Since I can't buy a CrossTourer in the USA is it possible to make one from a VFR1200??
Hello, and welcome to the forum!
I don't think it's feasible to make a CT out of a VFR. And if it were, it wouldn't be worth IMO, not to speak of the lot of cash necessary.
I remember reading stories in the past about people who successfully brought, and registered, bikes from Europe into the USA. IIRR, the key point was having the bike legalised as 2nd hand in some "rather permissive" state (not California or New England so to speak); then the bike became legal in all other states.
Yet, getting service and parts was something to think of ...
Good luck,
Josep
I think it`s only a matter of time before common sense dictates the Crosstourer should be available in the States, until that time, it`s sensible to be patient.
Longranger...
At the 15th annual meeting of this forum, last month in Wales, UK, we welcomed a large delegation of Honda Japan. And... we welcomed one of our American members who imported 2 XL1000V Varadero's in to the States (Tennessee)
He also complained about the fact that Honda US only seems to be interested in cruisers and Goldwings and nothing more.
Problem is, that the national importers more or less 'dictate' which bike from the Honda assortment is going to be on the national wish list.
I know that there is interest in the CT on the US market (via the ADV rider forum). I can only say... make a statement at Honda USA. Join forces. you g
Problem is that you guys have to cope with some incompetent people who are in charge of Honda USA... Where it is obvious (looking at the success of other bigtrails from BMuu, KTM, Triumph and even Moto Guzzi and Ducati) that there is a demand for bikes like the Crosstourer being imported in to the USA...
I thought that the main problem was with name ''Varadero'' ,they didn't like that name because it refers to Cuba .A friend of mine who lives in states told me that '' Varadero'' is been promoted and sold as ''deuvelle '' !
question got me thinking...
Today, someone asked if my Varadero was a V4.
....if I'd said yes, would that make it a Crosstourer?
...How about a V4 in a GS Adventure chassis...
The CrossTourer engine runs about 40HP less than the VFR1200. It is technically feasible to change the VFR, but could be a little pricey, you'd need to remove the side farings, change the front and rear suspension and thew front wheel.
My view would be import a used one into the USA. The parts would (should) be available through your Honda dealer, but you would have to wait for the parts to be ordered in as opposed to being held by the USA Honda distributor.
I've ridden both bikes recently and I feel they are quite different in their character and behaviour. What I don't understand is that the Crosstourer would be an excellent bike for the USA, it is hard to believe Honda USA don't want to bring them in.
Cheers from downunder...
American bureaucrats are so insular. Varadero is a Spanish word for a wide shallow sloping area down to the shore, a place they haul out boats for maintenance. The one in Cuba has become a place-name but should correctly be called 'THE Varadero'.
It's a good place to go in Estepona, Costa Del Sol but then we Brits could get upset about the current attitude of Spain to the Gibralta situation.
OR maybe the HD lobby are frightened because of the vee twin competition?
Take a trip to Canada and ride one home down the old Canadian Club route, like when they banned alcohol!
Just a thought.
Jack.