New V4 Honda Superbike

Motorcycle News in the UK has today got a feature and cover picture of the (rumoured) new V4 superbike from Honda.
The bike is supposed to be a 1000cc V4 but definately a race replica in the mould of the RC30 & RC45.
Expected next year, the article quotes a highly placed Honda Japan source stating "if you want a Fireblade you'd better buy it before 2008"..other sources say that the bike will not replace the fireblade on the road, but is intended to replace it as a race machine.

Supposition, conjecture, rumour - lets hope it's all true and the Sport touring version comes out shortly afterwards...

Rod (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif)
(IMG:http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r38/roguevfr/NewV4Superbike.jpg)

FOR GOD SAKES!!
ADD THE PIC!!! (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/wheel.gif)

That rag is always wrong! They just publish cgi bs pictures with no real journalistic integrity. This is the 4th time they have published *the new* v4! First one looked like a cross between a blackbird and a vfr, then there was the strange rear end on the supposed vfr, now this? Its all unsubstantiated.

another artist rendering like the "new " Vfr that was reported a year ago. ill believe it when i see it. and hopefully it will come

yeah, the journo probably spent the arvo with his mates at a pub, thats what most of them do in London (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/smile.gif) ...

journo... "Oh no, feck it, I've had 10 pints and I've got to have a bloomin' article done by 5"
mate "tell 'em theres a new Honda, hic... make it a V5, no a V4, 1000cc's"
journo... "brilliant!!, what colour?"
mate "here, I've got a crayon, I'll make something up"...

If it is true. It's a sad day for VFRs. They will have gotten rid of the image of the VFR. Fun, powerful, Sportbike lookalike without being a back killer and made for all ages of riders. Plus it has a singlesided on it.
I am in my early 30's and I bought mine to be different and did not want a sore back after a ride. If they do change it the bike will look like every other sport bike out there. If you have a passenger on the back they will be laying on you unlike with the current VFR and you will be even more sore after a ride. Not fun.

ImLost, Feb 21 2007, 06:37 AMIf it is true. It's a sad day for VFRs. They will have gotten rid of the image of the VFR. Fun, powerful, Sportbike lookalike without being a back killer and made for all ages of riders. Plus it has a singlesided on it.
I am in my early 30's and I bought mine to be different and did not want a sore back after a ride. If they do change it the bike will look like every other sport bike out there. If you have a passenger on the back they will be laying on you unlike with the current VFR and you will be even more sore after a ride. Not fun.

how soon we forget. the VFR was one of the first true sports bikes. in its 80's varients it was the hyper bike of the time. it was later in its life that it was mellowed out to be deemed a sports tourer

how soon we forget. the VFR was one of the first true sports bikes. in its 80's varients it was the hyper bike of the time. it was later in its life that it was mellowed out to be deemed a sports tourer

I was just gonna say that....I think if they went a bit racier, it would actually be a return to form.

That pic looks painful...A seat that looks about as comfortable as plywood painted black and NO single sided swing arm ...colors . way to much white.. needs a lot more red. If it is true then Honda is going for the Squid populass making it look like the 1000rr /600rr..

Yes in the 80s the VFR750 was a true sport bike and was a hot item with the gear driven cams /V4 motor/ and looks to die for or drool over..LOL. I was still riding my VF750F Interceptor and it was paid for so.
When i finally got a 86 VFR750 it didnt last long because a cage hit me when i was stopped at a stop sign ...totaled..

Seventh gen VFR will have to be a sportbike to appeal to the younger crowd who likes to pose and ride around town and act squidly . I myself will wait until i get tired of riding my 99VFR which may be quite some time down the road... Its hard to replace a perfect machine...

Nailer45, Feb 21 2007, 06:56 AMIf it is true then Honda is going for the Squid populass making it look like the 1000rr /600rr..

If VFR owners would just wreck their bikes more often, the VFR may have never been killed. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/491.gif)

I like that bike, except the nose looks an awful lot like the 1098.

Chev, Feb 21 2007, 06:01 AMI like that bike, except the nose looks an awful lot like the 1098.

Yeah, I like it too. If they made a 750 version, I might be tempted to dump the Gixxer. Good to see a few folks around to remind people that the Interceptor was originally a bleeding edge sportbike and not the sport-tourer that it has become over the last few generations. Maybe what they could do is call the no-compromise sportbike the Interceptor and a more sedate sport-touring version the VFR. I like my '07 as a daily rider and for longer trips but I'd really like to have a cutting edge V4 bike for the canyons and the track. It would appeal to more than the squids. Come on Honda, give us today's equivalent of the '86 VFR750 or the VF1000R.

BTW, I was in a shop in Denver last Saturday and saw one of the 1098s. Very sexy bike. The Italians definitely have a knack for making nice vehicles.

You'd think 'one of these years' Honda will do something, must be making dealers real happy , same models for half a decade . Well, OK, an all new CBR 600. ( with zero proof, I kinda think there was a V5 in development, cancelled by bean counters. Like Triumphs 'Hyabusa challenger' which was in road testing mode, cancelled.)
I agree with VF1000, Honda should do the Suzuki thing and develop two bikes from mostly the same foundation. Wouldn't be hard at all - one heavier, slightly bigger, single swing arm, bigger fairing, bigger back seat, and a lighter, smaller version.

Uggahpoohyukyuk!
What's the point of that bike?!

Beck
95 VFR

Isn't this MCN the same MCN who announced the death of the Interceptor?

Didn't we all react the same way?

Will we ever learn?

HS is right.

Not all V-4 Honda's are VFR's. This one is more likely to be an RVF...

IF, and that's a big IF, they build it I will buy it. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/smile.gif)

Hurricane249, Feb 21 2007, 12:35 PMIF, and that's a big IF, they build it I will buy it. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/smile.gif)

(IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/+1.gif) and then take a hacksaw to that fugly hugger

jeremy556, Feb 21 2007, 11:42 AM

Hurricane249, Feb 21 2007, 12:35 PMIF, and that's a big IF, they build it I will buy it. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/smile.gif)

(IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/+1.gif) and then take a hacksaw to that fugly hugger

That's not a hugger it's a fender from a 1977 Coup DeVille. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/blink.gif)

Well, something has to replace the RC51, right? (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/unsure.gif)

sirimiri, Feb 21 2007, 10:08 AMWell, something has to replace the RC51, right? (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/unsure.gif)

Yeah... it's called the CBR1000RR (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/dry.gif)

Ikazuchi, Feb 21 2007, 10:10 AMYeah... it's called the CBR1000RR (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/dry.gif)

Ikaz, I was thinking more along the lines of a V engine configuration, though? (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/fing02.gif) Maybe I'm just channeling?

In any event, I agree with the consensus that the magazine is a bit sensationalist about "new" bikes..

or this?

http://raptorsandrockets.com/images/Roadra..._roadbike1r.jpg

Hurricane249, Feb 21 2007, 12:56 PM

jeremy556, Feb 21 2007, 11:42 AM

Hurricane249, Feb 21 2007, 12:35 PMIF, and that's a big IF, they build it I will buy it. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/smile.gif)

(IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/+1.gif) and then take a hacksaw to that fugly hugger

That's not a hugger it's a fender from a 1977 Coup DeVille. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/blink.gif)

(IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/goofy.gif) (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/goofy.gif) (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/blink.gif)

I dunno why you guys are complaining about the seat and racing crouchness of this alleged new VFR. If it IS a VFR, you'll put HeliBars and a Corbin seat on it anyways, so it doesn't matter how sporty it is.
And yes, the SSSSSSA is nice in some ways, but unless you're endurance racing, what's the point? You can't tell me it's for looks, when Honda has the ugliest SSSA of any bike manufacturer. Plus it raises more problems than it solves...

It's of only academic interest to me. This bike - like the last three - is "the last bike you're ever going to get!". Except this time, I think it is. I can't see any reason to replace it. I'd rather keep it and farkle it to the way I want it. Only a few items to go...

The tail section of this rendering looks very similar to the RC212. As said before, I will believe it when I see it. I think it would be smart from a marketing standpoint to not use the VFR or RVF designation. RC... whatever would most likely do better. The funny thing about this is that if Honda did build it by the time it hit the dealerships it would have those same vintage front turn signal pods from the eighties, the very same ones on the new 600RR. Way to save a dollar Honda.

767fixer, Feb 21 2007, 05:55 AMhow soon we forget. the VFR was one of the first true sports bikes. in its 80's varients it was the hyper bike of the time. it was later in its life that it was mellowed out to be deemed a sports tourer

In 1981 my 900F was a "true" sport bike. In terms of equipment and performance, it (along the GS Suzukis and Kaw KZs) eclipsed the everything that came before. Several guys (one named Spencer IIRC) won AMA Superbike titles on 'em. Today, it's still a nice bike (as is its near cousin the Kaw ZRX), but would you call a ZRX1200 a "sportbike?"

When the VF750 came out it moved the bar. The VFR moved it again. Then came modern race reps. The point to all this is the VFR didn't mellow, it just didn't change it's focus to follow the crowd. In a way it chose not to compete in the insanity that became the modern sportbike war. That's why I have one.

enzed_viffer, Feb 23 2007, 03:16 AMAnd yes, the SSSSSSA is nice in some ways, but unless you're endurance racing, what's the point?

I don't know about you but I do my own tire changes and I LOVE a SSSA for the easy off/on and no chain alignment issues. I truly dread trying to line up the rear axle, spacers, wheel bearings, and chain guides on a swinging fork; sometimes getting the planets to align is easier! LOL

Motorcyclist has this same bike, but they are calling it a RCV 211 for the street. Similar in concept to the V4 Ducati. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/beer.gif)

Tufelhunden, Mar 15 2007, 09:44 PMMotorcyclist has this same bike, but they are calling it a RCV 211 for the street. Similar in concept to the V4 Ducati. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/beer.gif)

Yeah, but they also say it's going to be a V5. Exactly like the Desmosedici(the D16 in Motorcyclist-speak), as far as being a production bike for a select few, the NR of the new century, if you will. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/oldemoticons/rolleyes.gif)

Time to update this thread. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/wink.gif)

Spanish Motomag solomoto.es is reporting that Honda will unveil a new V-4 sportbike at the upcoming Paris Motoshow. The "RVF" is reportedly a pur sang sportbike in the vein of the RC30 and 45, possibly displacing 1000cc, and might sound the deathknell for the CBR1000RR. There have been reports from racing sources that there will be a completely new Honda Superbike in '08 so maybe this is it.

Like the rest of y'all, I'll believe it when I see it.

yooperbikemike, Aug 3 2007, 11:28 AMTime to update this thread. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/wink.gif)

Spanish Motomag solomoto.es is reporting that Honda will unveil a new V-4 sportbike at the upcoming Paris Motoshow. The "RVF" is reportedly a pur sang sportbike in the vein of the RC30 and 45, possibly displacing 1000cc, and might sound the deathknell for the CBR1000RR. There have been reports from racing sources that there will be a completely new Honda Superbike in '08 so maybe this is it.

Like the rest of y'all, I'll believe it when I see it.

Looks better, but still an illustration:
(IMG:http://www2.solomoto.es/fotos/22/Honda_1.jpg)

The article also talks of a new VFR, besides the RVF.

They come the V4s
(I enjoy Spanglish)

keithroxx, Feb 23 2007, 02:18 AMhttp://raptorsandrockets.com/images/Roadra..._roadbike1r.jpg

I like how it has what looks to be ceramic disk brakes in the front and a stocker in the rear. Whoops!

Er, why would you want a ceramic rear brake disc? Don't MotoGP bikes have steel rears as well? (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/unsure.gif)

Ciao,

(I enjoy Spanglish)

Oops, looks like I failed the Spanglish reading comprehension test. (blushing)

What the article said was that there should be a prototype of the V4 sportbike on display in Paris that would be released as an '09 model and that the current generation VFR would be continued in '08.

Oops, my bad, mea faulta, etc.

Translation of Spanish article:

(IMG:http://www2.solomoto.es/fotos/22/Honda_1.jpg)
They arrive the V4 The next Parlor of Paris of the month of September promises to be a hotbed of news, especially in the case of Sling, that will revitalize its range V4� Now that in the category of MotoGP the new RC212V they are four-cylinder in V is a good moment so that Deep flirtatious remark its gifted street motorcycles range with this type of motors. In Paris we will see the to reborn of the family one VFR, and would be able to present a prototype of its hiperdeportiva of the future, a reprint of the mythical acronyms RVF, that would not see the
light until 2009.

And the fact is that all we recall different and so special motorcycles from some decades ago as the VF 500 FII, VF 750, VFR 400R, VFR 750 R� All with four-cylinder engines in V, without forgetting the especial�sima NR 750 of oval pistons, an octocil�ndrico. Today, the only representative of that mythical saga is the VFR 800.

Sling will renew its sports tourism VFR with many and important you improve. The propellant one V4 would be able to grow to the 1.000 cc, to be lightened and to be get rid of the system VTEC and to win more power in media and high. Cycle splits it would also be less heavy and would adopt new suspensions, with new system Unit For Link in the rear, and would mount pincers of radial brake fronts of three pistons with ABS-CBS of series.

For 2009, the saga Fireblade would be able to disappear. In its place the RVF would appear 1000, a sports one with four-cylinder engine in V, almost a replica of the RC212V, of the one that would take its esthetics. The propellant would be completely new, very compact and light, and would be able to develop near 200 cv, but with large dose of power to low returns and a great facility of conduction. Would be the revival of the mythical RC-30 and RC-45, two champions of the world of SBK�

Besides, Deep it will show in Paris a good list of renewals and news. Among them it renewed CBF600/S, the new one Hornet 1000, the new one Transalp 700 asf�ltica with the motor of the Deauville and esthetics type Ducati Multistrada, the renewal of the Paneuropean, a new one CBR 1000 RR �perhaps the last one Fireblade�, the CBF 1000 naked�

And in Milan they will launch the modification of the scooters that do not surpass the Euro 3, like the Dylan, besides a new one Silverwing, perhaps gifted of a twin-cylinder one in V, and some hybrid motorcycle motor scooter, as the DN-01 or the E4-01, prototypes already seen does a pair of seasons. In final, Paris will be exciting.

(More information in Alone Motorcycle Current number 1625)

JZH, Aug 3 2007, 03:54 PMEr, why would you want a ceramic rear brake disc? Don't MotoGP bikes have steel rears as well? (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/unsure.gif)

Ciao,

Oh, um I just assumed MotoGP bikes had ceramic all around. D'oh (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/goofy.gif)

I would love to be wrong, but I just don�t see Honda changing over to a V4 sport bike. It is extra weight, complexity, and cost for what real world benefit?

enzed_viffer, Feb 23 2007, 03:16 AM.................And yes, the SSSSSSA is nice in some ways, but unless you're endurance racing, what's the point? You can't tell me it's for looks, when Honda has the ugliest SSSA of any bike manufacturer. Plus it raises more problems than it solves...

Well, Ducati sure found out they were very wrong getting rid of it on their last bike and came back with the 1098 con SSS. Agree that the Honda SSS IS the least attractive out there though, But I'd still rather have the sexy look of the single sided wheel on the right side of the bike than a conventional rear setup. Anyway, my 4th gen's SSS seems to be the sleekest to be put on the road VFRs, except for the ugly cush drive hub which is about as sexy as mom's cooking pot on her stove. Honda could have made it more interesting with cast-in stiffening ribs or something similar, even if it does not need it.

Beck
95 VFR

The article mentions that this V4 will replace the Fireblade. MCN recently had a story that suggests the new 2008 Fireblade will again be a stinky I4.

Not again. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/comp13.gif)

Honda will never drop the CB/CBR/Fireblade moniker. And a CBR will never have a V4 engine. It then ceases to be a "CB."

I guess we will see next month of the rumors are true or false. I'm betting on false since they've never been right and it makes no sense. But I wouldn't mind losing that bet. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/goofy.gif)

jeremy556, Aug 3 2007, 09:15 AMTranslation of Spanish article:

(IMG:http://www2.solomoto.es/fotos/22/Honda_1.jpg)
Would be the revival of the mythical RC-30 and RC-45, two champions of the world of SBK�

Well it's about time Honda ante up a new V4... because stinky lines will never revival the mythical RC30 RC45...

two bikes ? I don't see a RC 30-45 type as replacing the Fireblade, too $$$$ probably more along lines of the RC 51 as far as limited production, I kinda think Honda sold far more RC 51 's than expected. They were fairly common at dealers, where the RC 30 -45 - quite rare. ( least in central Jersey)
Single S arm - I like it, even thou it adds some weight / cost. like the V4 , it's just not as efficient. Still, Tri offered both versions with the Daytona 955, so it's not really that big a deal. Wish they put it on the 675 street triple, with 1 1/2" longer W'base.
another year with current VFR ??? I can't really see that, obviously I know zip . . .goin fer ' classic' status while still in production, Honda ? then fix the cooling / electrics.

Forgive the stupid question, but when is the Paris Motoshow?

if this article is true ( which we all hope it is ) there is light at the end of the tunnel

I have been reading the same s*%t for about 7 years now. Will believe it when I see it.

Honda give me a

V4 or V5
GDCams
SSSA
120 to 140hp
under 400 pounds wet

Make me believe again.

UFO, Aug 7 2007, 03:52 AMNot again. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/comp13.gif)

Honda will never drop the CB/CBR/Fireblade moniker. And a CBR will never have a V4 engine. It then ceases to be a "CB."

I guess we will see next month of the rumors are true or false. I'm betting on false since they've never been right and it makes no sense. But I wouldn't mind losing that bet. (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/goofy.gif)

Well since I'm just about ready to vote with my money and buy a triumph sprint st it would be nice if Honda would step up at the show and display something worth owning.

I love my 01 and would love to add an 08 or 09 if it is a new machine with more capabilties. Cause the vtec machines are a major minus in my book.

If not then like my tastes in cars I will be changing brands after a long run with the current brands.