Honda confirms Crosstourer name

Honda has grand plans for its burgeoning V4 engine range, all but confirming the existence of its next 1200cc V4-powered adventure tourer motorcycle after recently filing a trademark for the Crosstourer name.

The big bore tourer will rival the likes of the BMW R 1200 GS and will probably have a price tag to match, judging by the Honda VFR1200F's $25k price point.

Expected to be powered by the same 1237cc that provides motive force to the VFR1200F, the new Crosstourer motorcycle will be based on the Crosstourer Concept bike that made its debut at the EICMA motorcycle show in November 2010.

Engine technology takes up the lion's share of development budgets for motorcycle makers and this is unlikely to be the last model we see powered by the big bore V4 engine.

While it will use the VFR1200F's engine, the Honda Crosstourer will be similar in appearance to middleweight 782cc Crossrunner, and based on that vehicle's design gestation from concept to reality, we can expect the new Crosstourer to look a lot like the concept bike, pictured to the right.

Ostensibly replacing the Honda XL1000V Varadero, the new model will have a modicum of off-road ability, thanks to intermediate tyres, extended suspension travel at the front end and an upright riding position.

If the concept bike is anything to go by, the new model will feature spoked wheels, and may be optional with crash bars, spot lights, and could be the first adventure tourer to be offered with an automatic gearbox in the form of Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission, giving riders twist-and-go operation.

With the Crosstourer name now trademarked, it's only a matter of time before we'll get the full spec list and a look at the production ready design.

There's a strong chance the production model Honda Crosstourer will be launched at EICMA in Milan come November.

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