Honda has resurrected the Integra name from its automobile past to christen the hybrid motorcycle/scooter you see above that we understand will enter production and be available as a 2012 model in Europe.
Most important about the Integra is the engine and transmission, which will appear in other models, including more motorcycle-like machines possibly introduced at EICMA in November.
The newly developed 700cc parallel twin with Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission was conceived by Honda to be extremely fuel efficient, while retaining the performance and power necessary for entertainment. With an estimated fuel economy exceeding 60 mpg, the Integra and other models featuring the same engine/transmission combination could provide the basis for successful Honda products that meet the fuel efficiency standards required by new world economic realities. Here is the announcement by Honda:
TOKYO, Japan, September 26, 2011 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the development of a new motorcycle engine with powerful torque in the low- to mid-speed range and top class, fuel-efficient environment performance, along with a second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission. This new engine is a liquid-cooled, 700cc, 4-stroke, in-line, 2-cylinder engine that fits into the mid-class range (displacement between 500 and 750cc) popular in Europe. Fuel economy exceeds 27km/L,*1 best in the mid-class range, and achieves an approximate 40%*2improvement over other sports models in its class.
This new engine can be coupled with a newly developed lightweight, compact second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission, featuring a smooth, direct feel and excellent transmission efficiency, in addition to a 6-speed manual transmission.
This new engine will be mounted on three models based on different concepts, which are slated for exhibition at EICMA2011(69th International Motorcycle Exhibition) to be held in November in Milan, Italy.
Honda developed this new motorcycle engine in order to realize a set of motorcycles based on its new concept of offering outstanding fuel efficiency in the mid-class while delivering powerful, throbbing torque in the normal range for touring and urban riding.
Development was performed to meet these requirements:
- An engine that is easy to handle with plentiful torque in the range normally used, and which also delivers a pleasant, throbbing feel during sporty rides
- Top-class, fuel-efficient environmental performance best suited for the next-generation mid-class engine
- A lightweight, compact design that allows more freedom in the body layout and provides highly convenient space
Honda determined the engine layout after examining a variety of engine types from numerous perspectives and decided on an in-line, 700cc, 2-cylinder engine with a 62º forward lean (cylinder assembly angle). To meet a wide variety of uses, two transmissions can be coupled with this engine: the second generation of Honda’s innovative Dual Clutch Transmission, and a 6-speed manual transmission.
*1
WMTC mode (Honda calculations)
*2
Honda calculations
= Main Features of the New Engine =
Higher combustion efficiency and lower friction
- A wide variety of low friction technologies that aid better fuel economy are incorporated: To improve fuel efficiency through better-controlled combustion while realizing a powerful ride in the low- to mid-rpm ranges, the bore-stroke ratio is set at 73×80mm. An ideal combustion chamber shape and optimum valve timing also contribute to achieve stable combustion. Resin coating is applied to the pistons, and lightweight aluminum material is employed for the first time in a motorcycle in the friction-reducing roller rocker arm.
Uneven-interval firing and uniaxial primary balancer
- Adoption of uneven-interval firing with a 270° phase crank and uniaxial primary balancer help realize an engine with a pleasant throbbing feel that also reduces vibration.
Branch intake port inside the cylinder head, valve timing
- The layout of a branch intake port inside the cylinder head was chosen to have only one intake channel for two cylinders. This design creates deliberate interference between the two cylinders’ intake processes to achieve precisely calculated changes to combustion timing.
In addition, to change the valve timing between the two in-line cylinders with one camshaft, the specifications provide for a cam with two timing routines for the intake valve. Through these measures, subtle combustion changes can be generated to give the engine a delightful, pulsating feel.
Exhaust emission purification system
- To maximize the efficiency of exhaust emission purification so that the catalyzer, a three-way catalyst, can be started promptly after the engine starts, the catalyzer has been placed directly beneath the exhaust ports. This design lets the combustion gas pass through the catalyst while the gas is still hot. In addition, a combination of measures, including the adoption of an electronically-controlled fuel injection system (PGM-FI),*3 allows the engine to achieve an emission level approximately half the European emission standards (Euro 3).*4 The resulting environmental performance is ranked among the top in the world without compromising powerful, smooth output.
*3
PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection System) is a Honda registered trademark
*4
Honda calculations
Second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission
- The Dual Clutch Transmission, developed for the first time by Honda for motorcycles and installed on the VFR1200F, is now lighter and more compact through a simplified hydraulic circuit and other design enhancements. A learning function has been added to each selected running mode to detect a variety of riding environments from city streets to mountain passes and automatically performs the most suitable shift control. Although it is an automatic transmission, the Dual Clutch Transmission delivers fuel economy on a par with manual transmissions as a result of its excellent transmission efficiency.
I have been a biker all my life and have owned and ridden everything from the mundane to the exciting. These includded a Stan Stephens tuned RD 350 YPVS Yamaha, a VFR 850 Honda in the latter category, and a James 350, a Honda 750 and a 175 Bantam in the former. In my last job I rode a BMW 850 for a living. But for some inexplicable reason, pehaps influenced by my first bike having been a Vespa 180SS, and almost on a whim, I bought a Honda Silver Wing scooter not long after they first came out. This turned out to be the best bike I ever owned. Legendary Honda reliability. Almost no vibration or noise, and excellent handling made riding a pleasure. The responsiveness of the auto box and the pickup meant that it out accelerated the BMW with ease and had almost the same top speed. So I am a super-scooter fan now. And for most bikers, its not all about economy and efficiency otherwise we’d all be riding a Suzuki GN125 and getting 100mpg at 60 mph. Its about the whole experience. This Integra looks like the sort of combination between super scooter and big bike tourer that would appeal to me and many others. The economy is a welcome bonus, not the whole picture. I was going to buy a new Silver Wing GT, but I will wait and have a closer look at this new Integra before i decide.
A
Awesome, I love it. This bike can do anything. How about a dual sport version with the same level of wind protection.
I am former maxi-scooter owner. I had the first generation Aprilia Scarabeo 500 (S500) (beige and silver) until a distracted driver sent me cartwheeling. The bike was strewn all over the road. It looked like aircraft wreckage.
The S500 looked great but it was not really a good motorcycle. The engine swung up and down and the thumping of the big single made my throttle hand numb.
This Honda’s engine is mounted in the frame and there’s two cyclinders.
By the way, the S500 never got below 60mpg, fuel injected and water cooled, and cost $6300 out the door.
By some miracle, it would be nice if it sold for substantially less than the Silver Wing.
I’d gladly accept a naked version if it were substantially cheaper, say $5000.
I’m getting 57 mpg on my BMW 800cc parallel twin. To me, its the perfect motorcycle. Paid well under $10k for a used one. My last fill-up with Premium cost $10.
You have got to remember that here in the UK gas is now over $7 a gallon so the economical argument starts to make a lot more sense.
But what the hell, that design looks SO COOL. Bikes like the Majesty and TMax are too of course, but this moves on from the dead-end of big men on silly small frame sit-back bikes and has the same sort of class of 70s bikes like the bonny and muscle jap bikes. The Kawasaki W800 is cool in a rocker style, this is updated Mod. My order goes in asap.
Honda should have stuck with the “mid concept” color scheme with red rims and chrome mirrors, etc. This one looks like a Silver Wing on a diet with bigger wheels.
Honda: I’d buy this engine if you’d market it in the naked bike in the U.S.
Honda: Should have left the color scheme as in the “mid concept” with the red rims, chrome mirrors, etc. This one jsut looks like a Silver Wing on a diet with larger tires. P.S. I’d buy this engine in the naked bike concept!
“no one else” really? so you think they’re worse than harley, the teltuls, everybody ??
I do not make fun of the maxi-scooter set. I know a group of former AMA pro/ams that have these tricked out Burgmans that have suspension and motor mods and ALL of them give the 600 supersport suids fits on Blood Mtn in N GA. BTW- They are all between 65yo and 75yo and sport names like Turbo Bill, NY Ed, Fireball Frank and Ton-up Tony. Just sayin’… Respect.
If Honda would only lowwer their quality standards to give their bikes “character.” You know, the character that comes from getting your bike towed to the shop, or at least some rattles and things designed to fall off and annoy.
Yeah…..that’s why they’re about to win the MotoGP World Championship….again, why their car dealerships are essentially a license to print money, and their reputation for quality, durability and reliability across their entire range of products is effectively legendary.
Because they’re just ‘mediocre’.
not “just mediocre”……they’re incredibly good at mediocrity.
es, that is why my garage has a Honda sedan, motorcycle, lawn mower, snowblower, tiller, weedwacker and even a Honda powered bicycle. Amazing how well mediocrity can perform, especially over the long term.
Yeah, you’re right……the Civic Si in my garage is absolutely no fun to drive. I never enjoy finishing my workday travel and find the long way home.
i’ve been riding sportbikes since i started riding back in 1992. with age, your back goes. now, i’m an owner of a 2011 yamaha tmax scooter/sportbike hybrid with 500cc engine. i have to tell you, this scooter can hang the corners like it’s on rails! i get about 52-54 mpg on the highway with a 4 gallon tank. i’m enjoying riding in this relaxed position with a CVT tranny and look forward in doing some touring. i’m jealous that the honda there has a 700cc engine, but i’m more amazed that the tmax has more power than i thought. a lot of my friends that ride motorcycles can’t believe i can hang with them and hit the twisties just as good! i don’t know if the honda integra will ever get into the u.s., but it took 2 years before the yamaha tmax made it here. hopefully we will get to see one here.
Is nothing to be amazed about…i have seen what under all those plastics AND IS PRETTY.
SPORT BIKE PRETTY.
I could see myself buying a used one sometime down the road…just because.lol. A DCT on that baby would turn it from no frills scooter to full blown motorcycle.
I hope Maxi-Scooters take to that technology(DCT).
Ya might want to wait for a year or so, and see if the Tmax 750 (due out next year) makes it to the states.
LMAO. I just remenbered about a rumor like 2 years ago or more where people were saying how there was a TRIPLE 750(snowmobile mill)TMAX coming our way…lol.
Rumors, u have to love it sometimes…(^_^ )…that been said, im at the edge of my seat waiting for Kawasaki and it’s “End of all there’s & will be” ZX~14R. Let The Good Times Roll…I hope.
Definitely doesn’t look like an original Integra but it looks cool. If sold for the right price, it will sell. It’s all about fuel efficiency and less emissions these days so I think it will sell. I mean who knew that such cars as Minis and Fiat 500s would be successful in US market.
Did anyone notice the bore-stroke ratio … 73 x 80 mm. That puts it more like an old Triumph Bonneville engine. Expect to see the red line around 6500 rpm, which should help fuel burn. The variable intake cam may also follow more of an Atkins cycle at certain speeds – read more efficient with less power, to help with fuel consumption.
Another game changer – but as noted, will it sell.
I wish Honda would stop making these who cares bikes and actually import the one bike I would pay cash for tomorrow – the new CB1100F http://www.mcnews.com.au/2011_Bikes/Honda/CB1100F/CB1100F_RHF_1024.jpg
Does every new Honda have to have he same styling cues? This maxi scooter, the new little 250, the new VFR1200 and the improved Gold Wing look like the bastard siblings.
I love the CB1100F and would love to have one, however, Honda would sell about the same amount of them as they would this hybrid moto/scooter.
For about 1/3rd of the price of a new CB1100F you could find an original in tip top shape.
It find it rather amusing that the bikes that no one is really interested in get the most comments. This big scooter is a lost cause on American soil before it even gets released. No one wants to pay over $10,000 for this thing in order to “save” money at the pump. It just doesn’t make sense. However, as the old saying goes…”there’s a sucker born every minute”. So maybe there is hope after all if HONDA can get enough suckers to pony up with the bucks to buy one of these flops.
All the suckers must be in Europe. That is where they expect this to sell.
You said it. It doesn’t make economical sense to pay as much for a bike as a Kia Rio. Not even the all electric bikes calculate to a savings. For commuting, my 250 gets 65MPG and only cost me 3500.00 new and will easily hit 50,000 and 5 years (currently 3yr). All this technology is awesome but not for the price you pay.
Timo
“No one wants to pay over $10,000 for this thing in order to “save” money at the pump.”
Maybe not in motorcycles (or large scooters) but they do it in groves every day with cars (Hybrids and diesels). People will quickly trade their paid for car, spend tens of thousands on a new car to save the difference at the pump). Economic sense? But such is the lure in saving on fuel which we’re reminded of everytime we pass a station or turn on the news.
Most people don’t realize it, but you have to own a Prius for seven years before you begin to save any money on fuel. Most car owners sell their car after 4 years so they never benefit from the fuel savings that the hybrids offer. Seems to me that the green bunch didn’t buy the car to save gas, but only to help with globing warming. Oh well, Toyota can sure use the money right now and if they have to sell ugly cars to dumb people, then so be it.
re: “Maybe not in motorcycles (or large scooters) but they do it in groves every day with cars (Hybrids and diesels). People will quickly trade their paid for car, spend tens of thousands on a new car to save the difference at the pump).”
the same is happening in PV (photovoltaics). theres almost a 100% increase YTD in the arrays being installed on consumer rooftops. even with the 30% tax incentive, it’ll still be 20 years with the limited amount of sunlight we get around here before any of these homeowners see a return on solar. 5 years ago there were almost zero installs. not that this is bad thing, in fact i’m loving it, but in the past 5 years, even with imports from china, nothing in PV has gotten dramatically cheaper. it’s the same “psychology” as the hybrid car purchase. people want to “feel” like they have control, even when reality says different.
Morris Bethoven wrote:
“No one wants to pay over $10,000 for this thing in order to “save” money at the pump. It just doesn’t make sense. However, as the old saying goes…”there’s a sucker born every minute”. So maybe there is hope after all if HONDA can get enough suckers to pony up with the bucks to buy one of these flops.”
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Math isn’t a strong point of yours, is it? Paying $10K for this, rather than $15K for a Kia econobox that gets half the fuel economy and costs a lot more to insure, will save money. And this will be a lot more fun for commuting.
I find your attitude really annoying. People with different values than yours are not automatically “suckers.” The guy with a Vespa who’s ready to move up to something more highway-capable might well choose this. It’s got the automatic transmission feature he values. It has massive amounts of storage. It’s got great wind protection. What’s your problem with people preferring a different kind of bike than the one you ride?
Sorry amigo, I never compared it to a KIA, so please get your facts right. I never said anything negative about scooters in general, just this particularly big scooter that doesn’t make much sense (my opinion). Opinions are still allowed on this board, aren’t they? You could buy a lot of motorcycle for the price of this BIG scooter and I think most folks would agree with this thought.
BTW- I would call those small briefcase sized bags “massive” storage. Perhaps a bit of introspection is needed here. Have fun on your scooter.
Morris Bethoven wrote: “Sorry amigo, I never compared it to a KIA, so please get your facts right.”
You made blanket claims about everyone who buys it to save money being a “sucker.” I have every right to use specific examples like the Kia to disprove your claims. Either counter the argument or go back into listen-only mode.
Morris Bethoven wrote: “You could buy a lot of motorcycle for the price of this BIG scooter and I think most folks would agree with this thought.”
So what? A motorcycle isn’t better than a touring scooter — it’s a different vehicle for a different market segment. A Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive scooter lists for just under $10K and that’s a very popular ride. If someone wants a touring scooter, it would be stupid of him/her to buy a motorcycle instead.
Morris Bethoven wrote: “BTW- I would call those small briefcase sized bags “massive” storage.”
The storage is not just the saddlebags. There’s also a large hard-cased trunk.
Morris Bethoven wrote: “Perhaps a bit of introspection is needed here.”
I recommend you follow your own advice. Maybe you should think about whether it’s really appropriate to call people “suckers” just because they choose to ride a different type of bike than you do.
Morris Bethoven wrote: “Have fun on your scooter.”
I will have fun on my scooter (a Genuine Stella 150cc 2-stroke), as well as on my motorcycles (a Buell 1125CR, Buell XB12Ss, Ural Solo sT, and Suzuki DR-Z400S). Oh no! I don’t just buy one kind of bike!
I love it! But… it better get well above 60mpg. I can easily get 50+ from my WeeStrom practicing a little self control with the throttle.
This is transportation, not motorcycle. But then, what’s wrong with it.
Actually, looking at that engine…. it could be used in worthwhile bike. It could be mounted into some lightweight oveslung chassis with dressdown decor (less tacky plastic)in slyle, say what Aermacchi used to be.
If this shows up in the States for $10K or less, it will likely make it into my garage. I would of course keep a “vintage” bike around for nostalgia, the same way I still have a film camera. It appears to be a perfect blend of comfort, fun and utility. It would make a great touring bike.
I’ve become something of a scooter person over the last 4 years but have never really liked the ‘ambiance’ of my scooter(Silverwing/Majesty) power trains and have always been disapointed by actual fuel economy. When the DN-01 arrived I was disapointed but saw the potential. I still don’t know where BMW’s at with their scooter. NOW THE INTEGRA,unless it fails in real world riding I imagine the only thing that’ll stop one of these appearing in my garage is HONDA not importing it into Canada.
Fingers crossed – Ian Danby, Oshawa, Ontario.
17″ wheels, what appears to be chain-drive, a perimeter frame and conventional swingarm. Rearsets for the passenger, bags and tail trunk.
Auto-tranny and step through frame and possibly some underseat storage.
More moto than scoot, IMHO. Betcha it handles pretty good, too. 17″ meat with twist-n-go? Recipe for a fun commute
People pay an extra $1000 to $2000 every day for an automatic on their cars.
If they can keep the DCT surcharge reasonable (unlike the DN-01) I bet they sell like cupcakes at a weight watcher meeting.
And to those of you mocking the future of the DCT, any of you want to call Casey Stoner and his semi-auto transmission a sissy?
I’m the proud owner of the VFR1200 DCT. I’ve got 15000 miles on it since buying it just over a year ago and I must say it is arguably the greatest advancement of street oriented moto technology I’ve experienced in over 40 years of riding. I haven’t missed a manual clutch for more than a microsecond. People say old timers won’t accept it, well this old timer is one who has and I say sayonara to manual shifters. DCT is here to stay, the future is now! Bring it on!
Dear God! Hold your tongue, wretch! 🙂 I hope you are wrong. I greatly miss the manual trannies in automobiles and can’t bear the thought of a motorcycle without one.
Between you and me, which one of us has long term ownership experience with DCT trigger shifting? ’nuff said.
There was a comparison test between the Aprilia Mana 850 (auto shift naked sport) and the Shiver 750. The Shiver had better numbers almost everywhere (weight, hp, 0-60, 1/4 mile) except for one, lap time around a track. I was as surprised as anyone.
Autos can and should be quite good before long. Honda’s auto clutching system is cited as their biggest advantage in Moto GP right now. How long before the foot lever is gone too? 😉
I’m with ya on the auto, ‘specially the DCT. I have both auto and manual trucks, and will have both auto and manual bikes when Honda builds the bike I want: VFR1200-T with DCT.
Will somebody please fire Honda’s product planners before they green light yet another over-complicated, expensive bike that few people will buy.
Key piece of the article:
“will enter production and be available as a 2012 model in Europe.”
Europe gets more models and more variants because they BUY them. Unlike America.
+1 I like the bike though and that engine in other bikes is interesting to think about.
Let’s see… parallel twin with a single carb/throttle body in a “touring” chassis…
It’s a 2012 Honda Dream!
Will flop if sold in the USA!!
Good thing it won’t be then, huh?
That’s a self-fulfilling prophecy if I ever heard one. Is it any wonder why the rest of the world gets offerings the US doesn’t?
17″ wheels and tires like that other one…? or not so much…? since honda’s a company that builds and sells REAL hybrids, i assume that term will be dropped from the name if it comes to these shores…?
It’s one of them thar hybrids, that’s what it is! It has to be because ain’t no one gonna spend $10,000+ on a little scooter!
I heard some noise that the VFR1200F would be getting an improved DCT Box…after reading this i migth think it could be true…hopefully along with a 5-6gal fuel tank…that should stop some of the complaints(or so i hope)…lol.
http://www.motociclismo.it/gallery/moto-scooter/scooter-integra-e-motore-di-700-cc-da-honda-all-eicma-2011/motore_Honda_700_cambio_doppia_frizione_DCT_dual_clutch_trasmission_02?gpage=1&ipage=1
Seems like the xhaust manifold is now built into the head casting(like Chrysler’s PentaStar V6)…check the size of the Catalytic Coverter and the O2 Sensor Bung right before it.
Screw and lock-nut valve adjusters, one TB for 2 intake runners, no more silly synch-job.
Is that fly-by-wire Throttle too(cruise control an option?)?
270* Crank to mimic a 90* V-Twin power pulses, balancer…by looking at the die marks it appears that the crank is forged or cast like a 360* unit then twisted to 270* set up(that can’t be good for the grain and strenght of the metal in that section)
Plugs location on top of the xhaust runner(thru the front and not in the valve cover)
Aluminium RR arms(fancy). W/P driven off the camshaft like BMW or Husqvarna.
I forgot: Is a given that this thing is gonna cost major $$$, SO ! why go thru all the trouble of putting all these “high technology” into one assembly…and then:
Using A CHEAP SQUARE TUBE SECTION Swing arm that looks like a $5 Part ?
Is like wearing a $1000 Armani suit with “10 Pairs for a Dollar” Flip-Flops.
What’s wrong with that? Would you rather have a cast aluminum swing arm that adds yet more cost to what you assume to be an expensive motorcycle? If so, why stop there? Let’s add top shelf sport bike inverted forks and shock, dual disk radial calipers, and carbon fiber body work.
This is not an Armani show piece, although it does employ Honda’s innovative DCT. It’s intended to be functional transportation yet thoroughly contemporary motoscooter at a price within reach of the target market.
Solomoto says:
Would you rather have a cast aluminum swing arm that adds yet more cost to what you assume to be an expensive motorcycle?
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After reading what i wrote…do u really have to ask ? LOL.
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Solomoto says:
It’s intended to be functional transportation
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Functional i bet it is, no doubts. Transportation ? That depends on your definition of said word.
To me transportation is “a low budget get it done bike or scooter”(Honda Rebel 250 and 50cc Cub)
Is a given this won’t be low budget.
MikeD wrote:
After reading what i wrote…do u really have to ask ? LOL.
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Yes, because it appeared that you had not considered that you would be adding to the cost for no reason other than appealing to your inner poser.
MikeD wrote:
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Functional i bet it is, no doubts. Transportation ? That depends on your definition of said word.
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Let’s not make up our own definitions. Mirriam-Webster’s definition is:
“a means of conveyance or travel from one place to another”
So he’s right.
MikeD wrote:
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To me transportation is “a low budget get it done bike or scooter”(Honda Rebel 250 and 50cc Cub)
Is a given this won’t be low budget.
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He said “functional,” not “cheap.”
But it’s going to be cheaper than the cheapest Kia, Hyundai, or Toyota econobox while getting getter fuel economy. Therefore, it is low-budget. Someone who might not be able to afford $15K for a car, plus the auto insurance, plus the fuel costs, might well be able to afford this and actually have something that they can ride on a highway. You’re not going to safely commute on a 65mph – 70mph highway on a Rebel 250 or 50cc Cub.
So, as Solomoto said, “why stop there? Let’s add top shelf sport bike inverted forks and shock, dual disk radial calipers, and carbon fiber body work” to add “yet more cost to what you assume to be an expensive motorcycle.”
This is a maxi-scooter, not a sport bike. Adding a cast aluminum swing arm that so that you get a woody when you see it peeking out from beneath the muffler would needlessly raise the cost with no discernible benefit. Sport bikes got cast aluminum swing arms for performance, not style.
I recall the latest and greatest sportbikes wearing those same very Flip-Flops. Not sure that’s a liability here at all.
Were u poking fun at the SQUIDS often riding’em or a my too dense to catch your drift ? LOL.
I agree with the comment s about attracting new riders. The clutch/tranny is the most distracting, intimidating aspect to new riders. I’ve been riding for over 40 years but I am amazed at the capabilities of the T-Max I bought for my wife. Cost is an issue but if you’re willing to try to have a little fun with your transportation, these things could attract new riders.
I drove a stick in my cars forever but now that the automatics are so good, I’ve thrown in the towel and drive a “manu-matic.” Looks like bike transmission tech might be going in the same direction.
It’s bad enough when another manufacturer starts selling a bike like yours but
when you go out of your way to cannibalize sales from your own bikes.
ST1300 – vfr1200
DN01 – integra 700
It makes me wonder what Honda’s management is thinking.
Someone wanting an ST 1300 would not want a VFR1200..too sporty, not enough fuel range, no storage capacity, not enough wind protection
The DN-01 never sold to begin with so this would not cannibalize sales from it
Honda would probably like to come away with SOMETHING to recoup the costs of developing the DCT transmission. They’ll keep trying. This is a step in the right direction. Apparently old time riders aren’t going to buy bikes with the auto shifting trans. Honda is going to have to target a new breed of rider.
Nice but at what cost ?? I’ve noticed over the last few years, Honda has seemed to price such vehicles at a premium. Rune $27,000 / DN-01 $16,000 / SH 150I $4500. I did read that this is for the European market.
If you read everything that Honda says about it, it’s a motorcycle. North American press and PR can say what they want to shove it in a niche, but it’s a motorcycle. Read the press release again, they said it’s built for the “mid-class 500 t0 750cc range” popular in Europe. Nothing wrong with that in my mind.
So in my book, it’s a motorcycle designed to attract the “non-motorcyclist” who are intrigued with and less intimidated by ‘scooters’, with a friendly looking low maintenance (hopefully), fuel efficient (sort of), fun alternative to SUVs and H-Ds. Again, nothing wrong with that. Might even get a few single passenger SUVs off the road. And, as “Mickey” says, it’s a sound second bike (“easy”) for errands and such.
Kudos if they can sell it. I live in Western North Carolina and see quite a few of the big scooters around. And, I’ll add, the riders seem to hold their own much better than the small scooters, whom can easily be traffic hazards when they try to ride beyond the scooter limits.
A hybrid? I guess so. Really, it looks more like 95% motorcycle with a really comfortable seat. It is ugly, but no uglier than their NT700.
I think a model similar to the Deauville/NT700V with that powertrain would make a lot of sense. The pricing will be a challenge, though, on any of these “more motorcycle-like machines” mentioned in the article.
There’s more coming. Milan is the place.
Uh, yeah. The first two sentences in the article pretty much make that clear. That’s what I was referencing in my Deauville remark.
I see, said the Bind Man.
I think this is a motorcycle.
There are many features on this that point to it not being a scooter. Scooters engines are usually rigidly attached to the rear wheel, this has a swing arm. They have step-through, this doesn’t. They have CV transmissions, this is an auto shifting 6-speed. It’s also got motorcycle size wheels and tires. I think the “footboard” driver’s foot position is the only scooter feature on it and without a shifter, foot pegs aren’t necessary.
Just to be argumentative: it looks like the wheels are 3/4 sized, like some Piaggios, sor they are kinda smallish and have appeared on other scooters. This design is sort of a step through. Actually, it looks like it would be difficult to swing a leg over, either rearward or step through… Aside from the features, to me anyway, it looks like a fancy scooter.
looks like it has chain final drive ?
Huh, I just noticed it’s not a step thru like other scooters, and owners will have to swing their legs over the seat motorcycle style. Interesting. That’s another thing thats so easy about mounting a regular scooter.
Beautiful scooter. I love the saddlebags. They look well integrated. Saturday afternoon I returned from a 2100 mile trip strafing the roads in s/e West Virginia on my Gen 1 FZ-1 Yamaha (heavenly). Sunday morning I had some errands to run and pulled out my Yamaha 400 Majesty scooter which I call “Easy”, cause everything (except maintenance) is so easy on it. Fire it up, no shifting, good wind protection, plenty of storage, just gas it and go…and it’s smooth and deceptively fast. This new Honda looks like the cats meow for those of us that enjoy scooters for what they are…with this caveat, how maintenance demanding is it? Does it have hydraulic valves and an automatic cam chain tensioner? (It should)or does it have those dreaded shims that the camshaft has to be removed to adjust the clearances?. What are the intervals for adjusting the valves? Are the oil filter, drain plug, spark plug, battery and air filter easy to access? (hopefully). How hard is it to pull the back wheel (a nightmare on the Majesty.
It should get a second front disc as well. It’s easy to out run the single discs front and rear on my Majesty
Actually 60 mpg for that class isn’t that big of a deal, My 750 Nighthawk gets 54 no matter how I run it and I’ve had three 650 Yamaha twins that regularly got 60 mpg.
Looks like an outstanding scooter to me though. BTW the 2012 Suzuki Burgman executive is in the $10K range, so it wouldn’t suprise me if this were even more $.
Mickey… It’s a Honda, so you shouldn’t have to worry about ever adjusting the valves. The consider it a hybrid, not a scooter, sort of like the ridiculous DN-01.
only better looking IMO
Probably don’t have to woory too much about it coming to North America anytime soon. Still way too many people who think they look cool wearing plastic German WW2 helments and sporting streamers from their handlbars.
Plastic German hats and streamers……funny!!! thanx for the laugh
If Soichiro Honda were alive today, I think he’d go postal.
Why would he? Did he go “postal” when he introduced the 50cc Cub to the world over 50 years ago and sold tens of millions and STILL selling in parts of the world today? Get a grip.
I think he meant, he would go “postal” and mail one to his house!!
Soichiro Honda was plenty alive when they made the 400 and 450 automatics in the early 80’s, as well as the CB750 Auto. All fine bikes ahead of their time.
I am much too uptight and conservative to enjoy a pleasant, throbbing feel. I need inline 4 whir and stir. ha ha heh heh ho ho ho.
Yes, I don’t know why some think we would enjoy a pleasant, throbbing feel. I would rather have a nice multi-cyclinder like hum, not a V-twin throb.
I think it’s great that they’re targeting women in their marketing.
Get used to the look and technology folks. This and semi or fully automatic transmissions is what will draw non-moto/gearheads to two-wheeled transportation. Scooter-like but highway capable.
Maxi-scooters are already highway capable. I have 3 of them now.
Looks like the new Pacific Coast.
It’s funny, on a scooter you don’t think of being able to see the motor, but on a MC you do.
Glad to see a big MC co. realizing it’s time to make MCs more fuel efficient instead of mainly always faster.
Its a good looking machine. Assuming Honda introduced it here the cost of the bike and the typical prejudice against scooters will be the major stumbling blocks.
Those who already like scooters might be pretty excited about it but typically they seem to be kind of tight with money and like the proven and cheap to run CVT transmissions and centrifugal clutches, despite their limitations.
Actually the name “Integra” was used on JDM of full-faired Honda CBX750F, CBX400F, and VT250F in the early ’80s. This was before Honda used the name for their cars.
Too bad Honda doesn’t use the engine part to create a modern cafe-racer.
If this is going to be a $10k maxi-scooter then it’s going to be a tough sell. If it’s not, then does the Silver Wind disappear?