Honda Crosstourer DCT 1,237cc full review and walkaround

[@plymouthjanner8940]

This bike is the best kept secret, test rode a DCT while ZZR in for service and ended up buying one. Don't judge it until you rode it. Cheers..

[@RevMonkey]

Yeah, I don't see many around but it's a very well built bike. This review was a few years ago. I dont know if they have had a meaningful revision.

[@GingerJohnny]

My new dream bike (used to be BMW GS1200). Now I just need to pass the test then win the lotto! Great video again pal!

[@RevMonkey]

+Johnny Wragg Cheers. You can get some amazing second hand buys these days. One of the good things about the larger, well developed bikes is that they are still very good after a decade. Don't wait for the Lotto win.. Ride a motorbike and you feel like a winner anyway.

[@GingerJohnny]

Haha true, I'm riding my PCX to work every day n my confidence it grown. Really do think a DCT bike would be best for me now so I'm going to look into training on a DCT bike.

[@RevMonkey]

+Johnny Wragg I love my PCX. Love commuting on it. I thought it was more FUN than my Panigale! If I was not such a mad speed freak then I would definitely consider the DCT bikes from Honda but I would more likely opt for the lighter and more agile NC750 DCT in any form as it 'feels' better. Check one out if you get a chance. My review of the NC750X is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoTPgZWBiK2dj9E

[@jmr75]

Your thoughts of the bike are much the same as mine, it's an excellent all rounder so I bought one for touring with the missus. 1 small point from the video though... I'm not sure if you ever noticed, but there are 3 positions on the right hand bar engine mode switch, N D S. guess what N is for... NEUTRAL!!! It lets you sit and rev it when at a standstill, woohoo!!!

[@RevMonkey]

Ha, I didn;t have time to even think about the details but that does kinda make sense :)

[@jmr75]

👍

[@orhansogut5492]

Any vibration?

[@ScottRoney]

Nice review! I am waiting for the American version. The comments on the DCT were most helpful in sorting through the manual vs DCT option. Being an old-timer I've been set on the manual. This review has opened up my thinking a bit and now for sure I will ride both versions before buying.

[@RevMonkey]

+Nick Raphael Hi Nick, The DCT gives you so many mor options,. You can still ride it like a manual but changing gear with your fingertips, which though not old-school it is actually pretty cool. The best thing is that DCT allows you to concentrate on the road and not worry about anything else. It is perfect for two-up riding or for those looking for a safer overall experience but stll want power. It is also bullet-proof. Well worth waiting for and then buying but as I always say, you must test ride it and see if it 'feels' right for you.

[@roysva]

And you can always buy a "normal" gearShifter for your left foot,,, and guess what,, You have the perfect Quick-shifter...

[@orhansogut5492]

Did ypu feel any vibration? The other equestion is did you have a chance to test the kawasaki versy 1000? İf yes, which one do you prefer???

[@martrex]

Nice review Ade. And I liked the review you did of the Versys 1000 LT. I've been riding a V-strom 650 and looking at upsizing. The Versys 1000 and the Crosstourer are bikes I'm looking at - any recommendations? I'm 6 ft. and intend to do touring with a pillion and the occasional offroad. Edit: I'm not considering price differences.

[@RevMonkey]

At 6ft you will be fine with these. They are fairly tall for vertically challenged people. For outright drama and passion, I was REALLY impressed with the Versys 1000 and that is where MY money would go. However, the Honda is a true workhorse and the simplicity of the controls makes it a less stressful experience and probably safer in the long run, especially if you are commuting regularly.

[@spkuse]

We start getting these babies in the USA in May 2016. Can't wait for a test ride and to find out the MSRP on it. If it is cranked up to be maybe BMW will have some competition!

[@RevMonkey]

+Shawn Kuse Yeah, it really is a case of riding this back to back against the BMW and see what you think. THe big Hondas and BMW are almost faultless as there has been such long term evolution to get them right. It comes down to budget, goodies/extras and how it makes you feel. For me.. umm.. Sat Nav, pannies set, heated everything.. Honda may work out the best value.

[@SnarlingDog]

I thought I recognised those roads.... you passed my house...Gonna have to test ride one to convince me of DCT.

[@RevMonkey]

Bob Cooper Yeah, its not for everyone Bob. As it has manual override I think the bike is very good. I heard from somebody that you also get a left-foot gear lever added as an option which operates the same finger switches. :)

[@cheesywotsit7954]

I test rode the manual version a while back. Very impressed. Only other bike to compare is the Triumph 1200 Explorer. But it was, shall we say, more agricultural than the Crosstourer. Think im gonna have to save my pennies. Very good review btw.

[@RevMonkey]

Cheesy Wotsit Yeah, I wasnot taken back by the Explorer. I atually prefered the Tiger 800 XCx I rode after it but for more frequent long journeys then that Crosstourer is great. I would probably get the DCT myself just as it makes a lot of sense for a long relaxing journey but I would have to have a second bike for fun! I thnk somebody mentioned that you can get a foot gear shift added to mimic normal changes.

[@TheDervMan]

Great review, thanks for uploading.

[@RevMonkey]

+DervMan Thanks.. will be doing a load of reviews starting soon. Happy to take requests.

[@jfro5867]

Great review, enjoyed that and your enthusiasm for the DCT. owners really rate them. Just ordered a new DCT model myself. 👍

[@RevMonkey]

Yeah, excellent kit. Have you seen my review of my own Africa Twin? I believe is the perfect solution for touring. Makes things so much easier. Ade

[@jfro5867]

@@RevMonkey Hi Ade, no but will take a look. AT is a v nice bike but I wanted shaft drive so the CT fits what I want better. Happy Honda's 👍

[@RevMonkey]

@@jfro5867 fair point! enjoy. Ade

[@jfro5867]

@@RevMonkey watched your AT vlog, nice bike that, loads of gizmo's though eh! The Crosstourer is like a cheese and pickle roll compared to your AT vegan smoky tahini jackfruit wrap!

[@RevMonkey]

@@jfro5867 ha, yeah, that is one way of putting it. Ade

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Ade just to make you feel better just literally brought a used one today and already love it but like you I went into a garage to fill up so put the brake on, why I don't know as it was level ground. came out and couldn't work out how to release the brake. Nearly rang the dealer but spotted button just before i did. My excuse is getting old and yours ! Great video.

[@RevMonkey]

hehehe - must be easily done then!! haha. I'm a mature fella too. It was not out fault - it is just so unintuitive.

[@everythinggaming7938]

stupid question but with manual bikes u can pull clutch in and twist throttle to rev the engine whilst moving. DCT bikes have no clutch, can you rev them on the move if so how?

[@RevMonkey]

That's actually a really good question. I always like to rev the rngine a bit when standstill - love the sound. I can't recall what I did but I assume one just puts it in neutral, like any automatic, and then one can rev it. When the light changes, slip it back into 'gear' and you're off.

[@everythinggaming7938]

@@RevMonkey yea on stand still no problem but when filtering/moving along u can not put it in neutral

[@RevMonkey]

@@everythinggaming7938 Ah, right. Makes sense.

[@reeceevans3688]

looks like a wicked bike to go touring on long journeys. Not sure about automatics but i guess makes a bit of sense on a tourer.

[@RevMonkey]

Reece Evans Yes, it really does, for those long journeys. Nice for traffic situations as well really.

[@johnnytenjobs]

God! I thought this was the latest whizz bang 💥 but it's 5 years old.

[@RevMonkey]

Ha, yeah, a bit of an older video of mine. Still, what a lot of bike for second hand now! Honda reliability too. Ade

[@windyrun7979]

Great review! Bike has 93lb ft of torque I believe (v4) :) A bit heavy but pretty good looker

[@RevMonkey]

+Windy Run It is certainlyu heavy and pretty tall. Once moving though, typically with Hondas, the ride is great and it feels very nice, smooth and well built. A great bike for long commutes or cross-continent riding.

[@Jimo368]

I agree on the analog speedos

[@RevMonkey]

+Jimo368 Sorry for the delay. I am in two minds these days... I prefer an analogue rev counter but everything else electric seems like a god idea these days.

[@ritchieblake516]

"You know when you get in a Bentley, or a BMW M5?" Yeah, nah yeah... as Ozzie Man would say. Different world!

[@RevMonkey]

Ha, fair point :) Ade

[@TennesseeMethuselah]

It's my top choice...if I can only have just one bike. I bet it would be fabulous for a trailer...

[@RevMonkey]

Great bike - automatic too!

[@dannymurphy4634]

Which Bike i guess its good to have the auto option there but i reckon most peeps wud use the manual override stuff.

[@RevMonkey]

Danny Murphy Maybe. Its certanly nice to have both on a long journey,

[@lightningsmokerXx]

+Which Bike How tall are you? Did you have to tippy toe with it at traffic lights?

[@RevMonkey]

I am just under 5 10 and have a 30" inside leg and it was a bit tall. Not danagerously so but not totally comfortable. If you put your left leg out on a dropping camber near the kerb then you could be in trouble.

[@lightningsmokerXx]

I wish it didn't have the spoke wheels. Also i am not wild about the digital speedometer.

[@RevMonkey]

+lightningsmokerXx Ah, I dont mind the wire wheels, and they supposed to make the ride a little better. I prefer a standard analogue rev-counter but I now much prefer a digital speedometer as its so easy to check your speed at a glance.

[@lodestar9877]

I don't get it. The thumb and forefinger make up the "LOSER" sign and this is what fingers we use on the paddle shift for this bike? I am not sure I want to buy it now.

[@RevMonkey]

Lode Star Ha, yeah, you can't give somebody the loser sign with your left hand and change gear at the same time !! :D

[@lodestar9877]

Which Bike Me thinks the Honda Valkrie might make me feel more like a winner ;-)

[@RevMonkey]

Are they still making that?

[@lodestar9877]

Which Bike Yeah but they made them too futuristic looking this time. I mean its an inline six so its well worth it machine wise. Can't justify for anything less. Smoooooth.

[@RevMonkey]

Umm, might have to try one of those :)

[@ylism]

It has a childproof park brake lever release. lol I like the regular shifting 2012 version of this bike more, looks to be sweet ride for touring. But the smi auto trans just isnt my cup of tea, even with sugar; ) also prefer a reg set gauge cluster, instead of these all digital ones, at least for the tachometer side. How is the fuel use on this bike ? Thanks. yl

[@RevMonkey]

***** Yeah, ha. It was too childproof for me.. I was weary of breaking it :) I didnt give it a long enough test tide to find out about economy but from what i was told it is very reasonable for a large capacity bike. Honda generally make excelent engineered and economical engines.

[@ylism]

LOL It's not normal at all to me, could be a good idea for bikes with manual transmissions too, more so in hilly areas like where I ride ?

[@RevMonkey]

Might be too confusing to add one more complication to manual bike riders :) It makes perfect sense on an 'automatic' bike. I'd rather it was a electronic button that did it.

[@ylism]

You are probably right, but as an option it could be a big help, say for people like me, who live in the mountains, or hilly areas ect. Maybe I should sell a kit ? lol

[@RevMonkey]

ha, yeah.

[@tonyradbrooke2399]

So, dyou put this below the Kawasaki Versys 1000 ?

[@dannymurphy4634]

Tony Radbrooke I wouldnt not on looks anyway.

[@harrykuntz878]

great review the auto really appeals to me I have a dodgy arm after breaking it in a bike crash years ago . my left arm and left foot can get a little tired after a long day in the saddle be nice to just sit back and enjoy the ride I like luxury de lux executive plush machines . I had a lone of a 1990 Ford escort 1.6 auto for a while it was great I could use my left hand to talk on my phone my right hand to smoke a joint and steer with my left knee LOL I plan on buying a crosstourer in the future but an earlier model when they come down a bit in price . I am hoping the new Africa twin will affect used prices ; )

[@RevMonkey]

+Bob Marley Sorry for the delay. Ha, dont smoke a joint in a helmet! :) Crosstourer would be perfect for you. Or try an NC 750.

[@harrykuntz878]

i don't smoke joints i was just messing i don't talk on the phone and drive either . auto vehicles are nice to drive though . the Africa twin is going down well

[@RevMonkey]

+Bob Marley yeah, i will take that africa twin out.

[@harrykuntz878]

enjoy the Africa twin I think they will sell very well indeed demand outweighs supply at the moment

[@RevMonkey]

Bob Marley Agh, I may struggle to get on one then. Still, I will give it a try :)

[@lifeisgoodno1]

hello thank you for your very effective videos. if you need to choose between the versys 1000 to the crosstorer with of tham you will go for (price is big issue for me ) kind regards

[@RevMonkey]

+LEViDO OVADIA The Versus 1000 is VERY good value for money and a great ride as well. It also looks a lot nicer to me so I would go with the Versus 1000. However, the Crosstourer is an epic bike and anybody would be more than happy with it. Try a second hand version of both within your budget.

[@natjacobs8685]

woah, ha, its a 1.2 liter bike, no wonder it was speedy when you revved it up.

[@UncleWally3]

Nice common sense seat-of-the-pants review.

[@RevMonkey]

+Walter Wilkins That;s me.. I dont plan these things.. some times its crap, some times it is funny. :)

[@paulharris3149]

Show the speed

[@RevMonkey]

Er, it was fast!

[@rugby3874]

Honda please bring it to America

[@RevMonkey]

rugby Wow, didnt realise this was not in the USA.. great bike for the long distance roads over there ! Have you got any DCT / Automatic-like bikes in the US?

[@rugby3874]

Honda builds really good machines,,,Probably the best

[@RevMonkey]

rugby You might be right, overall they are excellent machines, built for the masses.

[@kabish0603]

+rugby Honda Announces VFR1200X Crosstourer Coming to the USA in 2016

[@RevMonkey]

SD Cruiser Cool - nice bike.

[@MarnochStanden]

Good first impression Ade and can concur as ridden the 2013 DCT for 12 months and smile every day, great with the optional gear lever in the conventional position, gives more options and control when gear changing. Height and heavy for moving about are true but smooth riding when you get the suspension adjusted correctly. Plenty of reports and details on www.crosstourer.com/index.php Min G0JMS

[@RevMonkey]

Marnoch Standen Umm, are you saying that you can get actal left side gear levers added as an option?

[@roelseinstr5]

Which Bike Yep

[@RevMonkey]

Roelse J-P Cool! :)

[@roelseinstr5]

I ride a 2012 dct crosstourer, over 65000 flawless kms on it, after several pan europeans, BMW gs-es and other, this is my best bike up until now. Period.

[@MarnochStanden]

Which Bike Hi yes it's an optional extra and its an electronic switch which copies the trip tronic buttons on the LH handle bar. You don't have to go searching for the buttons and remember what is up or down. Called a DCT foot shifter kit £466 !!!!! it was fitted to my bike by the previous owner had to get divorced.... hope not over the gear lever. Loved the report and just as I found it when I first rode it. Min.

[@MsDenver2]

I can’t watch you channel if you keep insulting God as I’m a Christian, there really is no need for it , it’s very offensive

[@RevMonkey]

Fair enough. I respect that. Are you referring to things like OMG, For Gods Sake or general swearing out of interest? It's rare to see anybody stick up for Christianity these days so well done for that. "He that is among you without sin, let him cast the first stone at her. " John 8.7

[@SAB-iq1kp]

That's some stupid ass stuff you just wrote there dear Donna. Normal talking person beeing offensive. Wow, God damn it what has this world come to.

[@JeffreyOcaya]

I like your video but you kept blocking the speedo when you were probably defying the legal limits on where you are. You've got journalistic license anyway :-) so maybe you can ease up on the self-censorship. :-)

[@RevMonkey]

Nah, journalists do not get special treatment breaking the law. I am completely against speeding but like others will speed in the right situation. I do 20 in an urban round especially with kids on the pavement but show me some open road and I will enjoy a bike or sports car to the fullest extent. This bike is deceiving and when you look down you cannot believe the speed you have reached. Bit scary! Thought it best to be prudent :)

[@BestRex]

This is NOT 2016 - it's the older one. THUMB DOWN.

[@RevMonkey]

+BestRex Thanks, changed that.

[@orhansogut5492]

2016 has adjustable wind screem and 3 different tcs mode

[@holdencaulfied7492]

Can't understand you! Come on, English.. you invented the language! Just kidding, love the Brits, watch the Premier League every week. Go Man Utd!

[@RevMonkey]

Ha. :)

[@holdencaulfied7492]

"give it the beans!"

[@norfolkbor]

reckless speeding. nice bike tho

[@RevMonkey]

I did enjoy it - perhaps too much. I was a lot worse in those days. I am much more reserved now - on reviews. Ade

[@norfolkbor]

@@RevMonkey Thinking about letting my Pan go and getting one of these - worried about the weight though. Is it really heavy? - the Pan is! Or am I just too old ?

[@RevMonkey]

@@norfolkbor As we get older , the weight of the bike becomes more of an issue and DCT becomes a real blessing. It is a lot lighter than the Pan or Goldwing. Get our on a test ride and put it through its paces and I am sure you will love it. More agile, more fun but perhaps not as comfy and solid. Ade