8th gen might not be far off

A more focused competitor to the Multistrada! Perhaps?

Can wait to see the full details.

http://www.motorcycl...icma-90045.html

Looks interesting, as the adventure market seems to be the place to be right now, I know 4 guys at work that have picked up KTM and BMW adventure bikes this year.

But I wouldn't call it an 8th gen, as its not replacing the VFR1200, they call it a sibling. It does say its a smaller-displacement V4 engine, could mean Honda is going to bring new life in to the VFR line. Wonder if its an all new V4 based on the 1200's layout or if they are just going to rework a 5th or 6th gen engine.

Ive always wanted a translucent motorbike
http://www.motorcycle.com/images/news/101410-honda-v4-adventure.jpg

[image: View Post]timmythecop, on 16 October 2010 - 11:08 PM, said:

Ive always wanted a translucent motorbike
http://www.motorcycle.com/images/news/101410-honda-v4-adventure.jpg



And you think the cagers can't see you now! :laughing6-hehe:

That shape kind of reminds me of the old katanas.

Actually I like the idea, V4, lower seat, good slow speed handling, more upright position just hope it come to the US. Now if it had shaft drive and DCT that would be a no brainer.

If they are aiming at the Multistrada, I am so in. I want one in a bad way, but just can't bring myself to risk the reliability and maintenance costs of a Duc...

Seriously, Honda - you've got a buyer right here! Bring it to the States...

V4 Engine - and all the good that brings.
Ton-o-miles comfort
Low Maint. Shaft Drive - or I'll take a chain on a SSSA - it's easy to keep in check.
Fully adjustable suspension - doesn't need to be the trick electronic one on the Duc.
Reasonably priced luggage options
Charging system to handle all the electronic goodies
And aesthetically - an exhaust can that doesn't resemble the Hindenburg...

This, I would pay the VFR1200 price for in a heartbeat....Will be watching for this with bated breath.
Different Linky

[image: View Post]creggur, on 17 October 2010 - 07:51 AM, said:

If they are aiming at the Multistrada, I am so in. I want one in a bad way, but just can't bring myself to risk the reliability and maintenance costs of a Duc...

Seriously, Honda - you've got a buyer right here! Bring it to the States...



I'm with you on this too and make it no heavier than the Multi and keep the seat an inch lower.
I drive a Multi and while I liked the twin, when I got back on my Vfr800, I love the feel of Honda refinement.

I think what we all want is a 1000cc or bigger gear-driven cam v4 in a more sport orientation than the current 7th gen. I would buy this. The current 7th gen.... not gonna happen.

IG

[image: View Post]pazzo, on 17 October 2010 - 05:41 PM, said:

[image: View Post]creggur, on 17 October 2010 - 07:51 AM, said:

If they are aiming at the Multistrada, I am so in. I want one in a bad way, but just can't bring myself to risk the reliability and maintenance costs of a Duc...

Seriously, Honda - you've got a buyer right here! Bring it to the States...



I'm with you on this too and make it no heavier than the Multi and keep the seat an inch lower.
I drive a Multi and while I liked the twin, when I got back on my Vfr800, I love the feel of Honda refinement.

I reckon in the next 2 years you will see a raft of new V4's in a variety of platforms. Great times for the best engine configuration there is.

That profile fuzzy shot does look good.....but after all that Honda had dangled in front of our noses all these years and never delivered......forget it!!, It will never be realized!...... :dry:
You have a much better chance with the Lotto than the Honda VFR crystal ball!........

Beck
95 VFR

From the fuzzy sketch, I'd guess it's a bike similar to the Duc MS - looks like funky front fender/intake area, lots of clearance for the rear wheel/suspension travel and high handlebars.

A V4 adventure bike makes sense to me - good torque down low for off-road riding, yet can still scream at higher rpms for canyon carving. :fing02:

Now, just make it with a closer-to-normal seat height and I'd be interested, as I can barely swing a leg over most adventure bikes with my short legs. :sad: :laugh:

Could be interesting... however I'm not a fan of the way the fairings are "pretzeled". Unless they've omitted a seam in the beige piece, it doesn't look like it would be fun to remove. Hopefully most things would be accessible for maintenance anyway.

I am not totally against it, it might turn out to be a great bike but... why put a heavy 4 cylinder engine in an adventure tourer? You could certainly get enough HP using a twin cylinder engine. If the aim is to create a Multistrada rival, 800cc would be too little unless it is very highly tuned (the Multistrada has a lot of torque and HP in a relatively relaxed configuration), and the 1200 V4 would be too heavy (at least I can't see how they are going to make it much lighter all the while using shaft drive etc).

If they think they are creating rivals to the BMW 800 and 1200 GS then good luck. They have some off-road ability and I'd expect the same from a bike claiming to challenge them.

What interests me about this is, they might put this engine in an ST chassis, thus creating a smaller and lighter version of the 1200 and a true successor to the 5th and 6th gen 800s. In that case, while I have nothing against the 1200's styling, I'd ask for a sportier look. I think the V4 would be a scaled down version of the 1200, not a rehash of the old 5th/6th gen engine.

This is going to be interesting :cool:

I'm a big fan of the new Duc MS1200S. Now if it had the Honda 1200 V4, that would make it about perfect.

[image: View Post]arrow, on 20 October 2010 - 08:26 AM, said:

creating rivals to the BMW 800 and 1200 GS then good luck. They have some off-road ability and I'd expect the same from a bike claiming to challenge them.

What interests me about this is, they might put this engine in an ST chassis, thus creating a smaller and lighter version of the 1200 and a true successor to the 5th and 6th gen 800s. In that case, while I have nothing against the 1200's styling, I'd ask for a sportier look. I think the V4 would be a scaled down version of the 1200, not a rehash of the old 5th/6th gen engine.

This is going to be interesting :cool:



I'm pretty sure it will be a smaller displacement version of the new 1200 motor, which is already lighter and more compact than the old 800 motor.

Weight is a big issue; where and how much of it?

Another snap has surfaced. Next Tuesday should see the bike in the metal..

Attached thumbnail(s)

• [image: Attached Image: vfr800x.jpg]

Why, oh why are those Hindenburg sized exhaust cans en vogue? And why do they have to put it right over the wheel, hiding the uber-cool SSSA look?

Still interested, though we'll probably never see it stateside...

I like it so far. Trying not to get too excited, since they may not bother to bring it to the USA. But I'm looking forward to the unveiling. It could be the bike to bring me back to the V4 fold!

I don't mind the giant exhaust. This type of can seems to be the fashion, lately, and once people get used to it they'll stop hating on it. I don't need to be fashionable, but with this new style I won't have to hang the luggage a mile out on each side like I did with the high mount trend of a few years ago.

It looks like it could carry me the 500 miles to the dragon, carry me around happily all weekend, then carry me home again, and every mile would be fun. None of the struggle to horse around a giant bike, but no aches and pains either. Sporty enough to be fun in the backroads, but no torture-rack stuff. This is what I look for in a bike.

I might even like it enough to live with a chain, though of course I would prefer a shaft drive. :) It will be interesting to see which it is.

[image: View Post]elizilla, on 27 October 2010 - 01:17 PM, said:

I don't mind the giant exhaust. This type of can seems to be the fashion, lately, and once people get used to it they'll stop hating on it. I don't need to be fashionable, but with this new style I won't have to hang the luggage a mile out on each side like I did with the high mount trend of a few years ago.

It seems manufactures are either going with the huge can or completely minimal like my wife's FZ6R. I'd rather have minimal - just a personal preference - as I see the exhaust as a utilitarian item vs. a design front.

Quote

It looks like it could carry me the 500 miles to the dragon, carry me around happily all weekend, then carry me home again, and every mile would be fun. None of the struggle to horse around a giant bike, but no aches and pains either. Sporty enough to be fun in the backroads, but no torture-rack stuff. This is what I look for in a bike.

Agreed. And agreed. I would add that I hope it has a charging system to support much farkling. GPS, Radar detector, Sena headset charge, etc... Better living through gadgetry!

Quote

I might even like it enough to live with a chain, though of course I would prefer a shaft drive. :) It will be interesting to see which it is.

Either way I'm cool - a chain on a SSSA is as easy as it gets and the few minutes a month I spend on it doesn't bother me a bit.

Honda claims:

"This mid-range machine is an exciting new approach � a crossover machine that represents the best aspects of two separate biking genres. It will have the flexibility and exciting attitude of a Naked performance machine, with the more comfortable upright riding position and design cues inspired by adventure bikes.
"With the low centre of gravity of a performance bike it is great fun to ride, and because of its wide handlebars and upright riding position it is both easy to manoeuvre and comfortable."

Sounds like the right mix of performance and touring that I've been looking for - actually looking at Tiger 1050's lately which the article directly compares this bike to. If it is what they say it is, and it comes to the states, there may be an 07 VFR in excellent condition for sale...

it will be intersting to see what they come up w/... the current V4 offerings aren't very good for the rough roads...

especially the 4th gens..
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1288026024/gallery_2747_2180_283286.jpg
broke.jpg :blink:

That's your VFR800 replacement ladies and gentlemen. Looks like the old 800 motor and chassis. Pivotless frame.

It is an adventure bike in name only AFAICT. I think this is more along the lines of a V-Strom or Versys rather than a GS or KTM Adventure. The standard riding position plus the V4 power should make for a fun road bike.

Looks like it could slide into the same niche that is currently occupied, in my garage, by the TDM. Perhaps it will be lighter, more powerful, with more spare watts in the electrical system, and 20 years newer so there will be better parts availability. Plus, it's a V4 (squeee!)!

[image: View Post]paul thompson, on 27 October 2010 - 11:21 AM, said:

Another snap has surfaced. Next Tuesday should see the bike in the metal..


My God I Hope Honda Upgrades Front Sliders !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[image: View Post]Podman, on 17 October 2010 - 07:02 AM, said:

Actually I like the idea, V4, lower seat, good slow speed handling, more upright position just hope it come to the US. Now if it had shaft drive and DCT that would be a no brainer.



You know they do sell Burgmans, if having trouble with a motorcycle

[image: View Post]creggur, on 27 October 2010 - 03:31 PM, said:

Honda claims:

"This mid-range machine is an exciting new approach � a crossover machine that represents the best aspects of two separate biking genres. It will have the flexibility and exciting attitude of a Naked performance machine, with the more comfortable upright riding position and design cues inspired by adventure bikes.
"With the low centre of gravity of a performance bike it is great fun to ride, and because of its wide handlebars and upright riding position it is both easy to manoeuvre and comfortable."



Mmmmm - I'm still sorta interested in how it'll turn out but I guess I'm a little disappointed in Honda-san's verbiage above ... I was kinda hoping that it might have more dirt-road/crappy-road credentials than what they're describing above :dry:

This is far too sketchy for comment at this time.

I just want to know where I buy one of these...

[image: Attached Image: bikepics-1881561-800.jpg]

Somebody please tell me this is real...omg.