Interesting new Honda bike

[wfooshee]

Burgmans don't shift. That makes them scooters.

NC700s (whatever variant) shift. That makes them motorcycles.

750 Hondamatics didn't shift either. They're motorcycles.

Sure they did. 2-apeed with a torque converter, clutchless gear ratio selection. They changed ratios, which is shifting. But a motorcycle with an automatic or semi-automatic gearbox is still a motorcycle, not a scooter.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I'm not sure it really matters whether this bike is a motorcycle or a scooter. As GixxerJasen says, the lines are blurred. I think it gets harder to classify as one or the other. I have to think of it like this though: Deciding the difference between a motorcycle and a scooter is alot like deciding if something is pornographic or not. I may not be able to give a definition, but I know it when I see it.

 

[Top_Speed1]

U can have fun on either, and like Montrose use to sing...

"So get on your bad motor scooter and ride!"

I think Sammy Hagar did a remake of it as well. Hey. my HD friends say that to everyone that doesn't have a HD, best part is I say it right back like "hey, you better clean all them bugs off your scooter dude!". They smile back and it's all good but just don't call their 'scooter' a chrome tractor. Then you crossed the line lol.

 

[Constant Mesh]

I may be in the minority here but I believe this bike would be a very enjoyable every day bike. It doesn't ask too much of the rider. It would appear to be very easy to ride and maintain. No throttle body syncing. Easy valve clearance adjustments assuming the head cover can be easily removed. No winding the engine like a banshee to get decent performance. Top speed 115+ is plenty high for me. I never go above 85.

It's a v-twin (low rpm, high torque) type bike in a better configuration and package.

For someone looking for enjoyable everyday riding who isn't looking to impress anyone with chrome, high rpm wailing, mine's bigger than yours, etc. it should fit the bill nicely.

Honda will likely sell boatloads of bikes with this engine. They appear to have done their homework. A very elegant design.

 

[gixxerjasen]

It's a v-twin (low rpm, high torque) type bike in a better configuration and package.

Parallel twin, not a V. Same benefits though.

 

[Constant Mesh]

Yes, I know it's a parallel engine. With the 270 crank it mimics a v-twin but in a much better package. One cam chain, one cam chain tensioner, one camshaft, one throttle body, etc. Never having to remove the camshaft to adjust valve clearances. I particularly like how the water pump is up high driven by the camshaft. They copied BMW there. The oil pump is driven off the balancer shaft. A very simple, thoughtful design.

One thing I haven't seen is the charging system wattage. It's probably not a lot.

The two clutch electric shift tranny is probably very effective too. It's a second generation after the VFR and they've probably simplified and refined it.

This bike may create a new market niche. It's simple and elegant and others may try to copy it.

 

[marcusorelius]

They had one saturday when I was at the HD/yammie dealer. Was pretty nice lookin. The salesman just broke it out for the showroom, he didn't know it's main selling point. That it gets 64 mpg. Not really his fault as he said they sent it to them with no information. Great bike fer a kid in collage who needs somethin simple, and economical to tool around campus & town with.

 

[lnewlf]

U can have fun on either, and like Montrose use to sing...

"So get on your bad motor scooter and ride!"

I think Sammy Hagar did a remake of it as well. Hey. my HD friends say that to everyone that doesn't have a HD, best part is I say it right back like "hey, you better clean all them bugs off your scooter dude!". They smile back and it's all good but just don't call their 'scooter' a chrome tractor. Then you crossed the line lol.

It's a Ukranian ditch pump

Anyhow I'd want a shaft, a few more ponies and an electric windscreen. Oh wait- I already have one of those...

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I may be in the minority here but I believe this bike would be a very enjoyable every day bike. It doesn't ask too much of the rider. It would appear to be very easy to ride and maintain. No throttle body syncing. Easy valve clearance adjustments assuming the head cover can be easily removed. No winding the engine like a banshee to get decent performance. Top speed 115+ is plenty high for me. I never go above 85.

It's a v-twin (low rpm, high torque) type bike in a better configuration and package.

For someone looking for enjoyable everyday riding who isn't looking to impress anyone with chrome, high rpm wailing, mine's bigger than yours, etc. it should fit the bill nicely.

Honda will likely sell boatloads of bikes with this engine. They appear to have done their homework. A very elegant design.

I 100% agree. I looked at it, I liked it, but I don't have a need for it or a place for it. I hope they sell plenty, this is the Toyota Corolla of motorcycles.

 

[RadioHowie]

I looked at it, I liked it, but I don't have a need for it or a place for it. I hope they sell plenty, this is the Toyota Corolla Honda Civic of motorcycles.

What were you thinking? It's a Honda...so it's GOT to be the Honda Civic of motorcycles!

 

[user 8909]

I may be in the minority here but I believe this bike would be a very enjoyable every day bike. It doesn't ask too much of the rider. It would appear to be very easy to ride and maintain. No throttle body syncing. Easy valve clearance adjustments assuming the head cover can be easily removed. No winding the engine like a banshee to get decent performance. Top speed 115+ is plenty high for me. I never go above 85.

It's a v-twin (low rpm, high torque) type bike in a better configuration and package.

For someone looking for enjoyable everyday riding who isn't looking to impress anyone with chrome, high rpm wailing, mine's bigger than yours, etc. it should fit the bill nicely.

Honda will likely sell boatloads of bikes with this engine. They appear to have done their homework. A very elegant design.

That's my feelings as well. +1

I tried one on for size today and it felt good, simple design, great mpg's and I like the tank storage. The seat looks and may even be comfortable.

I'd like to ride one and see how it feels running 70-80mph but it's without a doubt that it would be a great commuter and back road bike.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I looked at it, I liked it, but I don't have a need for it or a place for it. I hope they sell plenty, this is the Toyota Corolla Honda Civic of motorcycles.

What were you thinking? It's a Honda...so it's GOT to be the Honda Civic of motorcycles!

Sorry Howie. I haven't been here that long but you must have realized that thinking is not really my strong point... You are right of course, Honda Civic. I'll try to do better, I promise.

 

[spartan1984]

Even though it has some nice luggage isn't it based off a scooter design?

Not according to Honda. They claim they started this bike's design with a clean slate. Of course that could just be sales puffery..

Actually, Honda benchmarked Aprilia with this design. Aprilia has been selling the Mana 850 (naked) since 2008/2009 and came out with the GT version (fairing and ABS) in 2010. You can ride it like an scooter, toggle with your fingers are ride it in manual/clutch mode. It is truly an awesome bike in my humble opinion