Honda has been saving its most significant new model announcements for the EICMA show in Milan next month. Expected are a touring version of the VFR1200F, which we have discussed previously, and a “mid-displacement”, V4-powered, adventure-styled bike that is purely for the street. This latter bike sounds most interesting as it should combine the comfortable upright ergonomics of adventure bikes with a relatively low seat height and low center of gravity for excellent handling on the street. Honda has also indicated it will show a concept of a future, 1200cc, V4-powered adventure bike. Some of the bikes displayed will undoubtedly be current models with significant modifications for the upcoming model year. We have no other information at this point.
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I agree with Daveman, it is again an exciting time to be in motorcycles. More choices than ever and reliability has never been better.
When I hear the name Honda, I get all warm and fuzzy.That’s the way Honda wants you to feel !
Geez, enough already. I have owned a number of bikes over the last thirty years. Many of them were Hondas. I have also owned several Kawi’s and Yamahas, including a personal favorite in the first ZX-11 in the western U.S. circa 1990. I have ridden Ducs, Harleys, Victory and Beemers. There is no lack of great bikes. The most awesome bike I have ever owned was an ’08 CBR1000RR; it grows hair on your chest instantly. I currently have a new VFR 1200. It is a magical bike on the road. Comfortable, powerful, with intuitive handling and it never feels boring or bland if you wick it up a notch. A bit pricey? Sure, but look at a new Triumph, Duc or BMW. Lots of pricey alternatives. Hondas are meticulously but conservatively engineered bikes that tend do a number of things very well, but usually nothing to the extreme. They take a conservative middle of the road approach to things. That is who they are and what they do, and they do it well. Need more raw performance, get a Kawi. Want something less enigmatic and more traditional, get a Harley. Want something sexy and exotic, get Ducati or an MV Augusta. Want something less ordinary, try a Buell, Triumph or BMW. Isn’t it great to live in an age where we have so many excellent choices?
I like Honda. But of all the Japanese brands it looks to me only Kawasaki is coming with new bikes. Honda is living on its laurels.
Gee, what a load of crap… They should do this…. they should do that…. I’d like to see you do a better job……. NOT! Honda, like every other manufacturer, takes their time to develop their product properly…. I would bet that not one of you would have any real idea as to what really goes into the full development process of developing a new bike. Whether it be Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki. Yamaha, BMW, KTM or whoever else you want to have a shot at. Half the goonies commenting here wouldn’t even buy a new bike….. so why complain?
Honda will do what they have always done…. develop their new technology and be a bit slower to bring it to market….. You can’t rush a good thing!!!!! And those gooses who are pissed cos Honda stopped manufacturing the CR? Proves you don’t give a rats ring about the environment……
The final word….. Don’t criticize it. Assess whether it works for you or not. If not move on and keep on talking to yourself whilst you ride…… Hypocrite!!!
LOL, WE don’t have to do a darn thing, we just buy and pass “judgement”…lmao.
Lay off the Honda Kool-Aid.
AussieDude, people stopped saying NOT about 15 years ago. Now that’s covered, none of us here can do a better job because WE AREN”T MANUFACTURERS!!!!!!! We are all consumers who buy products and should be heard because our money (and yours) is what keeps manufacturers in business. I can understand taking your time to build a quality product. Honda took 8 years to update the VFR. What did they give us? A very expensive big with the wrong name. VFR owners on every VFR forum asked for lighter wieght, gear driven cams, no V-TEC, etc. Instead they didn’t listen to the consumers and look what is happening. $16000 motorcycle is being discounted to $13000 in less than one year from introduction.
I have a very good idea of what goes into the developement process. Honda races Moto GP and a lot of that should trickle down into products they sell and bikes the public wants. The strange thing is BMW, who doesn’t race (before this year) has had huge advances in technology and that is directly reflected in there new products. Triumph doesn’t race but they keep pumping out qaulity products. Go to a Triumph dealer. They don’t budge on MSRP because there stuff is selling. I can’t find a street triple within 100 miles.
Long story short, I can complain and criticize because I am a consumer with funds and I would like something with a Honda label. They have great history, great durability and reliability and I know they have the funds and ability to build what we want.
You can sit and stroke Momma Honda’s hair and tell her she’s dong a good job. I’ll be honest with the majority here and tell her she really sucks right now and my money will be going somewhere else until they start listening.
Back under your bridge Troll. We will complain and we have every right to do so. I am so glad Australians are overwhelmingly friendly and fun and not like you.
Just like Honda, the Australian Troll likes to perfect his Wharrgarble before bringing it to the internet. If it just so happens to resemble a Wharrgarble that has been on the market for a decade or more already, so be it.
Given the popularity (still) of the ’60s/’70s/’80s CT90/110 dual-sports (even the C70 Passport has a huge following), Honda could come up with an updated 250cc version with disk brakes, decent suspensions, fuel injection and liquid cooling (like the Yam WR250) but with better ergos and versatility (like the original CTs). They could even give it a CVT so millions of people who never learned how to shift a transmission would be won over.
sure would like to see a new SilverWing mega scooter…present model is how hold? Eight or nine years?
They seem to be selling a “refreshed” version of it on Japan called the SilverWing GT 600.
Optional ABS too. Google is your friend.
Compared to the Burgman 650 it looks like an inferior cheaper 600 class scooter.JMHO.
That midget 13″ rear wheel don’t help with “TOY” look. (^_^ )lol.
I used to ride only Honda. Anyone remember the CB750 Nighthawk? Honda needs more of those types of bike. Plus, what I don’t get is that they already HAVE bikes people want! It’s not like they simply don’t exist – they are just Euro-only models! All Honda needs to do is import the naked version of the CBR1000 (CB1000 I think??), the 599/Hornet, the Varadero and maybe one more. That’s it. By simply importing those bikes into the USA, riders would have little to complain about. As hard as I tried to like it, the NT700V just isn’t the ‘saving’ bike Honda thought it would be. For $10K you get a bike that has a antiquated motor and non-adjustable suspension – way overpriced and under delivered.
I’m holding out until the Milan show next month before I throw the towel in on Honda, but I’m not getting my hopes up. It’s also funny to note that the line of Honda cars has become more and more bland over the last 10 years. Anyone remember the Prelude and S2000?
And what are the Honda dealers supposed to do with all the unsold naked standards? These models you drool about comprise less than 2% of the USA streetbike market…these days, that means under 10,000 units a year.
The brought in the NT650 Hawk. Nobody bought it. They brought in the GB500. Nobody bought it. Then the 599. Nobody bought it. Then the 919. Nobody bought it. But this time will be different, because Tim just realized he needs a naked standard built by Honda.
As soon as it’s a 2-year-old model, discounted 50%, then he’ll buy it. Used.
I can’t comment on the NT650, I’m not old enough to know how it sold when new. But, the 599 no one bought when new because it was overpriced just like the NT700 is now. Over priced and under optioned. It was using a carb’d F3 engine when the 600 RR was using an engine 3 generations newer? and the MSRP was $8000 in 2004? That’s a tough sell when I can get a Street Triple new in 2010 for about that much.
The 919 has the same story, old technology, no adjustments in suspension, analog 1980’s gauges (wow, at least the mid 80’s nighthawk 700S had a digital gear indicator) why would it sell when for around the same price new someone could pick up a better spec’d FZ1 or Z1000 or SV1000. Sorry, Honda didn’t bring over what we asked for. They brought us something we didn’t really want and tried to force us to buy. When we didn’t they said “Too Bad America” If they want to bring us something we’ll buy try this
http://www.mbike.com/honda/cb1300/2010
or the new CB1100F or make the CB1100R
I have the cash and would buy the CB1300. I am waiting for a bike like this from Honda. They can make it like the Yamaha Tenere, I’ll special order it and put up the deposit.
Yeah, Honda “proved” with the NT650 that a mid-displacement sporty V-twin wouldn’t sell in America. I bet they laughed their derrieres off when Suzuki brought in the SV650.
Honda’s GB500 “proved” there was no American market for retro-British bikes. I bet they laughed their derrieres off when Triumph brought back a Bonneville.
Well said. Manufacturers and armchair experts love to pigeonhole the US market into cruiser and race replicas only. But the reality is that it’s not a such a simple market, just an overly simple analysis. The Ninja 250 is Kawasaki’s top selling model. The SV650 has been selling well for over a decade. Ditto for the DR650, and now the Versys (despite it’s hideous looks). Yamaha is charging 7 grand for a 250 thumper (WR250X)and getting it. The DRZ400SM also holds it’s sales floor price, even half a decade old. So clearly it’s not that Americans only buy one kind of bike from Japanese companies.
NT650 was overpriced and overweight, even though a darling of a bike. 599 and 919 were overpriced, bland as corn flakes, and outdated, even though darlings of bikes. The VFR… that’s been covered. It’s not just Honda. All of the Japanese companies seem think of nakeds and adventure bikes as utilitarian commuters, and that’s just NOT what they are in the US even if we’re commuting on them. Americans buy bikes first because they’re fun, and second because they’re useful.
The market is diverse. Chances are if you’re not selling a model, it’s not because the segment doesn’t exist, it’s because you built the wrong bike for it… usually one that is overweight, under-quality and over-priced. It’s also probably just not a fun bike to ride. I don’t feel bad at all for their financial performance; not while Triumph (especially), Ducati, and BMW continue to prosper.
Gabe is right, we piss and moan for these bikes but when the numbers are crunch they tell we really don’t buy it.
Not NEW anyways, i bought my 2K3 SV1000N used for a lot less (~$4K) than sticker price(~$8K) 4 years after being sold to the original owner who only put 3942 miles on 6 years.
Numbers don’t lie. (-_- )’
You’re right they don’t. Triumph, BMW, and Ducati have all performed well despite a recession. The Big 4 are doing something wrong.
Good point.
Honda=Accord-bikes. Refined to the point that they don’t have an identifiable soul. I’ve ridden quite a few Hondas from the last decade…all competent and well made…none that stirred my soul. Motorcycles that are as dependable and boring as washing machines in my book. Even though their sport bikes perform well, they do it in a way that doesn’t have a “personality” if you know what I mean.
I see no effort from “big-H” to tap into what turns on motorcyclist. I also see no effort from them to truly innovate in a direction that doesn’t turn bikes into two-wheeled cars. I get the feeling that they’re also behind pusing “their tech” over better ideas…something tells me they’d actively work against direct-inject/Ficht two-stroke motorcycles, for instance, even though they’d be clean and awesome performers.
When you hear Honda, just think…………………………Accord. That’s all you need to know about Honda motorcycles (well, except for maybe the CB1000RR and Lead Wing).
I guess I’ll have to move to the UK to get the Honda that I want. So sad. So sad.
Nov. 2011 I will finally be in the market for a new bike. First time in my life I will be able to afford a new bike with cash. I’d love a new CB1100R or a naked version of the CBR600RR with the RR suspension and brakes (ABS) or a cool modern CB750SS.
Unfortunately my money will be going to Kawasaki for the new Z1000 or Ninja1000. Both great looking bikes, good suspension, brakes and almost good looks. Oh, and the prices are reasonable.
Honda is dead to me
Honda finished its death throws in 2007 when they discontinued the CR250. Since that time I have learned just how hostile they have been to two stroke technology in general just when it seemed that they were doing and exemplary job of developing them. Since that time they have been throwing more and more and even more attempted fixes for this long obsolete four stroke technology.
Sure, some of the accomplishments are fairly impressive. But all this rubbish has only made planned obsolescence a thing avoidable only through the liberal use of stacks of gold. And eventually they’ll even want you to pay to ship your gold to them.
Why “unfortuantely”?? Kawasaki makes very good motorcycles.
Honda hasn’t been or done anything special for nearly a decade.
If there is no option for cruise control (& heated grips, heated seat, abs, etc.) on the new VFR touring bike…..don’t bother. Like a lot of people, I’m tired of waiting on the Japanese makers to create bikes that are truly competitive with the offerings from BMW. They (BMW) know what touring is all about. I’m not sure beyond the Goldwing that Honda really does.
how about some simple 250’s or 400’s for those of us with no time or maney for an adventure and who just, you know, ride?
For the 1000th time Honda please bring over the Veradaro.
I’ve noticed over the last year or two especially that there seems to be some very vocal detractors of Honda and its offerings. Obviously, many are the same ones over and over again which can’t seem to say enough negative things about Honda (makes you wonder about them sometimes?). I’ve owned Honda products of all kinds for probably thirty years and their motorcycles for about 46. I’ve always looked at Honda as being the technical leader in world of cars and bikes, within their price ranges. But times change and complacency of some of the other companies has swung around and it’s a much more competitive ballgame now. Long story short, Honda isn’t going away but is being very careful with its resources. It’s nowhere as large or as rich as Toyota, for example, but must compete with them and reinvigorated other competitors on the world scene. Throw in a world economic downturn and I think Honda is simply being careful where it puts its money. If Soichiro was still minding the store would it different? Possibly, but these are different times which call for different measures. The motorcycle market is very depressed even with a great variety of good bikes on the market. Look what’s happened with Suzuki, a company even much smaller than Honda. Its GSX sport bikes once heralded as being at the top of their game or close to it and now you read nothing but detractors blasting them for their lack of “newness”, or some such. I’m sure any one of use here would be tickled to own one if that was our style. Suzuki cars are all but forgotten about here in the US and might not be able to stay in this market much longer. I suggest rather than complaining over and over again how much you dislike this or dislike that you think about being more positive in your criticisms. It’s the industry we care about, let’s support it!
WE have to support NOTHING, They(Bike Manufacturers) have to figure it out(listen, watch and execute) how to be on top of their game(not our game, we just buy), they design, build and sell, NOT US.
Only the strongest or most intelligent(always watching and listening) survives, lets microwave some PopCorn and watch who remains standing.
Things are what they are, i don’t like to sugar coat turds, still a turd after the sugar wears off.
We tried being positive 10 or 15 years ago and just got more cruisers. We’ve all largely moved on. Honda could disappear tomorrow and it wouldn’t seriously affect anyone. They don’t make the best of anything anymore. They used to make 5 of the top 10 bikes at any given moment, back when they cared.
I have ridden Hondas exclusively since I was 10 years old. I have 41 years in the saddle. Honda has got to be better and they have to be passionate again. They clearly are not at this time. I agree with the first responder, we don’t have to be positive when we are given a poor effort from Honda. I have money waiting Honda to deliver. No more cruisers!!! Passion like the original Super Sports of the 80s and the original Interceptor of 1983 no stinkin choppers. I will wait a little longer but if no new models, then Triumph gets my money. My 1994 cb1000F is great but I need an upgrade. Give me the CB13000 Super Four here in the States.
honda sucks. I like dirt bikes, not moto cross but trail and cross country. KTM blows it out of the water. Once upon a time honda had some good bikes in this segment like the xr. Now they sell some bs 20 year old model in the xl. This combined with the ridiculous 15k $ scooters makes it a joke in my eyes. 10 years ago i thought it was the best, i bought a transalp. Now i really don’t like the company. There are alot of people like me. I will not be buying any honda products as i dislike bloated overpriced machines. Perhaps they will put out a 420 pound twin to compete with the multistrada, more likely though they will go to the parts bin and bring out a jacked up 600 pound vfr. No thanks
I’m not in the industry, but if the numbers I read are correct, Honda has been losing motorcycle market share in the USA for ten years. Do _they_ think they’re doing a good job?
This looks interesting.
Especially the V-4 powered adventure-style bike for the street. I’m curious to find out what this means exactly. Upright ergos can mean that the bars are an easy reach, but when I think of an adventure bike, I also think of a comparatively high seat. Seat pegs can only be placed so low, without them scraping the ground when you lean over. As such, the vertical separation between the pegs and the seat, which has an awful lot to do with ride comfort, depends almost entirely on the seat height. You can make the seat skinnier so that it will be easier for your feet to reach the ground, but then the seat will not be as comfortable.
“For the street” most likely means that it will have street tires and wheel sizes that are more typical for street bikes than for off-road or adventure bikes. This will not be surprising, because even the new Ducati Multistrada has street-bike wheel sizes. To my way of thinking this is a shortcoming, and this is the number reason why it has less off-road cred than even then R1200GS.
Most bikes that fit the description of “adventure bike” have engines that are not particularly refined from the standpoint of vibration and harshness. So a new bike in this class, that offers improvement in that area, will be welcome, even if it has street wheel and tires and really offers only a slight improvement in ergonomics. This could prove to be a very interesting bike.
According to a recent Australian MC news publication, Honda have re apllied to tradmark the model name “RVF” after letting it expire in 2006. One would safely assume that means there is a V4 Superbike on the cards. Honda also have a new CBR250RR (made in Thialand) which will be designed to compete with the ninja 250.
Hopefully a RVF road race bike wont cary the VFR1200 style price tag.
and Hopefully not the weight too, ’cause she’s a Porker, an overpriced Porker that is.
About renewing trademark names: Usually they do it so other “people” won’t get a hold to the rigths of it.
It doesn’t automatically means “something” is coming out of the factory gates named like that.
Hope ur rigth tho.
Would like to see that Pee-Wee CBR on the States.
When Honda finally decided to put fuel injection on their Shadows it was a big leap. These guys can’t be rushed.
Eff it. I’m buying a KTM 690 Enduro.
2nd that! Use to be a big Honda fan, loved the XR650R (and 400) and still have a huge following but they dropping off one by one…Honda makes realy good quality bikes but does not cater for me anymore, sorry, bikes are boring, copies or high rpm consumables.
at least we are getting a few new options. Given the economy and the bust of the motorcycle industry in general we should consider ourselves lucky to at least be viewing, dreaming or complaining about a few new models.
EZMark- go for the Triumph.
Im trying to stay positive here but being Honda who we talking about here i’ll say 2 new models and the rest same lineup with new colors & paint schemes.
I’m seriously considering buying the new Triumph Tiger 800.
I’d rather buy a Honda. C’MON HONDA!!
All this V4 development quickens my pulse…for a new MAGNA!
I’d like that old V65 Sabre. The new Touring VFR is a joke, just add on bags. And this replaces the ST1300?
The T(ouring) version looks to be another animal just like the ST1300 it replaces…i don’t see where u get that from. Im sure u have seen already. If not, just google it, theres plenty.
Lol, i think i would hit the Lottery JackPot before that one(Magna) happens.
Im betting more on the EVO 6. Magna WHO?
Also, when are getting that retro Air Cooled CB1100 on the U.S?
Most probably no V4 Superbike with the CBR1000RR around. Stinkin I4’s.
Updated XR650? LOL. I wish. LOL.
I sure would like to see more mid displacement bikes from Honda, with tubeless tires, a standard/naked configuration, and a true mid displacement price. I think we have enough variations on the 750 cruiser style, complete with tube tires, and spoke wheels. And we don’t need another $10,000 plus, 700cc touring bike. I love Hondas, but I think they’ve ignored the $6,000 to $8,000 crowd long enough. Otherwise, I might find myself looking a little closer at the Ninja 650, or perhaps the Yamaha FZ6R, next spring.
I totally agree with you, Ernest. In my few seasons of riding I have not see any bike from Honda I could seriously consider buying (new) aside from the Interceptor. There’s no middleweight non-SS bike in their lineup, like the FZ6R or even something remotely considered a starter bike. There’s the razor-sharp CBR and the cruiser lineup. They just seem to be missing transition bikes, which is fine but puts them out of the market for a those of us who don’t plan on doing track days.
The 599/Hornet would work great in that spot but I’d prefer a fairing for highway riding; we’ll see how that turns out, though…
Good God just let them show us they’re still interested in motorcycles. A mid size adventurer would be good for a starter. Honda currently has the least interesting street bike line of the major manufacturers. Enough with the cruisers already. How sweet would a Monster-like bike be from Honda? Less maintenance intensive than the Ducatis but with the clean naked styling. I recently ran across a guy who painted his vt500 Ascot like Honda’s dirt trackers of the 80s. I thought how cool would this be if Honda made one of these with at least a 1000cc engine.
Welllll, the Tiger’s a 1050 triple, the Beemer’s a 1200, why not? I’m not that wild about adventure bikes as I’ve got a garage full for each occasion. I’d still like a KLR or modified XR650L for adventure. VTR 250 would be a welcome addition. Had one, loved it, taught 3 people to be comfortable on motorcycles. Don’t know why they neglect those markets. Must be too close to scooter people.
I had a VT250 – it was good fun!
1200 Adventure bike? The only adventure there is how you will pick it up in the parking lot when it topples over. Can’t wait to see Triumph’s 800’s. Hopefully the weight is good.
LMAO.
A ““mid-displacement”, V4-powered, adventure-styled bike that is purely for the street” sounds pretty neat. I guess Honda wants a piece of the Wee-Strom, Versys market share. I would like to see more manufactururs follow Triumph’s lead, and offer both street and dirt oriented versions of the same model (Tiger).
They’ve already got the Transalp in Europe for that job. I reckon this bike will be aimed somewhere between the new Triumph Tiger 800 (street version), Yamaha TDM900 and evne the Ducati Multistrada. But I agree it does sound pretty good.
Where is the new Goldwing?
In a very very dark room many many floors underground somewhere in Japan, maybe it doesn’t even exist yet.
Well all of those sound pretty lame…how about bringing over the VTR250 to compete with the 250 Ninja?
Play the Lotto, u have a 110% chance of wining compared to that one.
I would like to see it happen too, we need more “standard” learners. Learner cruisers ain’t right.
honda = bland.
Totally Agree!!
I’d more than think that if you took a good spin on the new VFR1200 you would come away with anything but bland.