Americans less than 30 years old seem to have substantially less interest in cars and motorcycles than their elders. I have had this discussion with various representatives of the motorcycle industry before. What is it that will get Gen Y away from high tech toys so that they can focus some attention on the latest two wheelers?
What if Steve Jobs had designed a motorcycle? Unlike most major motorcycle OEMs, Jobs didn’t believe in market research, customer surveys, etc. He believed Apple could figure out what people wanted to buy, even though they had never seen it, or imagined it. Maybe it will take this type of approach to product design to get Gen Y interested in two wheelers.
I am not implying that the new 2014 Honda CTX700 and CTX700N, announced at the end of last week, represent the magic pill that will get young people interested in motorcycles again. Honda is thinking outside the box, however, and combining features that will appeal to new riders, including a very low seat height (28.3″), unintimidating power delivery and available automatic transmission.
These new models are reminiscent of Honda’s poorly received (at least in this marked) DN-01 and, going even further back, Dan Gurney’s motorcycle design, the Alligator. In addition to the low seat height, the CTX700N (naked) pictured above, as well as the CTX700 (faired, below) are powered by a 670cc parallel twin, first introduced by Honda in the NC700 bikes last year. These are not horsepower monsters, rather emphasizing smooth, low-end power delivery.
The brakes and suspension are fairly basic. The suspension is non-adjustable, and there is only a single disc up front (thankfully 320mm in size). The two machines will weigh rough 480 pounds wet.
The CTX700N will be priced at $6,999 or $7,999 with the DCT automatic, and ABS. It will be available in Candy Red or Black. The CTX700 is a bit more expensive at $7,799 or $8,799 with DCT and ABS. The CTX700 comes in Candy Red or Pearl White.
Honda says these models are just the first in a new line of CTX models to be introduced in the future. CTX stands for comfort, technology and experience.
For more and more of today’s youth a car is out of reach and a motorcycle is beyond even a dream. It isn’t they are uninterested as much as they are unable to afford them. The motorcycle industry is going to have to deal with a stagnant in size middle class, something that is an absolute certainty and that’s the best case scenario.
Truth be told the US is becoming a secondary market for many manufacturers or just part of the global mix. The fate of the industry not dependent upon the US.
Again, Honda seem to be trying to blur distinctions between genres which have become established precisely because partitioning was required by the market: In so doing they’re busy applauding themselves for definition-busting but what they’ve forgotten in the fuss to build a better mousetrap is that it still has to catch the mouse. To attract new markets you need new genres, not bastardisation of others…
Both the CT tourer and nekkid lack the tank space of the other models. Both have piddly little 3.17 gallon tanks, and both they AND the other 700 models dismally fail to take advantage of the `laid down` engine concept with a boringly conventional high headstock design that compromises aerodynamics, and with it mpg. The one thing the DCT does is remove the need for a fixed foot position for gearchanging so why not develop a true `car alternative` single track vehicle that is not intended for the likes of thee and me?
The main things that prevent motorists becoming motorcyclists are not horsepower or gearchaning, it’s primary safety, wind and weather protection, cost of ownership and the fear of not being able to hold the thing up at a standstill. So where are the airbags (Honda have them), the near enclosed riding position and the automatic stand?
Missed opportunity that proves Honda are out of ideas. Which is a true shame.
Inspired concept, brilliant engineering, uninspired design.
How ’bout this platform with minimal plastic, chrome steel fenders, solo seat and styling cues from the classic Norton Interstate?
Just add it to the CTX line-up Honda, before you decide to can the whole line prematurely for lack of sales.
And give it a name new riders can relate to. Who’s proud to announce they own a Honda CTX700? A what? Even bikers can’t keep track of this nonsense.
How about Eco Warrior or Liberty?
So what I have learned from this post is that the majority of riders think everyone should only ride bikes that they approve of.
The Great Secret among motorcyclists is that we cultivate the image of the rugged individualist–the social outcast, or rebel–and yet we are absolute slaves to our cliques. Sportbikes must all look a certain way. Kneesliders. Boots. Biker outlaws must all wear those silly helmets and have their feet forward. V-twins required. Etc. Don’t get me started on touring bikes.
When someone makes a bike that breaks the mold, the rugged individualists pitch a fit because it violates the norm. It’s quite funny, actually.
You are spot on. These look like great bikes.
That’s not how I feel about it.
I just don’t want a bike that makes me say, “Gross” when I look it.
Then you are free to pass and buy/ride something else. No one is holding a gun to anyone’s head telling them this is it and this is what you’ll ride. Different strokes for different folks. It’s more than a little disturbing that so many seem to want conformity. How boring is that?
I think Gary is stating it pretty close to the way it is. These bikes are not aimed at the seasoned rider so much as the new. They are built to a price, they’re built low, and are made thrifty. Unless you’re on racer road these bikes will most certainly keep up. Again, not your cup of tea, then move on.
Very true Gary – many are totally conformist in thier non-conformity!!!
Us Guzzi riders are just off piste misfits. 🙂
You mean, if I don’t like it, I don’t have to buy it?
Golly.
What’ll they think of next? 😀
I didn’t read that into the posts at all. I think everyone was pretty much just voicing their opinion about the bikes. Although, I don’t think I would buy one, if some one else chooses to do so, then, more power to ’em. I hope they enjoy it!
Mike
Bikes for non-bikers, again. Hmmmm. Probably a sales failure in the making, again.
I saw these bikes at the Indianapolis Motorcycle show yesterday……….horrid, horrid bikes no matter which angle I viewed them from. They looked cheap and dull……….like a Buell Blast/that bad.
As a professional motorcycle insurance agent and rider of 30 yrs, I believe that Honda is on the right path to intro bikes in this country. I know that many new, young riders will still look toward the mini-replica racer looks of the CBR250 and Ninja 300, but a good sales person should actually take the time to investigate the reasons for why they are buying a bike. If commuting is the top answer then bikes like this should be what these people are switched to. Lower cost of maintenance and low insurance rates show make for a persuasive argument as to why to buy something like the CTX. Not only that, but older riders that love the sport but hate the weight of their ‘wings may pick this to extend their riding lifestyle.
soi cowboy says:
“Actually, the cbx was a marketing disaster. This was one of a number of foulups after Soichiro retired. Also, many of the engineers got transferred to the car division.”
Z1 says: No, it really wasn’t a disaster. It did not sell many units, but it was not intended to. It was a showcase of Honda engineering to raise the image of the rest of the lineup…and it did that well.
soi cowboy says: “the oval piston experiment- who knows how much was spent on this idea. Can you buy an oval piston engine?”
Z1 says: Yes, you can buy one…it’s called the NR750. You need to use the Google machine a little more.
cbx introduced in cycle magazine, not in the showroom for nearly a year afterward. CBX had overheating issues, displacement was intentionally increased to 1050 so that it would not be eligible for superbike.
I have owned a cb750 sohc, a cb 750 twin cam, and a 750 interceptor. RE vf- the lower rad was surrounded on both sides by exhaust pipes and enclosed by a cowling- WTF?? The plan was to use an aluminum frame for the vf(silver painted steel frame instead), but the cost of the bike was excessive, so they used steel. This gave the al frame intro to suzuki’s gsxr.
The gsxr750 was successfully campaigned by dozens of privateers. The vfr only won because of honda’s unlimited race budget.
The oval piston never won anything. The nr 750 is rarer than an enzo ferrari, and is as fast as the nc750.
Yet, the VFR series of bikes were very popular with a very loyal following. I knew two that had CBX’s, my brother and a friend. Neither that I recall had overheating problems and in fact had no real issues at all. In the case of my brother he had two, the standard and the sport tourer model with faring. I found the CBX’s a real hoot to ride and nothing had the presence of those six cylinders with gleaming chrome pipes like a CBX. No the fastest in their class but they didn’t need to be, there was nothing else like them.
Besides, what do those bikes have to do with today’s? Honda is a very successful company which has taken the daring route in motorcycle architecture and design more than most any other company I can think of.
Honda’s motorcycle division and car branch seems to be headed in the same direction, nowhere. These are utterly tone-deaf designs.
I’m not so sure about that. While motorcycle sales today aren’t what they could be perhaps it seems that Honda is leading the most recent charge with easy to ride and affordable bikes and sales are showing it. Honda’s car division obviously cut back as most have over the downturn but take a look at their sales. They have remained very good through it all. As the economy recovers I think you’ll see all the brands open up more and blossom.
I hear what you are saying about sales, but my comment is about integrity of design and not-designing for the lowest common denominator.
The Civic is getting beat up for not being as fun as the older models and coming up short for interior quality so they’ve rev’d it for 2013. The Accord has been reviewing extremely well. It’s easy to criticize from our viewpoint (motorcyclists) but the Toyotas continue to sell like crazy and they’re the most uninspired cars on the market.
Motorcycling in the US is where Cadillac and Buick were 5-10 yearz ago. Honda is after the non-rider because the existing rider’s market is getting old and shrinking.
I think maybe what is keeping younger people away from bikes is not that the bikes are over powered and have gears, rather, it is the years-long loans that must be taken out, combined with insurance requirements and, in some places, stringent licensing requirements, that are causing them to (smartly) avoid the whole process. Making dumbed-down, ugly, spongy, over-sized-scooters is not the answer. I tossed my twenty-thousand-dollar Harley and got a used KTM supermoto for a couple thousand, put some work into it, and now have the funnest, cheapesst bike I have ever ridden. It’s the bankers, ruining everything, again.
i dunno, i kinda like this bike. something tells me it has potential.
Probably so, but not in the US Market.
England’s Motorcycle News (MCN) says: “They are USA only models.”
The 700 series will appeal to old men and old women maybe. Not really old just old in the head. Consider the bike choice of the young is the single speed or fixee and the 700 moto is NOT repeat NOT even close to on point. The bike for folks coming up is a 350 to 650 cc single cylinder with simple adjustment such as 3 position fork and shock adjustment, abs, and mimic some urban cafe rat racer or motard style something with minimal body work and heat wrap or think custom chop/scramble/cafe version of a XS650. Honda’s new 500 series is closer to the mark but still imitates the big boy bike..screw that, make it clean cool and simple, affordable.. a CR&S Vun for the mass production and then you have something worth having, worth using and abusing, worth getting the gear and just getting down the road even if it is just for a cheap breakfast or a latte.
I’ve read nearly every review and the verdict is a C- at best, maybe a D. Why do these modern bikes have to have so many odd shaped ‘slapped on’ plastic panels, hidden motors and weird looking headlamps? The bike looks like it was designed by a committee and each designer was oblivious to what the rest were up to. The final product lacks a harmonius smooth flowing style. Honda’s CB-1100 retro seems to be the only road oriented bike in Honda’s current line-up that looks quite nice so maybe a better idea to go with that same classic theme in smaller displacements? Why keep trying to re-invent the wheel? Guess it’s like McDonalds and Burger King in their efforts to re-package and market new and improved hamburgers!
I didn’t even read the text. The photos alone were sufficient evidence. This is the worst motorcycling concept I have ever seen and it speaks of a company grasping at straws.
Ziggy, do you have ANY actual evidence Honda is grasping at straws, or are you just hoping that asserting such will cause it to happen? I get REALLY annoyed when people get on the internet and cast spurious claims designed to harm a company. The people to date that I’ve seen do that have never themselves accomplished much. Maybe that’s the source of their envy for those who have. FWIW, I’m not a particular Honda fan (nor detractor); it’s simply that I think that along with the power of being able to write publicly comes some responsibility to control one’s desire to rant.
Sochirio is spinning in his grave right now! Look what they have done to his once leading edge motorcycle company… they’ve turned it into a scooter company.
They bring this out as a “Touring” model, instead of a ST1300 refresh? How long has a new Wing been on the wait? You have BMW, Triumph, Kawasaki leaving Honda in the exhaust!
SNOOZE!
“Soichiro”
Let’s just say it doesn’t break new ground, like, say, the 1978 CBX, in red, with Honda’s optional OEM “Sport Kit” (cast low bars, rear sets, control hoses, cables, electrical harness, etc).
I have no idea why people even comment about it if they hate it so much. Click away to something else and ignore it. This bike can not, I repeat, can not harm you.
Because so many have nothing good to say about things they do not like. In this case something only seen in photos. It’s like this on just about any forum you care to go to. I agree though, if this isn’t for you, move on. Constructive criticism is fine but too much just is vile.
Actually, the cbx was a marketing disaster. This was one of a number of foulups after Soichiro retired. Also, many of the engineers got transferred to the car division. eg: 1- the oval piston experiment- who knows how much was spent on this idea. Can you buy an oval piston engine- no. 2- the twin cam cb 750: just as big and heavy as the single cam but more complicated and had reliability issue. The race bike was successful but only due to factory honda’s cash flow. No privateers ever raced the v4 3- the v4 interceptor- unfinished design, reliability issues 4- the other v4s, needless complexity and expense.
“Actually, the cbx was a marketing disaster.”
Marketing disasters? All the bikes you’ve listed are iconic.
“Also, many of the engineers got transferred to the car division.”
Which went on to become the leading car manufacturer in the world. They weren’t punished, they were promoted.
“No privateers ever raced the v4”
Nobody cares. Privateer racers don’t exist in big enough numbers to quality as a customer base. If they did, track only bikes would be sold in along side street bikes in dealerships. VFR’s/Interceptors sold well for decades.
I am going to keep kicking this dead horse until….
The cbx did sell well initially. In fact I saw one in my hometown. But within a few months word started getting around.
As much as I like and respect Honda for the CBX for putting the marker forward (or, at least sideways) the last ones, the pearl white touring models, were gathering dust in crates in warehouses — and in the end had to be given away (usually to school vo-tech classes).
The CB750 is what gave Honda the money to create the automobile arm of Honda! LOL!!!
Amen
Good for Honda for trying to revive the industry with affordable, comfortable, sensible bikes because the way it was going with too-intense, intimidating sport bikes and overstuffed cruisers, wasn’t going to keep working. It’s amazing how many people can’t drive a stick nowadays, but automatic transmissions are what’s going to be mainstream. I still drive a car with a stick, and am proud to ride a bike that still has a clutch, but who knows what my next car at least will have?
But why does new technology have to come wrapped in such ugly clothes? The VFR750 was an iconic bike, and although I lamented the new VFR750/800’s weight gain, and decidedly more touring related ambitions rather than sporting, it was still a decent looking bike. The VFR1200? Probably did more to kill the DCT than it helped.
The DN-01 and NC700 bikes are just weird looking, and not in a good way.
I will say that the unfaired CTX700 here is less assaulting to the eyes, mostly because it doesn’t exaggerate the anemic looking front end, but it’s still awkward at best. And a single disk for a 480 lb bike? Come on… Beginners may be “scared” by the performance of modern supersport bikes, and to the uninitiated, dual monobloc 4-piston calipers biting on 320mm discs, but that can be adjusted with pad compounds and master cylinder ratios, all while still maintaining the ultimate power of a dual disk setup, just without the twitchiness that racers love. If anything, I think newer riders will be buying the current wave of 250-500cc bikes (as they should) and will avoid such large and heavy bikes. You want unintimidating power? Buy one of the cool new 250’s. Do NOT buy a 1000 superbike and put it into neutered power mode. And do NOT buy a heavy 750 that’s been sleeved down to a 700, with old enough engine tech that it won’t scare my grandma.
So too weak for experienced riders, yet too heavy for newbs, all the while carrying unproven technology. Sorry Honda, I just don’t see it.
I’m not sure whom this bike is supposed to appeal to. The unfaired model looks at first glance to be a sort of chunky-loking standard, then I saw where the rider’s footpegs are, and… WTF?
Funny, I know quite a lot of Gen Y’ers who love cars and motorcycles. In fact, nearly all of my regular riding friends fall into the Gen Y demographic. None of them would have any interest in this thing, in large part because of the forward controls. All the Gen Y’ers I know ride sportbikes, dual sports, or ADV bikes.
Honda may find themselves having more luck with the NC700X, which even I would consider as a commuter if I lived farther away from work.
I have not seen a single NC700X on the road, but I’ve seen plenty in the showroom. I am afraid this model will likely be a sales loser.
It’s February and motorcycles are toys to American consumers. That combined with the current economic climate means that there are not many motorcycle products that quality as “sales successes” right now. Hopefully we’ll see it get better closer to spring.
Dave … yes, let’s hope. It gives me no pleasure to see the U.S. motorcycle market swirling round the bowl.
For $7k I can think of a lot better buys than this Honda that don’t look like a design project reject. And while the DCT may be an attraction for some, why can’t they put it into a “normal” looking bike? Why does it always have to be something like the NC series, or the VFR1200?
It’s obviously being brought to market for riders and would-be riders other than yourself. Just as with any consumer item, not everyone is going to like or want the same thing. Be glad there is choice and that the manufacturers are trying to reach some new blood. Sales on the showroom floor will help your local dealers who in turn will be there to help you with your sales and service needs.
It’s a bit early to see many NC700X’s on the road. They didn’t make it to showrooms until pretty late in the season last year, as I recall. I expect we’ll be seeing more this summer, especially around bigger cities. The NC700X is not a bike that would be at the top of my list for recreational riding or touring, but it would make an excellent commuter. It’s a better-looking bike in person than it is in photos, and a friend of mine test-rode one and said it’s actually pretty fun to ride, with excellent handling. The weight is low down, so the bike feels much lighter than it actually is. With the gas mileage it gets and that storage compartment where the gas tank would normally go, it’s ideally suited as an around-town transport.
I’ve seen two NC700X’s on the road here in Tucson so far. I wouldn’t expect to see them in most other parts of the country this time of year… It’s one of the choices I’m considering.
I wouldn’t even consider one of these CTX700’s though. The last thing I want is cruiser positioning, then add in scooter bike styling, and it’s a fail to me. I do like some of the styling on some of the more subdued cruisers, like Victory Judge, or HD1200, but I have zero desire for a cruiser seating position. Something with some nice custom/retro/cruiser aesthetics, but a standard or sportbike seating position would seem to be more up the GenX/Y alley. This is the opposite of that, cruiser seating position, with generic boring styling…
The thing that intrigues me about these is that they are ergnonically cruisers, but look more like modern sport bikes.
So, I guess we know find out if people ride cruisers for the looks, or for the awkward riding position.
And if it doesn’t vibrate a woman to orgasm, does it really have any use a’tall?
I mean, let’s face it, women don’t want to ride Harleys because they look cool to them. They’ve HEARD about what they do and want to find out if it’s true.
I like the looks of the top one (without the fairing) better. Not really a bike that piques my interest enough to consideer aa a purchase option. Seems like they would be a nice communter bike for people that live in places where 1) Afternoon traffic jams are the norm, and 2) Lane splitting is illegal.
They look like great bikes for people who just want to ride. I may buy one myself.
The negativity about these machines is astounding. Don’t like it? Don’t buy it. It’s that simple. But what’s the point of berating Honda for releasing a product that doesn’t meet your personal stamp of approval? I dislike cruisers, but am not going to fault Honda (or any other manufacturer) for chasing that segment of the market when the bottom fell out of the others. If the CTX tanks, so be it. Honda’s not taking away your existing bike. Besides, haven’t people been complaining of the sparsity of the Honda two-wheel lineup for the past few years? And now that they’re finally coming around and creating a broad product line, all the internet curmudgeons can do is bitch. Get over it, people.
Honda is really loosing it. This thing is butt ugly and useless.
When will this “transformer” styling exercise be over? I just can’t stand these Japaneses and European ugly bikes.
I’ll take a CB1100 please.
“Losing”
Doesn’t do a thing for me. Looks more like a styled farm implement instead of a bike. I think the idea of Italian stylists would be good for Honda. These are so… um… parochial!
Ugly scooters. Not motorcycles. Honda needs to hire some Italian stylists.
Funny you should say that. The first thing I thought when I saw this bike was that it looks like a smaller Ducati Diavel. http://www.ducati.com/bikes/diavel/diavel_dark/index.do
Does HONDA not rememeber the DN-01 (Do Not Own One)? This thing will sit on the sales floor while REAL motorycles continue to sell. I’ve yet to see a DN-01 on the street…
Funny how Ducati pulled it off with the Diavel but Honda couldn’t do it with the DN-01.
Totally different machines.
Put a Ducati badge on a Ural 2wd and it would sell out.
This is true.
Actually, though these are not my style (I ride a Ducati, VStrom and DR650) I think these may do OK with re-entry riders who can’t afford a Harley and maybe owned a 550 Maxim or 450 Nighthawk 25 years ago. The far superior fuel economy compared to a V twin won’t hurt. But they won’t bring many new riders into the fold (in the US). A retro-Dream, with integrated luggage and clutchless transmission and 120 mpg might get lot closer, but unless you can park on the sidewalk, split lanes legally in all 50 states, and get full coverage insurance for a 20 year old for $200 a year, there are still some big hurdles to cross.
They’re going to sell a BOATLOAD in India if this video is any indication –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klteYv1Uv9A
most of my young friends buy manual transmission cars/bikes. i’m not sure why you old farts thinks the male excitement of driving and riding bikes has disappeared. the automatics are for your old wives.
as for this bike. not my style, but good to see the choice of smaller displacement/learner/efficient bikes increasing. one bike is not going to draw the younger crowd, but Honda has it right filling the gap between their rebel and bigger bikes. better for us young guys to start, more choices for us all. all around this is a good release, even if it’s not your cup o tea.
Youngin’s be hatin’ shifting? SHIFTING? What happened to enjoying the zooom??? Pansies!
Time for HST’s “Song of the Sausage Creature” to be REQUIRED READING.
After riding for over 40 years and owning over 20 different motorcycles, for some reason, this bike make sense to me.
Of course I would strip off all the plastic, install a new can and disable that pesky rev limiter.
Make mine a standard trans, please
If you stripped of all the plastic you would be down to a bare frame and crankcase. I’ll bet that even the valve covers are plastic, just like on the FURY.
I think Honda has it right in that for the past couple of years they have been adding new options. I can’t say I would buy this bike, but just to see another option makes me happy. I’m not really Gen Y, more like Gen X I guess. I only started riding a couple of years ago. First bike I got was a cheap little vintage (shifting) scooter, just to get my feet wet with plans to upgrade fairly quickly. When the time to trade up came around, I was somewhat surprised to find the market just didn’t cater to new riders. It catered to old guys that have been riding for years. Trust me, there is a huge interest in motorcycles in younger generations, however you go to a dealer and they are trying to shove an 800 cruiser down your throat. That’s fine if that’s what you want, but no offense older riders, those bikes are for old guys. So the choices when I was looking for a new (easy to ride, light, low displacement) bike were ninja 250, tu250x, rebel, and the new cbr250. I think Honda USA is realizing, more choices = more sales = more young riders = more customers for life that can work their way through the ranks.
So since I bought my cbr250, (which I absolutely love, though I wish there was a naked version) the hole between those few 250s and 600-700 range is closing with the ninja 300, honda 500s, NC700x, and now these. I don’t necessarily believe they are trying to win Gen Y with this one bike, rather they’re trying to win them by making sure when a young guy/girl goes looking for his first bike (or even 2nd bike) they find one that suits their style, taste, and needs. I welcome this bike, though I will probably never buy one. And scoff at it or not, we young folks do want things more efficient (mpg), less maintenance, and over all more practical. Harley’s will not sell to young people, too much gas, too much maintenance too much COST. When I’m older I hope to have something to tinker with on the weekends, but for now, starting out, simple, affordable, and efficient are things that attracted me to the CBR.
I’d also like to see a bigger version of the tu250x, because as was mentioned above, young people like vintage, and would probably flock to something similar in the 500-650 range as a starter/2nd bike.
I’d love to see a TU500 with a kick starter and front/rear disc brakes. That would be the bomb!
Harley is selling tons of Road Glides and Street Glides. So Honda thinks about new riders getting the same thing but more manageable. I think they are nice machines. GREAT motor. Rode the NC700X. Young people are not buying supersports as they were. Those prices are crazy and they do not maintain them. Gas is going up. Cruisers have sold very well. So here is a reflection of sales data. Actual desire is something else. We may want the MV. But who can afford it? Ducati? Ditto. Harley? Heavy and expensive as hell. Motorcycling needs new riders but not just a million Ninja 250s. These bikes are for people who will ride a lot, who cannot then stop themselves from riding a lot. As such they are great. Think price point too. They don’t want an old 70s bike…yet. Maybe retro will catch on as in Japan.
I’m trying not to hate the CTX but I admit it’s hard.Something about all that flat black plastic on the sides and lower areas really looks wrong.Maybe some innovative kids will mod one and make it look cool but until then I just can’t warm up to it.I think the 500’s will be more appealing to new and returning buyers.
it’s a great looking bike for GEN “1960’s”, NOT Gen Y! because i’m an old fart from the good old days, i find it very attractive, but my kids’ friends that ride? they want the supersports with the crazy hp and full fairing.
but they want the bikes to drive and shift themselves.
I truly believe that this engine design will win for Honda.
Hurry up with the 900 or 1100-X .
That is NOT a gen Y bike.
I’m thinking something more like a “Zero”.
If they (gen Y) believe the whole “global warming” garbage then have fun waiting while your bike is stuck on a charger.
I’ll be out riding mine, that is until you continue to vote in politicians that will one day take mine away from me or just make it prohibitively too expensive to own any longer.
Great, now Honda is going to provide Crosstours and ZDX in 2 wheels.
Of course, the biggest problem is, how do you ride one of these while texting your girlfriend at the same time?
your girlfriend…who lives in Russia
The naked one doesn’t look too bad… kind of like a (somewhat) futuristic Shadow RS. The fairing is subtraction by addition though. The Brit mags are heaping plenty of praise on that engine (at least as it is in the NC700) for its flexibility and frugality. And the price seems right.
However, I think new/younger buyers will gravitate more toward the new CB(R)500’s and CBR250. I’m already seeing quite a few of the latter around town.
Is Generation Y a bunch of 80 year olds looking for a mobile barcalounger?
LOL
Precisely!. The undiveded attention, coordination and general presence of mind required to operate a manual-shift motorcycle should be the price of admission. If you can’t stop looking at your phone and focus enough to shift a bike, you probably shouldn’t be on the road operating any vehicle.
More proof that Honda doesn’t listen to their customers, or the dealers (also customers) These things are going to sit and get “lot rot” like the rest of Honda’s street line we have to knock the dust off of every morning. VFR1200 sat here at our dealership for 3+ years while FJR’s flew out the door. DN-01 sat for nearly as long until we sold it at a loss after all the flooring charges. NC700X as an “adventure” bike, really? Is that the best you could do Honda? Against the Super Tenere, hell the KLR! These two new Honda are just more nails in Honda coffin.
This looks like it was designed by 4 separate committees that weren’t allowed to see what the others were doing. Not good.
I am 73 years old and have been riding since I was 14. My current bike is a Concours. For me motorcycling has always been about fun and adventure. Today the volume of traffic, population density, and safety mandates (helmets, clothing, etc) have greatly reduced the fun factor. The Honda “you meet the nicest people on a Honda” ads would not fly today as they showed people in causal clothing with no traffic having fun on small bikes.
One of the most fun bikes I have owned was a Yamaha RD 350 (light, quick, & agile). If I were trying to create a market for new and returning riders I would emphasis bikes like the new Kawasaki 300, low cost go any were bikes. I would add an automatic transmission though; in today’s US very few drivers/riders no how or care to learn how to shift.
you are totally correct in your assessment. i’m an “older” rider too and i totally agree with you. the gen y kids always tell me that they don’t like “naked” bikes. they love the full fairing, supersports, with gazillion hp, that will probably seriously injure them OR kill them without the proper training or experience. so if honda wants to attract the gen y riders, then they have to do what kawasaki is doing and get some 300-500 user-friendly-full-faired bikes that looks great, but not supersport like the sports bike that they have now. although, did i see that honda is coming out with a full-faired cbr500 soon?
I aready have one of these. My 1983 Honda CX650E has the same specs, and is a wonderful 30 year old bike.
Gen Y wants distraction. They need a phone doc with bluetooth integration in the helmet so they can text and ride, or motorcycles are a no-go. Putting Apple graphics on the fairing will quadruple sales overnight.
I’ve been living in Portland, Oregon for the past year and have been surprised (and happy) with the prolific motorcycle culture that is here. The Gen Y population here is definitely in to two wheelers, pedaled and powered. And when it comes to style they are distinctly either high tech or old school. I don’t think this new CTX will sell very well here because it lacks practicality. It’s not going to be nimble and sporty for the old schoolers, and doesn’t look well suited for carrying stuff. Honda’s other new 700, the CN, is likely to be a good seller here in the Pacific NW for those reasons. Simply a better commuter that you can go off for the weekend with. However, for the Gen Y folks embedded in technology, they’ll wait for the price of a ZERO to be within reach, because ‘no-gas’ is the new cool and you can check on how it’s charging with your iPhone. Don’t get me wrong, I want a ZERO!… parked next to my internal combustion steed.
Yep, well, West Coast is much more moto-centric (I was in SF for a while, parking and traffic – you can lane split remember – drive a lot of this. And no serious winter). Yes I miss it; no it’s not indicative of the rest of the country…unfortunately.
Not my cup of tea. I am one of the few apparently, that happens to like tall, high horsepower bikes that get crappy mileage and have manual transmissions. I think that perhaps the gen-Y crowd is simply too lazy and/or risk averse to ride a motorcycle, because it does require SOME effort, and it could get you hurt.
Maybe the problem is an exposure thing. Other things I participate in such as shooting and aviation also have a hard time attracting new members. I think a lot of people just do not realize that these things are something that they themselves could participate in, or they are intimidated by the cost, or the learning curve. I have gotten people interested in shooting and flying by bringing them along with me and showing them what its all about, maybe the same can work with bikes. Perhaps its time to dust off that XL500 in the corner of the garage and drag a friend or co-worker out into the country or a deserted parking lot and get them a little seat time in a safe environment.
I also think the comment about the manufacturers sponsoring free demo/training sessions for new riders is a brilliant idea.
My 0.02$.
No
Have they got self-cancelling turn signals? If not, stick with Harleys.
This is so wrong.
Three of my four sons ride as well as both of my nephews. They’re all in their 20’s. What are their two main complaints about current motorcycles? The seat is too high and a manual transmission. While the styling on these models looks too heavy/thick for my liking, the lower seat height and available automatic may be the ‘magic pill’ that removes those two entry barriers. My GSX riding son admitted that there are times when riding a scooter ‘would be cool’ just because it’s so easy. Hell, my 82 year old father said he might even consider the auto model so he could ‘ride again w/o having to think about shifting’. These newer Honda models are blurring the line between current motorcycles and scooters and in the process, appealing to a broader market segment – just what Honda intended.
I’ll stay with my Guzzi (though a CB1100 would be a cool addition), but this represents the future for many riders. Just don’t take away our ‘traditional’ bikes.
My answer Dirck is yes but my question is did you ride the F6B.
Ugly and underpowered – should sell like hotcakes!
Isn’t that the Harley tagline? It’s certainly their design philosophy.
Encouraged by the new 500’s and F6B, but now this? More people live in urban areas now, which is a hostile environment for riding. Self driving cars, insurance, dropping fatality rates for cars is going to make motorcycle use in this country a hard sell.
re: “More people live in urban areas now, which is a hostile environment for riding.”
Interesting point here because this is unique to the US. All of the larger motorcycle markets in the world (Asia, Europe) are more urban and more chaotic to ride in. This is a barrier that US users are getting over. I see more cyclists and scooters all the time.
I agree with Eric on the transmission. Shifting is like a right of passage to us older riders but it’s easy to see why others look at it and ask “why?”. Good auto shifters and CVT’s are a long time coming in motorcycling and can’t become prevalent soon enough.
What got us old farts into motorcycling on Hondas back in the ’60’s and early ’70’s? ADVERTISING! “You meet the nicest people on a Honda”. How much bike advertising do you see from Honda, or any manufacturer, these days? Zilch! Our first bikes were sporty little singles or twins that could be bought with money saved from your paper route.
You have to capture new riders in their teen years, when Dad is reluctant to give them the family car to take to the beach. Once they are in their 20’s and have a car to pick up their dates, a bike is the last thing they need, or want. With many young people these days still living at home until their well into their 20’s, even 30’s, like my nephew, they can ill afford $7,000 for a motorcycle.
If Honda can’t get serious about attracting the teen riders, they would be better off to focus more on those that have money to spend, the boomers and those slightly younger, who are being neglected year after year with nothing new, speaking here of the sport touring segment, and I don’t mean a gazillion cc V6 ST. The legions of ST1100/1300 riders, which has a huge following in Britain and Europe, would love an update and even something a bit less weighty, for us old farts to handle.
no
The only thing that allows Gen Ys to stay glued to their social networking device is walking and public transportation. Good luck with that one.
-todd
On the Technology side, the key is to figure out how to integrate your iphone or ipad as additional gauges. Map, MP3 Player and Phone display; tie it all in with robust handlebar controls for all this stuff. Make the phone or tablet lockable inside easy to access waterproof built in console. Some apps would turn this into a friendly smart bike which could be used in electric or gas 2 wheeled platforms. Maybe use this technology in ATV’s as well. I’m sure the downside would be licensing costs on Hardware and Software.
Or perhaps the downside would be newbies on motorcycles paying attention to smart bike features rather than where they are going.
+1 +1 +1 !!!!!
Yah +1 on that too
also, the iphone as a gauge cluster….in the rain – not so much
RE: “On the Technology side, the key is to figure out how to integrate your iphone or ipad as additional gauges.”
What for? Bikes already have the gauges they need. I could see adding GPS functionality but that’s better done with a $90 Garmin and an earpiece.
The last thing any motorcycle needs is a distracting screen. These things fall down when the rider doesn’t pay enough attention.
If you’ve ever added these extra devices on for touring, it can be even more distracting since they don’t all integrated that well. Most of these solutions also have no remote handlebar controls. Last thing I need is to take my hand off and look at a screen or fiddle with a bluetooth headset.
I”m not saying replace motorcycle gauges, but enhance or add additional functionality. Standard controls like digital speedo, odometer, turn signals neutral, blinker, it wouldn’t replace. It could give tach, gear position, shiftlight, multiple trip meters, temp, gas range, outside temp, etc.
Nice looking bikes, what modern cruisers should look like. The one thing
Gen Y lacks that previous generations had plenty of is money.
Honda already have a CTX, it’s been on sale in Australia for around 10 years, the CTX200 AG bkie!
http://motorcycles.honda.com.au/Off_Road_Agricultural/CTX200_Bushlander
That front end black headlamp plastic surround on that Honda looks to be inspired by that Alien movie creature. Maybe it’s time to move back in time with more retro styled bikes as long as the modern bloated weight factor can be solved. The British in particular got the styling & weight mostly right way back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Most often an ‘exposed motor’ itself was the primary focal point. Unfortunately there was a downside to most of those nice looking classic bikes….oil drips, Lucas electrical problems and some vibration here and there. So yes, Honda can now do a lot better.
Honda you’re way off target. Don’t make ugly, transformer wannabe, heavy, low performing bikes. Instead design a lightweight bike with a clean design, with high tech features and gauges. Promote it by internet, tv and movies. Think of new girl riding a moto guzzi v7 or BMW F650
Honda you’re way off target. Don’t make really ugly, heavy, transformer wannabe, low performing bikes. Instead design a lightweight bike with a clean design, with high tech features and gauges. Promote it by internet, tv and movies. (think of new girl riding a moto guzzi v7 or the big bang nerds riding a BMW F650)
Face it Neanderthals, you are looking at the future.And, it’s beautiful.
Neanderthals????
I’d rather be a caveman with taste than a blind imbecile. “Beautiful” like a warthog. Bwahahaha
I just vomited in my helmet looking at that atrocity.
maybe it just needs a little bit more plastic…after all, I can still see some of the inner working bits.
…forward controls on the red monstrosity??? W T Hell is it?
I get the whole CB500 in 3 variants – these, not so much
Tremendously butt ugly.
Wish the Aprilia Mana would’ve been more well in the states for GenY since its already an automatic, has cool storage and a touch on the exotic side. My girlfriend still wants one and I can’t say I wouldn’t have fun taking it for a spin. Of course this is priced quite a bit more.
I can’t say this sparks much interest as a TU250 Suzuki, Versys or even honda’s NC700X. Whatever will work, but my girlfriend who isn’t currently a motorcycle owner loves the size and style of the old honda dream. Do a retro on that with fuel injection and some bluetooth integration and an integrated place for your phone. Now that would be cool.
I certainly wish Honda the best, but I’m convinced that riders are born, not persuaded into riding. Let’s face it, much about motorcycling is a pain in the butt. It’s cold, it’s hot, it’s wet, there are bugs, car drivers try to kill you, the helmet messes up your hair, you can’t carry stuff or friends around, tires are expensive and wear out quickly, everybody thinks you’re insane and going to die, cops hate you, and other motorcyclists disrespect you loudly and publicly because you’re too fast or too slow or you ride the wrong kind of bike or you haven’t ridden all your life. A little lower seat height and an automatic transmission aren’t going to make much of a difference to somebody who doesn’t have an overwhelming obsession with riding a motorcycle, and is willing to put up with all of the inconveniences and more for the indescribable pleasure of the ride.
I predict a very soft market for extremely low mileage examples of these bikes in about 5 years.
But even if many if not most of today’s youth aren’t naturally drawn to motorcycles like many of us old farts were don’t you think that the manufacturers need to try to reach them. If not, what then?
I mostly agree, but a lot of people who have no interest in riding would quickly change their minds if they could just experience it once.
My suggestion for manufacturers would be to sponsor free lessons. Have a traveling training program and go from city to city offering free lessons, no strings attached, maybe 20 bikes. More people would try it without a financial commitment and a lot of those people would get hooked. How could they not?
That is available in many States now, it’s called Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes. Bikes are provided (usually 250’s) and some of these classes are even free in some States.
I demand this comment be retracted!! It makes sense!! That’s not what angry ranters want to hear!!
I think motorcycling’s popularity depends a lot on cultural context, especially for affluent societies where the motorcycle as a metaphor for different values plays a greater role in market success than its practical virtues. Think rollerblades vs rollerskates. Rollerskates have become cool again thanks to roller derby, but ‘blades are a hard sell due to their implied dorkiness (despite their engineering superiority over skates). Motorcycles will always be dancing along a fine line between emotion and practicality. Strength in one will compensate in the other, but strength in both will increase the chances of sales success.
I am of the opinion that Harley-Davidson will really struggle in the near future as they have an image problem with Gen Y (Hell’s Accountants etc) with no day-to-day practical virtues. At least Honda might have a chance thanks to its engineering innovation – but everyone knows how important the cool factor in a teenager’s purchasing decisions, and I’m not seeing that much cool in these bikes.
I agree with your assessment that one day soon, Harley will once again lose it’s luster and will be forced to either INNOVATE or die. As to what it will take to get the younger generation to put down their I-Phones and hop on a bike, I don’t know. I for one hope to see more manufacturer interest in the sport/touring segment. I think the “cruiser” fad has run it’s course and many former cruiser riders are looking for a more comfortable, practical and sporty approach to motorcycling.
Just my .02
Mike
I think I “might” be able to get used to the styling after a bit, but what was Honda thinking with the cruiser style foot placement? I am in hopes that they will offer a model with standard foot placement like God intended!
Amen to the simple standard!
Agreed, they make it a low seat height, then goof it up by making it more difficult to use for short legged people with forward controls. My girlfriend recently tried a Hyosung GV 650 Pro that she could touch the ground well, but couldn’t reach the forward controls unless her legs were completely straight. And this is on one of the most confortable bikes with forward controls that I ever sat on.
All you old farts forget how intimidating it is to learn to ride.
Many of you, me included, learned on dirt bikes in the 70’s.
If you stalled your dirt bike, you didn’t get rear ended.
If you screwed up in a turn, you ran off the trail, not into a curb.
By the time we got street bikes, clutches and gearboxes were second nature.
Most young folks today have never driven a clutch car and have no desire to do so.
If you want the industry to survive, you should support all new riders and whatever bike they choose to enter the sport; scooters, automatics, whatever.
Times have changed. Not everybody grows up on a farm or has the extra money to buy dirtbikes for outside activities. It is difficult to find dirtbike only riding places and riding in the street isnt an option
I agree, I need to get over my own prejudice against auto or cvt or whatever the engineers can come up with that is easier to shift than a traditional moto setup. It took me two crashes, one mini bike and one street bike, before I got the hang of the clutch/foot shifter combo. More intelligent people than me might not persevere after experiences like that. But maybe that’s why we belong to such an exclusive club.
And if the marketing types are getting involved in motorcycle design like this article implies, then no wonder these bikes look the way they do. I have to admit I kinda like the naked version, though. Otherwise too much plastic, not enough performance.
The non-riders I know are so completely unaware of the world of motorcycling that I have no idea what would new kind of motorcycle would actually get their attention. So, maybe this ugly thing would do it. I suppose I give credit to Honda for trying to be creative, but these are so cheap-looking, so uninspired, it’s stunning, really.
Ugly and under powered machines. What focus group did Honda listen to?? My guess, none.
All I can say is I’m thankful Honda is bringing the CB1100 to the U.S.
Amen!
C’mon, the CB1100 looks great, but it’s as over-weight and under-powered as these two!
Can we get please get past the idea that a motorized conveyance that makes around 100 horsepower and weighs just north of a quarter ton is underpowered?
Gen Ys want hipster stuff. Old volvos and crappy 70s Yamaha mopeds are cool. Spend a few minutes looking at Etsy and you’ll get an idea of what they like.
I don’t think these Hondas are specifically reaching for this demographic.
If these Generation Y types like that Etsy site, they must like some pretty gay-looking stuff.
These Hondas will probably suit them just fine, then, as I think they look horrible.
Not even corny-looking “bikes of tomorrow” from some 1967 documentary would look this stupid.
I have read the engine is based on a Honda automobile.
I think retro is where the action will be for the younger generation – Triumph Bonneville, Royal Enfield Bullet, Moto Guzzi V7 etc. Deus Motorcycles seems to resonate amongst the younger crowd here in Australia – they also do fixie bicycles and a fashion label. This approach is tapping into ‘lifestyle marketing’, as opposed to a more traditional hardcore market, with probably greater potential for growth.
Yeah, that’s why I thought the dream would be perfect. Very retro and has that styling which looks like it’s between being a scooter and motorcycle. Very approachable for non-motorcycle riders.
This bike is a miracle drug for a non-existing disease. Only a scooter person would be caught on one. A plastic scooter-cruiser may be cheap to build but so what if it does not sell.
How about a modern version of the CB400-4? Not a recreation but go for that clean, simple, functional look that Triumph almost captured. Honda, you can do it!
These bikes look like an NC700X humped a scooter and had this half breed litter. Not to my liking. I think Honda should let the young kids have their silly electronic play toys and should not try to build down to their level. At some point the nitwits may tire of piloting a virtual motorcycle around a virtual track with their x-box’s and wish to try the real thing. However, if the real thing looks like a half breed mongrel scooter bike, who knows
When I was a kid I lusted after those uncouth, obnoxious Kawasaki triples. Bought one as soon as I was able to save up enough money. It was crude and rude and I loved it. I can’t imagine feeling the same way about these Hondas.
I think today’s kids are a different bunch. These don’t really spark much in me but I come from a different generation. The comment Dirck made about Apple made me cringe. Their success in today’s marketplace notwithstanding, their way of herding people into doing things their way and at their cost isn’t my bag. Fresh ideas are always welcome but may put off the old guard but dazzle the young. Only time will tell how these bikes are accepted but Honda has been on a roll lately. Remember that the name of the game today is to keep it affordable. Some of the extra bling that goes missing that we’ve become accustomed to would surely increase costs and put us right back where we had been. It’s good to have choice and if this is what attracts the young then so be it, just as long as we all are herded into the same direction!
Clearly you have no idea how tired we mac users are of being dismissed as mindless sheep. It’s insulting.
Buell used to be the ugly bike king. Now that he’s mostly out of the bike biz, the new Ugly Bike King is HONDA!
I don’t like these bikes. Honda is capable of much better.
Everybody seems to think these are aimed only at young new riders. I propose a lot of folks from 45-65 with sore knees and fond memories of riding years ago might find these bikes non-intimidating and comfortable to use as around-town transportation. Seems like up to this point bikes have been too tall, too cramped, too expensive…the only options have been cruiser style bikes.
Totally agreed!
Honda must decide a direction for the new 700 parallel twin engine. The engine can certainly be tuned to meet multiple uses. However, it needs to be used in a motorcycle style platform. If they try to muddy the waters by making a bike that looks too much like a scooter they loose the bike crowd. Too much like a motorcycle, they loose the scooter crowd. If Honda can’t make up their minds, perspective buyers won’t be able to either.
Some of these based on the CBR500 motor may be even better for beginners as they should be lighter and cheaper and maybe even quicker that the 700. Honda is going nuts these days! Got to love it.
Every Gen-Why? person I know is catatonic.
I think this is a cool looking bike. The designer(s) should be proud. It isn’t exactly the bike I like to ride, but then again, I’m not the intended demographic. First impression is I’d like to buy one but I better wait, because if Gen Y sees me on one, they’ll stay away in droves. Kidding, of course. This bike should sell to a wide group of current riders and those who just might decide to start riding. Good job, IMO.
Finally… the DN-02. This time it looks a lot better than the original and within the right price range. I own a DN-01 for a simple reason: it fits me. I lost my leg on a motorcycle crash a few years ago and the DiN0 has what I was looking for: looooooow seat (so I can “flat foot” my prosthesis), auto trans and ABS. The perfect bike? Hell, no! But those of you who have not tour on an Auto trans bike, wouldn’t know.
The perfect bike for ME? Yep… ’till now…
They might like it if it has wifi and they can control it with their Ipad.
I don’t like these bikes which is a good sign that Gen Y will like them.
I believe you are either interested in riding motorcycles or you’re not. I would think millenials or gen y techies would be more interested in scooters that get 65 to 100 mpgs, are automatics, can be ridden without power ranger looking outfits, and have decent weather protection and storage or electric motorcycles ( better for the environment) for city riding, than motorcycles, but in truth they want street cars, subways, and other mass transit systems.
Not sure what the answer is, and I bet the motorcycle manufacturers would sure like to know too, but the people that I talk to, that are not interested in motorcycles, can not be coerced into liking motorcycles. You either are interested, or you’re not.
Honda and others need to get back to “Let the Good Times Roll” ads for bikes like these, and play the green aspect e.g. using less fuel than a car. And how about a 2-up bike blasting through a puddle and splashing all the electronic-device geekers waiting at the campus bus stop?