ABS create powerful, assured braking with optimised control and feedback.