No more Honda ST1300?

[Warchild]

https://www.motorcycledaily.com/04september...ndareleases.htm

Obviously, this isn't official Honda news, but check out the last paragraph: the ST1300 and VFR Interceptor are discontinued models for 2010, both here and abroad.

The article speculates it will return next year. Personally, I don't give a rat's one way or another, but it's interesting they would dump the ST1300 model when it is just starting to make significant inroads in the Long Distance community.

Meah..... don't really care that much..... <_<

 

[johnny80s]

I like this one:

 

[madmike2]

It could be that there are enough of those two bikes in crates to satisfy the N.A. demand for 2010.

The new "Viffer" is being road tested (according to the spy-shots that have been published) so they've probably pushed the release back to 2011.

IF those who have been asking for a middle size ST bike will fulfill their desires, the NT700 could be a good seller. It may also be simpler than converting an SV650 or FZ-6 when buying the Givi set-up. In this economy only time will tell.

It would be sad if they were to actually discontinue the ST from their line-up. It's been a solid seller for years.

 

[exskibum]

The new "Viffer" is being road tested (according to the spy-shots that have been published) so they've probably pushed the release back to 2011.

Nah -- sounds just like more of the same that they did for years with the Blackbird. Lotsa rumors every year, MAYBE even a prototype that they worked on and eventually shelved, but to actually release a new bike with technological improvements in those lines?!?! Honda?!?! I doubt it.

 

[C&C]

And way too heavy at 550 lbs with 60 horses.

 

[SockMonkey]

In the October edition of Motorcyclist magazine, there is an article beginning on page 14 regarding the 2010 VFR1200. On page 15 (where there's also a spy shot of the new VFR), there is an inset box titled "Tour De Force - Look forward to an ST1300 replacement, too", describing a new sport-tourer "set for launch later this year... [and] will likely go on sale in early 2010." This new bike is supposedly based on the new VFR platform albeit with a slightly stretched-out head angle, what appears to be a more upright riding position and somewhat different body work than the VFR [based on the drawings included in the article]. We shall see...

 

[BikerGeek99]

For some reason that NT700 makes me think of the Pacific Coast... (The motorcycle, that is.)

 

[doctorJ]

Hmmm, I'd read that before and didn't interpret it to mean that. I have seen releases in the past that didn't include a specific model if wasn't a new one or with changes so just assumed it meant that. I guess we will find out for sure though not too long from now. I doubt I'd replace either my 04 ST or my 08 FJR in any event for a couple of years at least so will grab the popcorn and just wait and watch. Here's one I'd like, a joint venture by Honda with BMW to put the ST1300's rear drive and engine in the R1200RT and price it at the same price as the FJR. I think I'd have to have one of those---ain't gonna happen though.

doctorj

 

[Geezer]

Good point doctorJ. It would be a poor strategy to leave a hole in their lineup. It is more likely that Honda will sell the existing ST with a 2010 label on it rather than let another brand take that market share. Or maybe keep the 2009 ST on the floor for a while if they are going to have a completely new ST later that they want to sell as a 2010 ST1300.

 

[airboss]

I got an idea! Let's discontinue the ST1300 and The VFR. We'll replace the with the Duh-Ville.

Yeah, that's going to work. :blink:

 

[SockMonkey]

And here's the transmission that we're going to see in the new VFR (and, probably, the ST replacement): Honda Builds Auto Dual Clutch Sportbike Tranny

From a technology standpoint, this is rather cool...

 

[ridgerunner88]

And here's the transmission that we're going to see in the new VFR (and, probably, the ST replacement): Honda Builds Auto Dual Clutch Sportbike Tranny
From a technology standpoint, this is rather cool...

Next they'll put a steering wheel on them.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

And here's the transmission that we're going to see in the new VFR (and, probably, the ST replacement): Honda Builds Auto Dual Clutch Sportbike Tranny
From a technology standpoint, this is rather cool...

Next they'll put a steering wheel on them.

This is the answer....!

Americans, in general, have a lot of difficulty with traditional clutch and gear-shifting -- if they can do them, at all...?

There's at least one generation (maybe two) of, prospective, drivers/riders that are only automatic able... :blink:

Unless there's a drastic change, which I can't see -- the future belongs to automatics.

 

[Geezer]

Next they'll put a steering wheel on them.

Like this?

 

[FJRBluesman]

It will be interesting this year at the bike shows to talk to the reps.

 

[happyPuppy]

I heard the same as Warchild, a 1200cc ST in the spring with this gearbox.

Official Press Release

TOKYO, Japan, September 8, 2009 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has developed the Dual Clutch Transmission*1, the world's first*2 fully automatic motorcycle dual clutch transmission for large-displacement sport bikes. The new transmission provides riders sporty riding enjoyment with easy operation, while its superior transmission efficiency delivers fuel economy equal to or better than a conventional manual transmission. A new VFR large-displacement sport bike equipped with the new transmission will be released in Europe and North America in 2010, with sales to commence in Japan at a later date.

This world's first motorcycle dual clutch transmission features a light, compact design that allows it to be combined with existing engines without substantial layout modification. Further, the new transmission delivers the precise acceleration control riders require thanks to electronic control technology that helps ensure smooth, seamless gear changes. In order to respond to rider demands in a broad range of situations, the transmission is equipped with three operating modes, two full-auto modes (D-mode for regular operation and S-mode for sporty riding); and a 6-speed manual mode, which delivers the same shift feel as a manual transmission. Honda intends to gradually expand the deployment of the new transmission to more and more of its large-displacement motorcycles, particularly sports models destined for use in developed countries.

Honda will continue to deliver motorcycles that match the needs of society and users' lifestyles, spreading the joy of riding and mobility.

*1 Patents pending: 100

*2 According to Honda survey

The new transmission features a dual clutch transmission configuration in which independent clutches are employed for the odd gears (1st, 3rd, 5th) and the even gears (2nd, 4th, 6th), respectively. The two clutches operate alternately to effect gear changes. For example, when changing from 1st to 2nd gear, the computer detects the up-shift and engages 2nd gear, then releases the 1st-gear clutch while engaging the 2nd-gear clutch to achieve a seamless gear change. While some dual-clutch transmissions tend to be bulky, the new system employs original technologies such as dual input shafts, exclusive in-line clutch design, and concentration of hydraulic circuitry beneath the engine cover to achieve a compact design. Compactness and lightness is further enhanced through the use of a simple shift mechanism design based on that of a conventional motorcycle shift drum. Optimized shift scheduling achieves fuel economy equal to or better than that of a fully manual transmission, enabling Dual Clutch Transmission to deliver both sporty riding and environmental performance combined.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Next they'll put a steering wheel on them.

Like this?

How about this?:

Cycle-Escort / Escort-Cycle?

Still a motorsickle -- from a rider/passenger perspective; about 100hp; easily accesible (w/sawzall & Lincoln welder) -- automatic available, too... :blink:

 

[vectervp1]

Cycle-Escort / Escort-Cycle?

Still a motorsickle -- from a rider/passenger perspective; about 100hp; easily accesible (w/sawzall & Lincoln welder) -- automatic available, too... :blink:

And you thought the FJR gave off alot of heat in stop and go traffic!!

 

[SockMonkey]

And here's the transmission that we're going to see in the new VFR (and, probably, the ST replacement): Honda Builds Auto Dual Clutch Sportbike Tranny
From a technology standpoint, this is rather cool...

Replying to my own post here...

Video of VFR 1200 Auto Dual Clutch in action: Link

I'll upgrade my previous statement: this is very cool...